Time consuming and expensive problems are able to be prevented by spending some thirty minutes on maintaining aquariums every week. The most important factor for maintenance is the stability of the tank. As long as the fish are healthy and all things are running well, one will not need to do any major changes. This is even if the pH or water hardness is out of range. When considering aquarium maintenance Dayton residents should note increase or decrease of major parameters. These need more immediate attentions.
A major component of maintenance is water change. Water needs to be changed every two weeks. In most of the cases, changing 10 to 15 percent of tank volume will be sufficient. An effective technique is to replace extracted water as the gravel gets vacuumed. This ensures uneaten foods plus other residues are eradicated.
Parameters of replacement water need to be checked carefully. The element chlorine is mostly found in tap water. Such water also contains chloramines, and it thus tends to air out fast. Neutralization of chlorine in either case is achieved by using water conditioners. There however will still be ammonia in such water. Ammonia gets broken down by nitrifying bacteria that are always present within the tank.
There are other elements of municipal water, notably iron, phosphates and other heavy metals. The local water company should be consulted as concerns the composition of tap water. While well water is harder than tap water, it is chlorine free. Filtered water also needs checking because the filter membranes could be damaged or may need to be replaced before expiry.
It is not possible to see water chemistry which is why it should be checked often. This is made routine by checking tank chemistry during water change. Nitrites, nitrates and salinity are the parameters that are most important and thus should be checked. Stability is determined by pH and should be set at between 6.5 and 7.5. This value may however change depending on fish species.
The proper function of filters is very important. Filter inserts need changing every other month. The change of inserts may however be done after a shorter period in the case of higher fish loads. Trapped particles usually decompose in filters as much as they do in the aquarium. Cleaning filters once monthly is recommended. If the filters have bio-wheels, they should never be touched during cleaning. They get cleaned with water extracted during replacement.
Daily maintenance includes making sure equipment is running well and ensuring fish is watched during feeding. Any changes in behavior are a good indicator of potential problems. Fish should be counted on a weekly basis. The death of fish is likely to lead to increase in nitrate levels.
There should be checking of expiration dates on boxes and bottles. Expired kits must never be used. This is because it is likely that they will give false readings which could lead to taking unnecessary action.
A major component of maintenance is water change. Water needs to be changed every two weeks. In most of the cases, changing 10 to 15 percent of tank volume will be sufficient. An effective technique is to replace extracted water as the gravel gets vacuumed. This ensures uneaten foods plus other residues are eradicated.
Parameters of replacement water need to be checked carefully. The element chlorine is mostly found in tap water. Such water also contains chloramines, and it thus tends to air out fast. Neutralization of chlorine in either case is achieved by using water conditioners. There however will still be ammonia in such water. Ammonia gets broken down by nitrifying bacteria that are always present within the tank.
There are other elements of municipal water, notably iron, phosphates and other heavy metals. The local water company should be consulted as concerns the composition of tap water. While well water is harder than tap water, it is chlorine free. Filtered water also needs checking because the filter membranes could be damaged or may need to be replaced before expiry.
It is not possible to see water chemistry which is why it should be checked often. This is made routine by checking tank chemistry during water change. Nitrites, nitrates and salinity are the parameters that are most important and thus should be checked. Stability is determined by pH and should be set at between 6.5 and 7.5. This value may however change depending on fish species.
The proper function of filters is very important. Filter inserts need changing every other month. The change of inserts may however be done after a shorter period in the case of higher fish loads. Trapped particles usually decompose in filters as much as they do in the aquarium. Cleaning filters once monthly is recommended. If the filters have bio-wheels, they should never be touched during cleaning. They get cleaned with water extracted during replacement.
Daily maintenance includes making sure equipment is running well and ensuring fish is watched during feeding. Any changes in behavior are a good indicator of potential problems. Fish should be counted on a weekly basis. The death of fish is likely to lead to increase in nitrate levels.
There should be checking of expiration dates on boxes and bottles. Expired kits must never be used. This is because it is likely that they will give false readings which could lead to taking unnecessary action.
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