Procedures For Conducting Aquarium Maintenance

By James Sullivan


Good maintenance practices on aquariums result to sustainable and healthy aquatic surroundings. In addition, expensive and time consuming issues that normally result from faulty fish tanks can be solved by regular maintenance. Most aquarium owners underestimate the importance of aquarium maintenance on aquatic lives. On average, it will take you less than one hour to conduct this practice. Undertake the following procedures when cleaning your fish tank.

Water changes should be conducted every two weeks. This is because aquatic animals usually absorb oxygen in water for respiration. As a Cincinnati OH resident, when changing the water, you should also remove the uneaten foods in the tanks. If tap water is used during the replacement procedure, use a water conditioner. Tap water contains chlorine and this chemical can be neutralized using a water conditioner.

Replace a quarter of the fish tank water with fresh one to avoid eliminating nitrogen fixing bacteria. The nitrogen fixing bacteria facilitates the decomposition of wastes within fish tanks. When all the water is removed, these bacteria are also eliminated hence altering the decomposition of wastes. Furthermore, ammonia levels rise rapidly when water lacks nitrifying bacteria. Ammonia compound inhibits the respiration of fish since it clogs on fish gills.

Test the aquarium water regularly for acidity. This procedure can be undertaken when changing the tank water. The tests are used to determine the composition of nitrates, carbonates and acidity of water. On average, the acidity level should range from six to seven for fish to survive. If the acidity level is higher, use baking soda as a base to neutralize the water.

A filter must be utilized when eliminating dirt and other unwanted particles like uneaten food from water. Filters have carbon inserts that facilitate the absorption of dirt from water. For the inserts to work effectively, they ought to be changed after a timeframe of three weeks. This measure also mitigates the accumulation of dirt on inserts that decomposes them.

You can carry out maintenance on your fish tank on a weekly, monthly or daily basis using different practices. For instance, the tank can be assessed daily to determine if it is running well. The aquatic animals can also be observed daily for changes in feeding patterns. Any significant changes in fish feeding patterns are an indication that an aquatic tank is ineffective. Check the expiration dates indicated on boxes and bottles of aquatic supplies purchased from stores in Cincinnati OH monthly.

Remove the artificial plants and decorations found within the fish tank when cleaning. In addition, use algae sponges when cleaning the surfaces of the container. The artificial plants and decorations ought to be cleaned with plenty of water on a sink every week. They also ought to be replaced on a monthly basis.

Take water temperature readings with a thermometer after every week. Fish require optimum temperature levels for them to thrive. High temperatures may slow their body metabolism rates. On the other hand, extremely low temperatures may denature their body cells and tissues. The rate in which oxygen is absorbed by fish in water is also determined by the water temperatures.




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