Friday, August 5, 2016

Steps For Carrying Out Aquarium Maintenance

By James Sullivan


Routine maintenance practices conducted on aquariums create a sustainable environment for fish to thrive. You are likely to save a lot of cash that could be spent in fixing unmaintained fish tanks. There are several ways of undertaking aquarium maintenance. These procedures are less time consuming and generally cheap. You will note an improvement in the health of your fish after undertaking the following practices.

The first step is to replace the water after two consecutive weeks because fish rely on water for inhalation and nutrition. As a resident of Cincinnati OH city, when replacing the water, remove uneaten food particles in the fish tank. These food particles may decompose and increase the acidity level of water when left within an aquatic tank. When adding tap water as replacement water, use a conditioner to neutralize its acidity. Tap water comprises of chlorine that may increase acidity in the aquatic tank.

Tank water should not be replaced at once. You can replace twenty five percent as you gradually add more fresh water. This is because when you change the water at once, nitrifying bacteria, that decompose waste in the container, are lost. Consequently, the fish tank will have high ammonia composition. Ammonia inflames the gills of the fish hence making it hard for them to inhale oxygen from water.

Test the water in the aquatic tank on a regular basis for acidity. You can test the acidity levels when replacing the water. The water acidity levels should be not less than or more than seven when measured using an acidity test indicator. If this level is exceeded, you can use base elements such as baking soda to lower the acidity.

Use a filter when to remove dirt and other unwanted particles from the tank water. The filter should have inserts made of carbon and floss. These inserts must be replaced after every four weeks. This is because particles filtered from water tend to decompose the inserts. The filter must also be cleaned on a monthly basis.

Maintenance practices can be undertaken in different timeframes. For example, it is advisable to check whether the aquatic vessel is operating well every day. As an aquarium owner, observing the fish as they feed daily can help you to assess their health. Aquatic supplies have expiry dates that should be reviewed every month. As an inhabitant of Cincinnati OH, adopting these practices will increase the population of your fish.

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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