Problems that are expensive and time consuming can always be prevented through spending at least thirty minutes to maintain aquariums weekly. The stability of tanks remains the single most important consideration. There will be no need for any major changes as long as the fish are healthy and all equipment is running properly. This is the case even in instances when water hardness or pH is out of range. In consideration of aquarium maintenance Dayton residents need to carefully note the decrease or increase of major parameters. These should be attended to more immediately.
Water change forms a key part of maintenance. This is supposed to be performed every two weeks. In majority of the cases, 10 to 15 percent of the volume of the tank will be sufficient. One effective method is to replace the water extracted as one vacuums the gravel. This will get rid of foods that are uneaten and other residues that have settled on the substrate.
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.
Water supplied by the municipal council has various other elements, iron and phosphates being the most common. The composition of tap water needs to be confirmed from the local water company. Well water is normally harder than tap water but is free of chlorine. Water that is filtered needs to be checked as well since the filter membranes may be damaged or they could need replacement.
It is impossible to see water chemistry with the naked eye and thus ought to be regularly checked. This is done whenever the water is getting changed. Salinity, nitrites and nitrates are the most important parameters to check out for. Salinity only applies in marine water. Stability is determined by the pH, with optimum levels being between 6.5 and 7.5. This value could however be changed for certain fish species.
Proper filter function is essential. Filter inserts need to get changed every month. This period may however be shorter with high fish loads. Particles that are trapped tend to decompose in filters just as they would in the tank. Filters should be cleaned once monthly while taking care not to touch the bio-wheels if they are present. They are cleaned using water extracted from the tank when changing it.
The running of equipment and observation of feeding habits of fish needs to be done daily. In the event that the normal behavior of fish changes, it will be an indication of potential problems. The number of fish needs to be confirmed by counting them weekly. Dead fish will increase the level of nitrates in the tank.
The expiration dates printed on bottles and boxes need regular checking. These should not be used after expiration. When kits have expired, they will give false readings that may lead one to take unnecessary action.
Water change forms a key part of maintenance. This is supposed to be performed every two weeks. In majority of the cases, 10 to 15 percent of the volume of the tank will be sufficient. One effective method is to replace the water extracted as one vacuums the gravel. This will get rid of foods that are uneaten and other residues that have settled on the substrate.
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.
Water supplied by the municipal council has various other elements, iron and phosphates being the most common. The composition of tap water needs to be confirmed from the local water company. Well water is normally harder than tap water but is free of chlorine. Water that is filtered needs to be checked as well since the filter membranes may be damaged or they could need replacement.
It is impossible to see water chemistry with the naked eye and thus ought to be regularly checked. This is done whenever the water is getting changed. Salinity, nitrites and nitrates are the most important parameters to check out for. Salinity only applies in marine water. Stability is determined by the pH, with optimum levels being between 6.5 and 7.5. This value could however be changed for certain fish species.
Proper filter function is essential. Filter inserts need to get changed every month. This period may however be shorter with high fish loads. Particles that are trapped tend to decompose in filters just as they would in the tank. Filters should be cleaned once monthly while taking care not to touch the bio-wheels if they are present. They are cleaned using water extracted from the tank when changing it.
The running of equipment and observation of feeding habits of fish needs to be done daily. In the event that the normal behavior of fish changes, it will be an indication of potential problems. The number of fish needs to be confirmed by counting them weekly. Dead fish will increase the level of nitrates in the tank.
The expiration dates printed on bottles and boxes need regular checking. These should not be used after expiration. When kits have expired, they will give false readings that may lead one to take unnecessary action.
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