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Freshwater Aquarium Fish

February 3, 2009

Freshwater aquarium fish are usually easier to take care of fish in relation to saltwater fish because they are generally more resistant fish. A simple aquarium set up will be necessary. You will need a tank, rocks or substrate to line the bottom of the tank. You will also need a filter, and some lighting. When choosing fish, it is essential to ensure that fish are compatible. Must not only be compatible with the water temperature and pH, but should also have the same nutritional needs.

Try to keep the fish relatively the same size. It was said that if a fish is small enough to fit in another fish’s mouth, where it usually ends. So do not be discouraged if this happens. Even fish that were housed together for several months have been known to vanish from time to time.

Freshwater fish must be fed twice a day. The amount to feed your fish should be a small amount that can be eaten within two to five minutes. More food is a common mistake among fish keeping novice. Any excess food should be lifted with a net, if possible, as quickly becomes dirty and debris from the tank. Water must be set and tested weekly. Any discrepancies in PH and water temperature must be corrected immediately to minimize stress caused to fish.

Stress is important because it causes disease in fish. It is important to monitor the activity and the general welfare of fish in the aquarium. Signs of stress are quite evident. Slow or lethargic looking fish will require an effort to shield can be purchased at a pet store. Try to avoid overcrowding the tank. This should help reduce the amount of stress caused to fish.

Change approximately one third of the water in the aquarium at the same time, because this rate will cause the least disruption to fish and other inhabitants. This will be done every two or three weeks. Use a bucket or a siphon to remove water from the tank. Try to remove floating debris or loose at this time. By adding the new aquarium with water, make sure it is about two degrees of water from the tank.

The sides of the aquarium should be cleaned regularly to eliminate the buildup of algae. Once again be careful not to disturb the fish. Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling of the aquarium. Finally, check the manufacturer’s recommendations and filter change accordingly. Filters to collect fish waste or left of the food. Can not function properly if they are clean.

Resistant to introduce a new aquarium. These fish can tolerate higher levels of nitrates are present in a new aquarium. Choose fish such as Dani, barbs, gourami, porters and to live. Do not add more than three to four small fish per week. Acclimation times vary between species, so check with your dealer before adding any other fish.

Written by admin · Filed Under Pets 

Home Aquariums Tips

February 3, 2009

Here’s some home aquarium tips you can use to maximize the life and your investment and ensure that your fish are healthy. Proper care of your aquarium starts with regular maintenance. Sice this is the largest but most neglected aspects of ownership of an aquarium. When you neglect your aquarium,it will effect its visual appeal, and the fish become unhealthy and unhappy too. Following a daily, weekly and monthly care program, which will keep a nice looking aquarium.

Weekly cleaning tasks

To best keep your fish tank healthy you should do the following on a weekly basis. First, all waste must be removed from the surface of the gravel at the bottom of the tank. Using a siphon so. If water is removed during the procedure, be sure to replace and keep water in the tank at the same level.

Add chemicals and chlorine weekly so the balance in the tank remains the same. At this point, it is preferable to test the water for ammonia and nitrate. Do not forget to test the pH of the water too. If you are raising live plants, tend to them each week. Cut if too big, and remove any dead leaves or sick. Re-anchor and new sprouts into the gravel. Also, check your tank for snails. You can remove snails by floating a piece of leaf lettuce in the tank. The snails will be attracted to the lettuce, and can be removed using the network.

Aquarium Cleaning tasks

To maintain a clean aquarium, there are daily tasks that must be done. First, it is important to check the temperature of the tank and make sure it remains constant. For freshwater fish tropical, the average temperature around 77 degrees. Too much heat in your aquarium will promote the growth of algae. Always check the sick or dead fish daily. If you have a sick fish, the tank must be removed immediately or can harm the other inhabitants of the aquarium. Finally, check that the pump and the filter is working properly.

Monthly Cleaning Tasks

Finally, a few months of the measures will ensure that your aquarium stays clean and healthy. Part of water change should be performed every month. Using a siphon hose, remove 20 to 25 per cent of the water in the tank. Always make sure the chemical balance is correct. High levels of chlorine and ammonia causes death. Cleaning the filter should be a monthly, and change the filter cartridge. Be sure not to clean the filter very useful substance because it contains bacteria that helps to stabilize the chemical balance in the tank.

During the month of cleaning, scrape and remove all algae from the surface of the shell. If you find that you have a large amount of seaweed, algae, consider adding a dining room inside the tank. If you already have one, be sure to keep an eye on the temperature of the reservoir in May and you also want to limit the period in which light is used. Any increase in heat source to accelerate the production of algae inside the aquarium. If the tank is in direct sunlight and has an algae problem, the best is the location of the tank.

After a maintenance program, you are sure to keep a clean, clear and healthy tank. Aquarium care is essential and must be performed periodically to ensure a  healthy life for your fish. Provide an aquarium that shows you love your fish by using these home aquarium tips and check out this article about fresh water aquarium fish for more information about home fish care.

Written by admin · Filed Under Pets