Freshwater Aquarium Maintenance - Top 4 Areas You Should Not Ignore
Freshwater aquarium maintenance is a priority for any tank owner who wants to display a variety of healthy vibrant fish.
Having a filthy fish tank will only cause issues for your little swimmers as well as the room you have your display.
If you don't want unusual odors surfacing, or waking up one morning only to see some of your species floating upside down, there are a few things to check for.
First, the all important water in the aquarium must be maintained.
This is where you can look into purchasing filters that will make your water maintenance self-cleaning.
That's right, filters will help get rid of dirt, odor, discoloration and any general impurities.
The downside is that depending on the filter, you may have to change them every 3-4 weeks.
If this is not a problem then you're in for a real treat.
Some filters are disposable and can be replaced so there is no hassle, and you can keep the water clean.
Second, Algae are one of the most common problems and can ruin even the most beautiful tanks becoming an eye sore to you and other viewers.
There are a few remedies you can use to combat the algae, such as purchasing Plecostomus.
Known as algae eaters, this fish will chomp away keeping your freshwater aquarium clean as can be.
These fish are not known to be "lookers" but they will get the job done.
If you rather pass on the species then you may have to remove them by hand.
If you want to remove by hand but you want to minimize the amount you do remove, consider that any exposure to sun will allow the algae to thrive.
Third, you walk into the room where your fish tank is located and you notice a strong scent, what do you do? Change your filter more regularly to ensure this does not occur often, because this can kill your fish if it goes untreated.
Fourththing should not ignore is unclear water.
Is your freshwater aquarium looking a little murky? Determine the "root" cause, perhaps your overfeeding.
Try not to give your fish more than the recommended amounts instead feed them 2-3 times daily.
This will reduce the unclear water, if not perhaps use distilled water or bottled water.
Change the water at least every two weeks if not every week but only about 20 percent of it.
Many use siphons to drain the water and then replace it.
Understand that eventually the aquarium tank will need to be cleaned which can be a pain experience for many.
As bad as the experience may be you have to do it if you want your fish to stay healthy.
During this process, use a sponge and gently scrub the aquarium glass and remove everything that is stuck there.
Some opt to use scrapers but if you have an acrylic aquarium, this process can be damaging.
Soak any decorations you have in your aquarium in hot water with a bit of salt and scrub clean.
Do not use soap; the residue will kill your fish very quickly.
Finally, when refilling your tank remember to keep the water temperature the same as the fish can live in.
Important Tip: Do not use water from the faucet because it is not designed to help the fish, instead boil 5-10 gallon bucket of distilled water let it cool and use.
Having a filthy fish tank will only cause issues for your little swimmers as well as the room you have your display.
If you don't want unusual odors surfacing, or waking up one morning only to see some of your species floating upside down, there are a few things to check for.
First, the all important water in the aquarium must be maintained.
This is where you can look into purchasing filters that will make your water maintenance self-cleaning.
That's right, filters will help get rid of dirt, odor, discoloration and any general impurities.
The downside is that depending on the filter, you may have to change them every 3-4 weeks.
If this is not a problem then you're in for a real treat.
Some filters are disposable and can be replaced so there is no hassle, and you can keep the water clean.
Second, Algae are one of the most common problems and can ruin even the most beautiful tanks becoming an eye sore to you and other viewers.
There are a few remedies you can use to combat the algae, such as purchasing Plecostomus.
Known as algae eaters, this fish will chomp away keeping your freshwater aquarium clean as can be.
These fish are not known to be "lookers" but they will get the job done.
If you rather pass on the species then you may have to remove them by hand.
If you want to remove by hand but you want to minimize the amount you do remove, consider that any exposure to sun will allow the algae to thrive.
Third, you walk into the room where your fish tank is located and you notice a strong scent, what do you do? Change your filter more regularly to ensure this does not occur often, because this can kill your fish if it goes untreated.
Fourththing should not ignore is unclear water.
Is your freshwater aquarium looking a little murky? Determine the "root" cause, perhaps your overfeeding.
Try not to give your fish more than the recommended amounts instead feed them 2-3 times daily.
This will reduce the unclear water, if not perhaps use distilled water or bottled water.
Change the water at least every two weeks if not every week but only about 20 percent of it.
Many use siphons to drain the water and then replace it.
Understand that eventually the aquarium tank will need to be cleaned which can be a pain experience for many.
As bad as the experience may be you have to do it if you want your fish to stay healthy.
During this process, use a sponge and gently scrub the aquarium glass and remove everything that is stuck there.
Some opt to use scrapers but if you have an acrylic aquarium, this process can be damaging.
Soak any decorations you have in your aquarium in hot water with a bit of salt and scrub clean.
Do not use soap; the residue will kill your fish very quickly.
Finally, when refilling your tank remember to keep the water temperature the same as the fish can live in.
Important Tip: Do not use water from the faucet because it is not designed to help the fish, instead boil 5-10 gallon bucket of distilled water let it cool and use.
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