Aquarium Maintenance
| Aquarium maintenance is an essential regular activity that
provides a stable, healthy environment for fish and plants. The key to an
effective program is to fulfil basic, simple tasks, which, when performed on a
regular basis, take very little time and result in a clean, thriving aquarium
display. Ongoing biological processes can deplete water of essential ingredients
and cause nitrate accumulation and other non-desirable substances. Most expert
aquarists will agree that regular partial water changes represent a key element
in fish health and condition. Always ensure that the replacement water has been
treated and is of the same temperature as the aquarium. The following lists of maintenance activities and equipment
serve as a general guide to maintaining a stable aquatic environment. Variations
in percentage and frequency can exist due to stocking density and types of
livestock kept.
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Maintenance Tips
- Never change more than 40% of aquarium water at a time.
- Never empty the entire aquarium to clean it. This
causes undue stress on fish and will disturb the biological balance of your
aquarium.
- Only change half of your filter media at a time, to
retain the established biological balance.
- NEVER use soap or any detergent on your aquarium or any
products used in or around your aquarium.
- When cleaning the inside glass of your aquarium, avoid
picking up pieces of gravel, as this will scratch the glass.
- Limit the amount of times you put your hands in the
water. Oils and films may cause stress in fish. It is preferable to use the
Multi-Tool.
Daily
- Observe all aquarium inhabitants. Perform a quick
visual check to ensure that there is no disease, injury, and/or abnormal
behaviour.
- Verify temperature and confirm that all support
equipment is functioning correctly (filters, heaters, lighting, etc.).
- Remove any dead fish, plants, or obvious debris (such
as plant leaves attached to intake strainer of filter).
Weekly
- Perform a partial water change, 5 to 10 percent is
recommended. Use a gravel washer to extract trapped waste from the gravel.
Partial water changes on a regular basis will provide stable water quality
and maintain ideal conditions.
- Clean fluorescent tube(s) and fixture. This will
maintain consistent light levels.
- Clean inner and outer glass surfaces. This will
eliminate any algae accumulation and ensure full viewing pleasure.
- Test water. This is important particularly for reef and
planted aquariums.
Monthly
- Perform filter maintenance (preventative maintenance of
moving parts, such as the impeller).
- Replace filter media as per manufacturer's
recommendations and in accordance with test kit results.
- Check supplies, food, water conditioners and all other
regularly used items.
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