Freshwater Aquarium Maintenance

So, you've decided to purchase a tank and some freshwater fish. They animals are entertaining to watch and pretty, plus they're very low maintenance, right? Maybe not. There's more to caring for your fish than turning on a filter and watching them swim around the tank. Maintaining your freshwater aquarium can be made simpler by creating a checklist for yourself of the important duties that must be completed on a regular schedule to ensure the health of your new pets.

It may be a wise decision to use a calendar specifically for maintaining your freshwater aquarium, or by creating a checklist and placing it in a highly visible area (like on the refrigerator or near your tank).

Here are the basics you'll need to care for your freshwater fish:

Vacuuming

Vacuuming is extremely important, perhaps the most important aspect of tank maintenance. You'll need to regularly remove fish wastes and uneaten food from the tank. Not only will this maintain the health of your fish, but it will keep your filter and water clean. Aquarium vacuums are available in pet stores, and vacuuming the aquarium should be done once per month.

Water Testing

It's also very important to test the water in your aquarium. When the tank is first set up, you will need to test the water every few days and then about once per week for the first two months. The water will go through a few changes as it adjusts. After the initial two months, water can be tested once per month or if your fish start to exhibit abnormal behavior.

Filter Checks

External filters need to be checked often for debris buildup which can affect the effectiveness and efficiency of your filter. Rinse the filter mat with water about every four months, and replace 50% of the filter media every six months.

Water Changes

Water changes are extremely important in maintaining the water quality of the tank. Every week, you will need to replace about 10-20% of the water in your tank. The best way to do this is to use a siphon and a large bucket. Siphons can be purchased at pet stores. Your replacement water should be distilled water, or tap water that has been aged for a few days.

Algae Removal

Algae can have a detrimental effect on your aquarium. Though a little bit of algae can be helpful, it's important not to let too much of it grow in your tank. To keep algal growth low, you can introduce algae eating fish to your aquarium, reduce the amount of light and make sure you have enough plants in your aquarium.

For easy reference, use a checklist like this:

Daily:

Feed fish twice per day.

Check filter, heater, aerator to make sure they are working properly.

Weekly:

Change 10-20% of the water in the tank.

Vacuum the tank thoroughly.

Test the water (for the first two months).

Monthly:

Test the water.

Change 25% of the water in the tank.

Clean algae from tank.

Quarterly:

Change 50% of the water in the tank.

Replace airstones.

Rinse filter.

Every six months:

Replace 50% of filter material.

Yearly:

Replace airstones.

Wash gravel entirely.

This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pets.

Tonia Jordan is an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Creative Writing.