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 fulfill 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. 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.
Maintenance Tip:
1. Never change more than 40% of aquarium water at a time.
2. Never empty the entire aquarium to clean it. This causes undue stress on fish and will disturb the biological balance of your aquarium.
3. Only change half of your filter media at a time, to retain the established biological balance.
4. NEVER use soap or any detergent on your aquarium or any products used in or around your aquarium.
5. When cleaning the inside glass of your aquarium, avoid picking up pieces of gravel, as this will scratch the glass.
6. Limit the amount of times you put your hands in the water. Oils and films may cause stress in fish.
Maintenance Checklist:
Daily
1. Perform a visual check of the aquarium inhabitants to make sure that none of them are sick, hurt, or acting strangely.
2. Check that all the equipment is working properly(filters, heaters, lighting, etc.).
3. Remove any dead fish, plants, or obvious debris (such as plant leaves attached to intake strainer of filter).
Weekly
1. Perform a partial water change, 5 to 10% is recommended. Use a gravel washer to clean trapped waste from the gravel. Partial water changes on a regular basis will provide stable water quality and maintain ideal conditions.
2. Clean the glass inside and outside. This will eliminate any algae, and ensure full viewing pleasure.
3. Clean fluorescent tube(s) and fixture. This will maintain consistent light levels.
4. Test the aquarium water.
Monthly
1. Check supplies, food, water conditioners and all other regularly used items.
2. Perform filter maintenance and replace filter media as per manufacturer's recommendations and in accordance with the results of your water test.
Do this stuff, I'm sure your fish will be as happy and healthy as you want. Good Luck!
Find out more tips and guide about having, keeping, and maintaining your own saltwater aquarium here:
Saltwater Aquarium Guide [http://www.saltwaterfishtips.com/]
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