 | How often do I need to clean my aquarium?
 | Cleaning your aquarium is a simple weekly task
that does not take very long. First, wipe the inside aquarium
glass to remove any algae. Next, drain 10% to 15% of the aquarium
water. It is best to siphon water from the gravel, using a
gravel vacuum, to remove detritus and other collected waste material
that spoils the aquarium water. Top off the aquarium with
de-chlorinated tap water, or bottled water, to avoid killing
beneficial bacteria within your aquarium's biological filtration.
The new water's temperature should be close to the temperature of
the aquarium. Finally, change your filter media; carbon
cartridges, sponges, etc. Occasionally you can reuse the
filter sponge by rinsing it in the siphoned out water. DO NOT
rinse the sponge with tap water, the chlorine will kill your
beneficial bacteria. This quick weekly cleaning, over time you
will get this process down to just a few minutes, will avoid you
having to spend long durations of time cleaning your aquarium
from buildups and your fish will be healthier and happier.
NOTE: NEVER use cleaning agents, such as dish soap or bleach, on or
in your aquarium. |
|
| How many fish can I put in my aquarium?
| The most common formula for calculating the
amount of fish you can safely put into your aquarium is one inch
(1") of fish for each one (1) gallon of water. This method does not
take water surface area into account for oxygenation. For
instance, a fish that is 5 inches long requires more oxygen than 5
fish that are 1 inch long. Generally you should reduce the amount of
fish if they are larger, longer and thicker, and you could increase
the amount of fish if they are smaller. |
| The second common formula is the aquarium's water
surface area. Multiply the aquarium's dimensions in inches,
length x width, and divide by 12. This gives you the number of
inches of fish the aquarium can handle. This formula favors
aquariums that are shorter and wider which supports more fish by
allowing more oxygenation via the larger surface area. |
|
| Why is my water cloudy?
| Cloudy water is common for new aquarium setups.
Your aquarium has to cycle so the biological filtration can grow to
maintain the waste produced by the fish. |
| Insufficient water changes can cause water
cloudiness. You should perform a weekly 10% to 15% water change in
your aquarium. |
| Over feeding your fish can cause water
cloudiness. Remember, a fish's stomach is small, about the
same size as its eye, and you should only feed what they can eat
within two minutes. |
|
| What are some good starter fish for a saltwater tank?
| There are a number of beginner fish to consider.
Damsels are great starter fish. Damsels are both inexpensive and
come in a variety of colors. Be prepared that Damsels can grow
pretty mean. Gobies are also a wonderful addition to beginner
tanks. Gobies make good tank mates, they have great
personalities and act as natural cleaners. |
|
|
