Tips on Aquarium Care and Cleaning



The proper care and cleaning of your aquarium is the most important, yet most overlooked aspect of owning an aquarium. By avoiding the care and maintenance of a fish tank, not only will it lose the visual appeal, but your fish will be unhealthy and unhappy. By following a daily, weekly and monthly care program, you will maintain a beautiful, clean and healthy aquarium.

Daily Cleaning Routine
To maintain a clean aquarium, there are some daily tasks that must be done. First and foremost, it's important to check the temperature of the tank and make sure it stays consistent. For tropical freshwater fish, the temperature should average at around 77 degrees. Too much heat in your aquarium will promote the growth of algae. Always check for sick or dead fish daily. If you have a sick fish, it should be removed from the tank immediately or it may harm the other inhabitants of the aquarium. Lastly, check that the pump and filter are functioning properly.

Weekly Cleaning Routine
Weekly maintenance is necessary to keep the tank healthy. On a weekly basis, any waste should be removed from the surface of the gravel at the bottom of the tank. Using a siphon tube will accomplish this. If water is removed during this process, be sure to replace it and keep the water in the tank at the same level. Add chemicals and chlorine weekly so the balance within the tank remains the same. At this time, it is best to test the water for the ammonia and nitrate levels. Don't overlook testing the pH of the water as well. If you are raising live plants, tend to them each week. Trim them back if they are getting too big, and remove any dead or sick leaves. Re-anchor and new sprouts into your gravel. Also, check your tank for snails. You can remove snails by floating a piece of lettuce leaf in the tank. The snails will be attracted to the lettuce, and you can remove them using a net.

Monthly Cleaning Routine
Finally, some monthly steps will assure that your aquarium stays clean and healthy. A partial water change should be performed each month. Using a siphon hose, remove 20 to 25 percent of the water from the tank. Always make sure that your chemical balance is correct. High levels of chlorine and ammonia will cause death. Cleaning the filter should be a monthly task as well as changing the filter cartridge. Be sure not to clean the filter too thoroughly as it contains helpful bacteria that aids in stabilizing the chemical balance in the tank. During the monthly cleaning, scrape and remove all algae from the surface of the tank. If you find you are having a significant amount of algae, consider adding an algae eater to the tank. Should you already have one, be sure to keep an eye on the temperature of the tank and you may also want to limit the time in which a light is used. Any increased heat source will speed up the production of algae inside the aquarium. If your tank is located in direct sunlight and you are having an algae problem, it is best to relocate the tank.
By following a maintenance schedule, you will be sure to keep a clean, clear and healthy tank. Aquarium care is essential and must be performed regularly to ensure the long and happy life of your fish. Provide yourself with an aquarium to be proud of by keeping up with the care and cleaning.




Comments

There is no real scholarship going on, only propaganda dressed as fiction.
Nike sb shoes - By Nike sb shoes - Homepage
28th July 2011 - 9:17pm

Being children my Sister and I were both very keen to see it built.... and most importantly visit.
rolex seadweller replica - By rolex seadweller replica - Homepage
3rd August 2011 - 8:33pm

All of the milestones and media coverage will set the stage.
juicy couture handbags - By juicy couture handbags - Homepage
8th August 2011 - 8:29pm

The quality has soft gentle texture and well-knit and waterproof. There is the fashionable style and metal slide fastener and this character combine the famous designer creation, the slide fastener is slight to open and close. Women sometime will believe their sixth sense.
celine boston blue - By celine boston blue - Homepage
28th December 2011 - 11:49pm

*Name:
*Email:
Website URL:
Title / Subject:
Hide my email
*Comments:
*
 



Menu


My Articles

Aquarium Care For Freshwater Fish
Tips On Aquarium Care And Cleaning
Fifty Five Gallon Fresh Water Aquarium
How To Care For And Clean A Saltwater Aquarium
How To Create And Care For A Coral Aquarium
Caring For A Goldfish Aquarium
Care Of Live Aquarium Plants
Caring For Your Freshwater Aquarium
Caring For Bubble Coral In An Aquarium
Basic Aquarium Plant Care
Home Aquariums: Why They Are Handy
How To Care For Live Aquarium Plants
Coldwater Aquarium Set-up And Care
Coral Reef Care Tanks Aquarium
Aquarium Care Tips For Saltwater Fish
How To Care For Aquarium Fish
Aquarium Care For The Freshwater Guppy
How To Care For Aquarium Catfish
Marine Aquarium Care- Invertebrates Only
Aquarium Care For Sand Sharks
Aquarium Fish Care- All About Start Up
General Care For The Freshwater Aquarium
Aquarium Care Guide- New Tanks
Different Types Of Saltwater Aquariums






My Articles


General Care For The Freshwater Aquarium Okay, so you have decided that you want to own an aquarium. It..


Caring For Your Freshwater Aquarium The most important factor of owning an aquarium is the proper cleaning of..


Caring For A Goldfish Aquarium Keeping Goldfish can be a fun and rewarding hobby. As with any..


How To Care For Live Aquarium Plants Plants play an important role in aquarium life. They help to..



Related Videos:

Related News:

 
How to care for a child's first fish - San Antonio Express

    

How to care for a child's first fish
San Antonio Express
Putting your betta in a larger tank with a filter reduces your water changes to once a month. (Earlier in my marriage, we had as many as 11 fish tanks in the house, so I have learned a lot about fish care over the years.) To keep Frankie's tank clean, ...

and more »



Aquarium announces $15M ocean tank upgrade - Boston Herald

    

Boston Globe

Aquarium announces $15M ocean tank upgrade
Boston Herald
Most of the more than 80 penguins taking up residence at the aquarium will be transferred to the aquarium's Quincy animal care center, but there is a possibility some will remain in display in Boston. Other exhibits, including the fur seal and sea lion ...
Aquarium sets $15m last stage of renovationBoston Globe

all 13 news articles »