Maintaining a healthy and thriving aquarium can be a timely and challenging task. Whether you have a saltwater or freshwater aquarium, there are a number of factors to consider when trying to keep a balanced aquarium.
Aquarium fish rely on us to provide them with food, clean water and a suitable place to live, so it is vital that fish owners know how to maintain an aquarium so their fish can live a happy and healthy life. We have put together our top tips on how to keep your aquarium in tip-top shape!
Before you get your fish
It is a good idea to do some research on different species of fish to ensure that you have the resources to look after the type of fish you choose. If you choose various types of fish, be sure that these fish are compatible and have similar living conditions. Although it is tempting to fill your tank with many beautiful fish, it is important to remember not to overcrowd your tank. Overcrowding can lead to low oxygen levels, leaving your fish vulnerable to disease. Choose a tank that is suitable in size for the amount of fish you want.
We highly recommend to cycle your tank before adding your fish to help grow good bacteria and lower ammonia. When you introduce your fish to their new home, be sure to acclimate them to the water and float the bag in the water for at least 15-20 minutes. Fish are delicate animals, so this is necessary to help reduce shock. Be wise where you choose to place your aquarium, and ensure it is not located near a window with direct sunlight as this can raise the temperature of the tank and promote algae growth.
The properties of your tank water is crucial to the wellbeing of your fish. It is important to remember that tap water contains properties that need to be balanced out in order to be safe for your fish. Be sure to add water conditioner to your water at the recommended dosage rate when adding your fish, and again at each water change.
Water changes
You should do a partial water change at least once a month. During a partial water change, you should change approximately 25% to 30% of the water. This will help to reduce ammonia, oxygenate the water, improve clarity and remove any excess waste material.
Maintaining pH and other chemical levels
It is important to monitor the levels of the pH and other chemicals regularly. To do this, simply purchase a pH test kit and do a test to ensure the water is within the ideal range for your fish. For example, freshwater fish typically thrive between 6.6 and 6.8. Other important levels to check include nitrate, nitrite and ammonia. There are test kits available for all of these. You can also purchase the API 5-in-1 Test Kit to accurately measure pH, nitrate, nitrate, carbonate and general hardness. If you notice any abnormalities in the levels, be sure to do a partial water change immediately. At Woonona Petfood, we offer free water tests! So if you’re not sure where to start, pop in with a water sample and one of our friendly aquarium experts will be able to do a test for you.
Filter
Filtration is essential to maintain a healthy aquarium environment. When purchasing a filter, choose one that is suitable for the size and volume of your tank. You can also decide whether you want an internal filter or an external filter based on how much room is available in your tank. Be sure to clean your filter regularly to ensure your fish has enough oxygen. You may also consider purchasing an air pump as an easy and reliable way to increase oxygen in the tank.
Heating
Fish cannot regulate their internal body temperature, so when the water changes temperature, so does their body temperature. All fish have an ideal temperature range that they thrive in. With the exception of cold-water species, most aquarium fish need warm water, meaning you will need a heater to warm the tank. A heater will help to maintain the aquarium temperature within the prefered range of your fish. This is especially important during the colder months. Use an aquarium thermometer and make sure the temperature doesn’t drop below your fish’s ideal conditions, as any major changes can be fatal.
Feeding
The most common mistake made by fish owners is overfeeding fish! Overfeeding your fish opens the door to a range of problems as it increases the amount of waste in your tank, depleting water quality and oxygen. Choose a fish food suitable for your fish and only feed enough food that your fish will consume immediately, to avoid excess food being left in the tank. Most fish do not feed a huge amount of food, so be sure to provide an appropriate amount of food and maintain a consistent feeding schedule. If you need advice on what or how much to feed your fish, visit us at Woonona Petfoods and one of our aquarium experts will be happy to help.
Live plants
Keeping live plants in your aquarium is a great idea as it increases the good bacteria in the tank, helping to remove ammonia. Live plants also help to oxygenate the tank and mimic the natural habitat of fish. They provide added filtration and reduce the buildup of algae. We have over 20 varieties of live plants to suit your species of fish.
Cleaning
Many fish owners choose to use a substrate such as gravel on the bottom of their tank. If you have a substrate in your tank, be sure to clean it regularly as this is where most of the waste gets trapped. Waste material produces ammonia, which is harmful to fish. Clean your substrate monthly, as well as the glass of your tank and any other structures or decorations. This will help to minimise the build-up of algae, which gives your tank a dirty, murky look and reduces the amount of oxygen in the water.
By following this guide, you can keep your aquarium clean and healthy all year round, giving your fish a beautiful place to live! If you have any questions about keeping aquarium fish, be sure to ask one of our aquarium experts by visiting us in store or contacting us here.
