The 5 Most Important Fish Aquarium Maintenance Routines

The 5 Most Important Fish Aquarium Maintenance Routines

By Clifford Woods

One of the most essential things you can do for your freshwater fish tank is to take care of it and keep it thoroughly clean. Needless to say, with our hectic day-to-day lives, what we need to know is exactly what is most crucial in keeping up with our freshwater fish tanks and how we can do it quickly.

Below is a list of the five most significant things you will need to do in order to keep your aquarium in good condition, according to the experts. These quick clean ups are not that difficult, particularly if you do them at the same time each month. If you cannot in any way do these basic things, then owning a fish tank may not be for you.


Task: Test Water
When: Monthly
Whenever your aquarium is initially established, make sure to test the pH of the tank water every couple of days. Get an examination kit from your local pet store. Following that, check the water every week for the first couple of months. 

Following those two months, you can examine the water once a month, unless of course your fish are displaying irregular behavior.  You can find out what the correct ph balance should be for your aquarium from your local fish shop.

Task: Change Water
When: Weekly
Swap out your fish tank water once a week if you can, however you may also do it every other week if you have to. You will just need to change about twenty percent of your tank's water. The easiest way to do this is to remove the water with a pipe. 

Find a hose or fish tank tubing, place one end of the pipe into your fish tank, and then suck on the opposite end of the hose, with the hose lower than the water level of the fish tank. Make sure to have a suitable container prepared, since the water will come flowing out. Allow the water from the tank to flow into the container until about twenty percent of the water is taken out of your aquarium. Then add new water. 

Task: Change Filter
When: Depends on Filter Model, Check Instructions
There are numerous fish tank filter systems available today. Therefore, the only guidance here is to take a look the guidelines and they will tell you when to switch your filter. Occasionally it can be every three or four weeks for non reusable filters. At times, it is every six months before they need to be replaced. There are types that you can clean yourself, so simply keep close track of them and thoroughly clean them as per the instructions that come with the filter.

Task: Vacuum
When: Weekly
Make use of a gravel vacuum machine to draw out the waste materials, harmful toxins and outdated food items in the bottom of your fish tank. Aquarium vacuums are generally great for removing waste substances and are available in all kinds, shapes and sizes based on the capacity of your fish tank. All of them work just a little bit differently, so be sure to check the directions that are included with them. All of them are quite simple to work with.

Task: Remove Algae
When: Monthly or as needed
Nothing appears more severe than algae creeping up the edges of your aquarium. On that subject, almost nothing looks better than a clear and clean fish tank that you can easily see through.

You can buy algae scraping tools as well as various other tools to get rid of the algae from the aquarium. They are generally simple to use. Simply pick one that you like and use it frequently. 
An all-natural solution can also be purchased to get rid of algae.

Look for one that offers both aerobic and anaerobic beneficial microorganisms as it is the best type of product for the job. 

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Clifford Woods is the CEO of Effective Environmental Services and Organic Environmental Technology. 
We brew Beneficial Microorganisms and offer Natural Organic Solutions

Saltwater Fish Tanks: Setup and Maintenance

By Clifford Woods

Saltwater fish tanks are ideal for every individual, particularly fish novices, however there exists one common inclination; people new to salt water fish tanks have a tendency to make a few mistakes, which can cause the fish to die from incorrect salt concentration or lack of oxygen, or another problem. As a way to stay away from that, you need to first teach yourself about the basics of salt water fish care.

Saltwater Aquarium - Basic Installation
For lighting purposes, a fluorescent bulb is necessary. It is the closest thing to genuine sunshine. Corals require lighting, and so do fish needless to say, having said that, if you have only fish, you may be able to skip the lighting fixtures depending on the species you have. A heater may be necessary as the majority of tropical fish demand high temperatures. 

With regards to the area you reside in, you may want to consider a heating unit. Those two factors are the basic equipment needed to start out with. As you may see, it really is relatively simple, and the three basic elements, like the fish tank, will cost less than two hundred dollar, which is pretty inexpensive for such a hobby. 

Furthermore, it is far from difficult and any individual can learn how to handle it. Oceanic aquariums can offer a brilliant sight in any residence or company. There are numerous approaches that you could attempt in order to obtain the appropriate tank for your home or company. Setup and installation does not require a long period of your time. If you choose to hire professionals however, you'll most likely be pleased with the end result.

In case you have any concerns regarding how to maintain your fish tank, be sure to ask the experts before they leave. They are often a great source of information as they are usually very familiar with the proper care of the fish you have decided on. It is possible to seek the services of the installation company to do future management and upkeep of your fish. This may be one particular thing that you don't have enough time to do and you could quickly plan a cleaning to keep your aquarium in good condition. 

Saltwater Aquarium - Basic Maintenance
Aquarium upkeep is essential in maintaining the health of your fish. Providing a proper setting for the fish to thrive in is critical. Fish require proper care on a daily schedule exactly like dogs and cats do. The very first phase in appropriate aquarium servicing is always keeping the water thoroughly clean. Obtaining an appropriate water purification system is essential for you to keep the water clear. Switching out the water on a regular basis is also crucial. 

The regularity of this is determined by numerous factors including the type of filtration system in use, the dimensions of the aquarium tank, and amount of fish in the fish tank. Several fish keepers wrongly change out all the water in the tank, which is absolutely not healthy for the fish. No more than fifteen percent of the water should be changed out at any given time. 

Why?
Well, the remaining water contains important bacteria which are beneficial for the fish and important to their survival. Eliminating algae from the fish tank is another significant task that must be completed consistently. 

Aquariums that acquire sunlight directly for longer than several hours will have a much faster accumulation of algae as compared to fish tanks that do not receive direct light from the sun. It is advisable for tanks to be kept away from direct sunlight if at all possible. 

In order to do away with algae completely, a probiotic algaecide abundant with beneficial microorganisms would be a solution to look into purchasing as it benefits the health of your fish as well.
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Clifford Woods is the CEO of Effective Environmental Services and Organic Environmental Technology. We brew Beneficial Microorganisms and offer Natural Organic Solutions

Main Differences Between Freshwater and Saltwater Fish Tanks

By Clifford Woods

Fish tanks can be quite a fantastic addition to your office or home. They give a distinctive ornamental touch while providing pleasure in viewing the work of art you have created. Furthermore, aquariums can provide a calm and soothing feel to any area. After you have made the decision to invest in having a fish tank in your house, the next thing you need to determine is exactly what kind of aquarium you will have.

There are primarily two types of aquariums for you to select from: freshwater or saltwater. Each type of tank has its own special advantages, specifications, and problems. It is very important to check them out full before you finally make your decision and buy one.

The Differences
Fish Species Among the most unique distinctions between freshwater and saltwater tanks is the varieties of fish. Freshwater fish are usually present in streams, ponds, rivers and lakes while saltwater fish are located in seas and oceans. Generally, freshwater fish are aquarium-raised while saltwater fish are from the wild.

Saltwater fish tend to be more attractive in color and are for sale in a greater variety than freshwater fish, yet can be more delicate to alterations in water temperature and chemical balance. Be sure you do extra research or consult with your local fish store in order to find out which fish will do well together.

Equipment When choosing your aquarium, take into account the location in your home that you wish to put the fish tank. Nearly every size tank will work well as a freshwater or saltwater aquarium; having said that a bigger fish tank is going to be simpler to keep chemically well balanced and will present numerous choices when choosing fish and add-ons. Most aquarium devices are made to work in both freshwater and saltwater aquariums.

Lighting is important in any type of fish tank to sustain the healthiness of the fish. Lighting specifications vary according to the kind of tank along with the fish and plants that live in it. Maintaining a consistent temperature and having an acceptable filtration system is necessary in any aquarium ecosystem.

Lastly, you should have a water testing kit. This will assist you in keeping track of the levels of your water and make changes as required to keep up an adequately well-balanced atmosphere.

Upkeep General maintenance does not vary a great deal between a freshwater and saltwater aquarium. With either choice, you will have to make sure that all devices are running correctly and replacing filter systems and cartridges as required. The container may also have to be cleaned out regularly.

Cleaning the fish tank will generally require you to replace between ten and twenty percent of the water quantity every other week. The water taken out throughout the course of vacuum-cleaning the gravel is generally enough.

Remember that the new water added will have to be treated based on the type of fish tank you are maintaining before being put into the aquarium. Washing the tank walls and examining the water for correct chemistry levels are also important parts of fish tank upkeep.

It would be a good idea to have an algae scraper on hand or perhaps an all-natural solution with beneficial microorganisms to get rid of the algae without harming the fish.

Making Your Choice Deciding between a freshwater or saltwater fish tank can be quite the complicated thing, even so it is not a choice that you need to make in a rush. Sustaining a fish tank is a commitment and you must be ready for the upkeep and expense of offering the best setting for your fish.

With the proper attention, aquariums can be quite a wonderful inclusion to your house that you can take pleasure in for a long time. 
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Clifford Woods is the CEO of Effective Environmental Services and Organic Environmental Technology.
We brew Beneficial Microorganisms and offer Natural Organic Solutions

What You Need to Know About Healthy and Organic Aquariums

What You Need to Know About Healthy and Organic Aquariums

By Clifford Woods

Since an aquarium is an environment that is artificial, it needs intervention from the owner. This intervention is needed especially during the initial period of set up as it is hard to be certain about the quality of the water. In most of the cases, water that is used is from the local water source might contain chemicals that are harmful to the fish, so it is imperative to pay attention to water quality at the source. Other than toxic chloramines and chlorine, the source water might also contain phosphate, nitrate, calcium, iron, silicate, and other chemicals in different quantities.

This is not the water to use for healthy and organic aquariums.

The clarity of water is not a real indicator of the quality of water. Testing the water at the source is the only way to know what is in local water. Test results will decide the pH adjusters/buffers and water conditioners needed to adjust the water conditions to what is needed in aquariums.
While the majority of aquarium fish are able to regulate water that is less than ideal, some species are so sensitive that they need precise conditions to flourish. So, knowing what is in the source water is very important, as action may be needed.

Phosphate and nitrate are major plant nutrients. Increases in these chemicals not only lower the quality of water, but can also affect aquarium health. The presence of these elements in high amounts often means high levels of organic material that is decaying, which is not suitable for healthy organic aquariums.

Waste materials in excess not only contaminate aquarium water, but also affect the pH of the aquarium. Some inhabitants of an aquarium are really sensitive to low amounts of nitrate. The precipitation of magnesium and calcium ions can lower abilities to buffer and eventually disturb aquarium pH or make it difficult to keep the pH stable.

Dissolved calcium can also make it hard to reach desired pH levels for freshwater fish that need conditions that are acidic. There is water conditioner that is multi-purpose and can detoxify nitrate as well as ammonia, chlorine, and chloramines in the water, making it an enormously beneficial aquarium accessory to have around. When the concentration of iron is high and dissolves in your tap water, it may tinge the water and give it a reddish and cloudy condition. This condition is more noticeable in aquariums, with oxygen content that is high. Iron that dissolves not only defaces the look of the aquarium, but also lowers the quality of the water.

The best means of eliminating dissolved items from tap water is a purification system can be used on the tap water. A “reverse osmosis” unit is the best filter you can buy. This filter powers water to go through a semi-permeable film that removes 90-99% of impurities from tap water. The result is water that is free of contaminants as well as minerals and makes water suitable for healthy organic aquariums.

One of these filters can be obtained for the aquarium itself. The major purpose for weekly or monthly maintenance is to remove organic matter from the aquarium. Generally, there are 2 types of organic wastes – dissolved and particulate. Particulate organic matter is the stuff that can easily be seen developing on the filter pads and in the gravel. Simply remove the filter pad, rinse it well and also wash the rocks.

These are all simple tips and what you need to know about healthy and organic aquariums.

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Clifford Woods is the CEO of Effective Environmental Services and Organic Environmental TechnologyFind out more about our Organic Aquarium Cleaner - Aquarium MagicianWe brew Beneficial Microorganisms that eat toxinst and offer Environmentally Friendly Products.