When starting a new aquarium it is important to understand the nitrogen cycle. A lot of people start their aquariums without knowing what is best for their fish. Fish should not be added to an aquarium that has not been cycled. This could take anywhere from twenty four hours to four weeks. In an established aquarium there are certain bacteria that help the breakdown of ammonia to nitrates, but they are not present in a new tank because they are generated from existing fish. No existing fish translate into no helpful bacteria.
This is what happens during the nitrogen cycle. Fish eat and produce waste. That waste along with excess food and plant debris become ammonia in the aquarium. Unless it is broken down, ammonia can hurt the fish. This is where the nitrifying bacteria plays a part. The bacteria breaks down the ammonia and turns it into nitrite, which the fish can tolerate. Next, different nitrifying bacteria will turn the nitrites into nitrates, which are even less toxic to the fish and other aquarium life. The nitrates are then picked up by the filter. Water changes are necessary to remove the nitrates from the aquarium.
It is important to set up and run an aquarium before any fish are introduced into the environment. Wash the tank and any substrate and decorations thoroughly with water. Use water alone, never any soap. Treat your water for chlorine and add filter and lighting. Cycle the water until it is clear and the correct Ph and temperature are reached.
At this point you can buy the fish. Buy hardy fish such as danios, barb, gouramis, and live bearers. They are strong enough to sustain the higher nitrite levels in the aquarium. You should add no more than four fish at one time. Float the fish in the bag in the aquarium for about fifteen minutes before adding them to the tank. It will help get the fish used to the different water temperature. When adding the fish, be careful not to allow the water from the bag into the aquarium. It may be contaminated, or will at the very least, throw off the temperature and P.H. Give the fish a few hours to become used to its new home before you offer any food.
All the food should be eaten in about five minutes. Overfeeding is a common problem in an aquarium. Overfeeding will lead to unconsumed food which will turn into ammonia. This is extremely important in a new aquarium, since it doesn't contain any nitrifying bacteria. Check the water Ph every day for at least one month. If the water becomes cloudy, you might need to add a clarifier. Monitor the fish on a regular basis and look for signs of illness or stress. A healthy fish will be swimming regularly. Lethargic fish will usually hover near the surface of the aquarium. Change about one tenth of the water after the first week and then begin with regular maintenance.
This is what happens during the nitrogen cycle. Fish eat and produce waste. That waste along with excess food and plant debris become ammonia in the aquarium. Unless it is broken down, ammonia can hurt the fish. This is where the nitrifying bacteria plays a part. The bacteria breaks down the ammonia and turns it into nitrite, which the fish can tolerate. Next, different nitrifying bacteria will turn the nitrites into nitrates, which are even less toxic to the fish and other aquarium life. The nitrates are then picked up by the filter. Water changes are necessary to remove the nitrates from the aquarium.
It is important to set up and run an aquarium before any fish are introduced into the environment. Wash the tank and any substrate and decorations thoroughly with water. Use water alone, never any soap. Treat your water for chlorine and add filter and lighting. Cycle the water until it is clear and the correct Ph and temperature are reached.
At this point you can buy the fish. Buy hardy fish such as danios, barb, gouramis, and live bearers. They are strong enough to sustain the higher nitrite levels in the aquarium. You should add no more than four fish at one time. Float the fish in the bag in the aquarium for about fifteen minutes before adding them to the tank. It will help get the fish used to the different water temperature. When adding the fish, be careful not to allow the water from the bag into the aquarium. It may be contaminated, or will at the very least, throw off the temperature and P.H. Give the fish a few hours to become used to its new home before you offer any food.
All the food should be eaten in about five minutes. Overfeeding is a common problem in an aquarium. Overfeeding will lead to unconsumed food which will turn into ammonia. This is extremely important in a new aquarium, since it doesn't contain any nitrifying bacteria. Check the water Ph every day for at least one month. If the water becomes cloudy, you might need to add a clarifier. Monitor the fish on a regular basis and look for signs of illness or stress. A healthy fish will be swimming regularly. Lethargic fish will usually hover near the surface of the aquarium. Change about one tenth of the water after the first week and then begin with regular maintenance.
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