Monday, April 2, 2012

Aquarium tank Care Guide - Brand new Tanks

By Broc Coley


When starting a fresh aquarium it is important to understand the nitrogen cycle. Many new aquarium owners jump in to the hobby of fish keeping too quickly. Before purchasing fish, the aquarium must be cycled. This could take between 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 since they're generated from existing fish. If there are no existing fish, then there are not good bacteria.

The basic principle of the nitrogen cycle is this. Fish consume food and generate waste. That waste together with excess food and plant debris become ammonia in the aquarium. Ammonia is toxic to fish and requires to be broken down. That's why the bacteria is very important. This bacteria, turns the ammonia into nitrites for tolerable to fish than ammonia. Next, different nitrifying bacteria will turn the nitrites into nitrates, that are even less toxic to the fish along with other aquarium life. The nitrates are collected and minimized by filters; however they will eventually accumulate in the tank. Regular water changes have to remove the nitrates from the water.

It is important to set up and run an aquarium tank before any fish are introduced into the environment. Wash the tank and then any substrate and decorations thoroughly with water. Don't use any soap. Fill the tank with de-chlorinated water and fasten filters and lighting. Permit the tank to cycle before the water is no longer cloudy and sufficient P.H and water temperatures have been established.

Now it is time to purchase the fish! Buy hardy fish such as danios, barb, gouramis, and live bearers. They should be capable of withstand the high nitrite levels and ammonia in the new aquarium. Only introduce about four fish at a time. Float the fish in the bag in the aquarium for around fifteen minutes before adding these to the tank. This will help the fish become acclimated towards the water temperature in their new home. When adding the fish, be careful not to allow the water from the bag to the aquarium. It may be contaminated, or will at the very least, throw off the temperature and P.H. Permit the fish about two hours being acclimated before feeding.

Only feed a sum that can be consumed in the first couple of to five minutes. Overfeeding is a common problem in an aquarium. It is important not to overfeed, because excess food will become debris adding to the ammonia levels. This is especially important in new aquariums that lack bacteria. Test the lake P.H. every day inside first month. Watch the tank for cloudiness; if the aquarium becomes cloudy, it may be necessary to add a clarifier. Monitor the catch signs of stress or illness. A healthy fish will be swimming regularly. Lethargic fish will often hover near the surface of the aquarium. After in regards to a week change approximately ten percent of the water and begin regular maintenance.




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