Maintaining an aquarium and fish is inexpensive and rewarding. Fish are the most straightforward pets to keep and require very minimal care. However, just because they are low maintenance pets doesn’t mean there is no trouble involved in looking after them.
If you own a fish, it may help go through guides like “helpusfish” to give you valuable tips on maintaining your aquarium. Having your small ecosystem of fish and micro plants can be an enthralling experience. Most people turn aquarium building and maintenance into a hobby for life.
Clean and Cycle the Tank
To cycle the tank means bringing the water conditions to safe and healthy levels for the fish. You may want to ensure your tank is clean before adding water. Hence, it’s best to cycle the tank and get it ready even before purchasing the fish. Healthy microorganisms conducive to the fish will grow in the water during cycling.
Experts recommend at least one week of cycling before adding the fish. You can even buy aquarium kits that come with all elements necessary for cycling. Cycling the tank when the fish are already in it is very unhealthy for the fish.
Regular Checks on the Water Conditions
Water testing kits available in the market can help you establish if the water is safe for your fish. Testing kits will help you check the ammonia levels, nitrates, nitrites, and pH levels of the water. If the level of any of these elements is high, they could be dangerous for the fish.
Change the Water Frequently.
Cleaning the tank will help keep your fish healthy. Cleaning is also essential to prevent a buildup of dirt from fish excreta. Microbes overgrow in tanks. Some of these could be fatal to the fist. Timely cleaning could help prevent the death of your fish.
To clean, remove one-third of the water and add in with fresh, clean water. You may have to repeat this process each week. If you have gravel bits in your tank, you should vacuum them. Go through tank cleaning guides at websites like helpusfish.
Avoid Overfeeding the Fish
Fish need very little food. Generally, they don’t need to be fed more than once a day. Specialized fish food meets most of the dietary needs of your fish. If you have bottom feeders in your tank, you may also want to consider sinking pellets. If you have algae-eating fish, then you’ll need algae wafers. Overfeeding the fish will not only make the tank dirty but is also unhealthy for your fish.
Control of Light in the Aquarium
Excess light in the aquarium could promote the growth of algae in the tank. However, the fish does need light. So managing light is essential. Placing the tank in a place where the sunlight doesn’t hit too strong will help. Like all plants, algae also thrives with sunlight. It’s best not to keep the tank light on for more than 12 hours a day. It would be best to turn on the light only at night.
Aquarium Care Is a Continuous Learning Process.
Fish care is something you’ll figure out as you go. Most first-time fish owners instantly like taking care of fish and expand their aquariums. The best thing about fish care is that it doesn’t take up too much of your time. No pets are disposable. If you own fish, you will want to give them the best environment to grow and thrive.