Simplify Your Freshwater Aquarium Maintenance
Keeping A Clean Aquarium
The real problem for many owners is keeping their freshwater aquarium working. The first several days go well, the tank looks great! Then the issues arise that they just did not plan on. A diciplined approach to your freshwater aquarium maintenance can reduce the time and effort needed considerably.
Flotsam In Your Aquarium?
Discusted with the floating debris in your aquarium? So are your fish!
Try a power filter, which practically makes the tank nearly self cleaning. It filters using chemicals that get rid of dirt, odor, discoloration and even general impurities.
The worst thing about a power filter is that you have to change the filter cartridges every 3-4 weeks – if you can handle this, then you’re in for a treat. With the filter cartridges usually being throw away, all the tedious cleaning is eliminated.
Algae
There is very little worse than trying to enjoy the georgeous fish swimming in front of you when your sight is continually being drawn to that algae.
If you’re wanting a quick solution, consider a Plecostomus. Frequently called an algae eater, this fish isn’t going to win any beauty competitions any time soon – but it will keep your tank free of algae. On the plus side, the Plecostomus has a great personality!
Two other excellent choices are the Siamese Algae Eater (SAE) for bigger tanks and the Ottocinclus, just make sure you have plenty of algae for these fish. Should algae eaters turn out to not be enough, manufactures have supplied you with some good tools to make the task easier.
Remember that algae thrives in sunlight! You can get away with putting your aquarium by a widow with daylight exposure, just not sunlight; unless of course you are trying to grow algae.
Smelly Water?
Placing your aquarium filters on a more frequent maintenance schedule should remedy foul smelling water. If you can smell it, your fish are in danger. Even though your fish seem to be surviving, they are not flourishing and you will spend a lot more time maintenancing the tank than necessary.
Is Your Aquarium Water Unclear?
Cloudy water can be brought on by multiple things, but overfeeding is the primary reason. Only feed your fish 2-3 times per day and only what they can eat in 2-3 minutes. This should fix the issues.
Some tap water is rich in compounds that can contrubute to murky water, try experimenting with distilled or bottled water. Most any of your neighborhood grocery stores will offer it by the gallon for 50-70 cents.
Change The Water At Least Every Two Weeks
Depending on your tank size and fish load, most people can get away with changing just 20% of the water every two weeks, some will need to do it weekly. Gravel cleaners or siphons work great for this purpose. Fundamentally, you put one end of a hose in the tank, put the other to your lips, and suck.
Once you have water flow, drain it into a bucket placed lower than you aquarium; keep an eye on how full it gets or you may have some extra work to do.
After removing your water, use the same bucket to replenish the aquarium. Every month, you’re going to want to clean your tank more thoroughly – part of the experience many people hate.
The interior walls of the tank will need to be gently scrubbed, you can pick up sponges and scrapers at your pet supply store, just be sure you get ones that are safe for your aquarium.
Decorations can be scrubbed clean with a sponge after soaking in hot water with a bit if salt added. Caution! Do not use any form of soap on any item used in or on your aquarium! Soap residue will pollute your water and kill your fish.
Gravel vacuums are great for removing dirt and uneaten food that has collected on the bottom of your tank. There are assorted sizes available, and you should always observe the instructions that came with the gravel vacuum to use it correctly.
When You Refill Your Tank
When refilling your tank with water, be sure to use the same temperature as the water in your tank. If you have a big tank, or more than one, you might appreciate using a garden hose attachment on your kitchen sink and replenishing that way. Be sure that your water temperature and the pH levels straight out of the tap match what is in your tank.
But remember, tap water wasn’t intended for fish keeping. Heating a 5-10 gallon bucket of distilled water may be a better choice than using tap water!
Start Right And Maintenance Is A Breeze!
Taking the time to research your options before even starting your freshwater aquarium setup will save you a great deal of time and money over the life of your aquarium. Simple choices on placement, equipment and type of fish can turn hours of maintenance into minutes!
About the Author
Rozlyn Rozberry has been maintaining freshwater aquariums for more than 40 years and enjoys sharing her knowledge with other aquatic hobbyists. To learn more about freshwater aquarium maintenance, visit Rozberrys Freshwater Aquariums and sign up for our FREE mini-eCourse on starting your own aquarium setup.
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Lee’s The Ultimate Faucet Adapter, Metal $3.73 Lee’s Ultimate GravelVac Metal Faucet Adapter The Ultimate Faucet Adapter is a replacement part for the Ultimate Gravel Vac(R) Kit. It connects the Super Pump to the sink faucet…. |
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