aquarium care for beginners Archives

How to care for Freshwater Aquatic fish

How to care for Freshwater Aquatic fish, According to the American Pet Products Association’s 2019-2020 National Pet Owners Survey, fish are kept as pets by around 13.1 million American households, making them the third most common form of pet after cats and dogs.

Are you taken aback? You must not be! Aquatic life can be a lovely addition to your home, with their fascinating antics and exquisite beauty—as long as you know how to properly care for them.

If you’re thinking about introducing aquatic life into your house, the easiest way to get started is to get your aquarium set up. This, together with an understanding of the continuing maintenance requirements, will help you and your aquarium succeed. Maintaining an aquarium can be quite simple and stress-free if you know what measures to take. Consider the following as a starting point.

Choose the appropriate aquarium

The size of the aquarium you’ll need is determined by the type of fish you want to bring home (think freshwater, saltwater, and individual species), as well as the number of fish you desire. With fish tank sizes ranging from desktop aquariums for a single betta to enormous aquariums suitable for many species of fish, it’s crucial to consider the ecosystem before bringing any aquatic life into your home.

Overcrowding can result in low oxygen levels in the water, excessive waste, and even mortality in extreme circumstances. Stop by your local Petco for guidance on which size aquarium or tank is best for you based on your space and the fish you want to acquire.

Create the ideal aquarium water conditions

Varying species of aquatic life require different water conditions, but a suitable environment is essential for any underwater creature. A few things to think about are:

The water is being conditioned. To maintain aquatic life, tap water has a variety of qualities that must be adjusted in an aquarium. Use a dechlorinating chemical in conjunction with a biological aquarium supplement to appropriately condition water.

Maintaining the optimum pH balance. The pH of your tank water indicates whether it is acidic or alkaline. To check the pH level, get a pH test kit. Freshwater fish flourish in a pH range of 6.8 to 7.5, depending on the species, because this is the range that provides a natural habitat for your fish to resist illness.

Temperature stabilization Changes in water temperature can also harm aquatic life, so avoid placing your aquarium near a sunny window or near heating or air vents that can abruptly change water temperatures. Depending on the species, tropical freshwater fish require a steady temperature of 72 °F – 82 °F. An aquatic heater will assist you in maintaining a comfortable temperature.

Make sure your fish tank is in good shape

Regularly monitoring the water conditions in your aquarium or tank is a good start, but there are other things you can do, such as cleaning it regularly.

Once a month, plan to replace 25% of the water in your aquarium. This will help keep the water in your tank clean and the nitrate levels in check.

A gravel vacuum can aid in the removal of water and debris, particularly from the tank’s bottom. Also keep a watch out for algae growth. This may appear as a haze on your tank’s glass, or the water itself may appear murky, indicating low oxygen levels in the water. Use a tank scrub brush or an aquarium algae magnet to assist clear the algae from your aquarium.

Acclimate your aquarium properly

Ask the store partner what the water parameters for nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, and pH levels are for the species you’re getting, then test your setup at home to make sure it matches as precisely as possible.

To allow for temperature adaptation, float the sealed bag containing your aquatic life in your aquarium for at least 15 minutes, but no longer than an hour. Open the bag and slowly pour in a quarter-cup of aquarium water.

Fill the bag with a quarter cup of water every five minutes until it is completely full. This gradually brings the temperature and chemistry closer together, allowing the new aquatic species to adjust to their new environment without being frightened by abrupt changes.

How to keep a healthy Aquarium

How to keep a healthy Aquarium, Maintaining a healthy and successful aquarium might be difficult for novice aquarists. To be healthy, an aquarium, whether saltwater or freshwater, requires the complete attention and efforts of each owner.

If you’re ready to start caring for an aquarium, there are a few things you should know. Here are 10 crucial guidelines for managing a healthy and beautiful aquarium, from pH monitoring to water changes:

Prepare your water properly. The qualities of your tank’s water are critical to your fish’s long-term health. Remember that tap water has a variety of qualities, including minerals that must be balanced. It won’t be able to support your pet fish and aquatic plants otherwise. You must treat your water with biological agents or supplements to remove these contaminants.

Allow your fish to adjust to the water

The process of acclimating your fish to their new environment is critical. Many fish species are fragile, and they may experience shock if not properly acclimated. You can inquire about the best acclimatization procedures for your pet fish with our Pet Counselors. Before you start the process, they may suggest you to evaluate the water chemistry. When you get home, make sure you test the water for the right chemical levels. If your tank levels differ, you’ll need to give your fish a bit more time to adjust.

In their bag, float the fish. You’ll also need to adapt your fish to the aquarium’s water temperature. You’ll need to float your fish in their sealed bag for at least 15-20 minutes for this process. Add at least a quarter cup of aquarium water to the sealed bag every five minutes until it is full. Remove part of the water from the bag and lower it into the water after you’ve finished this step to allow your fish to swim freely. This method combines your aquarium’s chemistry and temperature, making the adaptation process much easier. On our blog, How To Set Up A Beginner Level Saltwater Aquarium, you can learn more about the acclimation process.

Keep the pH and other chemical levels in check

The balance of acidity and alkalinity in your aquarium’s water is measured by pH values. A pH test kit can be used to keep track of the pH levels in your tank. Freshwater fish thrive in aquariums with pH levels ranging from 6.6 to 6.8. pH ranges of 7.6 to 8.4 are ideal for saltwater fish.

You’ll also need to monitor the amounts of nitrate, nitrite, and ammone in your tank on a regular basis. These levels, of course, are very dependent on the fish species and the type of aquarium you have. Ask our Pet Counselors for tips on maintaining pH balance and other levels for the best outcomes.

Check the temperature of the water

The water temperature in your tank should be warm enough to support aquatic life. Any significant temperature variations in your aquarium can be harmful to your fish. Avoid placing your tank near cooling vents or in an area that receives a lot of sunlight. Freshwater fish require a steady water temperature of 72°F to 82°F, while saltwater fish prefer 75°F to 80°F.

Temperature levels differ depending on the fish type, thus study is essential for the best outcomes. If your aquarium is too cold to keep your fish alive, you may need to get a water warmer.

Frequently change the water

Changing 25% of the water in your aquarium once a month maintains it clean and stabilizes nitrate levels. Other debris and waste products left by high phosphate levels are also removed. Leaving these levels high causes your fish to be stressed, which can make them sick. Water temps that are consistent allow your fish and aquatic life to be strong and healthy.

Tank glass and other structures should be cleaned

A little green in your aquarium isn’t normally a reason for concern, but too much can be harmful. Algae growth gives your tank a murky, swampy appearance and diminishes oxygen levels in the water. This may result in the loss of fish and aquatic plants in your aquarium. More information on how to get rid of algae can be found in our blog, How to Control Algae Growth in Your Aquarium.

Choose the appropriate tank size

Although it may be tempting to keep a big number of pet fish, overflowing your tank is not a good idea. Low oxygen levels can result from overcrowding, making your fish prone to disease. It can also result in a lot of garbage, waste, and deaths, all of which will lower the quality of your water. Ask one of our pet counselors about the proper tank size for your pet fish.

Choose fish that are compatible

Many different fish species can coexist in specific settings. Fish species normally leave each other alone as long as they have enough space, food, and other necessary. When it comes to their homes, though, certain fish species are highly possessive or violent.

That is why we recommend looking at fish that can coexist happily. Check out our Top 10 Best Freshwater Fish For Your Aquarium for the best freshwater fish breeds. For additional lovely saltwater options, check out our list of the Top 7 Best Saltwater Aquarium Fish for Beginners.