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Quick Find |
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Aquarium products you may need |
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Before you set up your aquarium, you may want to learn
more about some of the following aquarium supplies and products you
will need: | Filtration equipment |   |
Type
of filter |
How
they work |
Maintenance |
When
would you use it |
Top fitted power filters |
Pump sucks water up and
through the pressurised filter box. |
Simple to maintain, turn
off pump, remove top cover and open the box. |
Normally come with the
tank. |
Hang On Filter |
Hang off the back with
cartridges polishing the water. |
Easy access by removing
the top of filter and replacing the cartridge. |
Purchased for smaller glass
tanks. |
Canister Filters |
Filter sits under the tank
with hoses to the top, large box for filter medias. |
Slightly more difficult
to maintain, taps make it easier, but they are strong filters. |
Ideal for bigger fish and
large glass tanks. |
Internal Filters |
Sponge filters with power
heads sucking water through. |
Regular maintenance is
needed but great for clearing a tank fast. |
In a small tank or as a
supplement filter to help clear water. |
Under gravel Filter |
Sits below the gravel in
the tank, runs off an air pump. |
Must use gravel siphons
and be maintained regular. |
For a cost effective setup,
generally more maintenance later though. |
How your aquarium filter works
The aquarium filter is a necessary part of owning an aquarium as
it helps you reduce the amount of time needed to clean your fish
tank.
The main purpose of having filtration is;
-
To maintain a flow of water through the aquarium.
-
To develop bacteria that will convert harmful waste elements
to less harmful items which are later removed through partial
water changes.
-
Helps to remove smell and discoloration.
-
Removes dirt particles floating in the water.
Your aquarium filter will have 3 stages to it. These include:
1. Mechanical filtration
In your aquarium filter, you may find wool, which acts as a mechanical
filter to remove dirt. This helps keep the water clear.
Cleaning and changing this media is generally more regular, so check
monthly, rinse (in aquarium water) and change as needed.
2. Chemical filtration
In your aquarium filter you will find activated charcoal, which
will act as a chemical filter. It removes most chemicals and helps
clear cloudy or smelly water.
Important note: Always remove this item when you are treating your
fish with any medication as it removes the medicine.
3. Biological filtration
This maintains water quality and is where bacteria develop over
time, slowly as waste builds up, creating an eco-system within your
aquarium.
The Nitrogen cycle will help explain further. The bio-balls and bio-noodles
are where the bacteria will settle.
Rules for cleaning the filter are;
-
Never use tap water.
-
Use aquarium water to maintain bacteria.
-
A filter should always be a little dirty, remove excess dirt
which may clog the media.
Filter
system |
Parts |
Replacement |
Mechanical filtration |
Wool
Sponge |
1-2months
6-9months |
Chemical filtration |
Charcoal |
2months |
Biological filtration |
Bio balls (plastic)
Bio noodles |
Rinse, replace if damaged
12months |
| Aquarium Lighting |   |
Aquarium plants and most marine corals need light.
Proper aquarium lighting is essential for fish tanks containing live
aquarium plants, or marine corals that are dependent on light to
live.
Lights can make fish look fantastic.
Good lighting will also make the aquarium and the pet fish within
look more attractive. Since pet fish are no longer exposed to natural
sunlight, providing the proper spectrum and intensity is vital for
their overall good health.
The amount of time you leave the aquarium light on will also lead
to possible growth of algae or slime on the aquarium glass and rocks.
Recommended time of 6-8 hours is dependant on whether the tank receives
sunlight. The more sunlight the less you may need. | Aquarium Heaters
and Thermometers |   |
Aquarium water temperature of between 23c and 27c for most fish.
No matter what kind of aquarium fish you choose, they will have fairly
specific temperature requirements. Fish can become stressed, when
temperatures fluctuate too much, which can lead to illness. Most
pet fish need a water temperature between 23c and 27c.
If you have one species in your aquarium, you can set the temperature
specifically to reflect their needs. If, however, you have multiple
types, 25c is a safe temperature.
Marine aquariums may require more attention to keep a consistent
temperature, as they tend to need more light, which can warm the
water, plus certain corals may be harmed if the temperature increases
too much. |
Aquarium Test
Kits and the Addition of Miscellaneous Chemicals |   |
Good water quality means healthy aquarium fish.
The welfare of your new aquarium is dependent on its water quality.
You will find that you need to purchase various chemicals and additives
to help it achieve and maintain the proper balance for good water
quality.
Depending on the aquarium fish that you choose, you may need special
pH adjusters and buffers, or salt and trace element additives. Water
conditioners, or agers are a must for removing chlorine and harmful
chemicals from tap water, and test kits are necessary to ensure that
your water quality begins and remains at suitable levels. | Fish Food
and Supplements |   |
Healthy fish need a healthy diet.
Diet is an important element to ensure healthy fish, there are different
options when it comes to your fish's diet, but the key thing to remember
is “you can always add more, it’s very hard to remove if to much
is added”.
Overfeeding is a big issue when it comes to water quality, tank maintenance
and cloudy water. Remember food is added daily and this means you
can alter the water chemistry quickly if feeding incorrectly.
-
Feed a small portion first.
-
Allow 30 seconds, see what is left.
-
Feed a little bit more, if needed.
-
Repeat process 3–4 times total.
-
1 minute after the last feed no food should be seen.
-
The feeding process takes a few minutes.
This helps to eliminate overfeeding, which ultimately ensures better
water quality and better fish health and at the same time reduces
the need to do partial water changes. If your tank is less then 1
month old, fish should only be fed every second day. This helps keep
the nitrogen cycle in check.
What to feed
Fish
size |
Fish
swimming levels |
What
to feed |
Other
info |
1cm up to 15cm |
Top to mid swimmers |
Flakes |
Once fish are larger flakes
will create more mess. |
Above 7cm |
Mid to bottom feeders |
Granules |
For larger fish granules
aren't as messy. |
You can also use live food and frozen food for variety. Just ensure
these are washed prior to adding to the tank as a lot of excess water
in frozen food adds waste elements to the tank. |
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