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Tips for the New Aquarist - Noah's Ark PetsStarting a new aquarium can be stressful for you and your new fishes. Use these tips and things may be better for you and the fish you choose to keep.
• When placing the aquarium in the room avoid direct sunlight. The temperature of the aquarium will be controlled better and it will reduce nuisance algae growth.
• If you’re going to keep tropical fish you my need to use an aquarium heater to warm the water. Tropical aquarium fish need to be kept in a temperature range of between 74 to 78 degrees.
• Add Fish to your aquarium in small quantities this will give the biological filter time to adjust to the new fish addition.
• Test your water conditions using a test kit. In newly setup aquariums testing for ammonia and nitrite will tell you how your tank’s cycle is progressing. In established aquariums testing for ammonia and nitrite will indicate how well the biological filter is working. Testing for nitrate will tell how dirty your aquarium is.
• At a minimum do partial water changes every two weeks, by removing 25% of the aquariums water with a gravel siphon. To learn how to use a gravel siphon click here
• Once a month disassemble and clean your filter and power heads. Replace filter pads, air stones and carbon cartridges. To learn more about regular aquarium maintance click here
Essentials for the successful aquarium
• Water test kit (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate)
• Biological filter additives (Stability, Stress Zyme, or Cycle)
• De chlorinator for replacement water (AquaSafe, Prime, or Stress Coat)
• Medicine for the treatment of Ich (Nox–Ich, coppersafe or Aquari-Sol)
• A variety of foods for your fish
• Aquarium Salt
• Gravel Siphon
• Replacement filter pads, replacement air stones and carbon cartridges for under gravel filters if used, algae pad for cleaning the inside glass of the aquarium.
