It’s important you keep your aquarium clean. If you are having a hard time keeping it crystal clear, then you need to make some changes. Following, we are going to recommend some that will help you maintain a healthy environment for your fish, and assure it doesn’t get filthy quickly.
Proper Filtration
There are three important things to look for when choosing a filtration system:
- Chemical: Carbon, Zeolite, and Charcoal convert toxins into the water. Therefore, you need to take extra care of the chemicals to assure they don’t harm your fish.
- Mechanical: Cotton or Foam cartridges remove debris from the water. Therefore, carefully check the mechanical aspect of the filter as foam tends to last longer than cotton.
- Biological: Nitrate forming and Nitrite forming produce good bacteria from the fecal matter of fish. It is imperative you maintain a good balance for your fish’s wellbeing.
It’s important that all three of these things work in harmony, or else your fish won’t survive. There are three types of filters to choose from, these are:
- Hang-on
- Submersible
- External
Any of these will suffice you, just pick one that is easy to use and practical for your aquarium. Choose a filter that is bigger than your tank’s capacity. A bigger filter means bigger carbon media and bacteria bed.
Installing the New Filter
You can change the mechanical part any time, but the chemical and biological filters need a break in period before they start working at their full capacity. Therefore, when you are prepared to change the filter, do it three weeks before the old one needs replacement. It gives the new filter the time to build its own bacteria bed and charcoal or carbon to activate.
Make sure the chemicals are properly adjusted. Stabilize the nitrite, nitrate and ammonia levels. Test them to see if they are out of place. Use Stress Coat and Stress Zyme to assure the stability. Once the water is prepped, you can remove the old filter.
Creating the Environment
If the tank gets dirty quickly, then there is an issue with the decor. Some décor like plastic plants and rocks need cleaning more often. Live plants and river rocks can suffice without frequent cleaning.
Moreover, choose the décor according to your fish. Do the décor items contribute to any value or they just are aesthetically pleasing? Create a natural environment with live plants. It offers the following benefits:
- Plants improve the water quality. It converts nitrites into nitrates and helps maintain a steady flow
- Uses carbon dioxide emitted by fishes and use it as well. It converts them into usable oxygen. This helps in cleaning the aquarium.
- Every fish likes a different ecosystem. For instance, some like a rocky mesa, while others need a sandy bottom or a planted ecosystem
- Create blind spots for the fishes; It will help the fishes get along. Most fishes like munching down on plant life, so put more plants. To learn more about how to keep your aquarium clean, logon to https://www.titanaquaticexhibits.com/fiberglass-aquariums-read-this-guide-before-buying.
