| mount and type of fish tank care necessary will | | | | best way to clean a fish tank is not to drain all of the |
| depend both on the type (saltwater vs. tap water) | | | | water, scrub the tank and refill it with fresh water. |
| and size of the tank and the number and type of | | | | Although this approach makes intuitive sense, there |
| inhabitants. In general, after the initial startup period, | | | | are several arguments against it. First, removing fish |
| regular maintenance of the aquarium should be fairly | | | | from the tank (especially by chasing them with a net) |
| straightforward. In fact, an aquarium that is properly | | | | is traumatic. Second, no soap of any kind should ever |
| set up should eventually reach an equilibrium state | | | | be used on the inside of a fish tank. Residue from |
| that requires very little fish tank care. | | | | soaps is impossible to completely remove from the |
| Water Quality: The Key To Fish Health | | | | glass and will contaminate the water. A properly |
| Regardless of the type of tank, fish or theme your | | | | maintained tank will essentially be self-cleaning and will |
| aquarium has, it is absolutely essential to maintain the | | | | require very little fish tank care – the owner |
| proper water balance. Just as a swimming pool that is | | | | should simply circulate the water by removing some |
| not properly monitored with water testing will turn | | | | water and adding fresh water periodically (some |
| mucky and kill your urge to swim, an aquarium that is | | | | sources say once per week, others once every 10 |
| not monitored for water quality can turn deadly and | | | | days, again checking with an aquarium store staff |
| kill your fish. It is probably a good idea to establish a | | | | person is probably your best bet). |
| relationship with the staff at a local pet store, or | | | | Finally, be sure to install a proper filtration unit |
| better yet, aquarium store (if available). These stores | | | | – one that is big enough for the size of your |
| will often test your water for free and recommend | | | | tank and the number of fish it supports. Circulating |
| solutions for problems, as well as walk you through | | | | water and re-oxygenating it are crucial to the survival |
| the basics of fish tank care. In general, you will need | | | | of the fish. Proper circulation ensures waste products |
| to be sure that you de-chlorinate water (if applicable), | | | | are removed from the system and helps prevent the |
| and monitor the pH, ammonia and nitrate levels. Doing | | | | formation of algae. |
| so can reduce one of the leading causes of death in | | | | Following these steps will cover the essentials of fish |
| aquarium dwellers. | | | | tank care. Once these basics are mastered, more |
| In addition to monitoring the water quality, | | | | advanced techniques and different types of tanks |
| don’t fall prey to common misconceptions | | | | can be explored. |
| about fish tank care. Contrary to popular belief, the | | | | |