| Aquarium maintenance is an essential regular activity | | | | the water. Oils and films may cause stress in fish. |
| that provides a stable, healthy environment for fish | | | | Maintenance Checklist: |
| and plants. The key to an effective program is to | | | | Daily |
| fulfill basic, simple tasks, which, when performed on a | | | | 1. Perform a visual check of the aquarium inhabitants |
| regular basis, take very little time and result in a | | | | to make sure that none of them are sick, hurt, or |
| clean, thriving aquarium display. | | | | acting strangely. |
| Ongoing biological processes can deplete water of | | | | 2. Check that all the equipment is working |
| essential ingredients and cause nitrate accumulation | | | | properly(filters, heaters, lighting, etc.). |
| and other non-desirable substances. Most expert | | | | 3. Remove any dead fish, plants, or obvious debris |
| aquarists will agree that regular partial water changes | | | | (such as plant leaves attached to intake strainer of |
| represent a key element in fish health and condition. | | | | filter). |
| The following lists of maintenance activities and | | | | Weekly |
| equipment serve as a general guide to maintaining a | | | | 1. Perform a partial water change, 5 to 10% is |
| stable aquatic environment. Variations in percentage | | | | recommended. Use a gravel washer to clean trapped |
| and frequency can exist due to stocking density and | | | | waste from the gravel. Partial water changes on a |
| types of livestock kept. | | | | regular basis will provide stable water quality and |
| Maintenance Tip: | | | | maintain ideal conditions. |
| 1. Never change more than 40% of aquarium water | | | | 2. Clean the glass inside and outside. This will eliminate |
| at a time. | | | | any algae, and ensure full viewing pleasure. |
| 2. Never empty the entire aquarium to clean it. This | | | | 3. Clean fluorescent tube(s) and fixture. This will |
| causes undue stress on fish and will disturb the | | | | maintain consistent light levels. |
| biological balance of your aquarium. | | | | 4. Test the aquarium water. |
| 3. Only change half of your filter media at a time, to | | | | Monthly |
| retain the established biological balance. | | | | 1. Check supplies, food, water conditioners and all |
| 4. NEVER use soap or any detergent on your | | | | other regularly used items. |
| aquarium or any products used in or around your | | | | 2. Perform filter maintenance and replace filter media |
| aquarium. | | | | as per manufacturer's recommendations and in |
| 5. When cleaning the inside glass of your aquarium, | | | | accordance with the results of your water test. |
| avoid picking up pieces of gravel, as this will scratch | | | | Do this stuff, I'm sure your fish will be as happy and |
| the glass. | | | | healthy as you want. Good Luck! |
| 6. Limit the amount of times you put your hands in | | | | |