| One of the nicest additions to any home is a | | | | glass. While the Plecostomus are not always |
| fish tank. A fish tank creates a colourful, | | | | the prettiest fish, their benefits far |
| relaxing ambience and they come in a huge | | | | outweigh their looks. The last precaution you |
| range of sizes to suit virtually any setting. | | | | can take is to NOT place your fish tank in |
| However, fish tanks do require work, and | | | | direct sunlight, algae thrives on sunlight |
| without proper care, algae build ups and | | | | and will grow rapidly given the chance. |
| murky water can change your tank | | | | |
| aesthetically and cause unpleasant odours. | | | | Every couple of months you should replace the |
| Cleaning your fish tank not only helps with | | | | water in your tank to ensure cleanliness. |
| the appearance of the tank but can also | | | | After the water is removed you have to remove |
| prolong the life of your fish, as no person | | | | all of the rocks, artificial plants and |
| or pet can live in an unhealthy environment. | | | | decorations (such as the old fashioned |
| | | | divers), and give them a thorough clean. Use |
| There are a few basic precautions that should | | | | diluted bleach to clean these objects as all |
| be followed to keep your fish tank clean and | | | | traces can be removed. Avoid using soap, as |
| to dramatically reduce algae build ups. The | | | | traces of the soap can be left on the objects |
| goal is to avoid algae build up in the first | | | | and may harm your fish. To clean the glass in |
| place, as this is easier than removing algae | | | | the tank only use proper fish tank glass |
| later. The first step is to get yourself a | | | | cleaner which you can purchase from any pet |
| good carbon based filter, and be sure to | | | | store, as conventional glass cleaner contains |
| change the cartridges often, this will keep | | | | substances lethal to fish. Even when you have |
| the water nice and clean so your precious | | | | to clean surfaces outside of the tank such as |
| Nemo will be happier and healthier. You | | | | the hood, you should still avoid the use of |
| should also purchase a living filter for your | | | | any harsh chemical cleaner, as traces can |
| fish tank, a Plecostomus or algae eater | | | | leach there way back into the water. |
| constantly eats algae off rocks and the | | | | |