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