Keeping an aquarium at home is definitely a rewarding experience but it isn’t as easy as most people think. Fish may seem like an easy option for pets since they don’t require as much attention as other animals but maintaining an aquarium isn’t always smooth sailing. Most beginners face a lot of challenges initially because they don’t know the ins and outs of aquarium maintenance. We have important tips that will help you become a successful aquarium owner.
Cycle the tank
If you aren’t familiar with the term “cycle the tank” this refers to ensuring that the tank and water conditions are healthy enough for you to put the fish in it. So when you first get the tank, don’t just fill it with water and put the fish in it. You need to purchase the tank first, cycle the tank making sure it is healthy. The cycling process consists of making sure the tank’s water temperature is right for the type of fish you will put in and there is healthy microorganisms within the water that will breakdown the waste. This will make sure the environment is perfect for the fish once you get them.
Monitor the water
Water testing kits aren’t too expensive so we recommend you get one. You need to constantly test the water for the levels of nitrates, ammonia, nitrites, and pH. Make sure that levels of nitrates, nitrites, and ammonia are low. If they begin to rise, make sure to bring them back down.
Change the water regularly
You have two options to ensure the water parameters stay low, you can buy products that ensure they remain low or you can change the water in the tank. Changing the water takes a lot more effort and time but is a better option. In fact, we recommend that you change 1/3 of the water in the tank every week.
Research about the fish
There are numerous different types of fish and you should do proper research about the fish before you bring them home. Each type of fish has its own parameters and temperaments. They require a certain temperature, surrounding, and what not in order to survive in an aquarium. So you want to make sure you provide them with the exact environment that they are used to.
