Many people think maintaining a fish tank is synonymous with cleaning a fish tank, but that’s only one small part of it. Fish tank maintenance actually involves everything from feeding your fish correctly and ensuring the quality of their water to maintaining the proper water temperature and the appropriate level of cleanliness. So if you want to enjoy the beauty of your fish and their tranquil, calming movements, you need to learn a bit about fish tank maintenance. After all, providing a habitat that is clean and well matched to your pets’ needs is vital to keeping your finned friends in good health.
Fish Tank Maintenance 101
Water Quality
Spending an hour or two in a swimming pool with out-of-whack chemical levels can irritate your eyes and skin, dry out your hair, and stain or fade your bathing suit. Your fish spend their whole lives in the water. Imagine how devastating it is for them if the chemical balance of their tank is off. To protect their health and comfort, invest in a water-testing kit and test the water in their tank each week. If the chemical levels are off, you will need to examine your procedures and take steps to correct the problem.
Fish Tank Filters
Why does a fish tank need a filter? This critical component keeps your tank healthy and clean by decontaminating the water and removing chemical waste. To function at their best, most filters do require a bit of maintenance, but the type and frequency of any changes to the filter’s parts will depend on the filter that you purchase. However, there is one rule that applies to all filters: Avoid swapping out all of the filter’s changeable parts at the same time. Doing so will wreak havoc on the levels of good bacteria in your tank and force the filter to go through a cycling period to restore them.
Water Temperature
When it comes to water temperature in a fish tank, consistency is key. While the recommended temperature will vary depending on the type of fish that call your tank home, it should always be the same. To manage this, check the temperature in the tank each day and avoid placing the tank under a vent or in direct sunlight. You may find that you need a heater to maintain the appropriate temperature. If you do, keep a close eye on the water temperature so that you don’t accidentally fry your fish.
Cleaning Your Fish Tank
Novice fish owners often believe that the best way to clean a fish tank is to drain it completely, scrub it down, and refill it with fresh water. In fact, fish need a stable environment to be healthy, so changing all the water in the tank at once can actually endanger their lives. It also eliminates much of the good bacteria that help to keep the tank’s water healthy by breaking down waste and toxins. Instead of making a total change at once, replace just 25 percent of the tank’s volume on a monthly basis. To avoid any drastic changes in the water’s chemistry (which can stress your fish), be sure to add dechlorinated tap water that is roughly the same temperature as the water already in the tank. And if you see algae forming on the tank, buy an algae scraper and use it to remove the algae before performing the monthly water change.
Feeding Time
While many people associate feeding their fish with affection and fun, overfeeding your fish is bad for both their health and their environment. Don’t feed your fish more than they can eat in a three-minute time period. Although they may try to convince you otherwise, that’s enough to fill their bellies. Besides, any excess food that goes uneaten sinks to the bottom of the tank. This wasted food decays, creating an unnecessary mess and lowering the quality of the water in your tank.
_____
Fish tank maintenance is generally fairly simple, but if you find yourself in a tricky situation, head over to your local Petsway if you live in Missouri. Our knowledgeable associates would be happy to offer advice and help you find the products and supplies that you need to maintain a healthy environment for your fish. We have locations in Springfield, Nixa, St. Louis, St. Peters, and Poplar Bluff, and you can find store hours and addresses on our website. Stop by today!