Location of your aquarium
So, you bought your very first fish tank. And you probably already decided where to place it. But keep in mind that a fish tank filled with water is much heavier than it seems. So please, place it on something strong and stable.
It is also advisable to keep your fish tank away from direct, or even indirect, sunlight. Long hours of sunlight will induce algae, something you do not want if you wish to keep your aquarium beautiful.
Any gravel?
Skip this part if you plan to have a simple bare-bottom fish tank. Personally, I feel that gravels make an aquarium looks so much nicer. Having gravels also helps hide your fishes' wastes.
Before you start pouring your gravels into your fish tank, stop! Take a pail, pour your gravels into it instead. Start washing them over and over until the water is decently clear. This is important, as you don't want your fishes to be swimming in chocolate milk.
Preparing your water
Water is the single most important element of an aquarium. It is important to prepare your water before adding any fishes, as most tap water contains chemicals like chlorine and chloramine, which are harmful to fishes. So be sure to get a bottle of water conditioner from your favourite pet shop that neutralizes both chlorine and chloramine.
If you have gravels, be very gentle when pouring water into your tank, so as not to stir up the gravels. A useful tip is to pour your water onto a floating plate or saucer, so as to divert the force of the falling water. Fill water to your preferred height, and add measured amount of your anti-chlorine-and-chloramine water conditioner.
Setting up your filter
Setup your filter according to your filter's manual. Make sure that it is working properly as intended, as the filter is a very important part of an aquarium. Your filter provides water circulation, and also oxygenates the water, if your type of filter causes water surface disturbance. If your aquarium is heavily loaded with fishes, and your filter fails for even a few hours, it could be fatal.
What is cycling?
"Cycling" is the process where bacterias break down ammonia(NH3) into nitrite(NO2), and from nitrite to nitrate(NO3). Ammonia and nitrite are both very toxic to fishes, and nitrate being the least toxic of the three. Therefore this process is the most important for any aquarium.
The nitrosomonas species of bacteria starts forming when ammonia is present. They form all around our fish tank, the driftwoods, the substrate, and especially inside our filter. Slowly, they will form into a colony large enough to efficiently breakdown ammonia into nitrite. When nitrite in the water has reached a certain level, the Nitrobacter species of bacteria starts forming. Slowly, they will breakdown the nitrite into nitrate. And finally, nitrate in the water can be removed via the most common and cost-effective method, water changes.
In a nutshell: Ammonia > Nitrite > Nitrate
Introduction of ammonia
These are the various ways of introducing ammonia:
- "Seeding". Transfer some gravel or filter sponge/wool/etc from an established fish tank into the new one.
- Fish wastes. Zebra danios are very hardy fishes that are commonly used for cycling.
- Market prawns. Yes, it will stink.
- Commercial products.
Personally, I feel that the "seeding" method would be the most reliable and yields the fastest results.
Fish method is slow, but adding more fishes does makes the process faster. Just that the fishes might not survive the intense ammonia poisoning. We don't want fishes to die in our new fish tank. It is also not recommended to use feeder fishes for this task, as they often carry diseases.
Prawn method is easy, throw them in and wait. But be prepared for the smell.
Commercial products are not the most reliable. Most of us would wonder how much shelf life do these products have. After all, we are talking about live organisms here. But there are indeed cases where hobbyists introduce fishes without cycling, relying on commercial products to do its work. It all boils down to how much risk you are willing to take. Personally, I have a bottle of Nutrafin Cycle, which I bought when I upgraded my filter.
The wait
So you've introduced ammonia, turned on your filter, and is waiting for your fish tank to cycle. I would recommend at least three days of cycling before introducing your fishes. Longer, if the fishes you plan to keep are sensitive. Or if you have not decided on what fishes to keep, now is a good time to research on that.
Find on how big will the fishes grow up to. Most fishes are so tiny when young, but can grow up to huge sizes. This is important, as having no space to swim will stunt their growth, their colors will not show, and they get sick easier. So get suitable fishes, unless you have plans to upgrade to a larger fish tank.
Find out if the fishes are to be kept in brackish water or fresh water. Do not mix the two types of fishes. Find out also their aggressiveness, feeding habits, behaviors, and anything else you need to know to keep your fishes healthy and happy.
Acclimatizing your new fishes
Finally, it's time for you to go out and buy your fishes. Get the pet shop people to help you select healthy ones. While at the shop, make sure you've already gotten everything you need. Things like food, aquarium salt(if keeping brackish water fishes), net, water pump, and a bottle of anti-chlorine-and-chloramine water conditioner.
Once you reached home, float the packet of your new babies in your tank water. This is to acclimatize your fishes to the new water temperature. Float for about 15 minutes, then open up the packet, and pour some of your tank water into it. This is to acclimatize your fishes to the new water parameters. Wait for another 15 minutes, or more, if your fishes are sensitive species. And finally, use a net to catch your fishes into your fish tank!
Observing your fishes
If your fish tank has decorative objects, most likely your new fishes will go into hiding. This is normal, and will last up to a few days. When they do show themselves, observe them. Take note of how their bodies look like, and how they behave, so you will know when something odd happens.
Feed very sparingly during this beginning stage. As the filtration and bacteria system is still new, do not want to pollute the water too much. I suggest feeding small amounts once a day starting from the second or third day. If your fishes refuse to eat, do not put in more food. Try feeding again the next day. This is normal and you do not need to worry, as the fishes most likely already eaten when in the pet shop, and they can survive for as long as a week without food.
Conclusion
Soon, your fishes will get used to their environment. They will start becoming more active. Their vibrant colors will start showing. And they may even recognize you whenever you come close to feed them. That is the reward of fish-keeping! But of course, you have to be a responsible owner. Performing the regular water changes, medicating them when they get sick, and feeding them quality food everyday. And I officially welcome you to the hobby!
About the author:
For more fishy articles by Leon Huang, visit your fish tank's friend
When I carried him home, he was this tiny little... Read More
If you are keeping tetras, chances are you are breeding... Read More
How many times have I hear fellow dog owners say,... Read More
I was talking to a friend of mine today and... Read More
You've picked out the perfect puppy. You spent hours on... Read More
Mistake #7 ? Assuming You Can Get On Any Horse... Read More
Dog food is very important for the health of dogs.... Read More
Allergies to dogs can strike anyone at any age, yet... Read More
Taurine, a water-soluble amino acid, has recently become the topic... Read More
If you are beginning to feel like an endangered species... Read More
This article discusses two foods in paticual. For the puppy... Read More
Many dog owners find themselves frustrated, deeply concerned and even... Read More
For most West Highland White Terrier owners, the dog is... Read More
Have a dog lover on your gift list? Want to... Read More
"Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil... Read More
All breeds and sizes of dogs can be taught easily... Read More
Sure, you may be a master of human First Aid.... Read More
The groups of fishes commonly referred to as Cichlids, comprise... Read More
You know what it's like. You see a cute curly... Read More
Vitamins for Pets - How Essential Are They?A vitamin supplement... Read More
You Must Be The Alpha DogFirst, let's take a look... Read More
Peeing on the carpet, knocking you down, or stealing dinner... Read More
What kind of materials should you use when constructing a... Read More
A family, including three dogs and a cat live happily... Read More
What you feed your dog is really SO important for... Read More
cleaning service near Mundelein ..The Story Continues... Following the first of many visits to... Read More
Are there so many great dog breeds out there that... Read More
When I carried him home, he was this tiny little... Read More
Are you ready for a Boxer?The answer is "no" if... Read More
This is an old saying that many of us have... Read More
As many of you know America is serious about our... Read More
Pets are people, too. At least, that's the way they... Read More
Weaning puppies is a perfectly natural process. Mamma dogs have... Read More
Many different skin problems can arise in the aquarium. thankfully,... Read More
The shutting and opening door trick can be taught to... Read More
Our Charlie's dog health was a very important issue to... Read More
By Jeffrey Rolocopyright 2004 AlphaHorseIn the dating world many men... Read More
Every day we are looking for ways to make our... Read More
We've recently moved into a new apartment complex that really... Read More
If your cat has recently decided not to use the... Read More
Reading a pet food label, how difficult can it be?... Read More
Is your dog one of those that pulls at his... Read More
No one knows your dog better than you, and as... Read More
Boy or Girl?How can you tell whether your Goldfish is... Read More
Natural preventative pet care isn't a new thing but it... Read More
Just say the word cancer and any of a host... Read More
Anyone can put two dogs together and let them breed,... Read More
This has been one of the most rewarding adventures I... Read More
Just because we moved out to the country a couple... Read More
If you have a hard time in summer imagine how... Read More
Pet |