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
Got a mischevious mutt on your hands? Then you may... Read More
Continued from part two.Epilepsy/seizure disorderWhen your Boxer is between 2... Read More
Congratulations on your choice to bring home a West Highland... Read More
Training one dog can be hard enough, but two, now... Read More
Clone a Cat, Go To Jail ...or at least... Read More
You might think the most important bit of dog health... Read More
Cats are becoming increasingly popular as pets these days, and... Read More
Hi,I'm Janet CombsMy mother bred and raised Bichon Frises for... Read More
When it comes to the art of giving, a gift... Read More
For a cat, scratching is a natural, necessary act. Besides... Read More
Scottish Terriers are short-legged dogs, at a height of ten... Read More
Is your dog or cat tormented by ear infections? Do... Read More
Canine mastitis is a breast infection in brood bitches, usually... Read More
If the "tweet, tweet" of little beaks is in your... Read More
Losing your cat is a worrying experience, use these 'How... Read More
Dog training is not rocket science and is not as... Read More
It was November and I had spent 3 months searching... Read More
Did you know that dog toys are actually good for... Read More
Before we talk about using the essential oils, we first... Read More
You've made up your mind, it's the American Pit Bull... Read More
Talk to the animals?Yes.And what's more, they talk to us!If... Read More
Who let the dogs out?Remember this song which gave birth... Read More
Dogs have been known as man's best friend for decades.... Read More
Hamster breeding can sometimes be confusing for a hamster owner.... Read More
They may seem to be bold explorers - sniffing at... Read More
O'Hare Chicago prom limo ..Some people say they are exclusively "cat people," meaning they... Read More
Are you thinking about getting some discus then and want... Read More
Selling a HorseThe best new tool for people selling horses... Read More
Author of Keep Fleas OffStill using all the chemicals you... Read More
Dog Shock CollarsDog shock collars are a touchy subject among... Read More
As much as you may love your cute, new puppy,... Read More
Unfortunately, there are a number of household items which we... Read More
Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics, because the disease... Read More
Natural preventative pet care isn't a new thing but it... Read More
Many of us dream of having a beautiful, exotic bird... Read More
I have encountered folks who have complained to me about... Read More
Taurine, a water-soluble amino acid, has recently become the topic... Read More
A dog crate is a necessity for your dog, through... Read More
This is general information on Discus, a member of the... Read More
Most pet owners have become very educated about their pet... Read More
Your dog seems to be driving you up the wall... Read More
If you are lucky enough to get a 7-week-old puppy,... Read More
Lonely, bored, tired of eating that same old stick, then... Read More
Almost every dog owner will have to use some sort... Read More
Many parents know that the best way for children to... Read More
Of course, we humans use shoes to protect our feet.... Read More
Cats are known for their curious and adventurous nature. Curiosity... Read More
It is always sad when a beloved animal family member... Read More
Whether you intend to show your Westie, or keep him... Read More
One we must regrettably share with our children for they... Read More
Pet |