Maintaining water quality and the ideal aquarium temperature
Testing Water
In nature, waste products from decaying matter, fish waste and other animal waste are naturally filtered. The harmful ammonia and nitrites are removed by bacteria and plant life. The substrate at the bottom of a body of water will absorb harmful chemicals and decaying matter like a natural filter. The actual size of rivers and lakes will keep water healthy for animals. The larger a body of water, the less lethal any harmful chemicals will be to its inhabitants.In an aquarium, the natural filtration is replaced by equipment, which filters the water. The larger the aquarium you own, the easier it is to keep the water balanced and healthy. To ensure the ammonia and nitrite levels have not reached harmful levels, it’s important to test the water.
To understand how filtration occurs, one needs to understand the cycle. Fish waste and other decomposing material will produce ammonia. In high quantities, this chemical will kill animals in an aquarium.
A new system will not have nitrifying bacteria present. Ammonia levels and nitrite levels can reach deadly amounts. If this happens, partial water changes will bring levels down without destroying all of the nitrifying bacteria. This will last only about four to six weeks before the tank “cycles.”
Or, you can add Tetra® SafeStart® Solution to your new aquarium. Tetra® SafeStart® Solution accelerates the establishment of the bio-filter in newly set-up freshwater aquariums. The live bacteria start working immediately to provide a safe and healthy environment for your fish without the long wait. Tetra® SafeStart® Solution can also be used after a water change, when adding new fish or after medicating.
Elevated levels of ammonia and nitrite should not occur in a “cycled” tank. Causes of elevated levels in a mature system would indicate overstocking or over-feeding, and should be corrected immediately.
A new system will not have nitrifying bacteria present. Ammonia levels and nitrite levels can reach deadly amounts. If this happens, partial water changes will bring levels down without destroying all of the nitrifying bacteria. This will last only about four to six weeks before the tank “cycles.”
Or, you can add Tetra® SafeStart® Solution to your new aquarium. Tetra® SafeStart® Solution accelerates the establishment of the bio-filter in newly set-up freshwater aquariums. The live bacteria start working immediately to provide a safe and healthy environment for your fish without the long wait. Tetra® SafeStart® Solution can also be used after a water change, when adding new fish or after medicating.
Elevated levels of ammonia and nitrite should not occur in a “cycled” tank. Causes of elevated levels in a mature system would indicate overstocking or over-feeding, and should be corrected immediately.
Jump to Section
Nitrate | Nitrite | Total Hardness | Total Chlorine | Total Alkalinity | pH
Water Temperature
To make temperature reading easy, consider purchasing an adhesive temperature strip that can be applied to the outside of your aquarium glass. They are inexpensive and available at your local fish retailer.Monitor the sun – Too much sunlight can cause algae growth. If you are installing a new aquarium, place it away from a window. If your existing aquarium is near a window, use a shade to reduce the amount of ambient light.
Avoid heat — Never place an aquarium above or near a heat source or air conditioner. You want to keep the area’s temperature as stable as possible.
For all species of fish, there is a middle ground in which they are happiest, and they must be kept within that range for optimum health. Examples: Tropical fish – 72° - 80° F (optimal is 78° F), Common Goldfish – 65° - 68° F, Fancy Tail Goldfish – 65° - 72° F
Submersible heaters are the most popular. Some are adjustable and others are pre-set at 78° F for your convenience.
Be sure to purchase a heater that is properly rated wattage-wise for your tank.
Never remove a heater from the water if it is still turned on. Unplug it first, let it cool and then remove it.
