The amount and type of care necessary will depend both on the water type, the size of the tank and the number of fish that it holds
The amount and type of care necessary will depend both on the water type, the size of the tank and the number of fish that it holds. As a general rule, after the initial set up, regular maintenance of the tank should be relatively straightforward. In fact, an tank that has been set up correctly should eventually reach a state of equilibrium that will require only a minimum level of work.
Water Quality: The Key To Fish Health
Regardless of the type of fish or style of tank, it is critical that you maintain the proper pH levels in the water. Consider your fish tank to be a swimming pool for your fish. Just as a swimming pool that does not have its water tested regularly will quickly turn into an algae-filled swamp, a fish tank that is not monitored for water quality will quickly become poisonous for your fish. You can quickly test the water quality yourself by purchasing a test kit from an aquarium supply store or pet store but the easiest method is to establish a relationship with the aquarium store and take a jar of water to them regularly for testing. The store will also be able to supply you with any chemicals or treatments that your fish require.
In addition to monitoring the pH level and water quality, you will need to make partial water changes as part of your fish tank care. To clean a fish tank it is not necessary to drain all the water, scrub out the tank and refill it with fresh water. All that is necessary is to siphon off around one quarter to one third of the water from the tank and replace this with fresh water from the tap. If you water is chlorinated you will need to add dechlorinating solution to the fresh water or leave the water sitting in a bucket for 24 hours or more before adding it to your aquarium.
Never clean the glass in your tank with soap. The residue is almost impossible to remove and it will almost certainly kill your fish. Partial water changes once every two to three weeks are all that are required once your tank has been properly established.
A sound filtration system and one that is bit enough for your aquarium size also plays an important role in keeping the aquarium clean. A filter that is too small will not circulate enough water and will not filter out enough impurities and your tank will become discolored with algae. Maintaining the oxygen level in the water is important to the health of the fish and an effective filter will also assist in maintaining the oxygen level by recirculating the water.
Following these steps in setting up and caring for your goldfish and they’ll reward you with years of pleasure as you enjoy your aquarium fish tank.