Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What maintenance is required for a fish tank?

A: A partial water change of 25 to 35% each fortnight with a gravel cleaner. Check the ph, ammonia and nitrite levels at this time. Depending on what type of filter you have, clean if necessary. Remove any algae with a scraper or magnetic cleaner.

Q: What water tests are most important if I set up a normal community aquarium?

A: It is recommended that the ph, ammonia, nitrite, general hardness and carbonate hardness be tested each fortnight and action taken if necessary. Some people check the nitrate as well even though it is not as important as it is in a marine (saltwater) aquarium . Phosphate can be tested if there is a problem with algae.

Q: Why does the algae grow so quickly in my tank?

A: Three things come to mind. First is too much light. Second is phosphate. Third is nitrate. Aquariums should not be too near windows etc where the light level is high. Normally 10 to 12 hours a day is ample with fluorescent tubes but is way too much if daylight is added to the mix. Phosphate is in the water supply, fish foods and fish waste and can be reduced by products such as phos zorb. Nitrate is a result of fish waste. Can be removed by products such as nitra zorb.

Q: How much time will I have to devote to my aquarium if I buy one?

A: It is recommended to do a 25% water change each fortnight or a 33% change every three weeks. It is not recommended to wait longer than this. Water changes reduce the build up of dissolved metabolic wastes that contaminate the water and increase the risk on the immune systems of the fish. This water change should be done with a gravel cleaner and for a 3 or 4 foot aquarium the time required to clean and do the water change would be approx 30 to 40 minutes. The front and sides of the aquarium may have to be wiped with a magnetic cleaner or such each week and feed the fish two or three times a day for tropicals . Once or twice a day for goldfish.

Q: Why does the ph of the water in my tank drop to acidic every two days or so?

A: The carbonate hardness £¦#118alue of the tank water is very low. Test the water and add carbonate hardness generator every day till the carbonate is at the desired level and test each week thereafter. Tanks after 4 months or so may start to have ph problems . A carbonate and general hardness kit is handy to have on hand.