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Aquariums Resources	A "" Fact Sheet Aquarium Care Guide- New Tanks When starting a new aquarium it is important to understand the nitrogen cycle. Many new aquarium owners jump into the hobby of fish keeping too quickly. Before purchasing fish, the aquarium must be cycled. This could take anywhere from twenty four hours to four weeks. In an established aquarium there are certain bacteria that help the breakdown of ammonia to nitrates, but they are not present in a new tank because they are generated from existing fish. If there are no existing fish, then there are no good bacteria. The basic principle of the nitrogen cycle is this. Fish eat food and generate waste. That waste along with excess food and plant debris become ammonia in the aquarium. Ammonia is toxic to fish and needs to be broken down. That's why the nitrifying bacteria is important. This bacteria, turns the ammonia into nitrites which are more tolerable to fish than ammonia. Next, different nitrifying bacteria will turn the nitrites into nitrates, which are even less toxic to the fish and other aquarium life. The nitrates are collected and minimized by filters; however they will eventually accumulate in the tank. Regular water changes are required to remove the nitrates from the water. It is important to set up and run an aquarium before any fish are introduced into the environment. Wash the tank and any substrate and decorations thoroughly with water. Don't use any soap. Fill the tank with de-chlorinated water and attach filters and lighting. Allow the tank to cycle until the water is no longer cloudy and sufficient P.H and water temperatures have been established. Now it is time to purchase the fish! Buy hardy fish such as danios, barb, gouramis, and live bearers. They should be able to withstand the high nitrite levels and ammonia in the new aquarium. Only introduce about four fish at a time. Float the fish in the bag in the aquarium for about fifteen minutes before adding them to the tank. This will help the fish become acclimated to the water temperature in their new home. When adding the fish, be careful not to allow the water from the bag into the aquarium. It may be contaminated, or will at the very least, throw off the temperature and P.H. Allow the fish about two hours to become acclimated before feeding. Only feed an amount that can be consumed in the first two to five minutes. Overfeeding is a common problem in an aquarium. It is important not to overfeed, because excess food will become debris adding to the ammonia levels. This is especially important in new aquariums that lack nitrifying bacteria. Test the water P.H. every day within the first month. Watch the tank for cloudiness; if the aquarium becomes cloudy, it may be necessary to add a clarifier. Monitor the fish for signs of stress or illness. A healthy fish will be swimming regularly. Lethargic fish will usually hover near the surface of the aquarium. After about a week change approximately ten percent of the water and begin regular maintenance.			Aquariums Articles Site Map Saltwater Aquarium Care Tips Coldwater Aquarium Care Aquarium Care Coral Reef Care Tanks Aquarium Caring For Aquarium Plants Care For A Coral Aquarium Marine Aquarium Care Aquarium Care Fish Freshwater Guppy Care Freshwater Aquarium Aquarium Care Saltwater Aquarium Fish Care Care For Aquarium Live Plants Sand Shark Aquarium Care
Simply Join Our Free Mailing List To Receive Your Free Aquariums EBook We respect your privacy & never send spam! Related Products More Aquariums Articles Coral Reef Care Tanks Aquarium ... and the fish seem to be adjusting well, then it is okay to introduce some new marine life. A mandarin fish or a dwarf angel fish might round out the collection nicely, and they are fairly compatible clown fish. Whenever adding new fish, choose the species carefully for compatibility. The fish should be ... Read Full Article How To Care For Aquarium Catfish ... what your schedule is now and what other types of fish inhabit the tank. With the number of species of Armored catfish, you will be sure to have a colorful and amusing aquarium with the addition of these comical fish. As with all fish, be sure to keep the aquarium clean and healthy so as to ensure the ... Read Full Article Aquarium Plant Care ... and will add a pleasing effect to the design and decoration of the aquarium. Once your plants are established and growing well, add the fish of your choice and enjoy a beautiful tank. While keeping live plants in the tank, it is important to care for them as you would any other plant. Always remove decaying ... Read Full Article Care For A Coral Aquarium ... Remember not to leave the light on for more than 10 to 12 hours a day as it may promote algae growth. After adding some snails or crabs, wait another 2 weeks before proceeding. Now at week 6, you will add your first pieces of coral. There are many types of coral used in saltwater coral aquariums. Some ... <A class="APCAnchor" HREF="http://affiliates.allposters.com/link/redirect.asp?AID=F1036477669&PSTID=4&LTID=16&lang=1">Buy Posters at AllPosters.com </A> Read Full Article Care For Aquarium Live Plants ... of aquatic plant is known as cuttings. These plants may be transplanted from other thriving plants, without have to root them. Cuttings should be planted individually. They will grow vertically and sprout shoots at the joints of the leaves. When these shoots grow to be a couple of inches, it is time to ... Read Full Article ~~~ This Aquariums Information ~~~ Brought To You By datatrek.com For Other Articles of Interest On Aquariums Please Be Sure To VisitSite Map Contact Us [ Privacy ] [ Anti-Spam ] [ Disclaimer ] [ Copyright ] Copyright © 2007 LadyWeb All Rights Reserved