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Five Ways to Maintain a Clean and Healthy Aquarium

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Having an aquarium at home isn't always easy, but if you carry on, it's you'll soon become a pro. But because you probably don't want to murder tanks of fish as you learn the ropes, it's smart it to get a few essentials down.

The following are five things you can do to make your fish happy and healthy, and your aquarium a true stunner:

1. Cycle the tank and then add the fish.

Cycling is when healthy microorganisms grow inside the tank, breaking down waste and making the water fish-friendly. Experts recommend you let the tank cycle for at least a week. To learn more about Aquarium,view here! In other words, don't buy your fish tank and put your fish inside on the same day! In short, don't purchase a fish tank and add fish in it on the same day.

2. Test and keep track of water parameters.

Lifecycles in a fish tank naturally lead to the production of chemicals such as ammonia and nitrates/nitrites. These compounds are usually fine, but when levels are left unchecked, they can be harmful to the fish. You can buy a cheap water testing kit and keep track of the levels of these chemicals, as well of the water's pH.

3. Change the water from time to time.

Constant water changes are the secret. You have to drain out around one-third of the water from your tank each week and add fresh, clean water. To get more info, visit Saltwater Aquarium Rock. This spreads the chemicals thin in the water, making it a healthier environment for your fish. With the waste buildup, the water can be contaminated until it becomes hazardous to the fish. You also need to learn to vacuum the gravel in your tank, to eliminate the debris that has built up on the bottom.

4. Don't overdo the feeding.

Believe it or not, just one feeding every single day is already enough for fish. Too much food is not only unhealthy for the fish, but it also dirties the tank and causes spikes in the previously mentioned chemicals. In addition, it can help the growth of algae and cause an outbreak of pest snails, among many other potential problems.

5. Manage the lighting.

Yes, there must be lights in your tank but mainly for you to see the fish. Remember, too much light promotes algae growth. Besides, you only need to keep your tank light on for 12 hours everyday, or even quicker. Natural daylight is sufficient for fish, unless you have real plants in your tank, in which case you will need a full 12 hours of overhead lighting everyday. Don't worry, live plants will consume most of the nutrients that algae needs to survive, so they themselves will help control algae levels. Learn more from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquarium.