A healthy fish tank means healthy and happy fish. The Pet Authority - Staging in Austin, MN has all the tools and the devices to keep that tank in great shape. Our team has the experience and expertise to answer your questions concerning aquarium maintenance and help you choose the right items to make the task a breeze.
Anyone can maintain a clean and healthy aquarium. It's not a challenging task, but it does call for regular focus and the right supplies. There are daily and weekly jobs in addition to the critical job of tank cleaning with partial water changes.
On a daily basis, after you feed your fish, remove uneaten food after about 5 minutes. Also, inspect your fish to ensure they are healthy and are acting normally. Lastly, it's important to check the water temperature. Every week, check the pH, nitrite, nitrate, and ammonia levels. If it's a saltwater tank, check the salinity. Also, check out equipment such as lights and filters to see that everything is working correctly.
How frequently should you clean the tank? How much of the water do you need to change? It depends on the size of the tank, the number of fish, and whether it's saltwater. Typically, you need to swap out 10-20% of the water every one to three weeks.
Follow these steps in your regular cleaning:
Prepare replacement water. If you use tap water, use a water filter to remove toxic substances. For saltwater, you'll need special reverse osmosis/deionized water.
Unplug electrical components & remove large accessories.
Siphon water into a container. Siphon along the gravel to remove the waste that accumulates there. If you properly regulate the flow with your thumb or a built-in regulator, waste will be sucked out and gravel will fall back into the tank.
Remove algae. Use an algae-cleaning device to help.
Clean your filter. For filters such as a sponge, ceramic rings, and fiber, wash them in the water you removed and quickly reinstall} them to avoid losing vital bacteria. Filters that contain carbon and other absorbers will need to be regularly replaced.
Add the replacement water.
Clean your tank's exterior with an appropriate cleaner and towel.
As you can see, the right devices and products are critical. Luckily, The Pet Authority - Staging in Austin, MN understands what's needed and is your one-stop-shop for all your tank maintenance needs. Call (507) 396-2770 or stop by our store today!
