Fishkeeping is a fascinating and rewarding experience. Through the innovation of aquariums, people are given the opportunity to create the aquatic environment of the fish and thereafter oversee their healthy living. People keep fish for entertainment, education and for commercial purposes. All in all, it is the responsibility of the keeper to ensure that water is kept clean and fresh for the continued healthy survival of the fish. Setting up the aquarium is easy and cost-effective. In the freshwater tank, you are given a platform to keep a variety of fish based on your objectives and preferences. The possibility of creating a life and an ecosystem stimulates the desire to expand to bigger and fuller aquarium.
However, fishkeeping is not all rosy because it requires enhanced levels of maintenance and care. If done well, maintenance of the aquarium is easy, but inconsistency and carelessness could lead to numerous fatalities. Therefore a keeper must adhere to basic principles that guide the type of fish that you can keep, the modes of maintenance and the dynamics in feeding. Beginners have a hard time grasping the art of fishkeeping, but over time you can learn core competencies from the fish keeping guide that are crucial for the survival of fish.
The aquarium is the human-made habitant for fish in your home, and it is your responsibility to inspire a conducive and habitable environment. The essential maintenance tips are as follows;
Change water regularly
Water change is crucial in the maintenance of your aquarium. It is recommended that you should be able to change the water after every two weeks or less. This is usually done by ensuring that you vacuum the gravel. Such vacuuming will help you to get rid of the waste, residues and even uneaten food in the tank. Failure to change the water will result in an intoxicated environment for the fish. Also, it is advisable to avoid city water, which has chlorine, because it is likely to suffocate the fish.
Water testing
Water chemistry test is critical in ensuring that the PH levels are balanced appropriately. You must also check the carbonate hardness and nitrates. You ought to ensure the stability of the PH levels and the recommended level is between 6.5 and 7.5. In any case, you should be able to detect the presence of nitrites, and if you do, it is prescribed to test it for ammonia.
Maintain the water temperature
Changes in the temperature of the water in your aquarium will lead to fatalities. Exposing the aquarium will result in drastic changes in terms of temperature. Tropical fish require a temperature of between 73°F and 82°F.