The Nitrification Cycle

The actual toxicity levels and the number of days required for the completion of the cycle depends upon the aquarium size, the species of animals, size, number of fish therein, the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water, and the quality/efficiency of the biological filtration. The cycle does not begin until fish are added into… Read more »

Water Quality and Aquarium Maintenance

Improper water quality and inadequate aquarium maintenance are the primary causes of fish disease and fish death. The purpose of this handout is to briefly discuss the various water quality parameters, which need to be understood and monitored to ensure a healthy aquarium environment. We then will discuss aquarium maintenance as this directly impacts your… Read more »

Why Ultraviolet (UV) Protection?

Aquarium ultraviolet (UV) water sterilizers for fresh and saltwater aquariums have never quite caught on in the same way as their pond equivalents, perhaps because they are not used for the same reason – although they should be! The result of a pond’s UV unit destroying singlecelled algae is almost a happy accident, as they… Read more »

Aquarium Maintenance Checklist

Aquarium Maintenance Checklist: Daily § Visual Inspection of Aquarium EquipmentSpend a few minutes each day verifying that your pumps are working properly, that your heater and chiller are fully functional and that your other equipment—calcium reactor, protein skimmer, Ultraviolet Sterilizer, media reactors, Ozonizer—are operating as intended. Perhaps you’re already checking on your lights but it’s… Read more »

Medications and Treatments

Disease Terminology and Treatment Drugs   When it comes to curing a fish, there are only two methods available to us, either Chemotherapy or Environmental, both of which have their place, but never within our tanks.  All treatments must be performed outside of the main tank within a Quarantine Tank. As long as there are hobbyist who… Read more »

Filter Media Tips

Disposable filter cartridges should be replaced monthly. Filters recirculate the same water over and over. Regardless of where particulates collect: the aquarium bottom or the filter, they will be broken down to produce ammonia. Monthly replacement will remove the particulate from the aquarium and keep flow rate from slowing down due to clogging. • Reusable… Read more »

Importance of Water Changes

Regular, periodic, partial water changes are mandatory to maintain proper water quality and the only means by which nitrates can be maintained at acceptable levels. The gravel should be simultaneously vacuumed to remove trapped debris and uneaten food. Frequency will depend upon aquarium size, the species, size and number of fish, feeding habits and filtration quality.

Gravel Vacuuming & Partial Water Changes

Regular, periodic, partial water changes are mandatory to maintain proper water quality and the only means by which nitrates can be maintained at acceptable levels. The gravel should be simultaneously vacuumed to remove trapped debris and uneaten food. Frequency will depend upon aquarium size, the species, size and number of fish, feeding habits and filtration… Read more »

15 Stresses In The Aquarium And Pond

Stress is a condition in which an animal is unable to maintain a normal physiologic state because of various factors adversely affecting its well-being. It is caused by placing a fish in a situation which is beyond its normal level of tolerance. Any aquarium condition that is not good for the inhabitants may cause excess… Read more »