What’s the most popular pet in America? Fresh water aquarium fish. As of 2022, there are more than 139 million of them nationwide.
Not only are they easy to care for, but studies have shown that they can also improve your wellbeing. More specifically, they can lower blood pressure and reduce stress.
That’s not all, they can improve your mood as well.
Are you thinking of starting a fish tank? Looking for an aquarium care guide? If so, you’re at the right place.
Keep reading for everything that you need to know about aquarium maintenance!
1. Perform Regular Water Changes
As a general rule, you want to change 10 to 25 percent of the water every one to two weeks. That’ll prevent toxins and chemicals from building up, which can harm your fish.
And make sure to use a water conditioner. Not only will it neutralize chlorine, but it’ll also remove any heavy metals that are in the water.
Don’t forget to vacuum the substrate as well. That’ll get rid of any debris (e.g. uneaten food, fish waste) that has built up since the last water change.
2. Don’t Overfeed Your Fish
Feed your fish only what they can eat within two to three minutes. Any more will likely not be eaten. In fact, it can have a negative effect on your aquarium.
For one thing, the food particles can clog up the filter; that’ll affect its ability to remove contaminants. That’s not all, the uneaten food will also release ammonia and nitrite as it breaks down, both of which can harm your fish.
In some cases, it can also lead to excessive algae growth, which can be difficult to deal with.
3. Never Move an Aquarium With Water In It
Aquariums are very fragile and should never be moved when filled with water. For one thing, the glass can easily crack under the weight of the water and substrate.
If you must move your fish tank, make sure to remove all of the water (or at least most of it) first. For example, you can transfer it to a few buckets. Make sure that the plastic is sturdy enough so that it won’t bend when filled.
As for the fish, they should be transported in a tub or cooler; that’ll help them maintain a proper temperature.
Don’t want to deal with all that? There’s always the option of hiring professional aquarium movers.
Preventing Fish Problems With Proper Aquarium Care
And there you have it—an aquarium care guide for beginners. As you can see, there are certain things that you want to do and avoid when it comes to fish keeping. Follow the proper steps, and you’ll have yourself a spectacular aquarium!
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