Are you having algae problems in your fish tank?
Well some of the most common reason people have algae problems are simple things to fix. Here is a list of reasons why you could be having algae problems
The most common issue resulting in algae growth is a direct result of your fish tank placement. Never have your tank sitting in direct sunlight.
The norm for light length should be around 10-12 hours a day. For plants there are many other factors to take in to consideration.
Many new fishkeepers shy away from the subject of water quality and water testing. Terms such as ppm, ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, hardness, pH, GH, KH, dGH, and the fact that all of these are interconnected seems like a whole laboratory and a degree in chemistry may be required. The subject of water quality and testing can be as simple or as complex as desired. For most aquariums, water quality and water testing is far simpler to understand and carry out than it first seems.
Tank
· Goldfish should NEVER be kept in a goldfish bowl or small containers
· They get their oxygen from the surface so you will need a tank with a large surface area. For every inch of fish length you should have 30 square inches of surface area but remember the fish will grow, so this should be taken into account
Water
· Usually it is fine to use tap water, check with your pet shop to make sure this is the case in your area
Once you own an aquarium the tank maintenance will be one of your most important responsibilities. It is certainly not as much fun as you get from decorating the tank or selecting your fish, but without proper fish tank maintenance, you will be endangering the lives of your fish.
Just as there are different types of fish, there are different types of aquariums. The purpose for which a tank is being setup can affect the system as much as will the types of fish being included. Some of the following setups are unlikely to be first tanks, but all of them could be.
Any division of aquarium types is going to be arbitrary to the extent that many people want to have tanks that serve several functions. The following list of fish tank types is meant to present the various options and functions as independently as possible. The list can be mixed and matched.
Filter maintenance
The filter in your aquarium will require regular maintenance to keep it running effectively and to prevent any breakdowns. A well maintained filter will last years longer than a poorly maintained one. There are two main parts of the filter that need to be regularly checked; the media and the impellor.
How often does filter media need maintenance?
As with humans, or any other animal, a poor diet can equate to general ill health and greater susceptibility to pathogens. Some of the more commonly observed problems with poorly fed saltwater fish include lateral line and fin erosion, weight loss, colour infidelity, listlessness and disease outbreaks.
The food that enters the aquarium is the main source of waste and toxic pollutants such as ammonia and nitrites in the aquarium. If the quantity of food is increased then so does the level of pollutants. Overfeeding is the main cause of new tank syndrome and bad water quality in most aquariums. For this reason it is vital that the fish are not overfed, particularly in a new aquarium without a mature filter. The correct amount of food to feed your fish varies with each aquarium so there is no set rule for feeding.
Why your fish need both quality foods and supplements on a regular basis
No single food can provide all of the nutrients your fish need - protein, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals - in the forms each species prefer. Thus, the key to good feeding is variety. Use of a staple diet, a supplemental diet, and vitamin and nutritional supplements as needed will ensure your fish receives all the nutrients necessary for good health. Also, because fish enjoy a spectrum of tastes and textures, variety enhances the quality of their lives.
Just when you think you have everything under control with your tanks, something is bound to go wrong. A mystery illness, occasional losses, lethargic fish, dull colours or slow growth are all signs that something is missing and your fish are not in as good a shape as they could be. Providing your fish with correct water conditions, regular feeding, and a suitably sized home are essential conditions for survival, but to get your fish to really thrive, you have to go the extra mile.
Environmental enrichment