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Natural ways to control algae growth in a fish tank is to regularly clean the live rock, gravel, and plants.

admin    January 31, 2019   CATEGORY: Aquarium Maintenance

Keep It at Bay: 11 Ways to Control Algae Growth

Algae is a natural part of the underwater ecosystem. For that reason, some algae growth is beneficial for a fish tank. However, too much algae can create a harmful and unnatural environment for your wildlife. Aquarium owners must take steps to balance and control algae growth, and most of them are relatively easy to do.

1. Don’t overfeed fish.

Overfeeding fish leads to more waste. That creates a generally unhealthy environment in the tank due to the fact that the natural and manmade filtration processes won’t be able to keep up. Such an environment can also make the fish very sick, and plants can suffocate.

2. Include artificial or natural plants in your aquarium, as well as rocks and gravel.

All of these serve as natural filters and control algae growth. They also provide entertainment and shelter for the livestock.

3. Make bottom feeders your favorite.

This is one of the best ways to reduce algae in the fish tank, and also the most fascinating. There are many types of bottom feeders that feed on algae in the tank, acting as another natural filter. Many, such as cherry shrimp and catfish, are very beautiful and entertaining to watch as well. And speaking of filters …

4. Use only reverse osmosis deionized water water in your aquarium.

Other types of water could contain high phosphate and nitrate levels, which could create an environment conducive to algae growth. RODI water, which is 100 percent pure H2O, is also healthier for the livestock overall.

5. Check your filters regularly.

If the amount of algae in your fish tank is out of hand, it’s possible the filters aren’t working as they should. Filters that aren’t functioning properly could also be dangerous to the livestock.

Ways to control algae growth in a fish tank include not overfeeding fish, as well as using proper aquarium filtration systems.

6. Regularly clean plants, rocks, and gravel.

In order for your plants, rocks, and gravel to do their job, you need to give them a hand. Regularly vacuum the gravel. Clean the rocks and plants by removing them from the tank and setting them outside in the sun for a few days. The sun will dry the algae that has collected, and you can then simply rinse them with RODI water before replacing them into the tank. Make sure you have a second set of rocks and plants that you can place in the aquarium while your main set is sunbathing.

7. Change the water regularly and properly.

Do not change all of the water. A small amount of waste is necessary to create an environment that mimics nature, and changing only some of the water ensures that the ideal temperature is maintained. Only change 15-20% of it every two weeks for both reef and freshwater planted tanks, and 20-25% of the water once a month for both fresh and saltwater swim/fish only tanks.

8. Know what types of algae are overpowering your fish tank.

Different types of algae might need different treatments. Ask our aquarium maintenance technician to help you identify the types of algae that are in your fish tank and how to minimize them.

9. Try algae control solutions.

There are many natural ways to control algae growth in fish tanks, but sometimes the ecosystem needs a boost. Brands we prefer for products that reduce algae and clean the tank in general include Brightwell Aquatics and Marineland.

10. Do not place your fish tank in direct sunlight.

Algae make their own food, or energy, from the sun.

11. Use proper lighting.

While most types of fish tanks do need artificial light, minimize the amount of time the light is on. Consider using a light with an automatic timer and dimmer.

Contact Seatech Aquariums for fish tank maintenance or additional tips on how to control algae growth in an aquarium.

TAGS: Algae Growth, Aquarium Maintenance, Control Algae, Fish Health, Fish Tank Algae, Fish Tank Maintenance,

Some interesting killifish facts include the fact that there are more than 1,000 species of killifish, as well as the fact that annual killifish only live for up to 9 months.

admin    January 29, 2019   CATEGORY: Fish Facts

Freshwater Life: Killifish Facts

Despite its deceptive name, the killifish is one of the most peaceful freshwater fish. In addition to its calm demeanor, the killifish also is less fussy than some other aquarium fish. As if that’s not enough to make it popular among hobbyists, it also adds brilliant color to a fish tank. The main problem with them is that they probably won’t live as long as some other fish. If you’re considering obtaining one for your home aquarium, following are some basic killifish facts that will help you.

12 Killifish Facts You Should Know

1. Although they’re very peaceful, like many other fish, they can be competitive with other fish of the same gender and breed during mating season.

2. There are more than 1,000 species of killifish.

Killifish are peaceful, beautiful, and easy to maintain in a freshwater aquarium. One of the killifish facts you should know, however, is that they have a short lifespan, no matter how well you maintain your fish tank.3. Annual classes of killifish live up to only 9 months. Semi-annuals can live up to three years, and non-annuals can live up to five years.

4. The largest is about six inches, while the average size is about 3 inches.

5. You should feed them live fruit flies, brine shrimp, mosquito larva, and worms. They can be fed frozen foods as well.

6. The male killifish has an interesting social life. He usually lives with several female fish. He has to chase them to spawn, but the females find places to hide.

7. Male fish are brighter than female fish – in appearance, that is. It’s not clear which sex is smarter, but we’re betting on the female based on point number 6.

8. They have one of the most peculiar mating habits of any fish. Some lay fish with hard shells inside the mud of swamps and other shallow bodies of water, but only at about two inches underground. Once the pond dries up, the eggs hatch after it rains. The parents, however, will usually have already died, so they won’t meet their babies.

9. Because they prefer cooler temperatures, hobbyists are more likely to have success with them if they are placed in their own tank. The temperature of the tank for killifish should be about 68 degrees, while the ideal temperature ranges from about 74 to 80 degrees for other types of freshwater fish. However, killifish tend to have a short lifespan regardless of how well you take care of them.

10. The largest family of killifish is Rivulidae, which consists of more than 300 species. Other families include Aplocheilidae, Cyprinodontidae, Fundulidae, Profundulidae, and Valenciidae.

11. They can help control algae growth in a fish tank.

12. They live everywhere in the world except Australia, northern Europe, and Australia.

Contact Us for More Information

The above are only some of the killifish facts you would need to know if you’re interested in owning one or more. Contact us for more information about how to create and maintain the best environment for them.

Contact Seatech Aquariums for fish tank maintenance in the greater Phoenix area.

 

TAGS: Fish Facts, Freshwater Aquarium, Killifish Facts,