Aquarium Maintenance Archives - Page 4 of 13

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.

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.

So you’ve had your aquarium for years, and you definitely wouldn’t want your home or place of business to be without one. But it’s clearly not the same as it used to be. There was a time when your eyes would sparkle just looking at your spectacular aquarium. Now, you have to squint your eyes just to be able to make out what’s inside. You’ve probably learned to live with it, but we’re here to tell you there’s hope. … Simply put, your aquarium needs a redesign. It can and will be restored to its former glory.

Identifying When Your Aquarium Needs a Redesign

1. The glass or acrylic tank itself is looking pretty shabby.

If it’s truly in poor condition, you might need the entire fish tank replaced. But if we’re talking only a few minor scratches, one of our aquarium technicians can fix that right up.

2. The live plants have staked their claim.

Once those plants overwhelm the fish tank, it’s time for them to be pruned or removed. Overgrown plants can suffocate your livestock by sapping all the oxygen out of your fish tank. When your live plants are overgrown, they’re also more likely to have a significant amount of algae, making it more difficult for you and your filters to maintain the optimal water quality in the tank. And, quite simply, overgrown plants will make it harder for you to see and enjoy the wildlife.

3. It’s become harder and harder to maintain optimal water quality.

If you have owned your fish tank awhile, there’s a good chance that the filters that you bought years ago aren’t functioning like they used to and that the algae levels are out of control. Unless an aquarium technician regularly maintains your fish tank, keeping it clean all the time can be a massive undertaking. As a result, algae and debris will accumulate. An aquarium redesign will address all those maintenance issues to help you start from scratch.

4. There’s an overcrowding situation going on.

When you first bought your fish, they were probably little and cute, so you filled your fish tank with all kinds of wildlife, plants, rock, and decor, with room to spare. As the fish got bigger, you soon found that there wasn’t so much room left anymore. If your fish are bumping heads, literally and metaphorically, your aquarium needs a redesign.

5. The rock and gravel are beyond saving.

If the rock and gravel are no longer in decent shape, or if they have become completely overtaken by algae and debris, they’ll probably need to be replaced. New rock and new gravel can give your tank a fresh new look, so it will inspire you to redesign your aquarium altogether.

6. You’re simply bored with the same old look.

Sometimes it’s as easy as that. You’re just tired of looking at the same old, same old aquarium day after day. A simple redesign can make you love your fish tank again.

Let Us Give Your Aquarium a Fresh New Look

If you’ve decided that your aquarium needs a redesign, we’re here to help. We can give you suggestions and install and maintain your aquarium in your home or business anywhere in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. Contact us today, and we’ll help you make that aquarium look better than ever.

Tag Archives: Aquarium Maintenance

Keep It at Bay: 11 Ways to Control Algae Growth