| 1. |
Always use a gravel cleaner when doing partial water changes in your aquarium. |
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| 2. |
Disease or death in your aquarium?
Water test first to check whether it is a water quality problem (which it often is). This will need to be rectified first or any treatment will be ineffective. |
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| 3. |
With all external and internal biological filter media, ie sponges from internal filters, wash out with water from the aquarium or pond. DO NOT use tap water. When replacing filter sponges or other media, change half at a time to conserve beneficial bacteria. |
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| 4. |
If your aquarium seems to get dirty quickly, rememberthat the amount of debris in there is relative to what you put in, ie excess feed in most cases. |
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| 5. |
Algae eaters not keeping the algae down?
Try feeding less – most people’s tendency is to overfeed. |
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| 6. |
When mixing treatments, do not add more or less than is specified – follow instructions on the packets and calculate gallonage accurately. |
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| 7. |
Vary food – fresh foods are excellent conditioning and treat foods. |
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| 8. |
When feeding coldwater fancies, eg Orandas, avoid flake foods. Instead use pelleted or stick foods, which seem to cause fewer problems with the swim bladder. If problems do occur, try feeding some fresh or frozen foods – if the problem is due to constipation this can alleviate it. |
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| 9. |
New filters - the beneficial bacteria your filter needs to make the fish’s waste products safe takes several weeks to multiply to the levels needed. Build up fish stock gradually and test water daily. |
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| 10. |
Plants not doing well?
In most cases insufficient light is to blame. 3 light bulbs are required for an 18” deep aquarium for many plants. Choose carefully and don’t forget food. |
