Pet Shop Haven

For every decision we make about owning a pet, whether it be a fluffy cat or a lazy hamster, we should always make sure that their intended habitats are going to be safe for them. On the account of fish keeping, the nitrogen cycle is the most important matter to be reviewed. Inside an aquarium, there is the poisonous substance ammonia. The bacteria that happens to breakdown this substance is produced by already thriving fishes. So for new aquariums, the thing to be answered to would be how to lower the ammonia levels even without the presence of any living fish.

Nitrogen Cycle in Aquarium

The nitrogen cycle of aquariums are so-called cycle because they never end. It takes place as long as you continue to pursue your aquatic pet keeping. The concept of it is very easy to understand. First, when fishes eat, they would excrete waste. This waste produce, along with all other collected debris from the water environment, become ammonia. But, the fishes also produce nitrifying bacteria that takes care of this. The bacteria breaks down ammonia into nitrite, which is a less concentrated toxin. And then from nitrite, the bacteria will then convert to nitrate. Nitrate, which is basically harmless, is then cleaned off by filters.

It is important to prepare the aquarium accordingly before introducing in to your pets. Run continuous water so any chemical content attached to the materials of the tank will be washed off. Also, be sure to scrub all added accessories like plastic seaweeds and pebbles before adding them in. Use pure water only, strictly no soap, as the ingredients might be harmful for the fishes' health. Once you are already setting the tank up for use, pay attention to the details. Are the water PH level and temperature balanced and settled? These are the ones you should monitor for at least a month after you start accommodating fish.

Survival Rates of Fish

When buying fish for the very first time, go for the types that are sure to have high survival rates. Some of them are gouramis, live bearers, danios and barbs. They are proven to endure ammonia and high nitrite levels, very perfect for your new aquarium. Additionally, stop your self from getting too carried away, start out with four or five fish at most. Before transferring them into your aquarium, float their bags first for ten to fifteen minutes. This way, your fishes will get adapted to the temperature of your aquarium. Also, when you are already moving in your fishes, try not to spill water from their bags into the aquarium as it may prose contamination or chemical imbalance.

Feeding Your Fishes

And now that your aquarium is complete, the very last things you must attend to are observation and maintenance. Feed you fishes only with the amount that they can surely finish. Overfeeding leads to more unfinished food waste, and by extension, to heightening of the ammonia levels. In addition, keep monitoring your aquariums measurements in terms of the PH level and temperature. Change water and clean on a regular basis. And finally, keep a good watch over your fishes to know whether they are healthy or sick.

Similar Posts

• No Related Post