Fish Tank Water Care Is Important for Fish Health
A
fish living in an unsuitable environment--contaminated
with toxins, for example, or kept at too low a temperature--is
no better off than a fish out of water. In order
for your pets to survive and thrive, the water in
the aquarium must be in good condition--free of
toxins, rich in oxygen, and maintained at the temperature
and pH level appropriate for their species. With
careful monitoring and regular water changes, you'll
ensure a healthy home for your pet. The use of a
tap water conditioner is strongly recommended when
setting up a new tank, replacing water after a water
change. Water conditioners instantly remove chlorine
and chloramine, and neutralizes heavy metals.
Do
you know what your pH is? This is a measurement
of the degree of acidity or alkalinity in the water.
Most fish are happiest in water that has a near
neutral pH level of around 7, though some require
water that's more or less acidic or alkaline. A
too-high pH can enhance the formulation of toxins,
while a too-low pH can affect your fishes' gills.
When you buy fish, always ask someone at the aquarium
store about the appropriate pH level for them. They'll
tell you how to adjust the water, if necessary.
It is recommended that you test the pH in your tank
once a week; kits are available at pet supply stores.
Cloudy Fish Tank Water May Have Too Much Ammonia
You'll
also need to control the level of ammonia, which
is produced when uneaten food and fish waste begin
to decompose. You can combat this highly toxic pollutant
with an efficient filtration system and by changing
10 to 25 percent of the water in the tank every
two weeks; please see our topic "Cleaning the
Tank" for more on this important aspect of
fishkeeping. Water changes also help control the
levels of other toxic compounds, such as nitrites
and nitrates. It is recommended that you test ammonia
levels weekly. It is especially important to check
the nitrite levels whenever new fish are added.
Test kits can be found at pet supply stores.
Is
there adequate oxygen in the tank? Fish, as do all
animals, require oxygen to survive. Most of the
oxygen in aquariums is found at the surface of the
water. You can use a test kit to ensure the oxygen
levels are between 5 and 7 ppm. If the tank has
poor water circulation, an air pump and aerator
can be used to increase oxygenation of the water.
In
order for your fish to thrive, the temperature in
the tank must be appropriate for their species--and
remain that way. A too-high temperature, for example,
can reduce oxygen levels. If you are keeping tropical
fish, find out their preferred temperature and use
a high-quality heater to maintain it. Temperature
is easily monitored with a good thermometer.
One
final word about water quality for first-time fishkeepers.
It is crucial that you ensure an environment that's
free of toxins before adding fish to the tank. Getting
your system up and running for a week or two will
allow the water to properly "ripen." Be
sure to carefully monitor the nitrite levels every
day for two weeks after adding your fish, and again
every week until the tank has stabilized and its
inhabitants have settled in.
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