Aquarium Care

FRESH WATER TANKS

• Wipe inside glass with magnet cleaner, to remove algae when required (brown or green film).
• Carry out a 25-30% water change fortnightly by using a gravel cleaner to remove fish waste from the gravel.
• Add water treatments and bacterial product as directed, and then fill with water.Clean the filter every 2-4 weeks by following the manufactures instructions (clean foam in bucket of tank or neutralised water).
• Feed your fish daily with a good quality food (eg. Tetra or Wardly) to promote health and vitality.
• Do not over feed!
• Check ph and temperature weekly.

COMMON PROBLEMS

ALGAE- WITH LIVE PLANTS: Introduce more plants To compete with algae and a variety of algae Eating fish eg. Bristlenose catfish, suckers, rosy barbs or Siamese flying fox.

without live plants: use algae blocks, Algae clear liquid, reduction of light, regular cleaning.

Cloudy water- after filling new tank: use Aqua clear liquid.

clear water gone cloudy: carry out 30% water change, add cycle, reduce feeding, and ask if filter is adequate. • Plants dying- use correct Spectrum lighting (double tubes), fertilise with aquarium fertiliser eg. Florapride or plant food stock true aquatic plants. • Disease- prevention is better than cure, follow maintenance guide and seek advice from our professional Staff

Starting A New Acquarium

a) Choose a desired location for your aquarium (away from windows and doors.
b) Clean aquarium and gravel thoroughly with water only.
c) Add clean gravel to aquarium (approximately 3cm in depth) and position large ornaments / rocks and backing / background.
d) ¾ fill aquarium with water, position remaining ornaments, plants, the recommended heater and filter (leave turned off), and the ammonia sensor.
e) Top aquarium with water until it is 3cm from the top.
f) Add recommended water treatments to remove harmfull chemicals from the water (eg. Complete water conditioner, prime or chlorine neutraliser)
g) Add bacterial product (cycle, stress zyme or eco start) to start the nitrogen cycle.
h) Turn heater and filter on and adjust to recommended settings.
i) Test ph and adjust according to required levels for the species you have chosen.
j) Place glass lids, lights and hood into position and operate tank, fish free, for at least 48hrs.
k) After purchasing your fish (approximtely 10% of the max capacity) you will need to aclimatise them by floating the sealed bag in the aquarium for 10min. Double check the ph levels whilst fish are aclimatising and adjust if necessary.
l) Open fish bags and introduce some of the new aquarium water. Float for a further 10min.
m) By using your fish net, carefully introduce the fish into your aquarium (discard bags and bagged water).
n) Enjoy your fish !
o) For more information come and see our friendly staff or choose from our range of books.