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New
Tank Water Change Schedule
Congratulations
on Your New Fresh Water Aquarium
Having a fish aquarium is relaxing and a lot of fun, though in the beginning
must be watched and cared for more closely. It is difficult to be patient,
but in the beginning you need to go slow because the environment is very
sterile and not ready for a full load of fish.
After you have your
aquarium running for a few days you can start adding fish. Make sure the
temperature in the tropical aquarium is staying constant between 70 degrees
F- 80 degrees F. (Goldfish prefer room temperature 70 degrees and lower.)
The water needs to be clear and you need to add water conditioner.
- Adding Fish
Add just a few fish to your new system along with a "Cycle"
or "Bio-Spira" bacteria culture. (I.E. 10 gallon tank should
only have 4 small fish added.) Make sure and refrigerate the culture
after opening and add recommended dosage for your aquarium.) Keep in
mind fish that feed off of the top of the water are better "beginning"
fish. I.E. mollies, platys, swordtails, tiger barbs, opaline gouramies,
gold gouramies, moonlight gouramies, and 3-spot gouramies.
*****Keep in mind these fish may not be the ones you'll want to permanently,
want to keep, or will necessarily survive the new tank during the "cycling"
period.
- Week One
After the first week with fish in the aquarium do 1/3 of a water change
with a siphon (gravel vacuum). DO NOT CLEAN YOUR GRAVEL OR FILTER INSERTS!
You can rinse your sponge in dirty fish tank water. Remove any excess
fish food or waste you may see by skimming the top of the gravel with
your Siphon. After your tank cycles you can replace your charcoal insert
and do monthly water changes from now on.
When adding new water make sure the temperature is exactly the same
as what is in your aquarium, add water conditioner and a "cycle
or Bio-Spira" bacteria culture. At this time you can also add Prime
to help the fish endure the higher ammonia levels.
- Week Two
After the second week do the same as you did in step #2.
- Week Three
After the third week your ammonia level should be stabilized and you
don't need to do any water changes for another month though you need
to add your "Cycle" culture weekly until your Nitrite level
lowers. This can take up to 3 months.
- Remove Fish
When your nitrite drops and you see green algae you can remove the fish
you have (if you don't want them) and return them for partial credit
and add the fish you want!
*****Make sure and research the fish you are interested and make
sure you get your tank ready for them before you add them. Certain fish
need special water conditions and you are the one responsible for their
care and health. Adding fish from the same part of the world and using
pH water conditioner.
- Schedule Monthly
Water Changes
Regular monthly water changes should be done from now on. Add cycle
to the new water you add to the aquarium to help feed your living bacteria
to keep it strong.
You’ll find
everything you need in our on-line store or stop
into our Issaquah, Washington store.
Next, follow these
Ten Easy Steps to Successful Freshwater Aquarium
Installation to get your tank setup and ready for fish.
[Ten
Easy Steps to a Successful Aquarium Installation] [Getting
Started Checklist]
[Tips for Choosing Fresh Water Fish]
[Tips for Adding Fish to Your New Aquarium]
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