New Tanks - Aquarium Designs San Antonio
New Tanks/Aquarium Designs San Antonio
San Antonio has a great resource for information when considering installation of a new tank. Jeff & Pamela Sebern of Aquatic Interiors Unlimited, provide some "rules to live by" after installing your new aquatic masterpiece.
When starting a new aquarium it is important to be aware of the nitrogen cycle. Before purchasing fish, the aquarium must be cycled. This may take anywhere from one day to four weeks. In an established aquarium there are certain bacteria that help the breakdown of ammonia to nitrates, but they are not contained in a new tank since they're generated from existing fish. If there are no existing fish, then you can't find good bacteria.
The Nitrogen Cycle when choosing aquarium designs San Antonio
The basic principle of the nitrogen cycle is this. Fish consume food and generate waste. That waste in addition to excess food and plant debris become ammonia within the aquarium. Ammonia is toxic to fish and needs to be broken down. That’s why the nitrifying bacteria is important. This bacteria, turns the ammonia into nitrites which are more tolerable to fish than ammonia. Next, different nitrifying bacteria will turn the nitrites into nitrates, which are even less toxic for the fish as well as other aquarium life. The nitrates are collected and minimized by filters; nonetheless they will ultimately accumulate within the tank. Regular water changes are required to eliminate the nitrates in the water.
It is very important set up and run an aquarium before any fish are introduced into the environment. Wash the tank and any substrate and decorations thoroughly with water. Don’t use any soap. Fill the tank with de-chlorinated water and fasten filters and lighting. Permit the tank to cycle until the water is no longer cloudy and sufficient P.H and water temperatures have been established.
Now it's time to buy the fish! Buy hardy fish such as danios, barb, gouramis, and live bearers. They should be able to withstand the high nitrite levels and ammonia within the new aquarium. Only introduce about four fish at a time. Float the fish inside the bag in the aquarium for approximately fifteen minutes before adding them to the tank. This will aid the fish to become acclimated to the water temperature in their new home. When adding the fish, be careful not to allow the water from the bag into the aquarium. It could be contaminated, or will at least, throw off the temperature and P.H. Wait for two hours before feeding the fish to allow them to become acclimated.
Only feed an amount that may be consumed within the 1st two to five minutes. Overfeeding is a common problem when setting up an aquarium. It is important to not overfeed, because excess food will become debris adding to the ammonia levels. This is especially important in new aquariums that lack nitrifying bacteria. Test the water P.H. every day within the first month. Watch the tank for cloudiness; in the event the aquarium becomes cloudy, it may be necessary to add a clarifier. Monitor the fish for signs of stress or illness. A healthy fish will likely be swimming regularly. Lethargic fish will often hover close to the surface of the aquarium. After about a week change approximately 10 % of the water and begin aquarium maintenance.
