A healthy fish tank means healthy and happy fish. Berger's Agway in Sciota, PA has all the tools and the devices to keep that tank in great shape. Our staff has the experience and knowledge to answer your questions concerning aquarium maintenance and help you choose the best products to make the task a breeze.
Anybody can maintain a tidy and healthy aquarium. It's not a hard task, but it does require regular focus and the best products. There are daily and weekly jobs in addition to the essential job of tank cleaning with partial water changes.
Each day, after you feed your fish, remove uneaten food after about 5 minutes. Also, inspect your fish to ensure they are healthy and are behaving normally. Lastly, it's important to check the water temperature. Every week, check the pH, nitrite, nitrate, and ammonia levels. If it's a saltwater tank, check the salinity. Also, consider equipment such as lights and filters to see that everything is working properly.
How frequently should you clean the tank? How much of the water do you need to replace? It depends on the size of the tank, the variety of fish, and whether it's saltwater. Usually, you need to swap out 10-20% of the water every one to three weeks.
Follow these steps in your regular cleaning:
Prepare replacement water. If you use tap water, use a water filter to get rid of toxins. For saltwater, you'll need special reverse osmosis/deionized water.
Unplug electrical components & remove large accessories.
Siphon water into a container. Siphon along the gravel to remove the waste that builds up there. If you correctly control the circulation with your thumb or a built-in regulator, waste will be sucked out and gravel will fall back into the tank.
Remove algae. Use an algae-cleaning tool to help.
Clean your filter. For filters such as a sponge, ceramic rings, and fiber, wash them in the water you removed and quickly reinstall} them to avoid losing vital bacteria. Filters that contain carbon and various other absorbers will need to be regularly replaced.
Add the replacement water.
Clean your tank's exterior with an appropriate cleaner and towel.
As you can see, the best devices and products are critical. Luckily, Berger's Agway in Sciota, PA understands what's needed and is your one-stop-shop for all your tank maintenance needs. Call (570) 992-5300 or stop by our store today!