Walking into a pet shop I noticed this beautiful glass fish tank.
Inside were about a dozen small coloured fish swimming around.
The moment I came closer the fish bundled together and I dragged my finger along the glass and they followed me.
I went all the way around a couple of times.
That's when I started studying and finding out about caring for fresh water fish.
Nitrogen cycles are an important part of your aquarium? It is important to do a fish tank cycle before purchasing your fish.
An established fish tank contains certain bacteria that assist the breakdown of ammonia to nitrates.
You need existing fish to produce the good bacteria that breakdown the ammonia to nitrates.
The elementary principle of the nitrogen cycle is, fish eat food and produce waste, which becomes ammonia in the fish tank.
This ammonia is harmful to your fish and will needs to be changed by the process of nitrification.
That is why the good bacteria produced by the fish are important.
The bacteria then turns the ammonia into nitrites, different bacteria turns the nitrites into nitrates, which are less harmful than the ammonia and the nitrites.
Although the nitrates are reduced somewhat by the filters the concentration will eventually build up again but regular water changes will also remove excess nitrates from the water.
Before you purchase your fish here are some basics on cleaning your aquarium.
Regular scheduled cleaning will help fish and plants to live longer and you will enjoy watching them grow.
Using the proper equipment to keep your fish tank clean will save you a lot of trouble, with time and experience it will become easy.
Using harsh household cleaners will have harmful consequences for the ecosystem of your aquarium.
It is better to purchase a good filter and pump to ensure a healthier ecosystem.
It is best to follow the manufacturer's instructions, as cleaning your filter and water pump too often will also have negative affect on the ecosystem.
It is recommended that the ornaments as well as the glass and any stones or gravel be cleaned at least once every two weeks.
You could also consider acquiring a water purifier which will allow longer intervals before cleaning your fish tank.
Cleaning the fish tank ornaments and glass prevents algae from building up.
When you change the water replace about a third of the water in the aquarium at a time, to minimise any disruption to the life in the fish tank.
This will need to be done every two to three weeks.
I recommend using a siphon to remove the water from the tank for fewer disturbances.
Also remove any loose or floating debris while changing the water.
The temperature of new water should be within two degrees of the tank water.
Always be careful not to disturb the fish, wash and rinse your hands well before cleaning the fish tank.
Remember oxygen gives life to your fish and you must therefore check that the air pump is running normal.
Once your fish tank is nitrogen cycled it is time to purchase the fish! The fish you buy should be compatible, similar in size, and have the same eating requirements.
It is recommended that your first fish be the hardy type, they usually are able to withstand the high ammonia and nitrite levels in a new aquarium.
Only introduce a few fish at a time.
Float the fish in the bag in the fish tank about fifteen minutes before adding them to the tank.
This will help the fish to better acclimate to their new home.
Do not use the water in the bag it may have pollutants and upset the pH balance in your tank.
The pH should be tested daily in a new aquarium.
Last but not least allow the fish two hours to acclimatize before feeding.
Remember overfeeding, cause's excess food and will become debris adding to the ammonia levels.
When feeding use an amount that can be eaten up in the first two to five minutes and only feed twice a day.
Healthy fish will be more active so treat your fish with love and they will flourish.
Watching the fish in the aquarium can be very relaxing.