Compared to other pets, fishes need very little in the way of daily attention. Maintaining the aquarium is the most important part of taking care of fish.
What are the things to consider when maintaining the aquarium?
Lighting
Lighting is very important if the aquarium contains live plants. Even when there are no plants the aquarium light is needed while feeding or observing the fish. Room light is generally sufficient to keep the fish active during the day and leaving the aquarium light on for too long can cause unsightly algae growth. An inexpensive electrical timer can be installed to provide the fish with a consistent light/dark cycle.
Observing
After the tank's "break-in-cycle" is completed, most common aquarium fish should be fed two or three times per day, but each feeding should consist of only as much as is consumed in two or three minutes. Alternating feedings among flake, frozen, freeze-dried, and pelleted foods will provide a well balanced diet for fishes of various feeding habits.
It is important to take a few moments each day to simply look at the aquarium fish. Did every fish get something to eat today? Also check to see if the fish are doing alright - i.e if they have adjusted to the surroundigs and wheather the fishes do get along!!!
Finally, check to see if there are any torn fins, discoloration, white spots, red blotches or other signs of diesease because just as you and I are prone to infection....so are they!!!
Checking equipment: The various pumps, filters and heaters typically installed on aquariums might well be referred to as the Life Support System. A quick glance at the thermometer should be made a daily habit - perhaps at feeding time. Fluctuations in temperature cause stress that often leads to disease outbreaks. Checking to make sure all other equipment is also plugged in, turned on, and operating properly takes only a few additional seconds and may well pre-empt a developing disaster.
Choosing the right food for your fish is a key factor in maintaining the health and long life of your pet. Although there is no single food that is good for every fish, if will help if you follow these four basic steps.
Dietary Type - Surprisingly, the type of diet a fish is born to eat is often not considered. Different fish are built to eat different types of foods omnivorous. Herbivorous or carnivorous. Determine what dietary type your fish is because certain species of fish have very specific dietary needs, as do newly hatched fry.
Where and When - Become familiar with where and when your fish prefer to eat. Although many fish eat from the top of the water, some graze on the bottom. Likewise, even though most fish eat during daylight hours, some eat only at night. For the bottom feeders, be sure to choose some sinking foods. The nocturnal feeders should be fed after the lights are turned off.
Variety is Spice of Life - Regardless of what type of food your fish eats, it's important to vary the diet to insure balanced nutrition. A combination of dry as well frozen and fresh/live foods will ensure a well-rounded diet.
Keep it Fresh - Fish foods often don't carry an expiration date, but they have a relatively short shelf life. Flake foods lose much of their nutritional value in as little as a month, so purchase only what you can use in a few weeks. Vitamin and nutritional deficiency is a big contributor in making fish susceptible to disease.
All tanks need biological and mechanical filtration to maintain a healthy environment.
Three Types of Filtration:
Mechanical - Mechanical filtration involves the removal of particles of waste by passing water continuously through foam or other porous material. The filter traps particles of debris, and is periodically cleaned or replaced. Because solid waste is constantly being produced in your tank, a mechanical filter of some type is a must.
Chemical - In chemical filtration water is passed though material such as carbon, which removes at least some of the dissolved materials. Toxic metals, ammonia, and even odors can be filtered out chemically. While chemical filtration is not absolutely required, it can be useful combined with other filtration methods. Chemical filtration is particularly helpful when starting a new tank, because it can remove ammonia.
Biological - Fish produce wastes which cannot be filtered completely using mechanical or chemical methods. Unless these wastes are removed, over time they will build up to a lethal level. In biological filtration, two types of beneficial bacteria known as "nitrofiers" grow in the tank and convert harmful wastes into something less harmful. All aquariums need to have successful biological filtration in order for the fish to remain healthy. Typically it takes about a month to establish a flourishing biological colony that will effectively filter all the harmful wastes.
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