6 Aquarium Maintenance Tips For Successful Fish Keeping

As a new fish mom or someone that wants to add an aquarium to your show shelf or museum, keeping your fish alive is heavily reliant on the maintenance of the aquarium.

The main trick to aquarium maintenance is cultivating a regular daily, weekly, and monthly routine. 

These maintenance routines help you spend less time per maintenance (30 minutes or less) and prevent future time and money-consuming problems.

Managing fish can be tricky, especially when you are a newbie. However, here are some great aquarium maintenance tips to help you achieve successful fish keeping.

For a new aquarium, a cycling process is required

The cycling process helps in the development of useful bacteria that regulates the nitrate-ammonia cycle in your aquarium. As expected, this in-depth guide on fish keeping starts with information on the cycling process as it is one of the most crucial steps to follow.

The cycling process can be done by adding ‘tough’ fish species that are inexpensive and can survive harsh conditions. These fish, their leftover feed, and waste products will introduce the healthy bacteria needed for the survival of other, more delicate fish species.

A bacteria booster is also added to the aquarium to enhance the growth of healthy and useful bacteria. You should note that even the ‘tough’ fish species may die due to nitrate-ammonia imbalance, but you would have achieved the cycling process.

Don’t overcrowd your aquarium

Research the species of fish you want to keep concerning the size and shape of your aquarium. Consider how big the fish species would grow, nutritional, and space requirements before buying a particular species.

A crowded aquarium increases stress in your fish, which increases the spread of disease, and triggers aggression among fish. Over time, the fish will become unhealthy and die. Maintaining an aquarium with less capacity is always more beneficial than an overcrowded aquarium.

Maintain the pH balance of your aquarium

The pH balance of your aquarium is vital for the survival of your fish; hence, regular checks and maintenance are required.

The pH of your aquarium should remain between the range of 6.8 and 7.8. Chemical substances (like ammonia, nitrate) produced by the fishes and their activities in the aquarium are necessary for survival. However, excess amounts of these chemicals can cause pH imbalance and make the aquarium unhealthy for survival. Frequently test the pH of the aquarium using a test kit.

Change the water in your aquarium regularly

This is one of the primary tips for aquarium maintenance, especially for freshwater aquariums. Change about 15% of the total water content of the aquarium at least once in two (2) weeks. The highest amount of water to be removed during each change should not exceed 25%.

Using a siphon to remove water from the aquarium is efficient. It helps to remove waste (such as remnant fish food, dead fish, waste products from fish, and other particles) alongside the water.

Test the freshwater to be added to the aquarium to ensure that there is no harmful chemical like chlorine and the pH of the water is balanced. Water conditioner and nitrifying bacteria will remove chlorine and excess ammonia from the water.

Don’t overfeed your fish 

Feeding your fish once per day is enough to keep them alive and healthy. Give the general flake food and specific fish feed according to the nutritional requirements of each species in your aquarium. Give enough feed to feed the fish without excess leftovers as leftovers result in increased chemicals in the aquarium. Excessive feeding also leads to overeating and increased excretion of waste matter.

Waste matter and increased chemicals disrupt the pH balance of the aquarium. Monitor the right amount of feed required for the number of fish in your aquarium and set a feeding schedule to maximize feeding time and reduce leftovers.

Maintain light in your aquarium

You need light in your aquarium for proper monitoring and care of your fish. However, excess light can result in the growth of algae in your aquarium. The presence of algae in your aquarium can cause pH imbalance and increase the stress of the fish.

If the aquarium is directly under sunlight, then artificial light may not be needed. If not, lights should be on for 12 hours or less to prevent the growth of algae.

Additionally, always buy at least three fishes of the same species, especially species that often form schools. Use large pebbles instead of fine-grain sand as fish can ingest sand which blocks the digestive system.

The health of your fish and the success of your fish keeping lies in these tips. Fish, like every other living thing, requires constant attention and care to stay alive and healthy.