Are Fish Aquariums Difficult to Care For?

Fish need to be cared for properly, and the aquariums themselves need to be maintained as well. Maintaining a fish tank can be both simple and difficult, depending on the circumstances. Usually, the bigger the tank or the more unique the shape is, the more maintenance is needed, but this is not always the case. 

Changing the water

Regardless of the size of the aquarium and how many fish are housed in it, every aquarium should be emptied and cleaned every two weeks or so. Changing out the water may be more difficult with larger aquariums.

Checking the water

The replacement water should always be checked before changing the water. Regular tap water should never be used without being checked because most contain chlorine or chloramine. To be able to use tap water, it must be treated with a water conditioner that neutralizes the chemicals in the water. Well water should be carefully examined as well because it’s usually harder than tap water.

Testing the water

To make sure the water’s pH levels, nitrates, nitrites, and carbonate hardness are within the safe parameters for the fish to stay healthy, the water should be properly tested on a semi-regular basis. The levels can vary depending on the type of fish the aquarium houses, but they should always be within the range of what each species can handle. Learning how to test the water correctly can take some time, but it’s usually simple if the steps are done correctly.

Another thing you need to test is the water’s temperature since it’s the most common factor that can lead to fish becoming sick or even dying. However, testing the temperature is very easy since there are many aquarium thermometers that stay in the water and can be checked within seconds.

Having a filter

Using an aquarium filter that is best suited for the fish housed inside the aquarium can keep the aquarium clean and help the fish remain healthy. However, there are several different types of aquarium filters that operate in different ways and have different effects on the tank.

Biological filters convert fish waste, which contains ammonia, into nitrite so it has less toxicity on the tank and the fish. Mechanical filters suck in water and push it through a strainer that prevents free-floating particles from remaining in the aquarium. The qualities of these filters can vary widely. Chemical filters extract toxins from the water through a carbon or chemical resins.

While many filters only use one of the above filtration methods, some use two or even all three together.