Chemicals You Need to Get Your Fish Aquarium Started

Keeping a fish tank is a practical exercise in biochemistry. Even though in high school we learn about water being two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen, the chemical composition of H2O in various ecosystems tends to be far more complex. For example, distilled water isn’t suitable for an aquarium ecosystem, at least not until it contains the adequate volumes of bacteria, buffers, nutrients, and other particles. Practically all aquarists start setting up their tanks using water from the tap, but they know this chemistry isn’t optimum for fish and invertebrates. Establishing a tank involves additives that change the water chemistry, including the following crucial saltwater and freshwater aquarium supplies.

Dechlorinating Agents

Chlorine is one of the various chemicals used by water management districts around the world for the purpose of making it potable. The goal is to remove pathogens from the water, mostly bacteria and in some cases viral organisms. Some water treatment plants use chloramine instead of chlorine, but they’re equally harmful to freshwater and reef species. In the aquarium hobby, dechlorinating agents like Prime:

https://www.aquaticwarehouse.com/seachem-prime-water-conditioner?search=prime&category_id=0

can be obtained as standalone additives or as part of water conditioner formulas. In essence, these agents either neutralize or eliminate chlorine.

pH Balancing Agents

Water that’s far too alkaline or acidic can be harmful to aquarium species, including live coral and plants. Distilled water is pH balanced, meaning it scores a 7 on a scale that runs between 0 and 14. While there are some additives that can regulate the pH levels of tank water, they’re not generally recommended because a tank that’s gone through the nitrogen cycle, particularly one with plants, will have reached an adequate pH level with the help of a high-quality plant substrate like ADA Amazonia V2:

https://www.aquaticwarehouse.com/ADA-Aqua-Soil-Amazonia-Ver2-3Liter?search=amazonia&category_id=0

Ammonia Removers

Especially with new aquariums or those with inadequate filtration, aquarists need to keep an eye on the ammonia levels of their tanks. When testing for ammonia, you always want it to be as close to zero as possible, and no more than 0.25 mg/l. The water conditioner sold as part of new tank kits contains additives that reduce and neutralize ammonia levels. But these are definitely inadequate because the live bacteria should be liquid and fresh, meaning bacteria has a shelf life. However, similar to pH balancing chemicals, you should apply other strategies to keep ammonia levels low. Everything starts with taking your time to establish a new tank and complete the initial nitrogen cycle.

Bottled Bacteria and Medication

These aren’t so much chemicals as they are microorganisms and antibiotics. Bacteria in a bottle allows you to cut down on the waiting time before the tank is established and species can be added. These bottles contain Nitrozoma and Nitrobacter microorganisms that colonize the filter and keep ammonia levels low. As for medication, it’s typically added later to combat Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, a parasite that causes white spot disease. Erythromycin is an antibiotic that fights harmful bacteria and fungus that can compromise fish, invertebrates, and plants. Make sure to read the label of aquarium antibiotics with regard to volume and number of species. Also, only add these treatments if you’re sure there’s a problem, and never as a whim.

To get your saltwater or freshwater aquarium started (and also to maintain it so its inhabitants stay happy and healthy for many years to come), make sure to get all of the essential supplies from Aquatic Warehouse. We’re located in Kearny Mesa, and you can also order what you need from our website. To speak with one of our knowledgeable representatives, please feel free to give us a call today at 858-467-9297.