Aquarium Information
Caring for Your Tank
A healthy aquarium comes down to a few simple habits done on a regular schedule. These are the basics we share with every customer, whether you keep a freshwater community tank or a saltwater reef. Stick with them and your fish and corals will stay healthier, more colorful and easier to enjoy.
Feed light
Feed only what your fish can finish in about two minutes, once or twice a day. Leftover food sinks, breaks down and fouls the water, which is one of the most common causes of cloudy tanks and sick fish. If food is still drifting around after a few minutes, cut back the next feeding.
Change water regularly
Replace 10 to 20 percent of the water every one to two weeks. For freshwater, use tap water treated with a dechlorinator. For saltwater, use premixed salt water matched to your tank's salinity. Small, regular changes keep the water stable and are much easier on your fish than one big change every few months.
Test your water
Check ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH once a week, or any time something looks off. Reef tanks also need salinity, alkalinity and calcium checked, since corals depend on them to grow. Testing catches problems before your fish show them, and keeping a quick log helps you spot changes over time.
Keep your filter healthy
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Mind the light
Keep lights on a timer for 8 to 10 hours a day so your fish get a steady day and night. Keep the tank out of direct sun, too. Extra light, especially Florida sun through a window, is the fastest way to grow algae and heat up the water. Reef tanks need the right light for corals, so ask us if you're not sure your setup is right.
Watch for warning signs
Take a minute every day to watch your fish at feeding time, when it's easiest to spot trouble. Hiding, gasping at the surface, clamped fins, loss of color or white spots usually mean something's off with the water or a fish is getting sick. Test the water first, then give us a call and we'll help you figure out the next step.
Add fish slowly
Add fish slowly
A new tank needs a few weeks to cycle and build up good bacteria before it's ready for fish. After that, add only a few fish at a time so the filter can keep up. Let new arrivals float in their bag to match the water temperature, then ease them in slowly. Ask us which fish get along before you buy, so your tank stays peaceful.
Watch for warning signs
Add fish slowly