Have a question? Maybe you'll find the answer
here, in our list of frequently asked questions. We list the most common
questions asked by people just like you, about setting up, caring for, and
maintaining their aquarium, including common questions about disease, plants,
filtration, and more. If you can't find the answer to your question here, than ask
us, and we'll be glad to help.
Note: We are currently adding more and more questions weekly. Feel free to ask
a question, maybe your question will be a F.A.Q.
Questions about...
Aeration
Q: What is aeration?
A:
Aeration is oxygen being generated in a tank using an air filter, powerhead or
other type of aeration device. For example an air stone putting bubble in the
water, is providing aeration. If you have a question regarding aeration click
here.
Q: Do I need aeration in my aquarium?
A:
Yes, it is always best to provide plenty of oxygen to your water, if you have a
filter, or powerhead in your aquarium you should be fine. You can also add air
stones, and air wands to provide more aeration and can also be very attractive
for your aquarium. Aeration keeps your fish healthy and happy, and can even help
keep you water clearer, because of the circulation it provides. If you have a
question regarding aeration click here.
Adding Fish/Plants
Q: Why did my new fish die?
They didn't have any sign of disease, and the aquarium has been set up for a
couple months.
A:
Something you will want to keep in mind,
when adding fish to a new aquarium, is the "new tank syndrome", faced
by many new aquaria hobbyist.
You can find the rest of the answer to this question in the 'Fish Facts'
section, on adding fish. Click here.
Adding Water/Water Conditions
Q: What is ammonia,
and how will it affect my aquarium?
A:
Ammonia is a chemical which is rapidly taken up by phytoplankton and other
aquatic plants for growth. Despite its rapid uptake by algae ammonia persists in
small quantities because it is also the major waste product of aquatic animals.
As it comes in contact with water, ammonia dissociates into something called
ammonium hydroxide, which cause pH levels to rise, if the pH rises too high,
then that the ammonium hydroxide becomes toxic to both plants and animals. When
testing for ammonia you should have an ideal reading of 0. If
you have a question about ammonia click here.
Q:
When I do a partial water change, do I have to treat
the water before adding it to my aquarium, or can I treat it
after?
A: Some
people recommend you treating the water before adding it, which is again, a
safer way of doing adding water after a water change. However we have never
encountered problems with treating it immediately after adding the water to the
aquarium. If you are setting up an aquarium for the first time, then you MUST
treat the water first.
Q: If I use well water or bottled water, do I still
have to treat it?
A: It
is ALWAYS safer to treat the water either way. Most treatments
contain Stress Coat, and other chemicals which may help calm the fish down, or
relieve any stress acquired during the addition of the water. Also keep in mind
that even well water and bottled water contain chemicals, and small amounts of
chlorine, so treating the water should remove these chemicals as well.
Filtration
Q: How do I
know how much filtration I need for my aquarium?
A:
It usually depends on the type of fish you are going to have, how many fish, and
size of the tank. Goldfish are generally dirtier than tropical, so would require
a higher amount of filtration. Because it varies for all types of tanks, you can
click here for more information on filtration, or click
here to ask us, and we'll let you know what filter works best for you.
Q: What is carbon and what is it used for?
A:
Carbon is used in filter pads, premium
activated carbon adsorbs dissolved organic compounds - pollutants which
accumulate in aquarium water to cause discoloration and foul odors. The fresh,
sparkling water that results reduces fish stress and ensures better biological
filter performance. For more information on carbon and other filtration media click
here.
Q: What is zeolite?
A: It removes and controls ammonia levels
and spikes in aquarium water. Sometimes mixed with carbon for superior
filtration. For more information on zeolite and other filtration media click
here.
Fish
Q: Why does my goldfish swim on his side and
upside down?
A: It is a disease called Swim Bladder, which
causes fish swim on their sides, upside down, or do somersault as they attempt
to swim. Sometimes they can be found at the bottom or the top of the tank.
Q: What kind of fish will get along in my aquarium?
A:
There are many fish that are compatible with each other, however, not all
fish are. You want to separate the general, semi-aggressive, and aggressive
fish. General fish are usually like tetras, mollys, goldfish, e.t.c.
Semi-aggressive fish include barbs, gouramis, sharks, e.t.c. Examples of
aggressive fish, include most cichlids, oscars, e.t.c. For a list of different
types of fish and compatibility information, click here.
Snails
Q: Where did all these little snails
come from?
A:
Snails in an aquarium can become a major problem
if they are not controlled. There a 3 methods to controlling snails, and getting
rid of them. Click here to find out how!
More Questions Coming Soon!
Click
here for more Fish Facts
|
