For every decision we make about owning a pet, whether it be a fluffy cat or a lazy hamster, we should always make sure that their intended habitats are going to be safe for them. On the account of fish keeping, the nitrogen cycle is the most important matter to be reviewed. Inside an aquarium, there is the poisonous substance ammonia. The bacteria that happens to breakdown this substance is produced by already thriving fishes. So for new aquariums, the thing to be answered to would be how to lower the ammonia levels even without the presence of any living fish.
Considering the Nitrogen Cycle
Nitrogen cycle in aquarium happen side-by-side with the existence of the fishes. When the fishes consume their food, they will soon release body wastes. These waste products and other environmental debris turn into ammonia. The nitrifying bacteria that are set off by the fishes will then breakdown this toxic substance. The ammonia will be converted into nitrites, which are more harmless to the fishes. And then these nitrites are again converted into nitrates, which are the least harmless of all three substances. These nitrates could be cleaned off by water filters, but you as an owner must still regularly change the water to remove accumulation.
Preparing the aquarium is a very important step you should make before going out fish shopping. You do not want to introduce your fishes to a very unstable and unsanitary environment, do you? So, you should pay attention to this. Begin by washing your tank and all other additional accessories with water. As much as possible, avoid using cleaning detergents as their chemical ingredients may be deposited inside your tank. Use de-chlorinated water when you’re already filling up. Don’t forget to attach lightings and filters. Once done with the set-up, check the water whether its PH level and temperature is right.
When buying fish for the very first time, go for the types that are sure to have high survival rates. Some of them are gouramis, live bearers, danios and barbs. They are proven to endure ammonia and high nitrite levels, very perfect for your new aquarium. Additionally, stop your self from getting too carried away, start out with four or five fish at most. Before transferring them into your aquarium, float their bags first for ten to fifteen minutes. This way, your fishes will get adapted to the temperature of your aquarium. Also, when you are already moving in your fishes, try not to spill water from their bags into the aquarium as it may prose contamination or chemical imbalance.
And now that your aquarium is complete, the very last things you must attend to are observation and maintenance. Feed you fishes only with the amount that they can surely finish. Overfeeding leads to more unfinished food waste, and by extension, to heightening of the ammonia levels. In addition, keep monitoring your aquariums measurements in terms of the PH level and temperature. Change water and clean on a regular basis. And finally, keep a good watch over your fishes to know whether they are healthy or sick.
