Care for Tropical Fish

A well maintained aquarium of tropical fish can enhance any room. From a ten gallon tank in a corner of a bedroom to a tank of several hundred gallons dominating an office lobby, caring for tropical fish requires some periodic maintenance and attention to the initial setup. A relatively minor investment in time and money will produce a constantly changing work of art.

The main component of the aquarium is water and its quality cannot be overstated when discussing caring for your tropical fish. The first point to consider is the water's chemical properties. PH is a measurement of its acidity or alkalinity. Though certain species of tropical fish can thrive in extremes, a good starting point for a community aquarium is the neutral PH reading of 7.0. A range of 6.5 to 7.5 is acceptable for most common tropical fish. PH test kits are inexpensive and indispensable to the health of your tropical fish. Buffering agents are available to modify your PH should it be needed. Water hardness can also be tested and can affect which species of fish and plants will do best in your aquarium.

Caring for tropical fish requires three pieces of equipment to ensure the aquarium's water temperature and cleanliness. Most tropical fish do best in water maintained at around 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 C). This temperature should not undergo major fluctuations and towards that end a quality heater and a tank thermometer are employed. Obtain the proper size heater for your tank's capacity. A filter rounds out the mechanical equipment needed. There are many models ranging from sponge filters to canister filters designed for the various size tanks. Most require some periodic maintenance such as changing or cleaning the filter element.

I believe the single most important procedure in caring for tropical fish is a regularly performed water change. Replacing about ten percent of your tank's water every week or two will help rid it of ammonia produced by the fish's waste and uneaten food. While removing the water I also recommend using a siphon that allows you to you to clean the substrate while siphoning. This debris removal is vital to thoroughly clean the tank and maintain water clarity. Be sure that the water added is as close to the tank's temperature as you can get it to avoid shocking the fish with a sudden temperature change. This simple procedure will more than repay your time with a beautiful tank and healthy fish.