99% of all fish health problems are caused by water problems, usually poor quality. How to reduce the New Tank Syndrome effects. Have patience Once you have established a good bacteria culture, cut back your water changes to 10-15% weekly.
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Most of the water problems happen within the first 4-10 weeks of setting
up your aquarium because levels of Ammonia and Nitrate are high due to New Tank Syndrome.
New Tank Syndrome really means, "fish pee quickly, bacteria grow slowly" syndrome.
An aquarium filter takes at least 8-10 weeks to establish a decent bacterial culture.
Your aquarium needs bacteria to convert highly toxic Ammonia and Nitrites into not-so-toxic Nitrates.
Good bacteria breed mainly on the filter's sponge, ceramic rings or other media used in your filter.
Introduce fish slowly: Fish = Ammonia.
Regular de-chlorinated water changes (twice weekly initially) of 10-15% of the tank's volume.
Add bacteria (cycle) with new fish - can only help.
Know your water quality, test regularly.
Extra water changes at the first sign of Ammonia or Nitrites.
Do not clean your filter sponge.
Do not over-feed; food given should be eaten within a minute.
Remove any fatalities, fish or plant, immediately.
I recommend weekly, as 20-30% fortnightly can be too much to change at one time: Why risk it?
Once established it is very important to maintain this good bacterial culture.
Your aquarium's bacteria breed mainly on the filter media (sponges, ceramic rings, etc.)
The only time I would recommend cleaning your sponge is when the dirt is restricting water flow through your filter, or your filter is clogging.
If your filter sponge really needs a clean then squeeze excess dirt from it in water that came from your aquarium.
Your tank water does not contain chlorine, chloramine and other additives that will kill the good bacteria - your tap water does.
Following the above will help you through the New Tank Syndrome stage, but you should always introduce your new fish in small numbers at any one time.
Your bacteria will have to multiply to cope with the extra waste products.
All the above are my opinions, based on my own experience.
I accept that there are other opinions/ways.
Cheers,
Phil
Telephone 01875 824857 enquiries@eastlothianaquatics.co.uk
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