Aquariums

I. TemperatureA. Best temperature range -

23 to 28°C (73 to 82°F)

B. Large tanks should have a

heater

II. SalinityA. Definition -Measure of dissolved salts in water.B. Measured in parts per thousand (ppt). C. Ocean’s salinity is 34 to 37 ppt.D. Saltwater aquariums must be

just like the ocean’s salinity.

III. Specific Gravity A. Definition - The ratio of the density of a substance relative to

the density of water. B. Specific gravity changes as

temperature changes. C. Specific gravity of Seawater –

1.026 D. Aquarium Range – 1.0 to 1.020

IV. pHA. An abbreviation for “pondus hydrogenii” which means power of Hydrogen.B. pH of pure water – 7C. Substances below 7 on pH scale are ACIDICD. Substances above 7 on pH scale are BASIC

V. Types of Filtration

A. Mechanical – physical separation of large

floating particles from the water.

B. Chemical – removal of harmful chemicals by activated

carbon or by chemical reactions

C. Biological – removal of waste products by natural bacterial decomposition and removal of chemicals by absorption.

VI. Aquarium Components

A. Recommended Size for Aquariums 1. Saltwater Tanks -76 liters (20 gallons)

2. Freshwater Tanks-38 liters (10 gallons)

B. Filtration System 1. All three types of filtration

systems can be used in both salt or freshwater aquariums.

2. An under gravel filter with at least two

airlift tubes is best for most systems.

C. The Gravel 1. Most types of gravel will work for freshwater systems.

2. Use 2-3 inches of gravel to cover the bottom of the tank or the under gravel filtration system.

D. Filters1. Definition – filter consisting of a plastic compartment hanging on the outside of the tank.2. Function- pulls water from the

tank, circulating it through activated carbon as it returns into the tank.

E. Heater1. Constant temperature in aquariums is very important.2. The standard rule of thumb for heaters is two watts to every

liter of water in an aquarium.

F. Lights and Reflectors

1. Aquariums should be covered to reduce evaporation and

prevent fish from jumping out.2. A noncorrosive material must

be used with Saltwater aquariums.3. An aquarium cover or hood should

have a florescent or LED lamp.

VII. Initial Set Up (Establishing the Biological Filtration)A. Allow aquarium pump to filter water 24 hours before adding organisms.B. All levels (pH, Temperature, Ammonia, and Salinity -if saltwater) must be at acceptable levels before adding organisms.

C. Addition of live plants or ONE fish will help to initiate the biological filtration. D. Once all levels are acceptable – add selected organisms.

VIII. Three Methods of Water Cycling Aquariums

A. The Classic Method1. Place a starter or “suicide fish”

to initiate the cycle.2. Purpose of starter fish:

provide ammonia through respiration, waste, and decaying food.

3. Ammonia allows nitrifying bacteria to colonize.4. When the ammonia and nitrite levels are no longer measurable by a test kit, the cycle is complete.5. This type of cycling takes 3 to 4 weeks.

B. Seeding Method 1. Feed the tank with fish food, decaying food releases ammonia triggering cycling process. 2. To speed up the process, components (gravel, plants, bacteria, etc) from an established the tank can be added. 3. Not much faster than classic method.

C. Pure Ammonia Method1. Pure ammonia can be added to the tank instead of using fish food. 2. After the tank has been set up, add 5 drops of ammonia per 10 gallons of water to speed up the cycle.3. Tank maybe ready in 7 days, test the water prior to adding fish.

IX. Things to Remember A. The tank has to be well oxygenated as the bacteria require oxygenB. The ammonia used should be free of any perfumes and additivesC. Do not treat the water with conditioners that remove ammonia D. Water changes should be limited during the setup process.

X. When the Cycling Process is Done!A. Ammonia and nitrate levels are 0 ppt. and

nitrate levels are rising.B. Stock your tank with compatible fish. C. One inch of fish = one gallon of tank!D. The waste generated by fish will provide

the tank with a balanced environment.E. Regular maintenance required!