how to clean a fish tank

Today is Sunday and this is the time that I should clean my fish tank. I see to it that my fish tanks water is clean and this is done on a regular basis so as to keep my cichlids healthy and vibrant in color.

How to clean a fish tank?

First and foremost cleaning a fish tank is tedious depending on the size of the tank, the number of fishes that dwells in it and the condition of the water.

As for my cleaning regiment, I would first clean the inside of the tank by wiping or scrapping algae using a scrapping pad or a regular towel. Once it is done, I would remove the rocks, artificial plants and the filter as well, putting them in another bucket of water. After the accessories are removed, It is time to get a siphon or vacuum to clean the substrate of the tank, siphoning the feces and uneaten fish foods.

Water change is crucial to any fish tank, the filling of water depends on how frequent you clean your tank and the condition and clarity of the water. Lets say, you clean your tank in a weekly basis so water change is about twenty to thirty percent, but if you clean your tank in a bi-monthly basis most often water change is about forty to sixty percent. The water should be free from chlorine for this may cause poisoning and death to your fish. Thus, water from faucet should be treated or the simplest way is to let it stay over night for chlorine to evaporate before using.

We have cleaned the fish tank within, now it's time to clean the accessories. Remember the The artificial plants, rocks and filter that we have set aside, cleaning this things is as easy as one, two, three. We all know that anything that is submerge in water would most likely or will  develop algae as days pass. Thus cleaning them is a must, the rocks must be scrubbed without the use of any soap this goes with the artificial plants. For the filter all you have to do is rinse, again without any soap for soap is lethal to any fish and could cause its death.

We have cleaned the interior and the next question is how to clean a fish tank from without. The aquarium should be wiped with a damp cloth or a glass cleaner but be very cautious not to dip the cloth into to the tank for this may poison you fish. Check busted fluorescent bulbs and replace it with any new ones and be very careful in replacing for you might be electrocuted.

We have cleaned our fish tank and our cichlids are in tip top shape, vibrant in color and very active.







 

keeping tropical fish can teach your son responsibility

It was my son’s birthday last July one and he turned seven years old, since it was his day I planned of buying him a gift, a gift that he will cherish, keep, nurture and at the same time teach him responsibility.

The gift was buying him a tropical fish. From my own experience and being a kid once, kids are very responsive to animals and they even talk to them. Thus, buying him would be just apt for the occasion.

We went to a local pet shop and look around for a healthy fish to keep, I asked the owner on what type of fish should my son keep? He answered, for a novice it would be better to have an easy to rear pet fish that requires less maintenance and that is a gold-fish. Apprehensive upon hearing the owners selection, I immediately reiterated the option for I kept gold-fish during my childhood years and it gives me discouragement. They are voracious eaters. They won’t stop eating and the tendency would be feeding them all the time to its death. So, I decided to buy a pair of cichlid (green terror).

My son was thought by the owner on the basic things that need to be done everyday from feeding, changing water and cleaning its quarters. He was listening diligently to the instructions given to him and I know he was paying attention to every details that was said to keep the tropical fish healthy and well taken cared of.

The original plan was to buy a fish bowl but persuaded to buy an aquarium instead, for green terrors can grow up to five inches in length. having them in small spaces would deter its growth. Aside from the tank, I also bought filters, gravels for the substrate, lights, plants, aerator, and fish food. The total amount in procuring the new members of the household reach $250.00.

Having the tropical fish in the house, made me witness the transformation of my son being a kid to a little man who is the proud owner and care taker of the fish we bought. Everyday he would see to it that he feeds them before going to school and in late afternoon.  Water change is done every weekend as well as the siphoning of substrate and cleaning filters. I let him do the calls and me his assistant to carry his commands.

It was fun having the fish and eventually strengthens further the bond that we had between father and son……..