Aquarium care: The regular water change
Especially important is the weekly water change. Here, about 20-25% of the water should be replaced with new water. It is best to remove the water with the help of a mulm vacuum cleaner. At the same time, mulm and food residues can be removed from the bottom. If new water is filled in, it should always be treated beforehand. Special water conditioners are suitable here, in order to adapt the water well to the needs of the animals. In this way, chlorine and other contaminants in the tap water are neutralized, and the fish and inhabitants of the tank can then feel completely at ease despite the water change. Furthermore, it is always recommended to add some liquid bacteria during a water change in order not to harm the natural balance of the small underwater world.
The right plant care
In addition to regular water changes, there are other care measures that should be carried out regularly. For example, plants also need regular care. They must be cut back regularly, depending on their growth, and dead plant parts must be removed. Special scissors and tweezers facilitate this work. If you do not have a depot fertilizer in your tank, you should also fertilize your plants regularly, e.g. with a liquid fertilizer.
Keep an eye on water values
It is also important to check the water values regularly. For this purpose, there are special tests, which then control either a certain value, or even several. Often they are rods that are briefly held in the water, and then values such as chlorine, nitrite, nitrate, the PH value or the water hardness determined. If the values are outside the norm, either a water change can help, or special agents that eliminate the harmful substances.
Algae - a curse and a blessing at the same time
Algae can often become a problem in the aquarium. A certain amount of algae, however, often does no harm and resembles the natural habitat of the animals. Algae on the panes can be removed regularly with special pane cleaners. However, some animals such as snails or catfish also love to clean the panes from the algae. If the infestation is worse, various agents can be used against the algae plague. Nevertheless, the cause should be investigated, e.g. bad lighting, too much sunlight, too warm temperatures or too many nutrients in the tank.
The care of the animals
Also the animals need care. Special nutrients and vitamins can be fed regularly to keep the animals healthy and active for a long time. If illnesses occur, medication often has to be added to the water. Depending on the type of disease, it is then also necessary to separate the sick animals and treat them separately.
Conclusion
With all care products, be it vitamins, fertilizers, water conditioners, liquid bacteria, algaecides or even medications, it is always important to observe and adhere to the prescribed dosage exactly. Because too much can harm the animals and the whole balance. Those who adhere to the specifications are doing something good for themselves, their animals and their aquarium.