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How to Clean Your Large Fish Tank

Jan 6th, 2010
by Guest Blogger.
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A giant grouper at the Georgia Aquarium, seen ...

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The downside to owning a large fish tank is that it is more work to clean it every week (preferable.) If you want your fish to live a long time and your tank to look clean and clear and free from algae overtaking your habitat then you’ve got to properly clean your tank. Here are the basics.

Siphoning

At least once a week you should siphon out 20% of the water from your tank into a giant bucket and then replace that old water with new tap water that has been properly treated to remove the harmfull acid and iron from the water. When siphoning make sure you dig around into the rocks to get all the waste and leftover food out that has fallen to the bottom.

Don’t worry about scaring your fish they should be fine with your sticking your hand and siphon into the tank and going over it thoroughly. When you put the new water into the tank don’t just pour it in which can upset the landscaping but use the siphon to slowly filter the new water into the tank.

Algae scraper

These tools are cheap and effective. Use a squeegee like algae scraper to clean up the walls of your tank from being overrun with algae which not only looks bad but can be harmful to your tank. If you are looking for an easier solution invest in buying an algae eater fish like a pleco which will roam around your tank at night and help to keep it clean and free from algae.

Don’t overfeed

The amateur mistake of first time fish keepers…don’t overfeed your fish as it can lead to waste buildup in your tank. Feed them a small amount of flakes or pellets about twice a day to keep them healthy and satisfied. Remember that it is always more safe to underfeed than to overfeed.

Alan McGee is a freelance writer from MN.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/how-to-clean-your-large-fish-tank-1671316.html

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Reasons to Avoid Cheap Fish Tanks

Dec 30th, 2009
by Aquarium Lover.
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When it comes to something as cool as a fish tank, why would you want to get the cheapest tank you can? That is just asking for trouble. You wouldn’t skimp out on your house selection just because it’s thousands of dollars less. Get what you really want and what your fish really deserve and avoid buying cheap fish tanks just because you think you are broke. Save up and get the tank that’s perfect for your home and your pets. Here are some reasons why you definitely don’t want to purchase cheap fish tanks.

  1. If the “glass-like” material is too cheap, it won’t be able to hold much and it could bust open when you add water leaving a stinky mess on your freshly vacuumed carpet.
  2. Your fish could become really ill from particles of cheaply made accessories contaminating their water and their food source.
  3. It might not be way too small for your fish.
  4. It could be stylistically way too different from the rest of your rooms, making it a forced, and honestly an ugly addition to your home.
  5. It will become dirtier much faster and most times they are actually harder to clean due to the cheap faux glass that they are made with.
  6. Your fish will begin to rebel and cause much more trouble in the tank than if you had the proper, more expensive materials present.
  7. Your fish may not reproduce or decide to boycott eating any of their food leaving you with a super cloudy tank and a lonely couple of fish.

Getting cheap fish tanks is really not recommended. There are some deals out there but just be sure they are using real glass and that it is put together properly. The last thing you need is a leaking fish tank that leaves a horrible stank in your house for weeks on end. Do the right thing, spend a little more on your fish tank. It will save you time and money in the long run.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/reasons-to-avoid-cheap-fish-tanks-1646039.html


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