Friday 6 August 2010

Acclimatisation - the Need to be Patient

When the tank is initially set up it needs to modify, the temperatures must be correct & the environment must establish itself. Friendly bacteria must build in the filtration process needed to break down the ammonia levels in the water one time fish are introduced.

One time you have filled the tank & have the décor, plants heater & filter in place then leave the water to rise to room temperature before turning on the heater. Gradually let the water heat to around 76f depending on the fish you will be purchasing (always check together with your aquarist for the ideal temperature for the fish you require).

One time the tank temperature is at the right level turn on your filter & air pumps, the temperature will dip a tiny but will soon catch up, leave the tank to acclimatise & create for a few days. Some aquarist leave a day gap I tend to leave the tank for seven days to make sure the friendly bacteria has a chance of developing. Feed the water & your plants in the work of this time as this will encourage the bacteria to create in the filter sponges.

When you have chosen the fish you require from your aquarium centre float them in the bag they came in on top of your water, this will permit the fish to settle & the temperature of the water bag to modify to the water temperature in the tank, this is important as a sudden modify in temperature can paralyse, shock even kill new fish. Float the fish for around0 minutes then slowly mix a quantity of the tank water in the bag so that you can view any changes in the fish. In case you are satisfied with that the fish are prepared slowly release the fish in to the tank.

Sit for some time together with your new fish, check that they are swimming correctly & that the fish are not gasping for air, twitching or showing any other signs of distress. Do not feed them, over likely they will have been fed at the aquarium centre. Overfeeding kills more fish than starvation.

Over the first few days keep a lovely check on your fish, check the water & be vigilant of any changes. Feed them only around one time a day so that rotting food doesn't build up.

Adding large amounts of fish makes ammonia levels soar in the tank & the filter won't be able to cope, introduce only a tiny amount of fish at a time, if the fish are tiny then introduce them a few at a time over a few weeks. If the fish you choose are large then you ought to only introduce after the other. Stocking the tank is an important time whether for the first time or restocking. More fish means more waste, adding all of the fish directly will mean that a sudden surge in toxins are introduced to the water, this can be deadly. It is much better to wait & see & permit the fish & the delicate environmental balance of the aquarium modify before adding any more.

This process may take longer than you had originally anticipated but in case you are going to enjoy your aquarium then being patient will be skill worth developing.

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