Transcript Aquarium Notes

Aquariums
I. Temperature
A. Best temperature range 23 to 28°C (73 to 82°F)
B. Large tanks should have a
heater
II. Salinity
A. 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. pH
A. An abbreviation for
“pondus hydrogenii”
which means
power of Hydrogen.
B. pH of pure water – 7
C. Substances below 7 on
pH scale are ACIDIC
D. 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. Filters
1. 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. Heater
1. 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 Method
1. 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 Method
1. 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 oxygen
B. The ammonia used should be free of
any perfumes and additives
C. 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!