Automatic Aquarium
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How can I lower the nitrite levels in my fish tank?
I've had my 10 gallon aquarium for 3 months, and I currently have one molly in it. I used to have three, but two died, and I would like to get mine some friends, but the nitrite levels in my tank are too high. I've been adding "Biozyme" to the tank for almost four weeks now. The package and the guy in the pet store said it should work within a week, but it hasn't yet. They've just told me to keep adding it. But I have to leave my dorm room on Thursday for a month and I won't be able to come to take care of my fish. I bought an automatic feeder, but I won't be able to add the "biozyme." What else can I do for my tank? I realize I may have to wait until I get back in mid January. Thanks!
I have a filter and I have been doing small water changes. The people at the pet store said I shouldn't change too much of the water because there is not enough bacteria in the water (That is what the Biozyme is).
like others say water changes rinse the filter media out in old tank water, NEVER tap water. suction the gravel, keep up with cleaning.
also dont leave your fish in your dorm for a month, if it dies it will rot and stink to high hell in a month. along with all the rotting food, do you want to come back to that smell?
i suggest getting a rubbermaid bin and putting him and everything else inside of it and make sure there are no holes. take him HOME.
Feeding times
The frequency and amount of food fish require depends on the species and age. Learning about the habits of your species in their natural environment will inform you about how often fish need fed, bearing in mind that there are no set 'feeding times' in the wild! For example, predatory fish only catch prey a few times per week, while herbivores will be used to munching bits of plants throughout the day. Small fish and fry need more frequent feeding and should not go for more than a day without food, while healthy adult fish can go for several days without feeding. Whatever the needs of your species, it is however a good idea to establish regular feeding times for fish in tropical freshwater fish tank aquariums as this will help them feel more secure and confident about the availability of food. I would discourage using automatic feeders (unless you are away on vacation) as it is important to monitor fish during feeding time and they are also expensive.
When the eye is bigger than the belly!
One of the things which new aquarists often find difficult is figuring out how much to feed their fish. Most fish do not know when they are full and will carry on consuming more food. Watching them clustering excitedly at the surface in anticipation no doubt gives the impression they are hungry and want more! However, fish do not require as much food as is often thought. Remember that most fish's stomachs are about the same size as their eyes!
Dangers of overfeeding
Overfeeding is much more dangerous than underfeeding. Overfeeding creates several problems in the aquarium, the most serious and frequent being pollution. Fish that eat a lot produce more waste and uneaten food decomposes producing ammonia which can build up to poison fish tanks aquariums and send the biological cycle haywire. Excess food is also drawn into the filter causing it to block prematurely and hindering filtration. For the fish themselves, constant overfeeding leads to digestive problems. Their stomachs become bloated which can press on the swim bladder (the organ which controls fish's buoyancy) and they struggle to swim properly.
How much food?
A good way to gauge the amount of food your fish require is to sprinkle a little food over the water surface including pellets for bottom dwelling fish. If all the food is consumed in no longer than three minutes the amount is enough. If there is uneaten food after this time, you are overfeeding, and if all the food is consumed in less time, add a little more. If food is properly rationed, fish will be healthier and happier in the long term.
Food needs to be broken down into a size less than the size of the fish's mouth otherwise it will spit it out.
Check your fish's appetite
Feeding time is a good time to check the health of your fish. All fish should be interested in the food that you offer them and should consume it readily. If some fish are not eating it is certainly a sign of illness or stress. Aside from taking into account any other necessary medical intervention, try hand feeding with tasty foods, or place it in quarantine and supply with a high protein diet. Also check for bloating or difficulty swimming after eating. This may indicate the presence of a gluten allergy as most flake foods are bulked out with cereals, especially wheat, and a significant number of fish have this allergy. Try alternative foods and monitor how the fish responds. If problems continue move on to a strictly algae-based diet until the fish's condition improves.
Copyright © 2009 Jill Kaestner @ Kaestner Marketing LLC
Jill Kaestner
From a childhood fascination with fish, begun by winning my first goldfish at 5 years old at a May Day fun event, to becoming a passionate aquarist/retailer, I aim to provide you with professional advice on setting up, stocking and servicing your freshwater aquarium so you too can enjoy the wonders of the underwater world. With personal experience in tropical freshwater aquariums and extensive professional research, information and advice in my articles can be trusted. My love for our fish friends motivates me to share advice with others which will promote their fishes' welfare and thereby their own lasting enjoyment and success as aquarists. Why not have a look at my website through the link provided here?
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