Freshwater Aquarium

Freshwater Aquarium
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What are these tiny brown dots floating around my freshwater aquarium?

I have a 20 gallon freshwater aquarium. Currently, I only have 5 neon tetras and 4 platys in it.

A few months ago I began to see tiny brown dots (thats the best way I can describe them) floating around in my aquarium. I didn't know if they were eggs, or a parasite, or something foreign introduced to the aquarium. A platy had dissapeared a few weeks before this happened, and I couldn't find it anywhere. I thought these brown dots might have been related to it? I treated the tank with anti-pariasite medication, than antibacterial, then antifungal. I unfortunately lost one platy from dropsy, and later a guppy from unknown causes (the guppy dissapeared).

The tank got better eventually, but now a few months later, they are back with a vengance. There must be thousands of them. They're everywhere. There're floating in the water, in the gravel, on the plants(I don't have real plants). I have no idea what they are, or how to get rid of them for good. Please help!

it is BROWN ALGAE they are usually called "diatoms" and happen when you get a new tank or something. you may want to minimize nutrients..or materials in your aquarium..because they build up algae with the fresh water..i sure of that...

FOR A CURE ..get a SIAMESE ALGAE EATER it looks like this..

http://www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/Fishindx/sae.htm

here is all the INFORMAATION YOU NEED for the BROWN ALGAE..its near the bottom and at the bottom is a graph..telling SOLUTIONS to help with your aquarium. this fish helps out a lot ..with the Siamese Algae Eater..

http://www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/algae.htm

By following these easy instructions, setting up your first freshwater aquarium will make the experience much easier. Make sure you have all the equipment you need. Nothing is as frustrating as wanting to put the fish in only to discover you have forgotten something the tank needs in order to operate correctly. Have a list ready and check it off as you get the items.

You will need the right filter for your tank. There are many types of filters including undergravel ones and some are better at helping to maintain the tank than others are. Next, you will need an air pump, gravel for the tank's bottom, plants for decoration and for the fish to be able to hide in, rocks, fish food, a way to test the water for proper balances and the right size net to be able to remove fish. Those are just the basic needs. You can spend a lot of money on keeping up fish, but to get started, it is not that costly.

Know before you bring the aquarium home with you where it is going to sit. Avoid high traffic areas or places in the home where the temperature will promote the growth of bacteria and tank slime. Placing a tank in front of a window might be visually appealing but the sunlight can change the water temperature.

Cleanse the gravel before placing it in the bottom of the tank. Do not use any type of chemical to do this, just rinse it in your kitchen sink. Once the gravel is in place, you can add the decorative rocks. You cannot grab any rock and stick it in the tank as some rocks are not good to use in a tank because they can mess with the balance of the water.

Add plants. Live plants can be used, but keep in mind that not all live plants are suited for a tank and some fish will eat the plants.

Add water to the tank, but know that you cannot just add tap water and then put the fish directly into it. Tap water kills fish because of the chlorine content. You can purchase water treatments to make the water safe for the fish. Some of these treatments allow fish to be added within minutes of treatment, however, for the safety of the fish, once the water is treated, let it sit for a week in order to have the optimal environment.

Once you have done that, you are ready to add fish. The type of fish you add depends on the size of the tank and the species of the fish. For the best results, choose fish that can dwell together and are not aggressive. Some fish prefer to swim in the tank near the gravel while others prefer to swim closer to the surface. This gives each species their own space and helps to promote harmony in the tank.

Brian Wong is a freshwater fish enthusiast, and enjoys helping others get started in this amazing hobby. His newest book, "The Ultimate Guides To Freshwater Aquariums" teaches aquarists everything they need to know about starting and maintaining a thriving freshwater aquarium. For more great information on freshwater aquarium information, visit http://www.freshwateraquariumguides.com

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