Water changes aquarium

Water Changes reduce nitrates, increase oxygen and mineral value STEP 8 Buy the Books Water changes must be performed frequently to keep oxygen levels up and nitrates down in our goldfish house. We've learned that beneficial bacteria are responsible for the nitrogen cycle. Without these friendly bugs, goldfish would be poisoned by their own waste. Keeping fish safe in captivity would be a challenge if not impossible without this miracle of nature Without the nitrogen cycle, life would not exist as we know it Nitrates are the third and final conversion in the cycle; tolerated by goldfish at low levels. This toxin can only be removed by means of a partial water change. If the environment in your goldfish house cannot support beneficial bacteria, then it will support harmful bacteria. If bad bugs flourish in your tank or pond, your goldfish won't. It's that simple Cleaning goldfish aquarium Exchange less water more often to keep nitrates at consistent levels Water changes Another reason to perform frequent water changes; goldfish emit a growth hormone dangerous at high levels. Goldfish in overstocked tanks are at risk of being poisoned by these hormones which may stunt growth. These same hormones cause cancer, heart disease and even death Add plants to your set up. Plants feed on nitrates keeping levels at bay. There is one plant that forms naturally in the right conditions with no maintenance, and that's algae Fish are at risk of ammonia and or nitrite poisoning if the cycle has not completed If your tank has not cycled, perform daily water changes between 20% to 30% (depending on stocking levels) for the next 8 to 10  weeks. Use water treatment (enough for entire tank size) that eliminates ammonia, nitrite, chlorine and chloramines Refer to Step 5: Water Treatment: to determine recommended dosages required for making conversions Never perform a 100% water change. Along with the bad bacteria and toxins, you'll be throwing out water that provides nourishment for good bacteria also If your tank has cycled perform bi weekly water changes of 10% to 20% depending on stocking levels. Eliminate chlorine or convert chloramines using water treatment if present Water changes aquarium An overstocked tank requires increased amounts of partial water changes Test fish water before every water change; adjust water changes accordingly. The comfort zone is 20 to 40 ppm with the lower end of the scale being preferred; a buffering zone in case of a spike Here are some tips to keep water changes easier Make sure water buckets have strong and secure handles  Keep the buckets light so they're easy to carry; don't over fill Take your time. Don't rush through bailing water; slow and steady Keep a towel beneath buckets while removing or adding water  Keep filters and pumps in fish water at all times Never use detergents or cleaning agents on goldfish house or equipment Work water over to remove supersaturated gases from tap water Never add water treatment or any other substances directly to goldfish tank Keep a watchful eye on running water from a faucet unattended How [...]