frogbroms aquariums

Installing New Aquarium Tanks
Before installing a new tank you must understand the nitrogen cycle.The cycle occurs because waste is caused by fish eating and processing food and that waste and other plant debris fall to the bottom of the tank where it eventually becomes ammonia which is toxic to fish.
A new tank needs the bacteria from fish to help break the ammonia down but because it has never held fish,there are no bacteria available That nitrogen needs to be broken down. Nitrifying bacteria is essentual to turn ammonia into more friendly nitrates which however, will eventally accumulate on the tank bottom despite the benifits the filter system and will have to be removed.This is achieved by having regular water changes to minimise the buildup of nitrates.
Before the new fish are introduced to the system must be be cycled for anytime between 24hrs and 28 days. The aquarium should be setup and operated, washed ,and filled with de-chlorinated water.Do NOT use soap. Install lighting and filter equipment and circulate the water until the water clears and the P.H. and temperature are satisfactory.
Now is the time to introduce the fish and probably the hardy species such as barb,gouramis,danios and live bearers are more able to tolerate the high nitrate count in the new aquarium.Limit the number of fish introduced to 4 at a time by floating them in a plastic bag while they become aclimatised to the temperature.Don’t let the plastic bag water get into the tank as it may be contaminated or effect temperatures and P.H. Do not feed for 2 hrs and then with only with enough food that can be eaten within a a maximum of 5 minutes. This is to limit any build up of the ammonia in a new tank which will initially lack nitrifying bacteria Any overfeeding will exacerbate the problem.
Check the P.H. level every day for the first 30 days and install a clarifier if the water becomes cloudy.Keep your eye on the fish for signs of stress or sickness.which will show up if they constantly swim at or near the surface or show swimming irregularities.Change about 10per cent of the water after approximately 7 days and introduce regular maintainance