Placing stylish aquariums inside homes has become a trend, adding incredible ambience to the interiors. Aquariums in various shapes and sizes are available in the market. However, most people do not know how to maintain these aquariums or take care of ornamental fish. Overfeeding or underfeeding the fish is a common mistake that most people make. Here are a few tips to help you maintain an aquarium without losing its charm.
Right spot
Aquarium is not something that could be carelessly placed anywhere in the house. A clean spot that receives mild sunshine at least for an hour could be chosen to place the aquarium. You could also add light fittings inside the aquarium to help the water plants undergo photosynthesis.
The size
The size of the aquarium should depend on the number of fish that you intend to put in it. Adding more fish to a smaller aquarium could only affect their health. It is better to choose an aquarium that is big enough to accommodate the fish comfortably. Aquariums in rectangular shape should be preferred over the ones that are tall and less wide.
Tank
Newly purchased tanks should be washed using one percent potassium permanganate solution. Spreading white-coloured sand in a sloped style adds a unique look to the aquarium. Besides, it makes cleaning easier too.
Change water
Clean and purified water should be used in aquariums. Rainwater could be used as they are usually pure. In case you are using chlorinated pipe water, then store the water in vessels and leave it open for a few days for the chlorine to evaporate. You could then pour this water into the tank.
The water in the tank could be retained for up to 3 – 6 days. Make sure to clean the tank at least once a week. Use a soft sponge to scrub the tank as it won’t cause scratches.
How to take care of the fish
Dip the polythene cover in which you bring the fish from the pet store in water for some time before putting the fish into the aquarium. Else, they might die due to the sudden variation in temperature. Wash or sanitize your hands before putting them inside the aquarium. Fish need to be fed only once a day. Overfeeding the fish would make the remnants clog the filters and the water turns dirty or cloudy.