| Having set up your aquarium, maintaining it is far | | | | species of fish require frequent feeding. Make |
| easier than cleaning your room or doing | | | | sure to know the dietary needs of your fish to |
| homework. But of course it does not stop there. | | | | ensure that they remain in good shape |
| Proper maintenance is essential so that your | | | | - Check your water filter. Filtering is important to |
| collection of fish and live plants remain happy and | | | | ensure that your fish don't eat unnecessary |
| healthy for a long time to come. | | | | leftover particles that might cause them harm. If |
| On top of your list for maintaining your | | | | your water is becoming smelly and/or cloudy, it is |
| freshwater aquarium, you should always make | | | | time to replace the water. Larger tanks require |
| sure that the water inside your tank is clean as | | | | larger pumps, which are important in avoiding |
| this enhances the healthy living of your fish. Do | | | | buildup of waste products inside the tank. Make |
| periodic water changes but make sure that you | | | | sure that your filter and pump are kept clean so |
| treat the water to remove any chlorine or | | | | that the flow of water is not restricted |
| chloramine content. Many hobbyists do not change | | | | - Wash the plants and decorations. Wash your |
| the entire water content but only ΒΌ or half of | | | | plants and other decorations with clean water and |
| the water so as not to upset the normal living | | | | do not use soap or detergent when cleaning them |
| environment of the tank. This tends to reduce | | | | as residue may stick onto your decorations which |
| the impact on the fish. | | | | could harm your fish |
| Uneaten fish food and other wastes should also | | | | - Scrape off excess algae. Remove excess algae |
| be removed from the tank to minimize polluted | | | | from any part of your tank. While some fish |
| water that may harm your fish. Just like people, | | | | species feed on algae, keeping minimal amounts |
| fish also need clean water in order to survive. | | | | of algae is essential |
| Aside from this, other areas of concern in | | | | - Observe fish behavior. As a fish hobbyist, you |
| maintaining your freshwater aquarium include: | | | | should watch closely the individual behavior of |
| - Do not over-clutter your fish tank. Depending on | | | | your fish. This enables you to determine when |
| the size of your tank, your fish should be able to | | | | fish are sick. Be prepared also to remove dead |
| move freely inside the aquarium. The rule is that | | | | fish from your tank as this causes a buildup of |
| the smaller the tank, the fewer fish. Your fish | | | | chemicals that may harm your fish |
| could become stressed if there is insufficient | | | | - Clean outside of your tank. Cleaning the outer |
| room for them to move freely | | | | portion of your freshwater tank by wiping it with |
| - Feed your fish. It is important that you feed | | | | a clean, damp cloth is equally important. |
| your fish every other day. However, certain | | | | |