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Aquariums & Fish

Welcome to an exciting and rewarding hobby. You’re about to embark on a wondrous adventure that will bring the magic and mystery of underwater life to your home, business or classroom. But as is the case with any hobby, fish keeping requires some basic equipment — and some basic knowledge.

Think of your fish as pets and you’ll agree, they deserve the best care and attention you can provide. They rely on you to keep their environment healthy. A healthy aquarium is relatively easy to achieve and maintain, but it will not happen by itself. It depends on you.

In rivers, lakes and oceans, water is cleansed and filtered naturally. In an aquarium, it’s a different story. In order to keep aquarium water clean and healthy, you must help. This means taking care not to overcrowd the tank or overfeed the fish. It means changing some of the water regularly, cleaning the gravel bed and providing the proper filtration.

Sound like a lot? It’s really not. In fact, it only takes about 15 minutes a week.

In addition to your aquarium, filter and lighting, here’s a list of what you need to get started:

• Gravel: Coated or pre washed is ideal.
• Decorations: Only those designated for aquariums
  (e.g., live or artificial plants and ornaments).
• Water Conditioner: de-chlorinates tap water to make it fish safe.
• Net: For transferring fish.
• Gravel Washer: For water changes and cleaning.
• Fish Food: Consult our staff for a recommendation.

Setting Up Your Aquarium

Handle With Care
 
Never attempt to move a full or partially full aquarium.
Never lift an aquarium with wet hands.
Never attempt to lift aquarium by grasping upper edges or frame.
Always grasp and carry an aquarium from underneath, supporting the bottom at all times

Total Three-Stage Filtration

A healthy, successful aquarium requires the proper filtration. Three stages are necessary.

Mechanical Filtration traps solid debris such as uneaten food and fish waste.

Chemical Filtration uses media (activated carbon) to adsorb (attract and hold) dissolved pollutants that can cause water discoloration and odor. Filter cartridges are an ideal source of both mechanical and chemical filtration. For mechanical filtration, there’s a poly fiber pad to trap dirt and debris. For chemical filtration, each cartridge is packed with premium activated carbon.

Biological Filtration is the third type of filtration. It depends on a culture of beneficial oxygen-loving bacteria to eliminate toxic ammonia and nitrite that accumulate in aquarium water. The bacteria culture biologically changes the ammonia and nitrite into nitrate, which is removed with once-a-month partial water changes. Beneficial bacteria will grow naturally on many surfaces within the aquarium (including gravel, decorative rock and plastic plants) and will provide biological filtration.

If your system features Marineland’s patented BIO-Wheel technology, a culture of bacteria will grow on its surface. The bacteria will thrive — because as the BIO-Wheel rotates, they are nourished by exposure to the larger amount of oxygen in the air. This is “wet/dry” biological filtration.

Taking Care of Your New Aquatic Environment

A properly maintained aquarium filter means cleaner water and healthier fish.

You will need to replace your filter cartridge and perform a 25 percent water change every two to four weeks. You also need to vacuum the gravel thoroughly to remove any waste buildup. The easiest and most effective way to accomplish both a water change and a gravel cleaning is with a standard, siphon-operated gravel vacuum.

Water that appears cloudy, yellowish or smells bad is telling you that your aquarium water needs changing and a new filter cartridge immediately. If the problem persists, it may be because you have too many fish — or because you’re overfeeding them. Bring a sample of your water to your dealer for testing.

When replacing water in an aquarium, be sure to treat it first. Most tap water contains chlorine or chloramines, and adding untreated tap water to your tank could seriously harm your fish. Be sure to check with your dealer for the water dechlorinator that works best with your local tap water.

Always replace old water with new water of approximately the same temperature to avoid shocking your fish.

Set aside an assortment of buckets, sponges and towels to be used only with your aquarium. This will help prevent the introduction of harmful pollutants into the system.

And always unplug electrical equipment before performing aquarium maintenance of any kind

• Perfecto Aquariums
• Oceanic Systems
• All Glass Aquariums
• Marineland Eclipse Tanks

Tank Show Room - Many Aquariums On Display