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Fish Supplies

Part II3 chapters

Filtration and water

Filter types compared, cycling a new tank with test kits and conditioners, and how to clean a tank without undoing the cycle.

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Clear water is not the same as safe water. Fish waste releases ammonia, which RSPCA Australia says is toxic to fish from 0.1 ppm, and a new tank has none of the bacteria that break it down. This part covers the three things that keep water safe.

Start with the filter. Aquarium filters compared explains sponge, hang-on-back, canister and internal filters, the tank sizes makers rate them for, and which suit bettas or goldfish. Then cycle the tank: UF/IFAS says a new biofilter needs 6 to 8 weeks to build up enough bacteria, and VCA says 4 to 6 weeks before fish. That chapter explains fishless cycling, test kits and what conditioners do.

Once fish are in, how to clean a fish tank compares the water change schedules the RSPCA, VCA and makers give, and shows how to rinse filter media without losing the bacteria.

Water conditioners, test kits and bacteria starters

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Filtration and water

Other parts: Tanks and setups, Heat and light, Fish food.

Frequently asked questions

Why does a fish tank need a filter?

The RSPCA says no fish should be kept without a well set up and maintained filter. Its biological media hold the bacteria that break down toxic ammonia from fish waste.

What is the difference between a water conditioner and a bacteria starter?

A conditioner makes tap water safe by removing chlorine and chloramine. Bacteria starters claim, on their labels, to add the helpful bacteria that cycling grows; a test kit shows whether the cycle is complete.

Sources

  1. Choosing an Aquarium: Keeping Pet FishRSPCA
  2. Why is water quality important when setting up a fish aquarium?RSPCA Australia
  3. Ammonia in Aquatic Systems (FA16)University of Florida IFAS Extension

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