If you have an aquarium or fish tank, it can be a beautiful addition to your home or office. The peaceful motions of the fish swimming and the beautiful colors many species have made a gorgeous backdrop to any room. But owning your own aquarium is more than just having a living decorative item; it also includes a responsibility to the fish and other creatures that might inhabit it. In order to maintain and clean a fish tank, you must have knowledge of the biology of the fish and plants that live in it as well as an eye for art in order to make the fish tank look beautiful. Checking the pH levels of the water as well as any chemicals in the aquarium is extremely important, as well as water temperature and cleanliness. These levels can fluctuate, so it is important that you know which levels will be best for your fish, and monitor them accordingly in case they have to be raised or lowered. Having an aquarium is an excellent teaching tool for children, a relaxing thing to look at, and an enjoyable way to own your very own fish and other sea creatures. By making sure your fish tank stays clean and well maintained, you will have many years of enjoyment from your aquarium.

• Following a Cleaning Schedule to Maintain Your Aquarium
• Cleaning Your Aquarium
• Aquarium Equipment: What’s Essential and What’s Not?

Fish are complex creatures and need special care depending on the type of fish you have. There is also a stark difference in maintenance and cleaning needs between a freshwater and a saltwater tank. Be sure you are aware of the differences and make your decision of what kind of tank you want based on the various methods needed to ensure it stays clean and safe for your fish. Before you set the fish tank up, you should perform a process called cycling. This process helps set the stage for healthy water and a healthy environment. Cycling means that you will balance the water levels, make sure the tank is clean and free of any unwanted chemicals such as ammonia, and make sure the water has just the right conditions for both plants and fish before introducing them to the tank. Find out the best ways to clean the gravel, feed the fish, and remove debris and waste from the tank without causing trauma to the fish. It is important to purchase the right treatments needed for either a saltwater or freshwater tank so the levels are correct. Get a good tank thermometer that allows you to monitor the water temperature, and make note of which temperatures your fish prefer in order to thrive. As you clean the tank, you will learn how to perform the task more effectively and how to safely remove the fish so that they are unharmed while you clean it.

• Filtration for Cichlids
• Maintaining Your Aquarium
• 10 Easy Steps for Water Changes and Cleaning a Freshwater Aquarium
• Freshwater Aquarium Maintenance
• How to Maintain a Healthy Freshwater Aquarium the Easy Way
• A Marine Aquarium Maintenance Checklist
• Can You Handle a Saltwater Aquarium?
• Dirty Tank? Let’s Clean it Up!

Owning a fish tank is a great way to add interest to anywhere you choose. As an aquarium owner, it is important to remember that you are also a pet owner; making sure the tank stays clean is of the most vital importance. With some good research and a full list of supplies, you will need, you should have everything required to not only set up a great fish tank but be able to keep it clean, creating a happy and healthy environment for your fish. Keep a record of the dates you clean the tank so you can continue to regularly clean the fish tank on a viable schedule. Fish tanks do require a good amount of maintenance, but the rewards you reap are well worth it. Ask your local pet stores for some good tips and advice, and if you feel like the process is too complicated, find out what you can do to make the cleaning and maintenance easier on both you and your fish. A clear and clean fish tank will make you happy and will be an excellent feature that everyone will surely appreciate and enjoy.