Partial water changes
In a well-entrenched aquarium, it is generally sufficient to replace a quarter or third of the total volume of water every two to three weeks.
Gravel cleaner
When filling the aquarium with water, one should adjust the temperature of the fresh water to the temperature of the water already in the aquarium. It is all right if the fresh water is somewhat cooler than the water already in the aquarium. In fact, many freshwater fish need slight cooling (but not more than 2 C), this stimulating their metabolism and spawning.
Filters
The motto with filter cleaning is: Less is more! The filter material should be rinsed and separated only by rough dirt under running cold water. This means that the bacteria needed for biological filtration are obtained. The degradation ability of toxic ammonia and nitrite can be lost if there is a complete replacement of the filter and if there are no bacteria on the material.
Optimal water treatment also depends on the use of the correct filter media. Mechanically active materials in Eheim filter out solid particles and favor the settlement of beneficial bacteria and the adsorptive storage of dissolved pollutants. Activated carbon is an filter material that can be of great help when it comes to removing the chlorine and other harmful chemicals from the water. However, activated charcoal should only be used for a limited time because it is saturated.
Quarantine
In addition to these management measures, quarantine is also an important preventive acquisition. Many diseases can develop in the aquarium since newly purchased fish can infect the whole fish stock. To make sure that the new hires are healthy, they can be kept in a smaller aquarium for about two weeks. Watch them before you move them in the right aquarium and keep the water levels constant.
Avoid stress
Today it is beyond doubt that stress harms the immune system of fish directly and weakens the defense mechanisms against disease. Not only water pollution, but also too high a stocking lead to significant bacterial growth and represent great stress for the animals. The more bacteria in the water, the stronger should be the immune system of the fish. Additional stress factors are poor diet, the socialization of incompatible fish, fear of capture and transport, inappropriate fertilizer plants and pelvic facilities that do not meet the needs of the animals.
Maintenance
Here are some additional points that should be followed carefully in order to avoid diseases:
Constant temperature Temperature fluctuations weaken the immune system and the fish are more susceptible to illness.
Unfed fish
Uneaten food can lead to dissolved products, such as ammonia, which can lead to poisoning.
No previous food
The clock is ticking on the expiration date as soon as the food was first opened. Smaller food cans are better. Wet food alters quickly.
Device control
Check the technical equipment on a regular basis and look for signs of wear. Does the heating work? Are the pins intact? Is the lighting working properly?
Increase in pH
The aquarium may be covered with algae, there can be direct sunlight, the water can be highly alkaline and there can be damage in the gills of the fish.
Decrease in pH
Soft water can cause a rapid decrease in the pH levels. The acidic water can then cause burns to the gills (acid disease).
How to combat diseases?
Diseases are often not real for fish. The disease symptoms may be observed, but the causes come from the outside. First, the water should be checked to see whether a value has gone out of control. Coverings or ulcers on the body of the fish are, however, serious signs of real illness and require further diagnosis. Subsequent treatment with medication should be followed.
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