| How to | | | | too alkalinity or acidy: Keep in mind |
| How to check aquarium water | | | | that discus from the symphysodon |
| Today, aquariums have advanced to the | | | | aequifasciata specimen enjoy acidy |
| point that the tanks are | | | | waters. If you have cichlids from Rift |
| self-sufficient. Water conditions are | | | | Valley, these fish prefer alkaline. |
| important to check, since in each area | | | | How do I test water? |
| of the world, water is different. In | | | | You will need to purchase a test kit. |
| fact, some area waters are more | | | | You can purchase test kits online or |
| contaminated than other areas. The types | | | | preferably at your local pet store. Of |
| of fish factors into water, as well | | | | course, you can purchase the kits |
| plants play a role too. Tetras is a type | | | | online, but if you are not familiar with |
| of fish, which naturally habitats in | | | | the types, it is best to purchase at a |
| rainwater, or when in aquariums the fish | | | | pet store. The test kits will provide |
| enjoys soft waters. Therefore, when you | | | | you a read out of chemicals in the water |
| test waters for these fish make sure | | | | as well, such as chlorine. There should |
| that the waters are soft. | | | | not be chlorine in the waters; however, |
| Cichlid is another species of fish that | | | | tap water may have such chemicals. Water |
| prefer harder water. The specimens came | | | | conditioners are ideal. When you setup |
| from the Rift Valleys of Africa, which | | | | your tank and each time you refill the |
| contains dissolved salt. The salt was | | | | tank you should use water conditioners. |
| available from natural sources, such as | | | | Tip: If you have a heater in the tank, |
| lakes and rock lining. | | | | keep the volume low. |
| How do I avoid hardening the water? | | | | Living Room: |
| If you want hard waters, then do not add | | | | Typically, it is not recommended that |
| limestone. Limestone should be avoided, | | | | you locate your aquarium in a living |
| especially if you intend to use it as | | | | room. Since most living rooms are too |
| rocks or gravel. | | | | warm, the fish will feel agitated. |
| How can I tell the condition of waters | | | | However, if you have tropical fish as |
| after testing pH? | | | | well as plants you will have fewer |
| After you test the waters, pH readings | | | | problems. Plants and fish from the |
| should give you a figure. If the number | | | | tropical regions tend to adapt well to |
| is below seven, then the water is acidy. | | | | higher water or room temperature. Using |
| If the figure is higher than seven are | | | | a heater in the tank can help you |
| then the water is alkalinity or | | | | preserve your fish, yet you want to keep |
| alkaline. The neutral pH figure is pH7. | | | | the heater on low volume. Maintaining a |
| If the water conditions are below or | | | | volume of heat will also prolong the |
| higher than this figure then your water | | | | life of your heater. |
| is too alkalinity and/or acidity. If you | | | | If you are heating your aquarium, take |
| maintain a correct temperature and | | | | the easy way out. Some heaters include |
| balance of water, your fish and plants | | | | heaterstats, which will help you |
| will live long and healthy. | | | | regulate heat. Heaterstats are |
| Tip: | | | | thermostatically controlled devices, |
| Red Nosed Tetra prefers freedom to swim | | | | which fix to the corners of an aquarium. |
| and density of plants. | | | | You can use suction cups to mount the |
| If you have test water keep in mind that | | | | heater. The heater has a small lamp, |
| tap water has pH7 or pH8 reading | | | | which will click on each time the heater |
| usually. If the gauge reads higher or | | | | is activated. |
| else lower, it means that the water is | | | | |