Water Quality and Aquarium Maintenance Issues
Establishing a regular routine for performing maintenance tasks is all part of keeping your aquarium in top shape. Taking the time to siphon up detritus, clean the filter and other equipment, mix saltwater solutions for water changes and replenishment, test the water and address other water quality issues are just some of the jobs that need tending to regularly.
Aquarium Vacation Care
Nitrate (NO3)
About Tank Janitors @
pH & Alkalinity
Water Circulation @
Phosphate (PO4)
Aq. Maintenance Services
Sea Salts & Making Up Water
Aq. Maintenance Software
Test Kits & Water Testing
Calcium (Ca)
Water Changes
Heaters & Heating Issues @
More Topic Resources
Make-Up Water Sources
Top Handy Aquarium Cleaning Tools
Face it. Cleaning the tank is usually last on an aquarium keeper's list of things to do, and any tool that makes the job easier is worth its weight in gold. Here's a list of some of the handiest, inexpensive and simple to use gadgets for cleaning aquariums that are designed to help get the job done as easily and quickly as possible.
Face it. Cleaning the tank is usually last on an aquarium keeper's list of things to do, and any tool that makes the job easier is worth its weight in gold. Here's a list of some of the handiest, inexpensive and simple to use gadgets for cleaning aquariums that are designed to help get the job done as easily and quickly as possible.
What Maintenance Procedures Should Be Performed, and When
Once you have completed the first basic maintenance tasks one should perform several weeks after an aquarium has finished cycling, it's time to set up a regular schedule and begin standard maintenance procedures. Find out what these tasks are, and when they are recommended to be done.
Once you have completed the first basic maintenance tasks one should perform several weeks after an aquarium has finished cycling, it's time to set up a regular schedule and begin standard maintenance procedures. Find out what these tasks are, and when they are recommended to be done.
Reef Tank Temperatures
What is the best temperature for your reef tank? How High is Too High? It may be higher than you think.
What is the best temperature for your reef tank? How High is Too High? It may be higher than you think.
Organize Your Aquarium Cabinet
Quick, easy and inexpensive cabinet organization project which will make it simple to store and find all of the things you use to maintain your aquarium.
Quick, easy and inexpensive cabinet organization project which will make it simple to store and find all of the things you use to maintain your aquarium.
Aquarium Substrate & Live Rock Clean Up Tips
The primary cause of high nitrate and nuisance algae growth in aquariums stems from allowing organic debris to accumulate in the system. It's not difficult to keep an aquarium clean and tidy. From this list of handy cleaning tools and the simple things you can include as part of your regular maintenance routine to clean up the substrate and live rocks, it's easy to reduce heavy amounts of troublesome organics that settle and build up in these areas of your aquarium.
The primary cause of high nitrate and nuisance algae growth in aquariums stems from allowing organic debris to accumulate in the system. It's not difficult to keep an aquarium clean and tidy. From this list of handy cleaning tools and the simple things you can include as part of your regular maintenance routine to clean up the substrate and live rocks, it's easy to reduce heavy amounts of troublesome organics that settle and build up in these areas of your aquarium.
Curing Cloudy Aquarium Water
Depending on the cause of the cloudy water, the problem can be either very easy to cure, or require more extensive procedures. Fortunately, the causes of cloudy aquarium water in each case can be determined by the color or tint of the water.
Depending on the cause of the cloudy water, the problem can be either very easy to cure, or require more extensive procedures. Fortunately, the causes of cloudy aquarium water in each case can be determined by the color or tint of the water.
My Aquarium Has Finished Cycling. What's Next?
Once your new saltwater aquarium has reached the third and final phase of the nitrogen cycling process and completing its task of establishing the beginning of your tank's biological filter base, it's important to be patient, and move slowly! Here's why.
Once your new saltwater aquarium has reached the third and final phase of the nitrogen cycling process and completing its task of establishing the beginning of your tank's biological filter base, it's important to be patient, and move slowly! Here's why.
Do I Add Salt or Fresh Top-Off Water?
Here's the answer to the question, when the water level drops in my saltwater aquarium, am I supposed to add salt or fresh top-off water?
Here's the answer to the question, when the water level drops in my saltwater aquarium, am I supposed to add salt or fresh top-off water?
Aquarium Salt Creep
Aquarium salt creep is a common problem for saltwater and freshwater aquarists alike. Learn about what aquarium salt creep is, the damaging effects it has on equipment and other items it comes in contact with, and find out how to deal with this encrusting and corrosive substance.
Aquarium salt creep is a common problem for saltwater and freshwater aquarists alike. Learn about what aquarium salt creep is, the damaging effects it has on equipment and other items it comes in contact with, and find out how to deal with this encrusting and corrosive substance.
Top Saltwater Aquarium Myths
Over the past few decades, the science of saltwater aquaria has increased by leaps and bounds. In spite of the new knowledge, many of the old myths which arose during the years of experimentation are still professed by some as facts. Here are some of the most popular myths which are still in circulation.
Over the past few decades, the science of saltwater aquaria has increased by leaps and bounds. In spite of the new knowledge, many of the old myths which arose during the years of experimentation are still professed by some as facts. Here are some of the most popular myths which are still in circulation.
A First-Aid Kit for Saltwater Aquariums
Unforeseen situations with your aquarium can occur at any time, and if you are not prepared to handle a critical problem if it arises, losses to your aquarium community can be costly. You should be ready at any given time to be able to perform a partical or complete water change, treat a sick fish, or handle any number of other emergenices.
Unforeseen situations with your aquarium can occur at any time, and if you are not prepared to handle a critical problem if it arises, losses to your aquarium community can be costly. You should be ready at any given time to be able to perform a partical or complete water change, treat a sick fish, or handle any number of other emergenices.
Can I Use Ocean Water In My Aquarium?
Many people who live near the ocean want to know if they can use ocean water in their tanks.
Many people who live near the ocean want to know if they can use ocean water in their tanks.
FAQ - Should I Do a Water Change While Cycling My Tank?
You are in the middle of the tank cycling process, your ammonia and nitrites are spiking and your fish aren't looking too good. Should you do a water change to reduce the toxins?
You are in the middle of the tank cycling process, your ammonia and nitrites are spiking and your fish aren't looking too good. Should you do a water change to reduce the toxins?
My House Is Being Tented?
Q. I have a 55 gallon salt water tank FOLR and I wanted to tent my house for termites... my question is can the tank remain in the house while is being tented???
Q. I have a 55 gallon salt water tank FOLR and I wanted to tent my house for termites... my question is can the tank remain in the house while is being tented???
My Tank Has Finished Cycling - Now What?
Now that your new saltwater aquarium has reached the end of the nitrogen cycling process and completed its task of established the beginning of your tank's biological filter base, find out what needs to be done next to start maintaining the system.
Now that your new saltwater aquarium has reached the end of the nitrogen cycling process and completed its task of established the beginning of your tank's biological filter base, find out what needs to be done next to start maintaining the system.
What is New Tank Syndrome?
Whether you have a saltwater aquarium that has just finished going through the nitrogen cycling process, or one that is well established and been running for years, new tank syndrome can occur. Find out what NTS is, what causes it, and solutions to avoiding this problem.
Whether you have a saltwater aquarium that has just finished going through the nitrogen cycling process, or one that is well established and been running for years, new tank syndrome can occur. Find out what NTS is, what causes it, and solutions to avoiding this problem.
New Tank Syndrome Causes & Solutions Table
Here is an easy to use Cause and Solution table to help you determine what caused and the solution for your "New Tank Syndrome".
Here is an easy to use Cause and Solution table to help you determine what caused and the solution for your "New Tank Syndrome".
Tap Water Purification Methods
From your About Guides, here are methods for how to purify tap water before using as make-up or top-off in saltwater aquariums, as well as a list of other alternative fresh water sources one can choose to use instead.
From your About Guides, here are methods for how to purify tap water before using as make-up or top-off in saltwater aquariums, as well as a list of other alternative fresh water sources one can choose to use instead.
What is Old Tank Syndrome?
From Aquatics Unlimited, this article by James Kostich addresses the problem of how an unwary aquarist is most likely to be rudely awakened to "Old Tank Syndrome" when he or she attempts to add new fish to an existing collection, because high nitrates have been allowed to accumulate due to poor maintenance care.
From Aquatics Unlimited, this article by James Kostich addresses the problem of how an unwary aquarist is most likely to be rudely awakened to "Old Tank Syndrome" when he or she attempts to add new fish to an existing collection, because high nitrates have been allowed to accumulate due to poor maintenance care.