If you are ready to start an aquarium, you should take a moment to familiarize yourself with the nitrogen cycle. Many new aquarium owners jump into the hobby of fish keeping too quickly. The aquarium needs to be cycled before you add the fish. This process can be as short as 24 hours or as long as four weeks. Established aquariums contain bacteria that’s able to convert ammonia into nitrates, but since that bacteria is produced by fish, it is not contained in a new aquarium. If there are no existing fish, then there are no good bacteria.

Generally speaking, this is what happens during the nitrogen cycle. Fish eat food and generate waste. The waste, uneaten food and plant debris combine to create ammonia. Ammonia can harm the fish unless it is broken down. And this is where the nitrifying bacteria comes in handy. This bacteria, turns the ammonia into nitrites which are more tolerable to fish than ammonia. Another type of bacteria turns the nitrites into nitrates. The nitrates are collected and minimized by filters; however they will eventually accumulate in the tank. You will need to remove the nitrates through water changes.

You should prepare and run your aquarium before you add any fish to it. Clean the tank and the substrate with water. Don’t use any soap. Fill the tank with water that has been treated for chlorine and add filters and lights. Cycle the water until it is clear and until the right Ph and temperature are finally reached.

At this point you can buy the fish. Buy hardy fish such as danios, barb, gouramis, and live bearers. They are strong enough to sustain the higher nitrite levels in the aquarium. You should add no more than four fish at one time. Float the fish in the bag in the aquarium for about fifteen minutes before adding them to the tank. It will help get the fish used to the different water temperature. When adding the fish, be careful not to allow the water from the bag into the aquarium. It may be contaminated, or will at the very least, throw off the temperature and P.H. Give the fish a few hours to become used to its new home before you offer any food.

Only feed an amount that can be consumed in the first two to five minutes. Fish should not be overfed. Overfeeding will cause uneaten food to turn into ammonia. Since a new aquarium is void of nitrifying bacteria, this is vitally important. Monitor the Ph every day for a month. Watch the tank for cloudiness; if the aquarium becomes cloudy, it may be necessary to add a clarifier. Check the fish regularly for signs of stress or illness. A healthy fish moves and swim. Lethargic fish tend to remain toward the surface of the water. After about a week change approximately ten percent of the water and begin regular maintenance.

Fine accessories from an inventory of over 200,000 parts and stylin trucks parts are waiting for you.