To maintain healthy environment in the tank, substrate should be cleaned regularly, too. Many aquarists neglect to change the substrate, not knowing that bits of fish food and waste often collect in the substrate. The waste causes bacteria and algae to grow, causing the water to become cloudy. Aquariums with gravel bed should be cleaned at every water change to remove organic matter trapped in t...

Biological Filtration This is the most important type of aquarium filtration system. It consists of good bacteria that deal with biological waste (in the form of ammonia) in the water. By metabolizing ammonia, biological filters help keep ecological balance in the water. Sponge filter is one of the most commonly used biological filtration tool. A sponge filter takes water from the take, pass it...

Buckets Regular partial water changes are necessary to maintaining ecological balance of your aquarium. Changing water does not help remove waste products, it also infuses fresh water into the tank. You need a bucket for fresh water and another to hold the old aquarium water. Siphon Cleaners This tool is used to drain water out of the aquarium so you don't have to lift and tilt the aquarium...

The most common mistake of beginner hobbyist is tossing fish into the tank as soon as it reaches home. “New tank syndrome” - not allowing water to mature (cycle) before putting livestock in - is often the most common cause of sudden fish death. Before introducing fish stock in the aquarium, an aquarist must cycle water first. Aquarium cycling is the process of growing beneficial bact...

One of the most common mistakes of beginner aquarists is to change aquarium water only once it looks dirty. After all, they have installed a mechanical filter. Unfortunately, filters can only remove physical dirt. They cannot remove ammonia build-up that is toxic to fish. Consistent water quality is the key to a healthy aquarium, and this can only be achieved through regular water change. Regula...