Welcome to FishTank! This tips file provides some helpful hints on using FishTank and maintaining aquariums.
If you're using FishTank for the first time, click on the Help button for an overview on how FishTank works.
Visit the FishTank home page for information on updates. The address is http://boonedocks.simplenet.com/fishtank. You can also go to the Help Menu and choose BooneDocks on the Web.
Some types of fish like hatchetfish or giant danios may jump out the aquarium. Be sure to have a tight-fitting cover on your tank.
The Quick Pick list uses tank wall thickness values for glass, regardless of whether you've picked glass or acrylic material on Page 1.
If you have a large aquarium, consider using two small heaters instead of one big one. This will allow you to heat the tank more evenly by placing them at a distance to each other. Also, if one heater breaks, the other can work harder until you notice the problem.
The amount of fish you can have in your aquarium depends greatly on the surface area of your tank. This measurement determines how much air can get into the water for the fish to breathe.
Water motion at the surface helps keep oxygen levels up in the aquarium. Use a waterfall type filter or an airstone in the tank.
You can euthanize a terminally ill fish by placing it in a large amount of very cold ice water. Please do this only in extenuating circumstances; try treatment first.
Most pet stores and aquarium shops sell young fish. This means that the fish will probably grow. Make sure you know how big a fish can grow before you purchase them.
Fish prefer naturally-colored bottoms to their tanks. Some of the brighter gravel colors available tend to stress fish.
Submit questions, comments, and ideas for improvement to BooneDocks@kagi.com.
If you're building a large tank, pay special attention to FishTank's weight calculations. Make sure your floor can support it!
Use FishTank's air and water temperature settings to test heating and cooling extremes. Is your heater powerful enough to keep the tank warm if the air is cold?
Use an airstone in your tank to improve the water's oxygen content.
Change a portion of your aquarium's water regularly to maintain healthy water quality. Aquarium books and on-line information can be a good guide as to how much water and how often you should change it.
For salt water tanks, use a hydrometer to measure the water density. When water evaporates, the salt remains, so add a little freshwater to compensate.
Larger aquariums are generally more chemically stable. The greater volume of water "dilutes" the effect of chemical changes.
Fish breathe oxygen dissolved in the water. The amount of oxygen that dissolved in the water decreases as temperature and salt-content increase.
Try to locate your aquarium away from windows. Bright light from the outside stimulates algae growth.
