• Quality flakes, pellets, vegetable-based foods, dried bloodworms, frozen foods, etc, should all be mixed to vary your fish’s diet as much as possible. The first sign of your fish needing more variety is the regular eating of plants or having long hanging faeces.
• Though there is a lot of misinformation around, ideally you should feed your fish ONCE per day. Do not over feed your fish! You should feed one small pinch of food, enough to be eaten within 5 minutes and adjusted accordingly to how many fish are in the tank. Any uneaten food will sink to the bottom and cause cloudiness and a build up of ammonia.
• A gravel cleaner should be used to remove excess food & waste. You must change one third of your water every 2-4 weeks depending on tank size. Changing all of your water is damaging, as it removes the natural bacteria that break down the fish waste products (ammonia).
There are four essential steps to turning tap water into aquarium water:
• Firstly, Safe Guard, Water Safe or Stress Coat is used every time tap water is added. It removes the chlorine, fluoride & Chloromine, which kill fish. Do not use filtered water, as it does not have enough natural bacteria & is too soft (not enough minerals) for fish.
• Secondly, Biostart or Stress Zyme provides the natural bacteria that break down the ammonia your fish secrete (this bacteria takes 6 weeks to build up naturally). This is essential when you add any new filter, change your water, set up a new tank, & every time tap water is added.
• Finally, Aquarium salt can be used every second tank clean to 'harden' the water (1 level tablespoon per 20 litres). Aquarium salt is especially important for cold-water fish and goldfish as it helps to adjust the buoyancy of the tap water, adds essential electrolytes and improves gill function. It can also be used as a first medication if your fish is sick.
• Maintaining the proper pH for your fish is important for keeping them healthy. An easy, at home pH test kit lets you accurately measure the level of pH. You can purchase a pH test kit & adjuster to adjust the pH to your desired range. You can also by a powder to mix into the water to ‘set’ the water to the right level. Goldfish require a pH range between 7.5 and 8.4. Common tropical fish like a pH range of 6.8 – 7.8.
• Live plants help to oxygenate the water, give hiding places for fish & are full of vitamin C for your fish's immune system.
• As a guide you need a minimum of 10-15 litres per goldfish in a filtered tank but most sources will say 2 per 40-50 litres. A filter is required for all fish besides Siamese fighting fish or (Betta’s). A staff member will be able to assist and advise you for the appropriate size tank depending on your choice of fish and the quantity you would like.
• Gravel is necessary to help with filtration. You should always rinse the gravel well before placing it in the tank for the first time. Only use hot water, never use any soaps or detergents when cleaning items of your fish tank, as any chemicals can kill your fish.
• Ornaments, rocks & silk or plastic plants decorate your tank & entertain fish, while giving places to hide, but make sure you wash these like your gravel.
• A heater is required for tropical tanks & they should be kept at 24-29 degrees, depending upon the type of fish.
• Special non-rusting aquatic lights & aquatic bulbs, encourage plants to grow, & make fish more active & appear much more colourful (turn off at night to avoid excessive algae growth)
• Weekend & Vacation feeders can be used when you go away, & fresh plants should also be placed into tanks as a backup.
• Algae Fix, limiting light, sucking catfish and live snails are most effective for combating algae.
• A net should always be used, never touch your fish with your hands. Bowls & tanks should always be placed on flat towels or foam, & never move a tank when it is full.
The above information is only meant as a guide, and you should not hesitate to contact our helpful staff if you have any problems or concerns. Enjoy and look after your new fish.