POTENTIAL PROBLEMS - AND HOW TO SOLVE THEM No matter how many precautions are taken, nobody is completely invulnerable to problems with the equipment or the equilibrium in an aquarium. An electric power cut, for example, has no dramatic consequences over a short period, but it is worrying if it lasts a whole day (rarely […]
Vacations Before leaving: - check the pH, nitrites, temperature, hardness, or density; - check the equipment; - clean the filtering media and panes; do the siphoning; - increase the frequency (but not the quantity) of water changes; - put the vegetation in order by trimming the plants and taking cuttings. You can also […]
A long absence There are two options for a long absence: - the first consists of using an automatic food distributor controlled by a timer, which can only be used with dry food; - the second is finding a friend kind enough to feed your fish for you - preferably another aquarist who will monitor […]
WHEN THE AQUARIST IS AWAY What do you do if you are away for more than a day? What will happen to the aquarium? This depends on the length of the absence, and certain precautions must be taken, especially for vacations. Short absences do not represent a problem. Freshwater fish can go without food for […]
When you are siphoning on the bed, you must remove any dead leaves that may have fallen. Likewise, cut off, with a razor blade or scissors, any leaves that are starting to rot. When the plants need a new lease of life, you can take cuttings or use another means of vegetative multiplication. Liquid or […]
Two points must be taken into account: the arrival of the new water and the overflow of the aquarium water. Do-it-yourself experts may consider making a connection with the plumbing pipes in the home, but there is a more simple solution. Take a PVC container, such as a jerry can with a faucet, for use […]
Evaporation and the water level The water in an aquarium evaporates. This has no ecological consequences, but it does mean that the surface of the water comes into view at the top of the panes, which is hardly attractive. This must therefore be adjusted on a regular basis, usually at the same time as you […]
The ideal solution is daily renewal of a small amount, with the help of a drip (see page 256). This technique is becoming more common among experienced aquarists. It requires a special installation, and above all an overflow for the aquarium - equipment which is not readily available in every case. However, many fishkeepers find […]
People who live with aquarists dread siphoning time, as it often leads to floods! The pipes can be too flexible, with a tendency to slip out of the aquarium or the container for the siphoned water. The trick is to get hold of a washing machine draining pipe or a snorkel, and slide the […]
Changing the water Partial water changes, at regular intervals, are one of the keys to success in fishkeeping. The combination of this operation with siphoning eliminates both assorted detritus and some of the nitrates which eventually accumulate. The clear water that is introduced supplies some mineral elements and provides a stimulus for the aquarium: the […]