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Fish Care-Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How can I Control Algae?

A. Algae are microscopic plants that sometimes form unsightly growths on the aquarium glass and rocks, and occasionally on live plants also. Some algae are brown in colour, others green and red. To control algae, ensure the aquarium is properly maintained otherwise an accumulation of fish wastes and other decaying matter will generate nitrates and phosphates in the water upon which the algae thrive. An abundance of green algae may also be due to excessive light. Reduce the aquarium lighting to 8 hours per day and shield the tank from direct sunlight ( keep tanks away from windows).

Q. How Many Fish Can I Keep?

A. This depends largely on the size of your aquarium, specifically the water surface area. As a general guide, you can keep up to 10cm of fish (body length) per 250 sq cm of surface area. For example an aquarium that is 90cm long and 30cm wide could hold 20x5cm fish or 10x10cm fish. You should base your calculations on the adult size of the fish thereby allowing for room to grow. Our staff here at Pet Essentials will be able to advise you in relation to adult sizes of fish.

Q. Should I Leave My Filter Running All Of The Time?

A. Yes. Only switch it off to clean or service it. If it is switched off for more than an hour or two the friendly filter bacteria may die, compromising your system.

Q. Why Is My Aquarium Water Cloudy?

A. The water in a newly set up aquarium may be cloudy for the first couple of days (new tank syndrome), but should clear. If an established aquarium becomes cloudy then it may be a sign that the system needs a clean. Perform a 30% partial water change and siphon off excess dirt from the gravel using a gravel cleaner. An aquarium water clarifier may also be used.

Q. Which Types Of Tropical Fish Are The Easiest To Breed?

A. Guppies, Platies and Swordtails are recommended for beginners as they give birth to live young. You can tell the sex of a livebearer by looking at its anal fin (unpaired fin situated between the fishs belly and tail); the males anal fin is pointed into a tube shaped organ, whereas the females is normal fan-shaped. Livebearers will breed naturally in the community aquarium. You may need a breeding net to protect the young from predators. Most other species of tropical fish are egg-layers and these are more difficult to breed in the community aquarium.

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Advice on setting up a new aquarium.

Gillian Sheehan, formely of Fins N Things, Midleton offers advice on setting up a new aquarium.

1. Always use a water conditioner when starting off and when adding fresh water into your aquarium.
2. You should also add a biological filtration booster when setting up your aquarium. Regular addition of this booster is also very important to maintain a healthy filter system. We recommend Stress Zyme.
3. When setting up a tropical aquarium it is recommended to leave the water stand for up to 5 days so that the heater has an opportunity to increase the water temperature to 25-27 degrees Celcius. A replacement heater should be on hand in case the primary heater malfunctions. It is also very important to have a thermometer to monitor tank temperature.
4. After you set up your new tank it is advised to change one third of the water every week for the first few weeks and then one third every two weeks after that remembering to add water conditioner each time.
5. Most good quality aquariums will come with lighting but we recommend having lights on for only a few hours a day, certainly no more than 8 hours per day. Excessive use of lights can promote algae growth.
6. After setting up your new aquarium we recommend feeding every second day for the first few weeks. There are a variety of fish foods on the market depending on the type of fish you are stocking including flakes, pellets, sticks and algae wafers for bottom feeders.
7. Over-feeding is a major problem for people starting off so remember to feed sparingly.
8. Most aquariums now come with good quality filters but if you need an upgrade we have a large variety in store. It is very important, when cleaning your filter sponges, to always wash them in tank water removed into a bowl. NEVER WASH YOUR SPONGES UNDER THE TAP. This removes beneficial bacteria which the fish need to thrive.
9. Change filter sponges regularly – Juwel aquarium fine filter needs to be changed with every water change, carbon sponge every 6 weeks, nitrate sponge every 6-8 weeks, blue coarse and fine sponges every 3-6 months. NEVER CHANGE ALL SPONGES TOGETHER.
10. Change Fluval sponge every 3-6 months. Change Eheim sponge every 3-6 months.
11. Pet Essentials stock the full range of Interpet Fish Treatments to combat all fish ailments. When you are treating sick fish it is always recommended you remove the carbon filters from your filter system. Carbon filter can be replaced once treatment regime is complete.
12. PET ESSENTIALS STOCK A FANTASTIC RANGE OF TROPICAL AND COLDWATER FISH. IT IS IMPORTANT TO INFORM SALES STAFF OF FISH ALREADY PRESENT IN YOUR SYSTEM SO THEY CAN ADVISE YOU ON SUITABLE FISH TO ADD TO AQUARIUM. WE ALSO HAVE A VARIETY OF SPECIALIST BOOKS IN INSTORE BOOK SECTION.

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