In this part of the articles library we have gathered a lot of articles about general aquarium maintenance. If you do not find what you are looking for here, the information is probably located in some of the other article categories. If you for instance are looking for information about general saltwater aquarium maintenance, you can take a look in the category named “Marine Aquariums” as well, since categories frequently overlap. If you are looking for spawning advice, you can find the information in the “Breeding” category or by looking up your specific species in the species database.
This section of AC Tropical fish have articles that are addressed to the beginner aquarists, as well as articles that will be more useful for the experienced aquarium keepers. If you are in the process of setting up your first aquarium, or if you have encountered problems with aquarium keeping in the past that you wish to prevent this time around, we have several articles where experienced aquarists will provide you with comprehensive guidelines and share their favourite tips for successful fish keeping. We also provide helpful tips about how to choose the right fish store and purchase healthy fish.
The more advanced aquarists will find articles about less basic subjects, such as why, when and how you should stimulate seasonal changes in your aquarium. Simulating seasonal changes is sometimes used by fish breeders that keep fish species that rarely spawns in captivity. The lack of seasonal changes can be one of the reasons behind a fish’ reluctance to reproduce even in a large aquarium where the water conditions are superb and it is fed a nutritious diet. Tropical fish that inhabit regions subjected to seasonal drought will for instance usually breed only once a year, and that is at the start of the rainy season.
There is also a lot of hands-on information to be found in this section of the articles library, e.g. guidelines regarding basic filter management, how to test for toxicity in aquarium ornaments and how to make your aquarium electrically safe. Combining water with electricity is always risky even though our modern aquarium equipment is much safer than the old types of electrical appliances. It is important to understand that even a comparatively small amount of current can hurt you. If you use a 240 volt supply, a 10 milliamp current that flows through your body will be enough to give you a severe electrical shock. This should be compared to the current in a standard 200 watt aquarium heater, which is usually around 800 milliamps. Currents stronger than 50 milliamps can be lethal to humans.
Some of the articles in this section cover controversial subjects where there really is no right or wrong answers. How do you feel about snails in the aquarium? Do you see them as appalling plant eaters and strive to keep your aquarium as snail free as possible? Or do you view them as helpful scavenger that will eat any rotten plant material or left over fish food before it begins to decompose and pollute the water? Perhaps you find your Mystery Snails just as fascinating as your fishes? If you disagree with any of the authors, or if you have information or ideas regarding aquarium maintenance that you wish to share, please contact us. We will be happy to publish articles written by our readers. You can also share your opinions, experiences and ideas in the forum.
