Page 222 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

220 MARINE FISH: MAINTENANCE

Monitoring and adjusting

Although the upkeep of a marine aquarium—especially a reef
tank—is more demanding than a freshwater system,
a few routine maintenance tasks and the judicious use of
test kits to check water quality will ensure a healthy
environment for the tank occupants. Watch for
signs of algal overgrowth, and carefully observe
the fish, since abnormal behavior may be an early
indicator of deteriorating conditions.

Algae are key ingredients of reef aquariums, but if they
become rampant, they look unsightly and may
smother corals, causing them to die. While you can
physically remove the algal overgrowth, you should also address
the underlying cause of the problem, which could be excessive
or inadequate lighting, or high levels of nitrate and phosphate.
Herbivorous fish, such the Red Sea
Water chemistry Clown Surgeon (above, foreground),
Monitor pH closely, and regularly check the water’s buffering help to keep algal growth in check.
capacity—its ability to resist a change in its pH. Buffering A healthy reef aquarium contains
depends largely on the concentration of carbonate in the tank a range of algae (left); if one type
predominates, it indicates that
water, which neutralizes any acidifying substances present. conditions in the tank are not ideal.

REGULAR MAINTENANCE TASKS

DAILY WEEKLY FORTNIGHTLY
• Feed the aquarium occupants in the • Carry out water tests, recording the • Carry out a partial water change of about
morning and evening, as required, taking results to create an ongoing record of the 20 percent of the aquarium volume, using
care not to overfeed them. conditions in the tank. a gravel cleaner to remove mulm from the
• Watch the fish feed, because a loss of • Add buffering solutions and calcium or substrate at the same time.
appetite may be a sign of illness or trace element supplements as required, • Keep an eye on the specific gravity
declining water conditions. based on the results of the water tests. reading and other test parameters. Review
• Check the water temperature, as shown • Top off the aquarium with dechlorinated figures recorded previously.
by the thermometer. Any fluctuation suggests tap water, to replace evaporative loss. • Service filters, rinsing sponge components
a heater malfunction. • Clean the sides of the tank to remove any in water siphoned from the tank. Clean the
• Be sure that you actually see the fish algal growth, using a magnetic or long- protein skimmer, and make sure that
every day. A sudden, undetected death will handled cleaner. airstones are not blocked.
have a serious impact on water quality. • Adjust the level of lighting if algal growth
is starting to get out of control.

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