The dangers of having a tank that’s too small can’t be overstated. If the filtration system in the tank is insufficient, impurities can quickly build up in the tank’s water, leading to health problems for the fish like fin rot, marine ich, and more. In addition, if multiple fish share the tank, cramped quarters can cause territorial competition, which may lead to stress, injury, or even death.
Aquariums should be out of direct sunlight and away from heaters, air conditioners, ventilation openings, and windows. Sudden changes in water temperature can be harmful to the fish. Aquariums should be within range of an electrical outlet (to power the lighting and filtration systems), but shouldn’t be up against a wall, as this usually makes it difficult to perform maintenance and change filters. Aquariums usually weigh about 10 pounds (4. 5 kilograms) for every gallon of water they contain. This means that a 30 gallon (113. 6 L) tank will weigh about 300 pounds (136 kilograms. ) Keep this in mind when you’re choosing a table or stand to support it. Aquariums should be completely level with the ground.
Test for leaks by filling the tank to about 1/3 of the way full in a water-safe location (like a shower or your yard. ) Dry the outside of the tank with a towel and wait about one hour. Look for beads of water along the corners or pooling of water at the base — if you see these signs, return your tank for a refund. Test for levelness with a carpenter’s level. Alternatively, add a few inches of water and marking the water line on either side — if the two lines differ, the tank is not level. Keep in mind that this may reflect a problem in the surface beneath it rather than in the tank itself.
Rinse all parts of the filtration system and place the lower filters (which usually resemble square grids or plates) at the bottom of the tank. Attach all necessary tubes, valves, and air pumps to the lower filters. Usually, the filter system will contain something called a “check valve” which is marked with an arrow — the arrow should be pointing up and the valve should be about three to four inches from the main air pump. Attach the lift tubes to the filter plates, then attach the powerheads to the lift tubes. The powerheads should sit below the surface of the water when the tank is full. Note: A special, separate type of filter called a protein skimmer is recommended, but not always required. [2] X Research source
If you’re using airstones (decorative devices that produce bubbles and circulate the water), rinse them and add them to the bottom of the tank now.
If you do intend to add sea anemones, know that they can be somewhat more difficult to care for than clownfish themselves, as they require a high-quality filtration system, good light, and frequent feeding. Consult an online aquarium resource like Aquacon. com for detailed anemone care information. [3] X Research source The following sea anemone species make good hosts for clown fish:[4] X Research source Entacmaea quadricolor, Heteractis magnifica, Stichodactyla gigantea, and Stichodactyla haddoni. Although adding an anemone is not necessary, it is incredible to watch this amazing symbiotic relationship unfold in your tank!
Most pet care resources recommend using a device called a hydrometer to measure the specific gravity of your tank — commercial-grade varieties are usually available at pet stores for cheap. In addition, many pet stores offer free water testing services. Understand that tanks can require up to a day to achieve a uniform salinity, so be willing to let your tank sit for up to 24 hours after adding your salt. Don’t use table salt in place of marine salt. Marine salt contains special chemical additives not found in ordinary table salt.
Most pet care resources recommend using a device called a hydrometer to measure the specific gravity of your tank — commercial-grade varieties are usually available at pet stores for cheap. In addition, many pet stores offer free water testing services. Understand that tanks can require up to a day to achieve a uniform salinity, so be willing to let your tank sit for up to 24 hours after adding your salt. Don’t use table salt in place of marine salt. Marine salt contains special chemical additives not found in ordinary table salt.
Most clown fish will survive just fine with feedings every-other day. However, this will slow down their rate of growth. Since clown fish are omnivorous, they can also eat both vegetable and animal matter, so consider occasionally adding small chunks of algae, shrimp, cut-up worms, and so on to the tank for a greater range of nutrition. Your fish should appreciate this!
If you don’t live in the tropics, you can keep your tank warm year-round with a submersible heater — these resemble long, skinny tubes that insert easily into the corner of an aquarium. Because heaters range in size and power, be sure to buy a heater that’s rated for your size of tank.
Note that most aquarium lights have timers that allow you to easily set them to an automatic cycle.
Filter: All pumps should be running smoothly and water should be flowing through the filter without trouble. There should be no obstructions in any of the lines. Aerators: A small, continuous stream of bubbles should be floating out of the aerator. Protein skimmer: Water should be passing through the skimmer easily; foam should be generating inside the skimmer. The waste collector should not be full — if it is, empty it.
Temperature: 75-85o F (about 24-30o C) — thermometer Salinity: Specific gravity of 1. 020 to 1. 026 — hydrometer pH: 8. 0-8. 4 — pH meter (see: [[Test Ph in a Fish Tank|our pH-testing article) Ammonia: 0. 0 (too low to detect) — Ammonia test kit Nitites: < 0. 2 parts per million — Nitrite test kit
Temperature: If too high, reduce heater settings; if too low, increase heater settings or buy a heater that’s rated for your tank size. Salinity: If too high, replace some tank water with fresh water; if too low, add marine salt. pH: There are many causes for incorrect pHs; consult a fish care resource for specific strategies. Be sure to make any pH adjustments gradually — rapid changes can harm fish. [7] X Research source Ammonia: If you detect any ammonia, your levels are too high — check the filtration system for problems. Consider replacing your filters. If your filtration system is working, it may be too small for the size of your tank or the number of fish you have. Nitrites: See ammonia.
Keep in mind, however, that your new water must be the correct salinity for your ank unless you want to cause a potentially dangerous dip in salt levels.
In addition, taking a gradual approach can prevent sudden ammonia “spikes” which can be deadly to fish. The sudden addition of many fish to the same tank will cause ammonia levels from the fish’s waste to soar quicker than the bacteria in the tank (which neutralize the ammonia) have a chance to grow. Keep in mind the maximum capacity of your tank as you add new fish. As a very general rule, you should have a maximum of one “inch of fish” per 2. 5 gallons (9. 5 L) of water in the tank. For example, a 30 gallon (113. 6 L) tank could hold a maximum of about 12 1-inch fish or six 2-inch fish or four 3-inch fish, etc.
Wrasses Tangs Gobies Dartfish Angelfish Damselfish Pufferfish Anemones Marine Invertebrates Coral Note: Do not pair clown fish with other clown fish of the same species — they are likely to fight.
Marine snails Small crabs Starfish
Check the filtration system for errors and, if necessary, clean or replace the filter. Consider increasing the pace that you replace your tank’s water Consider adding scavengers (see above) Consider getting aquarium antibiotics from a vet or pet store Remove built-up algae (see below)
Another tactic is to quarantine all of your tank’s fish in a separate tank with low salinity. This disrupts the parasite’s natural life cycle, killing it. Consult a saltwater aquarium resource for more information.
Keep the tank free of organic waste — don’t overfeeds your fish and don’t crowd too many organisms into a single tank. Have other plants in your tank — normal plant life will compete with algae for the same resources. Use a scraper or squeegee to regularly remove algae from the walls of the tank. Don’t leave your tank’s lights on overnight. Stock your tank with a species that eats lots of algae, like catfish.
