Maintenance Check List
For best results make sure you set aside a day every 3-4 weeks to go over your aquarium with a fine tooth
comb. After the first few times, it will only take you about 20 minutes to bring everything to tip-top shape
and eliminate a lot of potential problems in the process. Make sure you check the following:
Test water for ammonia and pH
Check filtration, wash or change filters
Check gravel to see if it needs to be vacuumed
Partial water change - see below
Partial Water Change:
All sorts of things build up in your water each month, ammonia, phosphates, growth hormones. Some
will harm or kill your fish and some will slow down their growth. To help prevent this, you'll want to
do a partial water change every 3-4 weeks. You only want to change 1/4 - 1/3 in a 24 hour time
period. Any more and you could harm or shock your fish. Simply take out 1/4 - 1/3 of your water
with a clean bucket or siphon (if you use a siphon make sure it has a protective netting on the
aquarium side to prevent sucking up your fish). Using tap water (that you've let run for 20 sec.) or
distilled water, refill your tank. Try to get the water as close to room temperature as possible, that
way your heater won't have to work as hard heating it up and you don't risk burning your fish with
warm water. Add your aquarium salt at this time; 1 tablespoon per gallon (tank size, not what you are
adding). Be sure to remember your stress coat as well. This will neutralize chlorine and chloramines
and calm your fish.