MUST Have’s For A Healthy Aquarium!!!

I love having an aquarium in the house. I’ve had fish for the last 30 years. I’ve had all kinds of fish!! Someday I want to try a salt water tank. SOMEDAY! For now though I have Oscars. MAN! These are some hardy fish! THANK HEAVENS!!! From the Grandkids wanting to feed the fish, to me forgetting to feed the fish! From the Grandkids wanting to help clean the tank, to me never having time to clean the tank!! MAN BIG fish means that the tank gets disgusting!! Having it near a window also set’s up its own problems like algae!! GRRRRR!! So, once again I say THANK HEAVENS these fish are hardy!!
These are my Oscars. Salt and Pepper. (Yes, yes I do think I am clever as a matter of fact!!) These two are over 7 years old. When I bought them they were less than a half inch each. NOW? these guys are over 12″ long! BIG FISH!! Big fish that will come to the top for dinner. These two will let you pet them even.

So, we have these two big fish and I’ve managed to keep them alive for years; so I think I am doing something right. Here are a few of my favorite tips!

Starting with Cleaning!!

My favorite tip for cleaning our aquarium is one I actually learned at LegoLand’s Aquarium. Use a Magic Eraser!! YUP!! That’s what they use for those enormous tanks!! It works FANTASTIC!!! I’ve never cleaned a tank so easily before!!!! So much faster than an algae brush or a razor blade!!
ALWAYS have Stress Coat on hand!! It calms the fish after water changes.
NEVER take out more than a fourth of the tank of water when you clean the tank. That water balance is important to keep your fish happy and healthy! IF your fish are sick, then take out 50% of the water.
A good gravel vacuum is a necessity! I’ve tried the battery operated ones and so far I’ve only been disappointed. Like I said, my fish are HUGE!! Maybe a battery operated just can’t handle that much ummmmmmm debris?!?

After you’ve used the gravel vacuum the water will be cloudy for a few hours but should settle down to nice clean tank. AND happy fish!
tstDon’t forget to clean the decorations too!! For me, just a scrub brush (one that is ONLY for the aquarium!) and hot water. Although, we don’t have any decorations in the tank anymore, Salt and Pepper move everything. Yes, they pick up; with their mouths; rocks, statues and anything else that goes in the tank. They will take all the gravel from the bottom of the tank and move it to one side. I’m certain they hate me when I clean and move their stuff around!!

EQUIPMENT!

Starting with the tank itself. I highly recommend glass!!! Right now I have an acrylic tank. I hate it! It scratches easily. Its a nightmare to clean. One of these days Salt & Pepper will be back in a glass aquarium.
Air Pump! DO NOT SKIMP on the air pump for your aquarium!! First, if you skimp, your fish won’t get enough oxygen, MORE importantly YOU won’t get any peace and quiet!! Seriously, a poorly made air pump makes so much noise you’ll hate your tank! I’m LOVING this air pump from Pet Magasin! Pretty to look at. STRONG! Good up to 100 gallons!! Uses a single outlet. Seriously, quiet!! You will never know it’s on!! You could put your ear next to this beauty and barely even hear it!! BONUS! The air pump came with 6½ FEET of new air tubing!! It also comes with an air stone!!
This single valve pump provides a 3 watt high performance air output with low energy consumption!! MORE to love is Pet Magasin’s product guarantee – 100% money back guarantee + 2 years warranty!!

With my tank I have two large stones going all the time, this little guy keeps up 100% of the time!!! It’s PERFECT!!!!

Do you have an aquarium? What kind of fish do you have? What type of gravel cleaner are you using?  I desperately need to replace mine.

WHINES

NONE!!! Super quiet, fantastic price, healthy happy fish!!! I love this Aquarium Air Pump!!! Two very enthusiastic thumbs UP!! WAY, WAY, WAY up!!!

Disclosure: I have received complimentary/free products for the purpose of this review. The opinions are 100% mine. I have not been influenced in any way. I am disclosing this in accordance with Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials In Advertising. Peanut Butter And Whine.