Care

Once you get going and the aquarium is developing properly, you have to start with more general maintenance:

1) Changing approx. 25% of the water every week prevents the accumulation of hazardous substances in the aquarium and limits the algae growth.

2) Waste products in the form of dead plant matter etc. should be removed as soon as possible. Their breakdown uses oxygen and produces nutrients that destroys the balance and promotes algae growth.

3) Check the aquarium equipment regularly in order to make sure that any faults and defects will be rectified and that a stable environment will be maintained.

4) The plant growth is now in full swing and a liquid fertiliser has to be added. Start carefully and with a dose smaller than the recommended. Increase the dose gradually according to the plants' reaction to the fertiliser. A good rule of thumb is that leaves or plants become lighter/transparent when they lack fertiliser.

5) Check for algae on a regular basis. The first sign is unclear water, accumulations on the glass, leaves or decorative materials, or possibly fine threads. If the algae become visible, it will be much more difficult to suppress them! Algae are reduced by changing the water, reducing the amount of fertiliser, introducing more fast-growing plants and algae-eaters. You can find more information at tropica.com.

TIP! Overfeeding your fish is the most common cause of algae problems. Follow your dealer's instructions.