Aquarium Ecosystem Lab

Setting up and maintaining a healthy aquarium

ecosystem

I. Safety

Electrocution!!!!!!!!!

Glass aquariums can break

Slipping on water on the floor

Cleanliness

II. Cleaning Siphon out the water and remove contents Do not use chemicals to clean in or outside-residues can remain in scratches (NO windex near tanks!) Rinse anything you clean with and place in net soak to avoid tank contamination

Maintaining Cleanliness

Don’t overfeed your fish!

Make a 25% water change once a month

Clean gravel periodically

III. Tank Set-up

Situate tank where it will stay before adding anything!

Add in gravel, water, decor, then fish!

Set-up Use natural or aquarium décor - simulate habitat ALWAYS add water conditioner to remove chlorine & chloramine from tap water (usually 5mL/10 gal ~ read directions!)

Light

Natural lighting is best for fish Florescent/UV lights are also acceptable Black lights can be harmful – do NOT use

Hood/Cover

Aquariums must be covered so that fish don’t leap out A hood can also house the lighting Be careful not to get light in the water….electrocution!!!

Air

Aquatic organisms breathe dissolved oxygen Air must be pumped in with a compressor or can be put in with a powered filter Air stones increase surface area of bubbles & O2 content

Temperature

Most fish can live at a range of 72-80 degrees F (22-27 C) An aquarium heater can be placed in tanks that need higher temperatures (tropicals)

3 types of Filtration

Biological filtrationCreated by bacteria in gravel and on fish Beneficial bacteria breaks down waste

products in the nitrogen cycleFish food (protein N) Ammonia/ fish waste

(NH3)Nitrite (NO2)Nitrate (NO3)h20 change

You can use an under gravel filter to facilitate bacterial growth

Filtration

Mechanical filtrationRemoves accumulated solids (mulm)

from aquarium Usually accomplished with mesh in

an electric pump

Filtration

Chemical filtrationPurifies water using activated carbon-

dissolved impurities are absorbed by holes in carbon

Activated carbon must be replacedMinimize use of chemical/medicines

to rid tank of problems

Water tests

pH- Measures acidity or alkalinity of

water Range should be 6.6-7.6 for FW

& 7.8-8.4 for SW A buffer can be added in to

maintain a pH or make a 25% water change

Water tests

AmmoniaNitriteNitrate… Released from gills of fish

and decaying wastes Range should be 0 ppm Change 25% of water to

lower nitrate level

http://saltwater-aquarium-guide.net/

Conditioning period

A conditioning (waiting) period of 1 month should be allowed for new tank without a natural bacteria population established Seed with old gravel

Saltwater

Saltwater can be obtained from the ocean (risky) or from a salt mix – Instant Ocean! Saltwater - Concentration: 32 ppt or .022 specific gravity Freshwater - add 1 tsp /5-10 gallons for health

Water level

Add water to within 1’’ of top

Water must be added every so often due to evaporation

Don’t forget water conditioner!

Aquatic Organisms

How to buy

Find a reputable fish dealer and establish a buyer relationship

Never buy from a tank with dead or sick-looking fish

Be sure to ask questions- these guys are experts!

How many?

General rule- 1 inch of fish/gallonEx. A 30 gal tank can have:

1- 30 inch fish2-15 inch fish3-10 inch fish30-1 inch fish

What to get?

Try to utilize all the areas in your tank by adding fish that live in different parts of the water columnEx. a bottom feeder

(scavenger), a mid-water swimmer, a top feeder

How to add?

Dumping fish in your tank from a bag can shock themFloat the bag for 15-20 minutes to gradually adjust the temperatureThen, pour out half of the water in the bag and add in water from your tankAfter 15-20 more minutes the fish should be acclimated to your tank

How to add?

Also, feed the resident organisms in the tank as you are releasing new fish from a bag, to keep them preoccupied

This allows the new fish to enter gently, without being harassed by current resident “bullies”

How much to feed?

Feed fish only what they will consume in 5 minutes, twice a day (once for us)-cover food!

Remove excess food, so as not to pollute the tank

One day of fasting is recommended (feed 6 out of 7 days)

ASK what the fish eats when your buying them!

Sickness

If an organism appears sick, it should be removed from the tank so as not to contaminate the rest of the organisms

A separate “hospital” tank can be set up to help or medicate a fish

Plants?

Just like land plants, aquatic plant need natural light to survive, as well as minerals from a substrate

Aquatic plants are often hard to maintain without adequate lighting and can deteriorate in your tank

My advice……. Go plastic!

Remember!!

**SAFETY!!**

NO AQUARIUM WATER DOWN the Sink! Dump it outside in the drain.

Don’t let the sink run continuously.

**No rocks in the sink.**

Clean up after yourself.

Day 1

Remember safety….

Clean inside and outside of tank, using only salt and water.

Clean lid with water

Clean light fixture with damp paper towel

Make sure light works!

Clean Gravel

Whether using old or new, you need to wash.

Clean with running water at least 3 times before adding to tank.

DO NOT let gravel go down sink!!

Clean décor

Wash any decorations and artificial plants that you will add to your tank with soap and water.

Day 2 *Safety!!!!* Clean your filter and make sure all parts all assembled. Prime with water!Plug it in to make sure it works!

Clean your air compressor. Make sure you have the compressor, the

tubing and the air stone. Plug it in to make sure it works!

In observations, record your filtration type and describe how your air is supplied (where is it running from?)

Day 2

Add water to tank. Within 1” from the top

Remember to add water conditioner!

Plug in your filter and air compressor and get those working.

Day 2

Add lid to top

Put light on.

Turn on.

Make sure your tank is labeled with all group member’s names!!

Day 3

SAFETYNEVER mess with another person’s tank If you are doing a saltwater tank, add one box of Instant Ocean (you will measure salinity tomorrow) Everyone should work on JOURNAL and LAB WRITE UP!!!

Day 4 Water tests

Freshwater – ensure filter and air compressor are working properly

Saltwater – measure salinity

Day 5

Add fish ~ Follow all rules to ensure safety!! From here on out, you will need to feed your fish when needed Every Friday will be maintenance day – clean inside and out, check filter, add water if needed….