- Q : Do I
need an aquarium heater?
A: In most cases, yes. Although most fish can thrive within a certain
range of temperatures, they react badly to sudden changes in temperature.
Disease or death can be the result. Fish stay healthier and live
longer when aquarium water temperature stays constant. Because temperature
fluctuations are common in most households, a heater thermostat
helps maintain constant temperature.
- Q: Do I
need a heater just for goldfish?
A: Goldfish are more tolerant than tropical fish, however they too
will be healthier with a stable temperature. Filters also work more
efficiently at 74°F (24°C) or above.
- Q : Can
I install my heater either in a vertical or in a horizontal position?
A : For the heaters to work properly, they must always be generally
installed in a vertical position. If a heater is installed in a
horizontal position it does not guarantee the correct maintenance
of the set temperature and therefore can jeopardise the necessary
conditions for the survival of the aquarium inmates. Sacem NSH heater
must be completely immersed into the tank. Even though it works
in an horizontal position as well the proper use is in the vertical
position.
- Q : My aquarium
water is yellow...what do I do?
A: Yellow aquarium water indicates the presence of phenols which
can be easily removed with activated carbon, such as Waterlife Carbon
Excel. Change the filter cartridge immediately and change 25% of
your aquarium water. Activated carbon should be replaced every few
weeks.
- Q : Why
do I need a filter? What are the most common types of filter?
A: Filters are used to process waste and impurities so that the
water quality remains safe, and keeps your tank inhabitants healthy.
Numerous types of filters are available for different applications.
Internal filters, like Sacem Neptune sit inside the tank. A basket/housing
holds the filter media and a pump circulates the water through the
media. Canister filters like Sacem Marathon, have much larger capacity
than internal filters. Water is siphoned from the tank down to the
canister filter. Once the water travels through the filter media,
it is then pumped back up to the tank by the integrated pump.
- Q : Do I
have to unplug the heater when I change the water in the aquarium?
A : It is very important to unplug any electrical accessories before
you carry out any maintenance operations on the aquarium, or before
immersing your hands into the water. In particular you have to wait
for the heater to cool, otherwise a quick temperature change (warm
water- no water-cold water) can damage it.
- Q: My aquarium
water is cloudy green...what do I do?
A: Cloudy green water usually indicates the presence of free floating
algae. Green algae problems are frequently the result of excessive
light exposure, or lighting over 12 months old -- placing your aquarium
in direct sunlight or leaving your aquarium light on too long. If
you have live plants in your aquarium, turn the aquarium lights
off and reduce natural light exposure as much as possible for a
period of 2-4 days. Use Waterlife's StayClear A to assist with water
clarity problems in freshwater aquaria. Once the water has cleared,
reduce light exposure to no more than 8-10 hours a day for planted
tanks, 6-8 hours a day for unplanted tanks. We recommend that you
use a light timer for this purpose. Then perform a 25% water change
and vacuum your gravel. Reduce feeding to once a day - no more than
fish can eat in a minute or two. Use Waterlife's BacterLife to assist
with water quality problems.
- Q : What's
an air pump for? Is it available from Waterlife?
A : There are many different uses for air pumps: the main use of
an air pump is adding bubbles to an aquarium via an air stone. Having
a well-aerated tank will help stabilise pH level and provide the
necessary oxygen for respiration. The Waterlife "Ghost"
range of air pumps are available in 3 sizes to suit most aquariums
- Q : What
kind of care must be taken of a heater to guarantee durability?
A : We suggest that you to handle it very carefully during the phases
of installation and maintenance, paying attention in particular
not to bang the glass tube against the tank, stones or decorations.
We recommend
you periodically clean the surface of your NSH heater to remove
all plant debris and lime deposits as these may reduce heating efficiency.
- Q: My aquarium
water is milky white,...what do I do?
A: Milky white water can indicate the presence of heterotrophic
bacteria. This condition usually occurs in a new aquarium setup.
This bacteria will not harm your fish and can be eliminated with
a 25% water change and a gravel vacuuming. Cloudiness should disappear
within a couple of weeks. Use Waterlife's Myxazin to reduce numbers
of pathogenic bacteria & Bacterlife to encourage filtration
bacteria.
- Q: Should
I keep the lights on all the time?
A: No. To avoid excessive algae growth, we recommend you limit the
lighting of your aquarium to 8-10 hours per day. It's relatively
easy to plug your lighting fixture into a standard timer.
- Q : Do I
need test kits?
A : If you want to keep a successful fish tank, then the short answer
is yes. Use Waterlife's Ammonia, Nitrite and pH Test Kits to check
the water quality is correct for your fish.
- Q: Why is
my fish stuck to the intake strainer?
A: A healthy fish will be able to avoid or escape from the current
created by an intake strainer. If a fish is sick, it may be too
weak to resist the pull of the intake.
Dead fish will also be drawn to the filter intake.
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