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Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz
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Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Mar 26, 2015

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Page 1: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums

Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz

Page 2: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Choose Your Aquarium Type

C o ld w a te r

A g g ress ive C o m m u n ity

T ro p ica l

F re sh w a te r

R e e f T a nk F ish O n ly

S a ltw a te r B ra ck ish

A q u ariu m s

The specific aquarium setup will depend upon the requirements of the species you choose.

Page 3: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Choose Your Aquarium Type

Page 4: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Choose Your Aquarium Type

Page 5: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Factors to Consider• Biotic (Living)• Type of Fish,

newt, turtle etc.• Beneficial

Bacteria• Live Plants• Harmful

microorganisms and multicellular organisms

• Abiotic (Nonliving)

• Substrate (gravel, crushed coral)

• Plastic Plants• Decorative rocks,

caves, or toys• Equipment (filters,

lights, heaters, etc.)• Wastes

(EX.Ammonia)

Page 6: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Setting up your new AquariumFreshwater Basics

• Choose the largest aquarium• Choose gravel : just a ¼” for the

bottom (Undergravel filters need about 2”). A thick gravel bed will cause ammonia problems.

• Fill with water: tap water, well water or any other you still need to use a dechlorinator such as Prime or Stress Coat. Any water changes a dechlorinator must be used.

• Set up your filter and get it running.• Set your heater to the desired

temperature and place your heater in but don’t plug it in for 30 minutes

• Add some good bacteria to help age the tank such as Bio Spira or Cycle

• Let tank run for 1 to 2 days and add in 2 or 3 starter fish.

• See how these do for a week and slowly add a couple more.

1/2 -1 pound of gravel per gallon of aquarium with outside or canister filter. These are two excellent

dechlorinators.

Make certain you have all the filter media you need to get it

running!

Let heater stay unplugged to 30 minutes anytime it has been

removed from water and placed back in.

Bio Spira and Cycle will help introduce new beneficial bacteria to a new tank. If no bacteria is used the new tank may become cloudy a few days after set up.

A new aquarium needs patience and time to establish itself. A new freshwater tank takes 45-60 days before it cycles through. A saltwater tank can tank up to 8 weeks.

Page 7: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Step 1 – Select Organism

• Select the Organism(s) Determine its needs

• It could should be a freshwater community fish (or aggressive if you can set up an aggressive tank with another student

• Number of organisms 1inch fish/gallon

Page 8: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Starter (Hardy) Fish: Freshwater

Platy: Livebearers: little salt

This salt is good for most freshwater fish

Dwarf Gourami

Zebra Danios

Dalmatian Molly

All these fish should be fed a variety of foods.

Flake foods and frozen.

Page 9: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Coldwater \ Goldfish• Coldwater ornamental fish requiring a little cooler environment if possible between 70-76 degrees. These include all kinds of goldfish. Goldfish are messier than other fish and require more filtration and cleaning.

• Feeds on goldfish specific food

• Following are some examples:

Page 10: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Basic Needs

• Appropriate enclosure/housing

• Nutrition• Hygiene• Enrichment

Page 11: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Step 2 - Equipment• Determine what equipment is needed

– Size and shape of tank– Heater or Heat Lamp– Lighting – Filtration System– Stand– Substrate (gravel, crushed coral, sand,

dolomite)– Plants, Rocks, Shells etc.

Page 12: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Enclosure Components: Tank

Page 13: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Step 3 – Cleaning the Tank

• WASH THE TANK WITH FRESHWATER AND SALT

– Note: NEVER USE DETERGENT, SOAP OR CHLORINE BLEACH – THEY ARE DEADLY

Page 14: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Step 4 – Tank Placement

• Select a location away from windows, radiators, and air conditioners.

• It should be placed in a manner that all equipment should be available for maintenance, cleaning and care of fish

Page 15: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Step 5 – Tank Placement

• Place tank on a steady surface that can support the weight. Fresh water ways approximately 8 lbs a gallon, saltwater ways more. FOR EXAMPLE A 10 GALLON WEIGHS OVER 80 LBS.

• The stand or support surface should be water resistant

Page 16: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Step 6 – Check for Leaks

• Place cardboard underneath tank to cushion it and make it easy to slide

• Half fill tank with water, wait 24 hours and observe for leaks

Page 17: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Step 7 – Check for Leaks

• Fill to within 1 inch of top, wait 24 hours and observe for leaks

Page 18: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Step 8 - Salt

• In a marine tank add marine salt to the water until a density between – 1.017g/ml to 1.020g/ml is reached– Use a hydrometer to measure

density

In a fresh water tank add one tablespoon of non iodized salt to prevent fungal infections

Page 19: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Step 9- Substrate

• Add substrate to a depth of 1 inchFreshwater tanks

gravelsand

Marinecrushed coraldolomitemarine sand or living sand

Page 20: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Step 10 - Filtration

• Install a filtration system.• To maintain optimal fish health, 3

types of filtration are necessary.– Physical

– Biological

– Chemical

Page 21: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Filtration SystemsFiltration:

Physical Biological Chemical

Types: Wool, sponge Ceramics, sponges, rocks(SURFACE AREA!!)

Charcoal, zeolite

Purpose: Remove large particulate waste

Removes fish waste products

Removes odors, discoloration, toxins, and some waste products

Page 22: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Filtration Systems

Considerations• Tank size• Stocking

capacity• Water flow• Breeding• Aeration

Page 23: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Filtration Systems

Page 24: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Filtration Systems

Page 25: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Step 11 - Heating

• Most fish can only survive within an environment with narrow range of temperature change, usually between 72 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

• To maintain optimal temperature, install a submersible heater

Page 26: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Step 11 - Heating

• You need 5 watts per gallon• 10 gallon – 50 watts• 12 gallon – 75 watts• 20 gallon – 100 watts• 25 gallon – 150 watts• 30 gallon – 150 watts• 55 gallon – 300 watts

Page 27: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Step 11

• To install heater safely:• Place unplugged in heater at

bottom of tank horizontally for 15 minutes

• Then set temperature and plug in heater

• Wait 24 hours then measure temperature and adjust heater

Page 28: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Enclosure Components: Temperature Regulation

How?• Heaters• Chillers• Fans• Ventilation

Page 29: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Step 12 - Decorations

• Organisms need to be in an environment as similar to their natural environment as possible. To accomplish this we put rocks, live plants, caves, shells plastic plants, plastic pipes etc.

Page 30: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Step 12 - Decorations• Adding live plants provides food,

0xygen, a place to hide and lay eggs• Plastic plants provide a place to hide

and lay eggs• Rocks, caves, coral, and tubes

provide a place to hide• Note: shells, coral and calcareous

rocks can only be used in High pH aquariums, mostly marine

Page 31: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Enclosure Components: Environmental Enrichment

Why?• Evasion• Breeding• Quality of

life• Express

Personality

Page 32: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Enclosure Components: Environmental Enrichment

Types:• Wood• Rocks• Substrate• Plants

Page 33: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Enclosure Components: Plants

Why?• Oxygenatio

n• Waste

removal• Protection

Page 34: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Step 13 Cover and lighting

• A cover is needed to:– Prevent fish from jumping out of the

tank– Slow evaporation– Keep dust out of the tank

Page 35: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Enclosure Components: Lid/Condenser

Why?• Keeps fish from

jumping out• Prevents

evaporation• Protects lights

Page 36: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Step 13 - Lighting

• Only reef tanks and tanks with live plants need daily lighting

• Reef tanks need actinic (bluish light) for live coral and anemones and full spectrum white light for plants and algae

• Tanks with live plants need 12 hours a day of full spectrum white light.

Page 37: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Enclosure Components: Lighting

Why?• Plant Growth• Coral Growth• Visualizing the

Fish• Fish health

Page 38: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Enclosure Components: Lighting

Considerations:FixturesWavelengthLight IntensityReflectorsPhotoperiod (12 hours)

Page 39: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Step 14 - Selecting Fish

• Fish should:– Be active– Have regular breathing pattern– Have clear eyes– Have no torn fins or sores– No fuzzy stuff on body or fins

Page 40: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Step 15 – Catching Fish

• Fish should preferably be caught slowly using a container

• A net removes the protective slime coat and irritates skin

• Try not to stress fish, it suppresses immune system

Page 41: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Step 16 – Acclimating fish

• To minimize stress and protect fish– Float bag in new tank for 15 minutes

adding small amounts of water to the bag to make the temperatures similar

– After fifteen minutes turn open bag sideways and let fish swim out of bag

– Observe behavior– May have to rearrange tank so all fish

establish new territories

Page 42: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Step 18 - Care of FishFeeding• Determine best diet for organism• Feed small amount – only as much

food as fish can eat in 3 minutes then remove excess

Page 43: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Step 18 – Care of Fish Observe and record behavior• Need to establish baseline for

comparison– Observe fish for 20 minutes or more for

several days– Determine its favorite spot in the tank– Draw a diagram of its body and fins

noting markings and coloration– Observe its behavior toward tank mates

and their behavior towards it and record

Page 44: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Step 18 – Care of FishObserve and Record Behavior• Observe its gill movements – count

and record for 1 minute• Observe its eating pattern and how

it eats record in log

Page 45: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Step 19 Care of FishWater Chemistry• Test and Record

– pH– Ammonia level– Nitrite level

– Maintain ideal levels for optimal health

Page 46: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Water Composition: Water Testing

Page 47: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Water Composition: Testing

Fresh Water:• pH• Ammonia• Nitrite• Nitrate

Salt Water:• Salinity

Other:• Phosphate• Calcium• Strontium

Page 48: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Step 20 – Care of FishMaintenance• In order to prevent disease, regular

maintenance is critical• The single most important

maintenance procedure is a water change– Clean gravel at least once a month– Change 20% a month to remove harmful

wastes and replace trace elements– Clean filter pad every month, replace

every 3 months

Page 49: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Water Quality: Nitrogen Cycle

badmanstropicalfish.com (originally from www.hagen.com)

Page 50: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Water Quality: Nitrogen Cycle

www.cichlid-forum.com

Page 51: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Water Quality: Cycling A New Tank

Purpose: grow bacteria for nitrogen cycle• Takes 4-6 weeks

Tips:• “Seed” the tank• Monitor values closely• Avoid water changes• Can achieve without fish

Page 52: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Water Changes

Why?• Dilutes waste

products• Corrects pH

imbalances• Can reduce algae

growth

Page 53: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Performing Water Changes

• Regular water changes• 2% every 2 days• 4% every week• 20% a month

Page 54: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Adding Fish: Acclimation

• Temperature• Water composition• Environmental factors

How:• 15-30 min. for temperature• 15 minutes for water

composition

Page 55: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

NutritionDry:FlakesPelletsSticksFloatingSinkingWafersSeawee

d

Live/Frozen:Blood WormsDaphniaBrine ShrimpFeeder fishPlants

Page 56: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Nutrition

• Know your fish• Observe mouth• Use dry food as

staple• Supplement with

fresh/frozen foods• Do not overfeed

Picture from Jeremy Gay’s The Perfect Aquarium

Page 57: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Maintenance

Daily:FeedMonitorLighting

Weekly:Replace evaporationWater testingClean algaeEmpty protein

skimmer

Page 58: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Maintenance

Monthly:Charcoal

replacementPlant maintenanceElectrical Inspection

6 mos. To Yearly:Change light bulbs

Page 59: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Common Questions• Why is my tank

cloudy?Answer: The aquarium

is going thru a cycling process known as the Nitrogen Cycle. This occurs in new tanks and tanks that have recently had major water changes.

Solution: Adding Bio Spira or Cycle will help. Do not overfeed or overpopulate a new tank.

Page 60: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

More Common Questions:• Why is my tank water green?• Answer: Tank is getting too much or the wrong

kind of light. Customer should make certain the tank is getting no sunlight. Also make sure the bulbs are correct for fish tanks. Any bulb older than 18 months probably needs replacing.

• Answer: Partial water change is needed and replace old filter media (charcoal).

Page 61: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

• What are the white or salt like spots on my fish?

Answer: This is most likely a disease known as ick. Fast temperature change or stressful environment can bring this on.

Solution: Ick medicine and making sure your tank water is good. Make certain heater is working and keeping the temperature stable.

Ickey Fish

Page 62: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

More Questions:• My fish has big white

patches on it’s body and fins, why?

Answer: Commom on fish with injuries or poor water quality. Other fish picking on them is also a cause.

Solution: Several products treat this: Fungus Cure,

Mar Oxy or Triple Sulfa

Page 63: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

Question:

• I have been treating with medicine but my fish don’t seem to be getting any better, why?

Answer: Medicines take several treatments and fish heal slowly. Also, make certain there is no charcoal (carbon filters). These will absorb the medication.

Page 64: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

ReferencesAxelrod, Herbert. Handbook of Tropical Aquarium Fishes. Neptune

City: TFH Publications. 1983.

Borneman, Eric. Aquarium Corals: Selection, Husbandry, and Natural History. Neptune City: T.H.F. Publications. 2001.

Fenner, Robert M. The Conscientious Marine Aquarist. Neptune city: T.F.H Publications. 2001.

Gay, Jeremy. The Perfect Aquarium: The Complete Guide to Setting Up and Maintaining an Aquarium. New York: Reader’s Digest. 2005.

Hawkins, A.D. Aquarium Systems. London: Academic Press. 1981

Page 65: Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Adapted from Jenessa Gjeltema and Mr. Krutz.

ReferencesHemdal, Jay F. Aquarium Fish Breeding. New York: Barron’s.

2003.

Hiscock, Peter. Encyclopedia of Aquarium Plants. New York: Barron’s. 2003

Sandford, Gina. The Tropical Aquarium. New York: Barron’s. 2004.

Stoskopf, Michael. Fish Medicine. Philadelphia: W.B. Sauders Co. 1993.

Tullock, John. Water Chemistry for the Marine Aquarium. New York: Barron’s. 2002.