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Once the biological filter is 'mature' then fish can be added, but
only on a gradual basis. Any sudden increases in levels of stock
in a newly matured tank may well have a negative effect on the filter,
as the filter will not be able to cope with the demand put upon
it by the increased levels of waste produced by the fish. This could
produce surges of ammonia or nitrite in the tank. Both ammonia and
nitrite are very toxic to fish even at low levels and should be
zero at all times. This will avoid damage to gill membranes and
internal organs occurring, that can result in the fish's death.
Maintaining the Biological Filter.
All maintenance should be carried out on a REGULAR basis.
Once your Biological Filter is matured and you have some stock in
your tank, then regular routine maintenance is needed to keep the
filter working to it's full potential. Part of this maintenance
MUST include regular monitoring of the three key elements associated
with the Biological filter.
The three standard test kits needed to monitor
the Biological filter are.
Ammonia A reading of zero is the only acceptable
one.
Nitrite A reading also of zero is the only
acceptable one.
Nitrate A reading of no greater than 50
mg/l should be the target.
( A full list of the kits that are available is
included in our stock
list. )
Regular cleaning of gravel beds and or filter media along with
siphoning off any debris in the tanks (rotting plants, uneaten food
or fish waste) should be part of your maintenance. This should be
coupled with REGULAR water changes to help keep Nitrate levels down
to a safe and manageable level. The Nitrate level of your tap water
should always be checked, as trying to keep your tank levels of
nitrate low will only work if your reading from the tap is lower.
If nitrate readings in your tap are low, then the nitrate levels
in your tank can be used as a very good indicator of how well you
are maintaining your water. If nitrate readings in your tank are
high then not enough water changing is being done. Regular weekly
water changes should be done, little & often is the golden rule.
Changing large amounts of water should be avoided as this could
seriously upset the balance that is established in your tank.
The chart on page 3 shows the effects nitrate levels can have on
your fish, plants and water purity.
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