Treating Common Aquarium Problems

Part of the appeal of fish keeping is the calming effect that a clean, aesthetically pleasing aquarium can provide. The good news is that it is fairly easy and totally possible to keep your tank looking great, especially if you perform some simple maintenance and partial water changes. Besides some simple maintenance activities, there are a few quick fixes to ensure that your water remains clean and clear.

Use API® ACCU-CLEAR. This treatment is specifically designed to treat murky water safely and effectively. It is important to remember, though, that even if the solution clarifies your water, there may be an underlying issue that made your aquarium water cloudy in the first place. If this is the case, your aquarium may require a separate action for a long-term solution.

Use an algae scraper. These scrubbing pads will eliminate the algae staining on your aquarium walls, but be sure to select the appropriate type for the material of your tank – some are designed for acrylic, others for glass.

Use API® ALGAE CURE, which will work to control the main and most persistent types of algae in aquariums. You can use some algaecides as a weekly preventative, or you can use as needed to correct algae overgrowth in your aquarium. Make sure that the product you select is safe for your species of fish.

Correct the underlying issues. If you’re unsure of the source of the unsightly conditions in your aquarium, it is important to determine the cause in addition to treating the unsightly effects. Test your water to ensure that your levels are where they should be, and if they’re not, you should perform a partial water change or use a treatment that will boost or reduce chemicals to safe levels. You can also use a treatment, such as API® STRESS ZYME or API® QUICK START, which will add beneficial bacteria to your tank to ensure that the biological filter is working as it should. Checked your filter cartridge lately? Cloudy water could be an indication that you need a fresh one. Try to determine the root cause of the issue, and correct it as soon as possible.

If you notice anything unusual about your aquarium, or if your fish are behaving differently than normal, it is essential that you fix your water conditions as soon as you are able to prevent harm to your fish, in addition to reestablishing the attractive aesthetic of your aquarium.