Things Novice Aquarists Forget About

And now let's talk about a very relevant subjects about which is often overlooked, not only beginners but also experienced aquarists.

One of the most needed items is a landing net … And how many should there be on the farm? Even a pet store will often not be able to answer this question. Often I observed when the seller used the same net to climb into an aquarium with newly arrived fish and into aquariums on display. And the correct answer: one for each aquarium, including quarantine ones. This is the only way to avoid the introduction of pathogens from one aquarium to another. In extreme cases, the only landing net can be disinfected in a strong solution of potassium permanganate ("potassium permanganate"), and then rinsed. For large aquariums, experienced aquarists recommend purchasing two nets, one larger and the other smaller. With a small net you will drive into the big fish you need. By the way, in English the net is called the same as the net - "net". This is exactly how the word is translated by translators who are far from aquarism. Keep this in mind and do not search the pet store for aquarium catching nonsense.

Nets for fish

When choosing a landing net, pay attention to the fabric. To catch fish, it must be with sufficiently large cells, strong (better made of nylon). Gauze is not suitable for making nets. It is usually believed that the dark net is preferable, as if the fish see it worse than the white one. This is a misconception, because fish use more than their eyes to detect objects. The frame of the net should be rectangular and, only when using curved aquariums, curved. The handle is not very long, otherwise (especially when catching fish in an aquarium that is in a rack) you will constantly cling to it.

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The easiest way to drain the aquarium water is with a hose. It is better if it is not corrugated and is made of elastic plastic. For the convenience of cleaning the bottom, a special plastic glass is put on it. A hose with a nozzle is called a siphon. It can be made from a soft drink bottle, but it's easier to buy a ready-made one. In addition, the sharp thin edges of the bottle cleaner can accidentally damage the root system of plants. Siphons are also desirable, one per aquarium. When keeping especially delicate and capricious species (discus, etc.), with frequently changed exposition in a pet store or in aquariums for overexposing imported fish, this condition is mandatory. In other cases, it is desirable.

Types of aquarium siphons

Dirty water is poured into a bucket. Better if it is plastic. Mark it, it is not worth using it for clean water on a large farm: you can accidentally bring in pathogens. In large aquariums, to facilitate the work of the service personnel, large-diameter pipes connected to the sewer are supplied to the racks. It is a good idea to get another bucket, a plastic potable water tank, or a long elastic hose that you can slide over the tap to fill the aquarium with fresh water. In most cases, 20-25% of the water can be poured without settling, the main thing is that the water temperature matches the aquarium temperature. To prevent the hose from jumping out of the aquarium, insert a plastic U-tube into it. When changing water, do not be distracted, otherwise you risk creating a flood for yourself and your neighbors.

1-2 plastic basins, several sieves with meshes of different sizes, a colander with large holes for washing the soil and sifting out too small particles will be useful. When feeding with live planktonic food, nets made of gas nylon fabric of various densities are required.

Strictly forbid your household to use these things for non-aquarium purposes (even if you are promised to wash them all): washing and soaking clothes, washing the car, etc.

Types of aquarium scrapers

To clean the glass, you will need windscreen wiper. If your aquarium is glass, you can use a cleaner with a safety razor in it. You cannot clean Plexiglas aquariums with such scrapers - you will scratch the walls. A cleaner with a coarse sponge glued to the handle holder can be considered a universal device. You can also use magnetic cleaners or just a piece of nylon washcloth. In any case, make sure that no grains of sand that can scratch even the silicone glass get between the cleaner and the glass.

If you find it difficult to reach the upper aquarium, buy a stable, reliable ladder or ladder stool.

"Home Aquarium" A. Gurzhiy

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