Do you need help troubleshooting your vivarium? This page outlines the basics of preventing and solving common issues. Learn how to diagnose problems, identify the type of vivarium, find solutions for common issues, clean and maintain your vivarium, and detect and fix problems. Read through our FAQ section to find answers to your most pressing questions. With this guide, you can easily find solutions to keep your vivarium in optimal condition.
This section on common problems offers an extensive look at topics, ranging from aquariums to terrariums. We give you professional advice on diagnosing, fixing, and maintaining your vivarium to get it back in perfect shape. Find out more about troubleshooting common vivarium problems here.
Are you looking for quick answers to your vivarium questions? This section offers an extensive archive of FAQs that can help you find the best solutions for your vivarium troubles. Find answers to common questions others have asked over time. Learn the essentials of vivarium care with our easy-to-read FAQs.
- All Categories
- General Vivarium
- General Terrarium
- Terrarium Substrates & Soils
- Terrarium Plants
- Terrarium Lighting
- General Aquarium
- Aquarium Plants
- Aquarium Substrate & Soil
- Aquarium Lighting
- Riparium Plants
- General Paludarium
- Paludarium Plants
- General Riparium
Yes, fish can drown. Fish breathe oxygen from the water around them and need to be in an environment that is adequately oxygenated. If the oxygen levels become too low, fish suffer from a lack of oxygen, which can result in drowning.
The short answer is that a fish cannot survive more than a few minutes out of water. The exact amount of time a fish can live outside of water depends on the species, the temperature of the air, and the humidity. Some fish such as eels are able to survive up to an hour in some cases.
The best type of water for fish tanks is dechlorinated tap water. It's important to use a water conditioner to remove chlorine, chloramine, and heavy metals, as these can be harmful or fatal to your fish. Also, use a water testing kit to ensure the right pH and other levels are optimal for your fish.
There are several steps you can take to keep your fish tank clean without changing the water. Start by cleaning the sides and decorations of the tank with an algae scraper or sponge. If your tank contains plants, you'll want to check them regularly for algae and remove any buildup.
You should then perform a partial water change (10-25% of the water) every two weeks to remove any debris or buildup in the gravel. Additionally, vacuum the gravel each time you do a water change to remove any debris or waste. Finally, make sure to check the water parameters to maintain an optimum balance and keep your fish healthy.
To make your fish tank water crystal clear, start with a thorough cleaning of the tank. Empty and rinse the tank, decorations, and filter, and change out at least 25-50% of the water. Make sure to also clean and/or replace the filter media and gravel as needed. Then, use a water conditioner when replacing the water to help reduce chlorine and other toxins. Also, feed your fish only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes to prevent excess food from decaying and clouding the water. Finally, use a clarifier product to help bring out the clarity of the water.
To change the water in your fish tank, first remove 10-25% of the water and any debris. Then, top off the tank with fresh, dechlorinated water. Make sure the temperature of the new water is close to the old water, as fish can experience shock from temperature changes. When you finish refilling the tank, add an aquarium conditioner like Prime to be sure your fish do not suffer any negative effects from the water change.
- Turn off the heater and filter and unplug the electrical cords.
- Use a gravel vacuum to remove the old gravel and gunk from the bottom of the tank.
- Clean the gravel, decorations, and tank walls with a sponge.
- Remove 25-50% of the water from the tank and replace it with fresh water, being sure to match the temperature of the new water to that of the tank.
- Refill the filter with new media or clean it with a filter-cleaning solution.
- Replace ornaments, plants, and other decorations.
- Replace the fish with the displaced tank water.
- Turn the heater and filter back on and plug them back in.
Yes, you should take your fish out when cleaning the tank. This will keep the fish from being exposed to any chemicals in the cleaning products and ensure that the water stays clean for the fish to live in.
Yes, you can add tap water to your fish tank, but you should first treat it with a water conditioner to remove chlorine and other chemicals that can harm your fish. Water conditioners can be found at most pet supply stores and online.
It's best to wait 2-4 weeks before adding fish to a new tank. This is to ensure that the water chemistry is properly balanced for the fish's health. Additionally, adding fish too soon can introduce pollutants into the tank, which can overwhelm the tank and damage the fish's health.
If you own a fish tank, it is important to clean it on a regular basis to ensure the health of your fish. As a general rule, you should clean your fish tank at least once every two weeks to remove any debris, uneaten food, or waste that might be left in the tank.
Yes, it is possible to leave your fish tank for 3 weeks. However, it is important to properly prepare the tank for this extended period of inactivity. You should reduce the amount of food you provide to your fish and do a large water change (at least 25%) prior to leaving. Additionally, it is recommended to add a water conditioner to keep the levels and conditions of the tank consistent while you're away.
Fish generally prefer wide, long tanks rather than high, tall tanks as they provide more space for swimming and are often more aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, higher gal tanks tend to experience more turbulence and require additional filtration to keep the water safe for fish.
The cost of a fish tank depends on its size, type, material, and other features. A basic 10-gallon tank typically costs around $30–$50, while a large-themed tank can range from $100 to several thousand dollars.
The best-size fish tank for beginners is a 10-gallon aquarium. This size is great for those just starting out, as it's not too small, and not too large. It's the perfect size to easily monitor water parameters and master the necessary fish-keeping skills. Plus, you can keep a variety of fish and species in a 10-gallon aquarium.
Don’t see an answer to a not-so-common problem? Submit a question.
Get The Latest
Updates on new content sent straight to your inbox!