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Fish.com > Fish Articles > The Importance of Oxygen in Your Aquarium
The Importance of Oxygen in Your Aquarium
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Proper oxygen levels are absolutely vital to the health of your fish.
Following is a list of 8 cardinal rules to follow to ensure that your fish
are receiving plenty of fresh oxygen:
. Consistent Water Temperature: Not only do temperature fluctuations
stress fish, but water that is too warm holds less oxygen and is
susceptible to algae blooms. Maintain a stable temperature by keeping
the aquarium out of direct sunlight, reducing electrical equipment,
such as lights, that generate excess heat, and employing a chiller if
these adjustments do not sufficiently reduce the water temperature.
. Adequate Filtration: Filters must remain unclogged in order to
properly conduct water flow and oxygenation. Check, and clean if
necessary, your filters regularly.
. Clean Water: Partial water changes every 4 weeks, with no more than
25% at a time, will greatly improve the water quality, and therefore,
the oxygen levels available to your fish. Bacteria that feed on
decaying organic matter consume oxygen that is better supplied to the
fish.
. Bacterial Balance: Your aquarium requires a delicate balance of
beneficial bacteria in order to complete the nitrogen cycle. Clogged
filters and certain medications can harm these bacteria. Be sure to
clean your filters so your bacteria can function optimally.
. Control Populations: A crowded aquarium creates more of a problem than
a simple lack of room. Excess fish produce excess waste, and, as
mentioned before, excess bacteria feed on the waste and consume the
oxygen that your fish desperately need. Do not overstock your tank.
. Test Often: The best way to ensure your fish are receiving plenty of
oxygen is to test your tank regularly. There are test kits and
electronic monitors available.
. Live Plants: Like all other plants, live plants within an aquarium
utilize carbon dioxide and create oxygen through their life cycles.
This is an easy, and attractive, way to add extra oxygen to your tank.
. Air Pumps: If you have tried all the above and still have a lack of
oxygen in your tank, an air pump can help pick up the slack. When used
with air stones, an air pump will create a column of bubbles that
assist in the removal of carbon dioxide. Such a device should not be
extensively used in a live planted tank; it will eliminate the carbon
dioxide the plants need to live.
Don't overlook the importance of oxygen to the health of your aquarium fish
and plants. By following the above suggestions, your tank will have plenty
of oxygen to flourish.
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- Published:
9/15/2017:
7:09:56 AM ET
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