Aquarium and Pond Care with EcoBio-Block

When it comes to maintaining a healthy freshwater aquarium, “balance” is the key word. You need to achieve a balance in the species and number of fish you keep in your tank and you also need to balance that out with any invertebrates you have as well. To keep your fish healthy, you need to maintain a healthy balance in your water temperature and other parameters and you must also provide a healthy diet that gives your fish the right balance of nutrients. One thing you may be forgetting about, however, is striking the right balance to achieve a thriving planted tank. Planted tanks can be tricky to maintain successfully because they require more lighting and carbon dioxide than fish-only tanks. Read more to learn the basics about cultivating a thriving planted tank.

Live Plant Requirements

Planted tank

Live aquarium plants are photosynthetic organisms which means that they require light in order to fuel their biological processes. Using light as energy, plants convert carbon dioxide (the product of cellular respiration) into the oxygen your fish need to thrive. To keep your plants healthy, then, you much achieve a balance between the lighting and CO₂ levels in your tank. The more carbon dioxide available in your tank, the more oxygen your live plants will be able to produce. It is important to realize, however, that in order to process the extra carbon dioxide your live plants will need extra energy (light).

Supplemental CO₂ Options

If you are worried about the CO₂ levels in your tank being too low, there are several options you can try to supplement the CO₂ in your tank. One of the simplest options is a pill-like supplement that can be added directly to the tank. You can also use a simple yeast reactor – these devices consist of a bottle filled with yeast and sugar. As the yeast feeds on the sugar, it produces CO₂ which is released into the tank through a small hose attached to the bottle. These devices are available in a variety of sizes, some of which are completely automatic. It is up to you to decide how much you are willing to invest in this type of product.

Remember, if you are going to supplement the CO₂ in your tank, you also need to make sure your lighting system is powerful enough to provide your plants with the extra energy they’ll need. High-powered lighting systems like metal halide and power compact systems are ideal for planted tanks because they produce high-intensity lighting. One thing to be wary of with these lighting systems is that they can produce a great deal of heat in addition to the extra light so you may need to install an auxiliary fan to disperse the heat so it doesn’t overheat the water in your tank.

Other Tips for Planted Tanks

Just like your aquarium fish, live plants are less likely to thrive when the conditions in your tank are not ideal. Live plants require clean water with stable water chemistry and temperature, as do your fish. To keep your tank water clean you should maintain a regular schedule for cleaning your tank and performing water changes. You may also find it helpful to install an EcoBio-Stone in your tank. An EcoBio-Stone is a hassle-free way to boost the biological filtration in your tank to help keep your tank water clean and clear. EcoBi-Block products are infused both with beneficial bacteria and the nutrients they need to thrive. Once installed in your tank, the stone will help to establish and maintain the nitrogen cycle, thus keeping your tank clean and healthy for your live plants.

When it comes to selecting a lighting system for your saltwater tank, you cannot simply go to your local pet store and purchase the first lighting system that fits your tank. There are a number of factors to consider when buying a lighting system for your tank and if you don’t choose wisely your tank inhabitants may fail to thrive. It is important to choose a lighting system of the right size, wattage and type – before you buy, take the time to learn the basics about lighting a saltwater tank so you can make an informed decision regarding which is best for you.

Requirements by Tank Type

If you have ever kept a freshwater aquarium, you probably already know that certain tank inhabitants like live plants require more lighting than do aquarium fish. The same is true for saltwater tanks – certain organisms have greater needs for light than others. In the saltwater tank, fish generally do not have specific requirements for lighting, though some tend to prefer more dim lighting than others. If you plan to keep photosynthetic organisms like corals in your tank, however, you will need to install the proper lighting system to support those organisms. Light provides energy for photosynthetic organisms like corals and marine algae – without adequate light, these organisms may fail to thrive and it could impact your whole tank environment.

Not only do you need to consider whether or not you will be keeping corals in your tank when selecting a lighting system, but you also need to think about what kind of corals you plan to keep. Reef tanks supporting low-light corals may only require 4 to 6 watts of light per gallon whereas tanks with corals that require more light may need between 10 and 12 watts per gallon. Do not look for “watts per gallon” on the package when comparing lighting systems and light bulbs at the pet store because you won’t find it. In order to determine the watts per gallon given by any light you must divide the total wattage by your tank capacity. For example, a bulb that produces 200 watts would provide a 50-gallon tank with 4 watts per gallon.

Other Considerations

When shopping for a lighting system for your saltwater aquarium you have to think about more than just watts per gallon – you also need to consider what type of system you want. Some of the most popular lighting systems for saltwater tanks are LED, fluorescent and metal halide. LED lighting systems consist of numerous small bulbs that put out high-intensity light. These systems are very energy efficient and can also be adapted to provide dim lighting at night for nocturnal tank inhabitants. Fluorescent lighting systems come in a variety of forms including normal output, power compact and very high output (VHO). Power compact bulbs produce as much light, or more, than traditional fluorescent bulbs without taking as much space. VHO lighting systems produce high-intensity light that can be three times as bright as normal output bulbs. Metal halide lighting systems are also very powerful and they provide light that is intense enough to penetrate deep water in large tanks.

One thing to keep in mind when shopping for tank lighting is that high-powered lighting systems may produce a great deal of heat. Metal halide systems, for example, can produce so much heat that they may end up overheating your tank. To prevent this from happening you may need to install an auxiliary fan or aquarium chiller to maintain the water temperature in your tank. You should also be aware that tank lighting comes in different colors. Full-spectrum lighting is ideal for fish-only aquariums but tanks housing corals and other photosynthetic organisms do best with actinic and 50/50 bulbs.

In addition to equipping your saltwater tank with a high-quality lighting system, you may also want to think about installing an EcoBio-Stone or using some EcoBio-Pebbles in your tank filter. These products are designed to boost the biological filtration in your tank by adding live beneficial bacteria. After introducing one of these products into your tank, the beneficial bacteria will rapidly multiply, working to remove toxins and to maintain the nitrogen cycle. Clean water is just as important as quality lighting in a saltwater tank and installing an EcoBio-Stone is a simple way to achieve it.

When it comes to properly maintaining a saltwater tank there are several pieces of equipment you must have. A thriving saltwater tank will require a high-quality filtration system to help remove solid and dissolved wastes from the water column. It will also require a high-powered lighting system, especially if you plan to keep corals in your tank. A protein skimmer may be necessary to remove excess proteins from your tank water and a sump system may be helpful in keeping all of this equipment in order. One piece of equipment that may not be mandatory for keeping a saltwater tank, but proves quite useful, is a UV sterilizer.

What are UV Sterilizers?

An ultraviolet (UV) sterilizer is a device that helps to control microscopic algae, bacteria and parasites in your tank water. This device can generally be attached to your filter system so that filtered water passes through the device as it is being returned to the tank. A UV sterilizer consists of an ultraviolet bulb over which filtered water is passed – the UV light kills off a significant portion of the algae, parasites and bacteria in the water before returning it to the tank. These devices are incredibly useful and, when paired with a high-quality filtration system, they are a very effective means of keeping your saltwater aquarium clean. The best part about UV sterilizers is that it doesn’t require any additional work on your part, other than setting up the device.

Tips and Considerations

Before you go out and buy a UV sterilizer for your tank, you might want to consider the benefits and drawbacks of such a device. One of the main benefits of UV sterilizers is that they are generally very easy to use – many models can be attached directly to standard aquarium filters. These devices also help to prevent excess algae growth and the spread of pathogenic bacteria by killing the cells before they are able to reproduce. Another benefit is that UV sterilizers come in a variety of sizes to fit all saltwater and freshwater tanks – you can even find stand-alone models if your filter system cannot accommodate a traditional UV sterilizer.

Though UV sterilizers are very beneficial in the saltwater tank, you should be aware that these devices only target the free-floating organisms in your tank water – they cannot do anything about algae growing on tank surfaces or bacteria/parasites that have already invaded the bodies of your fish. It is also important to note that UV sterilizers can interfere with certain medications so, if you are treating your fish for disease, you may need to unplug the device. Aside from these drawbacks, UV sterilizers are an excellent device to incorporate into your saltwater tank.

While incorporating a UV sterilizer into your saltwater tank setup may help improve the water quality in your tank, there are other simple things you can do to keep your tank clean. Installing an EcoBio-Stone, for example, is a hassle-free way to boost the biological filtration in your tank to help keep your tank water clean and clear. EcoBio-Stones are made from natural volcanic rock and they are infused both with beneficial bacteria and the nutrients they need to thrive. Once installed in your tank, EcoBio-Stones help to establish and maintain the nitrogen cycle, thus adding to the water-cleaning power of your UV sterilizer.

If you are used to keeping a freshwater tank, making the switch to a saltwater tank can be quite a challenge. Not only do you have to get used to new fish and tank equipment, but you also have to learn about a different set of water parameters. While many freshwater fish species can tolerate minor changes in water temperature or chemistry, some saltwater fish are highly sensitive to changes. Saltwater fish are also very sensitive to the mineral content of tank water. If there is not enough calcium, for example, your fish may not thrive. To prevent this from happening, consider using kalkwasser to maintain proper calcium levels in your tank.

What is Kalkwasser?

Kalkwasser is a solution of calcium hydroxide that has been dissolved in water. It is widely used by saltwater aquarium hobbyists to replenish depleted calcium stores in tank water. As water evaporates from the tank, the calcium level in your tank naturally declines. German for “lime water,” kalkwasser is effective in increasing calcium content in tank water without drastically affecting the pH or alkalinity of the water. This solution may provide additional benefits such as encouraging pink coralline algae growth and improving the buffering capacity of tank water.

Using Kalkwasser

You cannot simply add kalkwasser to your saltwater tank and hope that it has the desired effect. Adding too much kalkwasser to the tank at once can result in significant changes in water chemistry that would likely have a negative impact on your fish. Rather, it is best to add kalkwasser to the tank in small doses over time. To achieve this, saltwater aquarium hobbyists utilize one of two methods. The first method is to add kalkwasser when mixing the saltwater you use for water changes. This method can be effective as long as you mix the water within one day of using it – it may be difficult, however, to achieve the proper dosage.

A more exact method involves the use of a dosing pump or calcium reactor. These devices administer regulated doses of kalkwasser into the tank, often through a drip method, to replace the calcium store of tank water as it is depleted. If you are on a budget, a dosing pump is the more affordable option and you should be able to find them in a variety of sizes to accommodate your needs. If you have a very large or heavily stocked tank, a calcium reactor may be a better choice for you because it will be able to achieve more precise dosages. Regardless which device you choose, you must continue to test and monitor the calcium levels in your tank on a regular basis.

Other Tips and Considerations

Though it is not mandatory for saltwater aquarium hobbyists to use kalkwasser in their tanks, it is certainly an effective means of maintaining high water quality. If you are looking for other simple ways to keep your water quality high and your tank water clean, consider adding an EcoBio-Stone to your tank. These stones are made from natural volcanic rock, infused with beneficial bacteria and the nutrients needed to support them. Once you introduce an EcoBio-Stone into your tank, the bacteria will rapidly multiply and work to establish and maintain the nitrogen cycle resulting in cleaner, clearer tank water. In conjunction with the use of kalkwasser, an EcoBio-Stone is an easy way to maintain the water parameters in your tank.

When it comes to maintaining high water quality in your tank, nothing is as important as having a good filtration system in place. In order to achieve good filtration you not only need to think about equipping your tank with a quality filter but you also have to think about what kind of filter media you intend to use. There are many different kinds of filter media available and each of them serves a unique purpose. To get the most out of your filtration system, take the time to learn about the various types of filter media available so you can decide which type is best for your tank.

Activated carbon

Another name for chemical filter media is chemically-active filter media and there are several types which fall into this category. The most common type of filter media that provides chemical filtration is activated carbon. This type of filter media comes in resin or pellet form and it helps to remove dissolved organic compounds and toxins from tank water, helping to improve water quality. Coral sand is another type of chemical filter media and it is most commonly used in saltwater tanks. This type of filter media can provide biological filtration as well as chemical filtration, especially when used with an undergravel filter.

Mechanical Filter Media

This type of filter media serves the purpose of physically removing solid wastes from tank water. The wastes mechanical filter media might remove include uneaten fish food, decaying plant matter, fish feces and other forms of organic debris. The most commonly used kind of mechanical filter media is a sponge. Filter sponges are often made of filter wool which strains out solid substances – the sponge may also act as a container for chemical filter media like activated carbon. In the case of undergravel filters, the gravel in the tank serves the role of providing mechanical filtration as well – it also serves as a biological filter.

Biological Filter Media

EcoBio-Pebbles work great as a filter media.

This type of filter media is not necessarily something you add to your tank filter – it is simply a surface on which beneficial bacteria can grow. Beneficial bacteria are incredibly important for the health of the freshwater tank because they maintain the nitrogen cycle through which organic wastes are broken down. Though beneficial bacteria are likely to grow on their own in the substrate of your tank, as well as on tank surfaces, there are several types of filter media that can also be used to promote healthy biological filtration. Ceramic tubes, plastic balls and foam sheets are some of the most commonly used types of biological filtration and they can be used in conjunction with various types of filters. Ceramic rings are often used in wet/dry filters and plastic balls can be added to canister filters. A sponge block or insert can be incorporated into almost any type of filter.

In addition to choosing the right filter media for your tank, you might also want to consider adding an EcoBio-Stone to improve water quality. EcoBio-Stones are infused with live beneficial bacteria colonies as well as the nutrients they need to multiply and maintain the nitrogen cycle in your tank. Once the nitrogen cycle has been established, the EcoBio-Stone will work with your aquarium filter to help keep your tank water clean and clear. Another option is to add some EcoBio-Pebbles directly to your filter. If you have a canister filter or an extra compartment in your power filter to add your own filter media, EcoBio-Pebbles are a great option. These pebbles serve the same purpose as EcoBio-Stones, helping to support the nitrogen cycle in your tank.