Aquarium and Pond Care with EcoBio-Block

Hang-on heater

One of the most important pieces of equipment you need for either a saltwater or freshwater tank is a heater. In order to keep your aquarium fish happy and healthy, you need to be able to keep the water temperature in your tank stable. Though most aquarium fish can tolerate minor fluctuations in temperature, sudden or recurrent changes in water temperature can be harmful for fish. In order to keep your tank temperature within the desired range, it is recommended that you install an aquarium heater. There are several different types of aquarium heaters to choose from – keep reading to learn more about them.

Hang-On Heaters

This type of heater is the most basic model and it consists of a glass-encased heating element that can be hung on the back of the tank. These heaters sit vertically in the tank so that heat is dispersed at all levels of the tank – the drawback, however, is that it may not distribute heat evenly from one side of the tank to the other. Most hang-on heaters allow you to control the temperature setting by twisting a knob or setting a dial. Some models also feature a small red light that comes on when the heater is working. Because they have a limited capacity to distribute heat, hang-on heaters are best for small tanks but they can be used in either freshwater or saltwater applications.

Submersible Heaters

Submersible aquarium heaters are one of the most effective types of aquarium heater because they can be submerged directly in the tank. Rather than hanging vertically off the back of the tank, submersible heaters can be installed horizontally along the back wall a few inches up from the bottom of the tank. This position ensures that the heat will be distributed across a wider area of the tank and the water near the bottom of the tank will be kept warm which is often a problem in tanks using hang-on heaters. These heaters can be used for both saltwater and freshwater tanks and they come in a variety of sizes so they can be used in almost any tank.

In-Line Heaters

An inline heater is perhaps the most efficient way to heat your tank water. This type of heater can be attached to your tank filter so that it heats the water as it is pumped in and returns warmed water to the tank. This method is much more efficient than using a heating coil to warm the water in a particular area of the tank. In-line heaters are most commonly installed in sump systems for saltwater tanks, but they can also be used in freshwater tanks of almost any size.

Aquarium Heating Tips

The ideal temperature range for an aquarium depends not only on the type of aquarium but also on the type of fish you plan to stock. The general range acceptable for aquariums is between 76° and 80°F. Keep in mind that some species prefer cooler temperatures and some prefer warmer temperatures – it is always a good idea to research the type of fish you plan to keep before you buy them so you can cater to the conditions in your tank to meet the need of the fish.

Water movement is also a key element in maintaining a stable aquarium water temperature. If you are using a hang-on heater, it is important that the water in your tank is properly circulated so the temperature is even in all parts of the tank. Ensuring proper water movement will also help to keep the parameters of your tank water within the proper ranges which will benefit your fish as well. Another important factor in keeping your fish healthy is maintaining high water quality. To do so, consider installing an EcoBio-Stone in your tank. EcoBio-Block 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.

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.

Colorful saltwater aquarium

If you have ever spent much time at the aquarium at your local zoo you may have noticed a significant difference in the appearance between freshwater and saltwater species of fish. Whereas many freshwater species have dark or neutral colorations featuring varying shades of brown, black and gray, saltwater fish exhibit a rainbow of different colorations. What is so different about saltwater fish that enables them to display these bold colorations and what purpose do these colors serve? If you have ever been awed by the brilliant colors of a butterfly fish or the striking patterns of a clownfish, you may be interested to learn the facts about saltwater fish coloration.

Color as Camouflage

In school you probably learned about some of the techniques animals use to protect themselves from predators. While some animals develop speed to outrun predators or claws to climb trees so they can escape them, other animals develop camouflage to prevent predators from seeing them. You are probably familiar with insects like the walking stick and certain moths that develop colors and patterns that help them blend in with their environment but did you ever think that the bright colors of saltwater fish might serve the same purpose? When you see a saltwater fish with an electric blue body accented by black or white bands, camouflage is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. In reality, however, this kind of bold coloration and patterning does actually help the fish to blend in with its surroundings.

Think about what a saltwater reef is like. If you have ever gone scuba diving or seen pictures of a thriving saltwater reef, you probably noticed the wide array of colors present in this type of environment. Not only are the fish themselves very colorful, but so are the corals, anemones and other forms of life present in a saltwater reef. It makes sense, then, that saltwater aquarium fish are able to use bright colors and patterns to blend in to such a colorful environment. Marine biologists have labeled this camouflage technique “disruptive coloration” – by displaying a variety of colors or large patterns, the bodies of fish are visually broken-up so a predator is less likely to be able to distinguish the silhouette of the fish against the backdrop of the reef. Not only do saltwater fish display a variety of bold colors and patterns, but some are even able to change color at will. Certain species of triggerfish and goatfish can change colors rapidly while others do so more slowly, changing color to adapt to the change in light as day transitions into night.

Maximizing the Color of Your Fish

Although saltwater aquarium fish are generally very colorful by nature, they may not display their maximum potential for coloration in captivity unless you make a conscious effort to help them do so. To help your fish achieve their ideal coloration it is important that you provide them with a clean, healthy tank environment and a balanced diet. Offering your fish a varied diet of commercial, live, frozen and freeze-dried foods is the best way to ensure that all of these nutritional needs are met – you may even be able to find color-enhancing formulas of commercial food that will bring out the natural colorations of your fish. In addition to a healthy diet, you should also do your best to make sure the water quality in your tank remains high. You will need to perform routine weekly water changes of between 10% and 20% of your total tank volume, replacing the dirty water you siphon out with fresh saltwater. You might also want to consider adding an EcoBio-Stone to your saltwater tank to help keep it clean and clear. EcoBio-Stones are made from zeolite and they are infused with the beneficial bacteria your tank needs to maintain the nitrogen cycle. These bacteria will rapidly multiply after being introduced to your tank, working to break down waste products like ammonia and converting them into less harmful substances. (Sufficient levels of bacteria are usually reached in 2 to 6 weeks.) With the help of an EcoBio-Stone, your tank water will remain clear and odor-free which will help your fish achieve their full potential for health and coloration.

The health of your saltwater aquarium is critical to the survival of your fish and corals. While feeding your fish, some tasks like observing the quality of the water, topping off the water, and checking the water temperature should be done on a daily basis. There are also other tasks you must do on a regular basis to ensure the health of your saltwater aquarium.

How often you will need to perform extensive cleaning will depend on what type of filter system you have.  Filter systems such as Jaubert/Plenum and true Berlin Live Rock don’t require much maintenance, but systems such as canister filters and Wet-Dry Trickle require much more attention.  The specific factors that will determine how often you need to clean your aquarium tank include the following:

• The amount and type of food you feed to your fish.
• The type of filtration that you use.
• The biological load that is on your filtration system.
• Whether you use tank janitors or not.
• How often you use toxin-reducing products like phosphate and nitrate.

Monitoring weekly water tests will also help you determine whether you need to perform cleaning tasks on your tank more often or less often. One way to simplify your maintenance needs is to use EcoBio-Block products. Made of natural zeolite, the blocks contain beneficial bacteria which live and multiply in the block. Dispersing into the water, they break down organic waste and keep your tank clear and healthy. Then all you need to do is observe and take note of certain conditions in your tank to determine how often you need to clean it.

In regards to your fish, you should observe the following:

• Their color, eyes, and fins.
• Their movements in the tank.
• How much food they are consuming.
• Whether they appear to have parasites or not.

In regards to your invertebrates, observe the following:

• Their movements in the tank.
• How much food they are consuming.

Observe the following when it comes to your corals:

• Their color.
• Whether they are open or not.

Here is what to note about the water in your tank:

• The movement of the water.
• The clearness of the water.

In regards to the tank janitors:

• Their effectiveness in cleaning the aquarium
• Their activity.

When observing the substrate:

• Check for the presence of algae.
• See if there is debris, such as uneaten food and detritus.

You should be testing your water parameters at least once per week.  If you notice slight changes in some of your tests, that is usually normal, but keep an eye on them to make sure that they are not the start of some trends that could affect the health of your aquarium.

What are the water parameters you should be keeping track of?

• Temperature
• pH
• Alkalinity
• Salinity
• Ammonia
• Nitrite
• Nitrate
• Calcium
• Iodine
• Phosphate

You should know what the Normal Sea Water (NSW) values are (consult a table that lists these, such as the one found here:  http://saltaquarium.about.com/od/planasystem/ig/Guide-Charts–Tables–Diagrams/Major-Elements-in-Saltwater-.htm) and what the target water test levels (again, consult a table that lists these, such as the one found here:  http://saltaquarium.about.com/od/planasystem/ig/Guide-Charts–Tables–Diagrams/Target-Water-Values.htm).

There might be times when you decide that a major cleaning of your aquarium must be done. It takes a fair amount of time to do it properly, but after you’ve done it a few times, you’ll be able to lessen the time it takes to do it each time.

You should start from the inside of your tank and work outwards. Place some towels on the floor so that any water that spills out does not damage your floor (remember that the water is saltwater, not freshwater, which can increase the chances of the water damaging your floor). Scrub the algae from the submerged equipment and tank walls.  Siphon the clean substrate. Change the water. Top off the new water with new (pre-mixed) saltwater. Test the parameters that were not normal originally and record the new results.  Add supplements if necessary to adjust the levels to appropriate readings.Next, you should deal with your filtration system. Remove debris from the bottom of your sump. Either clean or change the material of the mechanical filter. Check your adsorbents and see if they need to be cleaned or even changed. You should clean your biological filter material by rinsing it in saltwater. Empty your protein skimmer’s collection cup and adjust the water and air flow as needed. You should clean around your light bulbs and fixtures. Replace old bulbs as necessary.

You should make sure that your pumps are free of blockages, cleaning the filters as necessary. You should also check the hose connections to make sure that they are operating at their full capabilities. You should also clean the salt creep (or salt crystals that are behind when saltwater is spilled somewhere and the fresh water evaporates).

Check the amount of debris in your mechanical filter to get a better idea of whether you need to do major cleanings more or less often. When a mechanical filter becomes clogged and overworked, contaminants will either go around the filter material or be forced through the filter, which will only further decrease the effectiveness of your filter.

By keeping a record of your observations, you can adjust how often you perform major maintenance tasks on your saltwater aquarium tank. By following the advice in this article and keeping a regular maintenance schedule, you can have and maintain a healthy saltwater aquarium tank.