How often should I change my aquarium water?
Most aquariums should be cleaned every 2 weeks on average. It is easier to combine cleaning and water changes by using a
gravel siphon, as this also removes any dirt and waste from the bottom of the tank.
When can I add new fish to my tank?
If you are introducing new fish to a matured aquarium, then there shouldn’t be a problem. However, you should monitor the
ammonia and nitrite level for the few days following introduction as a precaution. Also, you should quarantine any new
fish for at least 4 days in a separate tank before adding to your main tank. This will help to prevent spreading any
diseases.
It is advisable to run a new tank with water only for at least 1 to 2 weeks before adding fish, to allow the filter to build
up some beneficial bacteria. It helps to add King British Filter Aid + during
this period to help the filter to mature. Fish produce ammonia through respiration, and release it into the water through
their urine and across the gills. In a matured aquarium, the filter can remove the ammonia quickly before it causes any
problems. However, in a new, un-matured aquarium the ammonia will linger and may build up and cause problems. If fish
are added straight away to a new tank, then the ammonia they produce can poison them and they may die. Also, once you
do start adding fish, they should be added slowly and gradually, not all at once. Spread it out over of a period of weeks
by adding two or three fish at a time, to allow the filter to adjust to the larger load of ammonia and nitrite.