1. Aquarium Ecosystem Lab
Setting up and maintaining a healthy aquarium ecosystem

2. I. Safety
Electrocution!!!!!!!!!
Glass aquariums can break
Slipping on water on the floor
Cleanliness

3. II. Cleaning Siphon out the water and remove contents
Do not use chemicals to clean in or outside-residues can remain in scratches
(NO windex near tanks!)
Rinse anything you clean with and place in net soak to avoid tank contamination

4. Maintaining Cleanliness
Don’t overfeed your fish!
Make a 25% water change once a month
Clean gravel periodically

5. III. Tank Set-up
Situate tank where it will stay before adding anything!
Add in gravel, water, decor, then fish!

6. Set-up
Use natural or aquarium décor - simulate habitat
ALWAYS add water conditioner to remove chlorine & chloramine from tap water (usually 5mL/10 gal ~ read directions!)

7. Light
Natural lighting is best for fish
Florescent/UV lights are also acceptable
Black lights can be harmful – do NOT use

8. Hood/Cover
Aquariums must be covered so that fish don’t leap out
A hood can also house the lighting
Be careful not to get light in the water….electrocution!!!

9. Air Aquatic organisms breathe dissolved oxygen
Air must be pumped in with a compressor or can be put in with a powered filter
Air stones increase surface area of bubbles & O2 content

10. Temperature
Most fish can live at a range of degrees F (22-27 C)
An aquarium heater can be placed in tanks that need higher temperatures (tropicals)

11. 3 types of Filtration Biological filtration
Created by bacteria in gravel and on fish
Beneficial bacteria breaks down waste products in the nitrogen cycle
Fish food (protein N) Ammonia/ fish waste (NH3)Nitrite (NO2)Nitrate (NO3)h20 change
You can use an under gravel filter to facilitate bacterial growth

12. Filtration Mechanical filtration
Removes accumulated solids (mulm) from aquarium
Usually accomplished with mesh in an electric pump

13. Filtration Chemical filtration
Purifies water using activated carbon-dissolved impurities are absorbed by holes in carbon
Activated carbon must be replaced
Minimize use of chemical/medicines to rid tank of problems

14. Water tests pH- Measures acidity or alkalinity of water
Range should be for FW & for SW
A buffer can be added in to maintain a pH or make a 25% water change

15. Water tests AmmoniaNitriteNitrate…
Released from gills of fish and decaying wastes
Range should be 0 ppm
Change 25% of water to lower nitrate level

16. Conditioning period
A conditioning (waiting) period of 1 month should be allowed for new tank without a natural bacteria population established
Seed with old gravel

17. Saltwater
Saltwater can be obtained from the ocean (risky) or from a salt mix – Instant Ocean!
Saltwater - Concentration: 32 ppt or .022 specific gravity
Freshwater - add 1 tsp /5-10 gallons for health

18. Water level
Add water to within 1’’ of top
Water must be added every so often due to evaporation
Don’t forget water conditioner!

19. Aquatic Organisms

20. How to buy
Find a reputable fish dealer and establish a buyer relationship
Never buy from a tank with dead or sick-looking fish
Be sure to ask questions- these guys are experts!

21. How many? General rule- 1 inch of fish/gallon 1- 30 inch fish
Ex. A 30 gal tank can have:
1- 30 inch fish
2-15 inch fish
3-10 inch fish
30-1 inch fish

22. What to get?
Try to utilize all the areas in your tank by adding fish that live in different parts of the water column
Ex. a bottom feeder (scavenger), a mid-water swimmer, a top feeder

23. How to add? Dumping fish in your tank from a bag can shock them
Float the bag for minutes to gradually adjust the temperature
Then, pour out half of the water in the bag and add in water from your tank
After more minutes the fish should be acclimated to your tank

24. How to add?
Also, feed the resident organisms in the tank as you are releasing new fish from a bag, to keep them preoccupied
This allows the new fish to enter gently, without being harassed by current resident “bullies”

25. How much to feed?
Feed fish only what they will consume in 5 minutes, twice a day (once for us)-cover food!
Remove excess food, so as not to pollute the tank
One day of fasting is recommended (feed 6 out of 7 days)
ASK what the fish eats when your buying them!

26. Sickness
If an organism appears sick, it should be removed from the tank so as not to contaminate the rest of the organisms
A separate “hospital” tank can be set up to help or medicate a fish

27. Plants?
Just like land plants, aquatic plant need natural light to survive, as well as minerals from a substrate
Aquatic plants are often hard to maintain without adequate lighting and can deteriorate in your tank
My advice……. Go plastic!

28. Remember!!
**SAFETY!!**
NO AQUARIUM WATER DOWN the Sink! Dump it outside in the drain.
Don’t let the sink run continuously.
**No rocks in the sink.**
Clean up after yourself.

29. Day 1
Remember safety….
Clean inside and outside of tank, using only salt and water.
Clean lid with water
Clean light fixture with damp paper towel
Make sure light works!

30. Clean Gravel Whether using old or new, you need to wash.
Clean with running water at least 3 times before adding to tank.
DO NOT let gravel go down sink!!

31. Clean décor
Wash any decorations and artificial plants that you will add to your tank with soap and water.

32. Day 2
*Safety!!!!*
Clean your filter and make sure all parts all assembled.
Prime with water!
Plug it in to make sure it works!
Clean your air compressor.
Make sure you have the compressor, the tubing and the air stone.
In observations, record your filtration type and describe how your air is supplied (where is it running from?)

33. Day 2 Add water to tank. Remember to add water conditioner!
Within 1” from the top
Remember to add water conditioner!
Plug in your filter and air compressor and get those working.

34. Day 2 Add lid to top Put light on. Turn on.
Make sure your tank is labeled with all group member’s names!!

35. Day 3 SAFETY NEVER mess with another person’s tank
If you are doing a saltwater tank, add one box of Instant Ocean (you will measure salinity tomorrow)
Everyone should work on JOURNAL and LAB WRITE UP!!!

36. Day 4
Water tests
Freshwater – ensure filter and air compressor are working properly
Saltwater – measure salinity

37. Day 5 Add fish ~ Follow all rules to ensure safety!!
From here on out, you will need to feed your fish when needed
Every Friday will be maintenance day – clean inside and out, check filter, add water if needed….