FAQ
Frequently asked questions about aquariums
Are you new to aquarium keeping or thinking about setting up your first aquarium? Discover the answers to the most common questions to better understand the basics and avoid some common mistakes.
Why does a new aquarium need to be cycled?
A freshly set-up aquarium is not yet ready to house fish. It must first develop the bacteria capable of converting the toxic substances produced by waste.
This start-up period is called the nitrogen cycle. Invisible to the naked eye, it nevertheless plays an essential role in the stability of the aquarium.
Understanding this cycle helps avoid many difficulties during the first weeks.
This start-up period is called the nitrogen cycle. Invisible to the naked eye, it nevertheless plays an essential role in the stability of the aquarium.
Understanding this cycle helps avoid many difficulties during the first weeks.
When can the first fish be introduced?
There is no precise date that applies to every aquarium. Establishing the biological cycle generally takes several weeks, but only a water analysis reveals whether the aquarium is truly ready.
Introducing fish too quickly can expose them to toxic substances, even when the water looks perfectly clear.
The tests, their interpretation and the gradual introduction of the inhabitants are therefore important steps to master.
Introducing fish too quickly can expose them to toxic substances, even when the water looks perfectly clear.
The tests, their interpretation and the gradual introduction of the inhabitants are therefore important steps to master.
How often should the water be changed?
Water changes help remove some of the substances that accumulate and renew the minerals needed for the aquarium's balance.
However, the frequency and the amount to replace depend on the volume, the population, the food provided, the plants, the filtration and the measured parameters.
Observing your aquarium and understanding its needs is often more relevant than automatically applying the same rule to every tank.
However, the frequency and the amount to replace depend on the volume, the population, the food provided, the plants, the filtration and the measured parameters.
Observing your aquarium and understanding its needs is often more relevant than automatically applying the same rule to every tank.
Which water parameters should be monitored?
Temperature, pH, water hardness and certain nitrogen compounds are among the most commonly checked parameters.
Not all parameters are equally important at every stage, however. The target values also vary according to the fish, shrimp and plants being kept.
What matters is not only obtaining a figure, but understanding its meaning and knowing how to react when a value changes.
Not all parameters are equally important at every stage, however. The target values also vary according to the fish, shrimp and plants being kept.
What matters is not only obtaining a figure, but understanding its meaning and knowing how to react when a value changes.
Why shouldn't the filter be cleaned completely?
The filter does not only serve to trap visible waste. It also houses a large part of the bacteria involved in the aquarium's biological balance.
Cleaning that is too intensive or done improperly can weaken this bacterial population and disturb the tank's balance.
It is therefore important to know when to clean the filter, which parts to maintain and how to preserve its biological function.
Cleaning that is too intensive or done improperly can weaken this bacterial population and disturb the tank's balance.
It is therefore important to know when to clean the filter, which parts to maintain and how to preserve its biological function.
How long should an aquarium be lit?
Lighting allows plants to carry out photosynthesis and directly influences the aquarium's balance.
A duration that is too short can limit plant growth, while lighting that is too long or poorly suited can encourage certain imbalances and the appearance of algae.
The ideal duration depends in particular on the power of the lamp, the plants present, the fertilisation and the development of the tank.
A duration that is too short can limit plant growth, while lighting that is too long or poorly suited can encourage certain imbalances and the appearance of algae.
The ideal duration depends in particular on the power of the lamp, the plants present, the fertilisation and the development of the tank.
Why do algae appear in the aquarium?
The presence of a few algae is natural and does not necessarily mean that the aquarium is poorly maintained.
A significant appearance can, however, reveal an imbalance linked to light, nutrients, waste, maintenance or insufficient plant growth.
To act effectively, you must first identify the type of algae and look for its cause. Removing only what is visible rarely provides a lasting solution.
A significant appearance can, however, reveal an imbalance linked to light, nutrients, waste, maintenance or insufficient plant growth.
To act effectively, you must first identify the type of algae and look for its cause. Removing only what is visible rarely provides a lasting solution.
What size should you choose for a first aquarium?
A small aquarium may seem simpler and less expensive, but its low volume often makes it more sensitive to variations in temperature and parameters.
A slightly larger aquarium generally offers more stability and allows a wider choice of plants and inhabitants.
The best volume depends on the available space, the budget, the time devoted to maintenance and, above all, the species you wish to keep.
A slightly larger aquarium generally offers more stability and allows a wider choice of plants and inhabitants.
The best volume depends on the available space, the budget, the time devoted to maintenance and, above all, the species you wish to keep.
Want to go further?
These answers provide a first approach, but every aquarium has its own balance and raises different questions.
The training courses and workshops offered by Alchimia Aquatics will allow you to explore these concepts in a clear and progressive way, with concrete examples, demonstrations and the opportunity to ask your own questions.
The upcoming dates and registration details will be published on the website.