Beginner Help Guide Day 1: Daily Observations

Day 1: Daily Observations – Building Good Habits for Aquarium Success

After setting up your aquarium, Day 1 marks the beginning of a routine that helps ensure the health and stability of your aquatic environment. Even though the tank is still cycling, establishing daily observations from the start will give you insight into changes and potential issues as they arise. Here are the key things to look out for each day.

1. Checking Water Temperature

Consistently maintaining the correct temperature is essential, especially if you’re keeping tropical fish. A small daily fluctuation is normal, but big swings can stress fish and other inhabitants.

Tips for Monitoring:

• Daily Check: Look at the thermometer every day to ensure the temperature stays within the desired range (24 - 29°C for most tropical fish).
• Take note of Air Conditioning: Air Conditioners will cause a big swing of temperature if you are not switched on all the time. Buy a heater and set it to 26 - 27°C so that your aquarium temperature does not fluctuate much. If not, the temperature can swing from 22°C when the air con is switched on to 30°C when the air con is off. (this is for Singapore Climate)

2. Observing Water Clarity

In a newly set-up aquarium, the water may look cloudy, which is often due to dust from the substrate or a bacterial bloom as the nitrogen cycle starts. Monitoring water clarity helps you gauge if anything needs immediate attention.

What to Look For:

• Cloudiness: Slight cloudiness is common and should clear up within a few days. If it persists, make sure your filter is working properly.
• Colour Changes: Any unusual discoloration (like green or brown) could indicate an algae bloom or issues with the filter or substrate.

3. Monitoring Filter and Air pump Operation

Your filter and air pump are vital to keeping the tank stable, so it’s essential to check each is functioning well.

Filter Checks:

• Flow: Observe the water flow; a steady movement indicates the filter is working. If it’s too strong or weak, adjust the flow setting if possible.
• Noise: Listen for any rattling or unusual sounds, which can indicate a clog or other issue.

Air Pump Checks:

• Air Output: observe the amount of air that is out from the air stone; Adjust the amount accordingly 

4. Noticing Any Unusual Smells

A healthy aquarium shouldn’t produce a strong odor. If you notice a foul or sour smell, it could indicate an imbalance in water quality, often due to organic waste.

Actions if You Notice an Odor:

• Partial Water Change: Consider doing a small water change (10-15%) if the smell is persistent.
• Check Filter Media: A clogged filter can sometimes be the source of odor, so make sure the filter media isn’t overloaded or obstructed.

Get in touch with Nitrogen Cycle

This is a good time to familiarise yourself with Nitrogen Cycle as this is one of the most important thing in the aquarium hobby