• Equipment, How To:, Uncategorized

Live Rock for your Reef Aquarium.

Introduction

Live rock is a crucial component in reef aquariums, providing numerous benefits and playing a vital role in creating a thriving marine ecosystem. It serves as a habitat for marine life, contributes to natural filtration, and supports the growth of beneficial microbial life. In this article, we will explore the importance of live rock in reef aquariums and discuss its various benefits and considerations.

What is Live Rock?

Live rock is not actually alive, but it is made up of the skeletal remains of ancient corals and other calcareous organisms. It is harvested from reefs or can be seeded in warm ocean water. Different types of live rock are available at EMA, including Walt Smith Reef Rock and Natural Reef Rock. Each type of live rock has its own unique characteristics and appearance, allowing aquarists to create diverse and visually appealing aquarium landscapes.

One example of live rock is Fiji Live Rock, which is known for its intricate formations and vibrant colors. It is often chosen for its natural beauty and ability to provide a suitable environment for a wide range of marine organisms. Fiji Live Rock is highly sought after by aquarists who want to create a visually stunning reef aquarium.

The Benefits of Live Rock in Reef Aquariums

Live rock provides several benefits that contribute to the overall health and success of a reef aquarium. Firstly, it plays a crucial role in natural filtration. The large surface area of live rock provides ample space for beneficial bacteria to colonize and multiply, aiding in the breakdown of organic waste and the conversion of harmful substances into less toxic forms. This helps to maintain stable water chemistry and reduce the risk of water quality issues.

For example, beneficial bacteria present on live rock help convert ammonia, which is highly toxic to aquatic organisms, into nitrite and then into nitrate, which is less harmful. This natural filtration process helps to keep the water clean and safe for the inhabitants of the aquarium.

Furthermore, live rock serves as a habitat and home for marine life. It offers protection, shade, and a place for marine organisms to hide and seek refuge. Live rock acts as a nursery for various marine species, providing a safe environment for the reproduction and growth of young organisms. It also adds visual interest and complexity to the aquarium, creating a more natural and dynamic environment.

Purchasing Live Rock

EMA Provides both Dry and Live Rock for purchase. Our live rock has been ‘cooking’ for a minimum of 3 months, and comes guaranteed to be pest free. Plus you can purchase pieces in different formations, such as plating rock, arch rock, base rock, nano rock or live rubble rock.

Arranging Live Rock in a Reef Aquarium

Arranging live rock in a reef aquarium is both an art and a science. When designing the layout, it is important to consider both aesthetic appeal and functionality. Some tips for arranging live rock include creating a design on paper before placing it in the aquarium, leaving enough space for coral and plant growth, and altering the shapes and sizes of the rocks to create depth and dimension. Additionally, using fasteners or glues can help ensure the stability of the rock structure.

The arrangement of live rock can mimic natural reef structures or be more artistic and fanciful, depending on the aquarist’s preference. It is an opportunity to create a visually stunning and engaging display that provides suitable habitats for the marine life within the aquarium.

For example, aquarists may choose to arrange live rock in a way that resembles a coral reef. By strategically placing the rocks, they can create caves, arches, and overhangs that mimic the natural structures found in the ocean. This not only enhances the visual appeal of the aquarium but also provides hiding places and shelter for the marine organisms.

Conclusion

Live rock is a valuable and indispensable component of reef aquariums. Its presence provides numerous benefits, including natural filtration, the support of beneficial microbial life, and the creation of a habitat for marine organisms. By properly selecting, curing, and arranging live rock, aquarists can create a visually stunning and biologically diverse aquarium that mimics the beauty and complexity of natural reefs. Consider incorporating live rock into your reef aquarium setup and enjoy the benefits it brings to your underwater world. Purchase your live reef rock from EMA!

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Like any other pet, fish need care, consistent love, and cleaning. Regular cleaning of fish tank is an important part of keeping your fish happy and healthy. This includes minor changes like slight water replacement and water testing, which you can do at home. Figuring out the easy way to clean a fish tank? Follow our step-by-step guide on how to clean a new fish tank and get to know more about the importance of keeping your aquarium clean.

What To Use To Clean Aquarium?

All set to purify your dirty tank? Gather cleaning supplies, like:

•       Algae scrubber— a champion against green pests.

•       Syphon tube and gravel vacuum— the powerful pair for dirt removal.

•       A perfect bucket dedicated just to collect fishery water

•       Water conditioner—the key element for happy fish.

•       25% water change with fresh water.

•       Plain white vinegar—the natural marvel for eliminating residue.

•       New filter media—a stroke of fresh air for fish tank.

•       Old towels and paper towels.

•       An old toothbrush—for deep purification (optional)

•       Water test kit for the quality control expert (optional).

•       And your favorite comfy sweeping clothes, since things may get dirty!

Now let the cleaning fun begin!

How To Clean A Fish Tank?

Sounds easy enough? Do it properly and with the least stress! Here are all the key steps in cleaning a fish aquarium:

Step 1: Don’t stress out tank fish!

When washing the fish tank, you may assume it’s a good idea to remove the fish, but it’s best to leave them alone! Handling or moving your fish can be quite stressful for them, so you might leave them in their fish habitat while you remove dirt. Plus, you won’t replace all the water, so they’ll be safe. Clean around their area and leave them be; they’ll love the subtle atmosphere!

Step 2: Scrub Your Hands Thoroughly!

Before getting into tank cleaning, thoroughly wash your hands and forearms up to the elbow area. Remove any lotion, aroma, or soap residue, which might damage fish. You want to keep these watery fish safe, so keep your hands sanitized and free of harmful chemicals.

Step 3: Clean The Inside Of The Glass

Regular maintenance is a must for glass inside of the aquarium. Light and water combine to create algae, which quickly turns clear glass green. An algae pad is your greatest friend here—scrub away the green with some scraping, and almost all of that algae will be removed.

Be cautious, however! Gravel, sand, or dust between the pad and the glass might result in scars that are not covered by warranties. Skilled algae wipers inspect the pad for dirt and rinse it if necessary. Can’t make it to the bottom? Choose an algae pad with a grip for taller tanks. Ready to keep the tank glass bright?

Step 4: Take Out Decorations And Large Rocks

Those pretty decorations in an aquarium, such as coral, plastic plants, and rocks, require a good cleaning every few weeks. A little bloom of algae might look lovely, but it shouldn’t take over! To refresh the fish tank decorations, remove them and soak them in a tub of warm water. Scrub them well with an algae scraper.

If they are still unclean, avoid using soap since it might hurt your fish. Instead, place them in a mix of 10% bleach and 90% water for 10-15 minutes. That should do the magic cleaning! Don’t put them back just yet; you have more steps to take!

Step 5: Pull Out The Gravel Siphon

Using a gravel vacuum makes it easy to clear the rock, gravel, or sand in the tank. It eliminates any loose particles from the bottom. Bust out 25-50% of gravel regularly, particularly during extensive scrubbing. Do you frequently vacuum your gravel? It’s best to do this while decorations are out since debris tends to accumulate behind them. Keep the aquatic tank fresh and your fish happy!

Step 6: Clean Aquarium Filter

In this step, rinse the filter medium in a bucket of old fishery water. If you use different water, you risk removing the beneficial microorganisms that the tank needs. It’s an important step of how to clean a fish tank filter. Keep those beneficial bacteria alive to provide a healthy habitat for fish! While you’re at it, be sure to clean your aquarium pump as part of ongoing disinfection plan.

Step 7: Add Fresh Water To The Tank

Replace the water that has been removed, but do not simply throw any old water into the tank; this can be deadly. Don’t forget to check the quality and temperature first. The freshwater should have the precise same temperature as the tank water. Most packed spring water or well water is good for fish, but always test it before putting it in the tank. Knowing how to clean a dirty fish tank properly means making sure that the newly added water is safe for fish.

Step 8: Reinstall The Aquarium Decorations

Almost finished cleaning a sand aquarium! If you removed any fish or ornamental elements, now is your chance to reattach them. Gently put fish in their happy tank area, together with dust-free decorations. Try to ensure everything is safe and sturdy so that fish can swim freely. You’re done; the inside fish tank feels gleaming!

Step 9: Cleaning The Outside Glass

Once the whole thing is back in fish tank, you may need to clear away any spills or water stains. Use a glass cleaner designed exclusively for fisheries to avoid mistakenly introducing hazardous chemicals. Spray it into a cloth and wipe down the outer glass to remove water stains, mineral dirt, and fingerprints for good vision.

Own a fish tank made of acrylic? Use a cleaner specifically designed for acrylic, as ordinary glass cleaners can make it look foggy. Don’t forget to wipe up any splashed water around tank or on the floor. Your fish and marine life are going to love their newly spotless home! Cleaning an old aquarium has never been easier, right?

How Frequently Should You Clean Aquarium?

The frequency with which you replace the water in aquatic habitat is decided by two key elements. This depends on the kind of water change you are doing in aquarium and how many fish you have in it. You can replace the water tank every two to three weeks, or more often if you have a crowded fish tank. A full aquarium water change should be done selectively and only when 100% necessary. Full fish tank water changes can affect the tank’s pH levels and other factors while also being distressing for fish.

However, if you notice that fish tank walls are becoming clogged with algae, a magnetic tank cleaner can be attached to the glass walls to remove the algae off the tank’s sides. This can be done as often as you want because it causes no harm to fish. Have you recently checked your fish tank? Is it time to replace water?

Why Is Regular Fish Tank Cleaning Important?

Clean your fish tank on a regular basis to ensure fish’s health. Over time, tank may build hazardous bacteria and nitrates, which can harm your fish. Keeping the marine aquarium dust-free promotes a healthy atmosphere and provides its aesthetic look. Got a small or large fish tank? Both demand equal amounts of attention. If you have a smaller tank, you may need more frequent cleaning to keep the water safe for marine fish. Maintaining the proper mineral balance in tank water is critical for the health of your fish. Regular scrubbing and proper water changes are essential to maintaining this balance and providing a healthy aquatic environment for fish.

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