| Task |
Suggested
Interval |
Description |
| Check Water Chemistry |
3 Days |
Water chemistry is an important aspect of any aquarium. Parameters such as ammonia, nitrite, pH and temperature should be monitored every 2-3 days. Other parameters such as nitrate, phosphate, calcium, etc... should be monitored as per manufacturer instructions. |
| Add Medication |
As Instructed |
Please follow the manufacturer instructions regarding dosage rates and frequency that are included with the aquarium medication. |
| Top Off Water |
3 Days |
Frequent monitoring of water level is important for correct filter operation and maintaining proper salinity levels in marine tanks. |
| Add Calcium |
2 Days |
Calcium supplementation can be required on a daily or less frequent basis depending upon alkalinity levels. Most calcium supplements recommend bi-daily supplementation. |
| Add Supplements |
As Instructed |
Additional supplements such as magnesium, strontium and iodine may be required for marine tank. Please follow the manufacturer instructions. |
| Change Carbon |
As required |
The use of Granular Activated Carbon (G.A.C.) can be important in removing chemical waste products commonly found in aquarium systems. In a freshwater aquarium, it is recommended to run carbon continuously in your aquarium, changing it once every 30-45 days. In marine aquariums, carbon is only used when required as it can possibly remove important trace elements required for invertebrates. If you decide to use carbon on a continuous basis in a marine aquarium, be sure to add trace elements if required and change the carbon once every 30 days. |
| Change Water |
1 Month |
A minimum 20% water change per month is recommended for both freshwater and marine tanks to reduce nitrate build-up. |
| Change Filter Cartridge |
1 Month |
A properly cleaned filter pad or sponge can last up to two months, however it is generally recommended to change mechanical filter cartridges every 30 days. |
| Change Phosphate Remover |
As Instructed |
Phosphate control is especially important in marine aquariums as it can be a major contributor to algae blooms. Depending upon the level of phosphate in the tank, most phosphate removers last 1-2 weeks before being required for regeneration. |
| Change Chemical Media |
1 Month |
Chemical media such as resins and other chemical removers should be changed once per month. Once the media has adsorbed to its full capacity, it is important to change it to reduce the the possibilty of leaching. |
| Check Supplies |
1 Month |
Checking for food, chemicals, filter pads and other supplies is always good to do on a monthly basis. |
| Change Fluorescent Lamps |
9 Months |
Most T12 & T8 lamps lose up to 40% of their initial light output in 9 months. T5 & T5HO lamps can actually retain up to 95% of their light output up to 24 months - which makes them one of the most efficient forms of lighting for aquariums. |
| Change Compact Fluorescents |
9 Months |
Compact fluorescent lamps should be replaced once every 9-12 months to ensure the proper spectrum and intensity for coral growth. |
| Change UV Lamp |
9 Months |
T5 UV lamps can lose up to 30% of the initial light output at 9 months. Changing the UV lamp every 9-12 months ensures proper sterilization rates for disease, parasite and algae control. |
| Change Metal Halide Lamps |
1 Year |
Mogul based metal halide lamps should be replaced once every 9-12 months, HQI metal halide lamps should be replaced once every 12-15 months. |
| Reset Timers |
6 Months |
Timers should be checked and reset every 6 months or when required. |
