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Aquarium

Essential Techniques for Managing Difficulties in Planted Aquarium Maintenance

In a city like Dubai where environmental factors constantly challenge water quality in fish tanks, aquarium maintenance will be a challenging process yet rewarding if you do it carefully. However, here we share some essential techniques that will help you resolve the common difficulties associated with aquarium maintenance Dubai.

Choosing the Right Plants

The primary objective of aquarium maintenance is to choose the right plant type that is best suitable for your water conditions. However, when you choose certain plants for your planted aquarium, you should understand the specific needs of each plant to avoid issues like algae growth. It would be better if you chose less maintenance plants if you are a beginner.

Maintaining Water Quality

Aquarium maintenance Dubai includes regular water testing with the use of a reliable test kit that enables you to monitor parameters such as ammonia, pH, nitrate, and phosphate. Regular water changes, including 10 to 20% replacement of existing water in a week, can keep the water quality stable while removing harmful toxin that impacts plant growth.

Proper Lighting

To ensure plant health, adequate light is necessary. Therefore, make sure that your planted aquarium receives 8 to 10 hours of light daily to make the plant grow sustainably. If possible, use LED lights that can promote photosynthesis without overheating the water. Using LED lights helps to adjust the intensity of the light according to the plant responses, which helps to prevent algae growth.

Fertilization Techniques

Try to include a balanced fertilization routine with the help of liquid fertilizers or root tables as they provide the required amount of nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, or iron to plants. In addition, you must follow the guidelines facilitated by the manufacturers while observing a plant’s growth. Also, adjust the fertilization strategy based on your plant growth.

Managing Algae Growth

To get rid of algae, you can include algae-eating species, including snails as well as certain fish. Therefore, maintaining a balanced ecosystem can be the ideal strategy to keep your aquarium maintenance Dubai more efficient. In addition, as mentioned above, ensuring proper lighting, incorporating adequate nutrient levels, and considering regular water changes may help to reduce algae proliferation.

In conclusion, if you feel difficulties in performing any of these methods, you need to assist with a professional aquarium maintenance service in Dubai. Choose Feathers and Fins, as we are providing proactive care to aquarium maintenance to keep your aquatic environment thriving. 

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Aquarium

Importance of Water Quality: Key Factors in Aquarium Maintenance

It can be confidently said that water quality is a crucial element of fishkeeping. As every fishkeeper knows or should know, poor water quality can completely make your fish ill or unhealthy. Aquarium maintenance is crucial in this process to make your water crystal clear as well as prevent your fish from harm. In simple terms, higher water quality can enhance the chance of having healthy and happy fish.

How Does Poor Water Quality Make Fish Ill?

Reduced water quality can be a reason for toxin buildup.

A fish tank is a completely enclosed environment where the fish often produce waste. Sometimes the decomposed plant matter as well as uneaten foods accumulate inside the tank, leading to poor water quality. Moreover, this waste will release toxins into the water, including harmful ammonia and nitrate. Usually, the biological filter can make these toxins into nitrate, which may not be harmful to fish; however, it should be mixed along with regular water changes in aquarium maintenance Dubai.

Nevertheless, these toxins can build up in situations like when your water filter stops functioning, when you miss a water change, or when overfeeding fish. This will cause serious illness or even death.

Low water quality weakens the fish and its ability to prevent infections.

When the water quality is low, it may lead the fish to become overstressed, which weakens their immune system and makes them susceptible to infections. In aquariums with fresh water and good pH levels, the fish fight off low-level infections. However, over the period, when the water becomes unclear, the fish skin of the fin will be damaged, leading to a greater risk of infection.

What should I do if the fish tank has poor water quality?

If you find that your aquarium has poor water quality, then you should consider regular aquarium maintenance such as;

  • Enhanced aeration immediately.
  • Conduct regular water changes for at least 10 to 20%.
  • Ensure water quality parameters to monitor the changes.
  • Clean the gravel using top-quality gravel cleaner.
  • Check your fish daily for signs of any diseases.
  • Limit the amount of food provided to avoid decomposing uneaten food, which reduces water quality.

What needs to be done to maintain water quality in aquariums?

The key to maintaining high water quality in your fish tank is ensuring regular aquarium maintenance.

  • Ensure the filter is in good condition and isn’t clogged up.
  • Clean the filter sponges and change them if necessary.
  • Perform regular water changes.
  • Test water pH regularly.
  • Don’t overfeed fish.

To learn more about how to maintain good water quality in fish tanks, reach out to us. 

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Aquarium

Why Aquarium Plants Are Essential for a Healthy Fish Tank

Having planted aquariums can significantly influence the health of fish, as live plants offer a multitude of benefits to the aquatic environment. Moreover, live plants are good for enhancing the water quality in fish tanks along with the well-being of aquarium inhabitants. Let’s explore the importance of live plants in planted aquariums as well as how they transform the ecosystem in the fish tank.

Natural Filtration

One of the most essential benefits of having a planted aquarium is that they possess natural filtration capability, as live plants can absorb nutrients from the water. The major nutrients plants absorb from water include nitrates, phosphates, and carbon dioxide, which are considered to be the byproducts of fish waste as well as decomposition. By using these nutrients, plants can purify the water, which thereby reduces the need for frequent water changes and chemical filtration. This process enhances the water quality while promoting a healthier environment for fish.

Oxygenation

Live plants release oxygen into the water through photosynthesis, which influences the respiratory health of your aquarium inhabitants. During the daytime, plants absorb carbon dioxide as well as release oxygen, which develops a well-oxygenated environment. Therefore, densely populated tanks will benefit from this natural oxygenation process because oxygen levels can quickly drop in the absence of vital plant life.

Habitat and Shelter

Live plants can create an engaging environment for your fish, while dense planting can provide shelter for them. This will reduce the stress among the fish, and planted aquariums are particularly essential for community tanks where different species of fish coexist. In addition, plants can provide space for breeding and nesting for certain fish types and maintain a stable ecosystem in the tank.

Algae Control

Live plants can hamper the growth of algae in fish tanks by competing with nutrients. Plants are typically more fruitful at utilizing nutrients than algae. As a result, planted aquariums facilitate reduced algae growth. In addition, shades made by plant foliage can limit the amount of light that algae can receive, which reduce its outspread.

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Aquarium

Tips for a Successful Aquarium Relocation in 2024

When you’re moving homes, you can never imagine leaving your beloved pets behind, whether they are furry or scaly companions. If you own an aquarium, moving the fish tank along with aquarium stands and your swimming companion can be tricky, especially if the tank is a larger one. Lack of proper planning may damage the fish tank, leaving it for aquarium maintenance, and also cause your fish to die.

Here, we have listed some practical tips to successfully move your fish tank by keeping the inhabitants healthy during the move.

Before the Move

Glass-made aquariums are fragile and should require extreme care during home relocations. Therefore, when you start the process, keep all supplies, including fishnet, hose, transparent bags, and buckets, ready, along with the moving boxes to empty and refill the tank.

Containing Your Fish

Gently remove your swimming companion from the tank with a net and put these tiny beings into special plastic or transparent containers. Also, if you have large fish, then move them into a sturdy bucket with lids. Tape the container efficiently to avoid leaks. Refrain from feeding fish 24 to 48 hours before the transfer to ensure that the containers do not get contaminated with waste.

Clean and Pack the Tank

You should deploy a hose to drain the water out of the tank before moving and unplug everything to prepare the tank for moving. In addition, remove pebbles, plants, and other accessories from the tank and perform an aquarium cleaning service to wipe out all the waste. Furthermore, pack the tank, light, pump, and other equipment carefully with bubble wrap and place them in a box stuffed with sufficient cloth to prevent damage.

During the Move

It is better to transport your aquarium and fish in a vehicle to keep them safe. However, if you wish for a professional service to transport your aquarium tank, it is essential to label the box with stickers like “fragile or handle with care.”. So, they can be extra cautious when handling your box.

After the Move

Once you reach the new destination, set up your tank immediately and install the water pumps before you put the fish in the tank. Add pebbles, plants, and other items accordingly, and carefully put your fish in the tank. If you’ve moved the fish into a bag, then place them in the water to let them make their way out.

Finally, install the cover and lighting needed for the fish to make them comfortable with new surroundings. Feed the fish on time to observe their movements for a while before placing the aquarium stands in an area of the house.

Conclusion

Even though the process is a little challenging, a little planning can help you keep your fish when you relocate to new surroundings. If you want professional services for aquarium cleaning or aquarium maintenance, Feathers and Fins will be your ideal choice. We offer comprehensive services for all aquarium-related works including installation and maintenance. Reach out to us today. 

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Aquarium

Guide to Setting Up Your First Aquarium

Before you buy your first fish tank, you need to determine what fish, how many fish, and the necessary plants you want to keep. This way, you can have a planted aquarium with the appropriate size and suitable substrate. Shop top-quality aquarium stands from Feathers and Fins that don’t break and provide strong support to your fish tank.

Aquarium Substrate

Aquarium substrates are important for setting up your fish tank, as they enhance the tank’s aesthetics and provide a habitat for beneficial bacteria. Gravel is the most popular option among fish keepers, and the variation in the shape, size, and colour of gravel makes it suitable for a variety of set-ups. However, some ornamental fish, especially goldfish, should never be exposed to gravel. They can easily ingest it, causing stress and potentially leading to death if the gravel is not removed. In addition, choose sand and soil for the aquarium for easy maintenance; unlike gravel, debris does not seep through the sand and will remain on top, making it easier to clean.

Dechlorinator

The water used in the fish tank must be dechlorinated before you put your fish inside the tank. Select a top-quality dechlorinator to remove chlorine, phosphates, and nitrates. It is better to set up the aquarium and allow water to cycle through the filter media in Dubai you selected for the tank 24 hours before adding your fish.

Aquarium Filter

To remove the waste and harmful bacteria in the fish tank to ensure steady water flow, ensure that you choose the best filter media in Dubai with the adequate size of our tank and the number of livestock you are planning to keep. Failing to do so may cause your filter media to struggle to handle the amount of waste effectively.

Fish Food

Providing top-quality fish food results in healthy fish and most fish will be happy to nibble on top-quality flake food. If you want to keep catfish or any other bottom-feeding fish, then you might want to store sinking pellets or algae wafers, as they immediately sink to the bottom of the fish tank.

Water Test Kit

The water test kit is necessary during your aquarium maintenance and it is also vital to use before introducing your fish to the new tank. You need to use it frequently to ensure there is no chemical imbalance that could affect your fish’s health.

Thermometer

Thermometers are essential to monitor water temperature, they will also control the water temperature within the fish tank. In Dubai, there are different types of thermometers available for planted aquariums, including simple digital strip thermometers and more traditional glass thermometers.

Aquarium Glass Scrubber

To effectively remove the algae growth from the side of your fish tank, you need to have a scraper for the glass aquarium as well as a soft scrub pad, which is essential for acrylic tanks to avoid scratches.

Aquarium Lighting

Installing aquarium lighting in a fish tank brings out the natural colour of your fish and it is also essential for planted aquariums to ensure plant growth. LED lights can be used in fish tanks as they are extremely energy efficient. Fish tanks with light integrated inside the lid make them a fantastic option, especially for beginners who don’t want the hassle of choosing the right light.

Decorations

Some fish like to hide as it makes them feel comfortable; using a few caves or plants can keep them mentally healthy. Using live plants along with the right sand and soil for aquarium helps inhibit the growth of algae and remove dirt. A Planted aquarium needs regular maintenance,ce and the live plants can oxygenate the water. In addition, plastic plants might be also a better choice if you want to keep fish like Silver Dollars as they tend to damage live plants.

To Sum Up

These are some of the basics you need to understand before setting up your first aquarium. If you still feel the process is an overwhelming task, then you might seek the assistance of professional aquarium maintenance services like Feathers and Fins. Contact us today, and we will provide comprehensive support on setting up fish tanks for both commercial and residential purposes.

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Aquarium

How to Simplify Your Aquarium Cleaning Routine in Dubai: Easy Time-Saving Hacks

An aquarium can add beauty and a touch of fun to any space; however, keeping it clean is important to ensure the health of your aquatic companion. Cut down on the time you need to spend on aquarium cleaning services with these tips and home hacks.

  1. Add some other species that eat algae to your fish tank and make sure they are compatible with your fish. It is better to try sucking catfish (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri), Plecostomus and Snails if you have fresh water. For saltwater aquariums, you can include Turbo Snails and Tangs. Introducing some hermit crabs to fish tanks as they like to eat algae.
  2. You can utilise algae scrub pads from any aquarium cleaning Dubai service, like Feathers and Fins, to clean algae from the inside wall of your fish tank. If you don’t want to keep your hands wet, you can attach a magnet scrub pad, which helps you clean inside the glass by dragging around another magnet from the outside.
  3. You can prevent algae growth by reducing the amount of light directed towards your fish tank, as more light hitting the tank increases algae growth.
  4. You make carbon filters by incorporating a piece of carbon into another old pair of pantyhose and tying a knot. You need to cut the excess fabric and place it in your aquarium to ensure efficient water flow. Rinse your filter every week.
  5. If you want to clean your old fish tank, remove all the fish, replace the existing water with fresh water, and add some water cleanser. Let it rest for a minimum of 30 minutes. Furthermore, empty the tank and refill it with fresh water. Use a chlorine neutraliser and complete the process by emptying the water and refilling it with dechlorinated water. Now, you’re good to go.
  6. You can also reduce the time you spend on aquarium cleaning service by not over-feeding your fish. Leftover food waste can increase the toxic chemicals in the water. Watch out for your fish when you are feeding them, and stop feeding when they begin to slow down.
  7. Adding certain types of plants will also help you reduce the time taken for aquarium cleaning Dubai. Introducing plants like Hornwort is an excellent idea to enhance the oxygen level by reducing the nitrogen in the water.
  8. You can remove debris from the gravel using a syringe.
  9. Try using a siphoning tube when you are cleaning the tank. This will help you remove dirt from the bottom of the gravel. Remember, you don’t need to remove fish from the tank if you remove only 20 to 30 percent of the water. All you have to do is top up with fresh water.

Want to have an experienced hand facilitate your aquarium cleaning Dubai services? Reach out to Feathers and Fins; our comprehensive aquarium cleaning services ensure that your fish tank remains healthy for your aquatic companion. 

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Aquarium

Aquarium Stand Buying Guide for Dubai: Everything You Need to Know

Setting up an aquarium in your house is an exciting way to enhance your home’s aesthetics while bringing a natural ecosystem indoors, similar to indoor gardening, making your space more attractive to visitors. However, choosing the right stand is highly important for making your fish tank more attractive. Below, we discuss the essentials of selecting aquarium stands in Dubai.

Understand Your aquarium’s Size and Weight

When you buy aquarium stands in Dubai, check the dimensions and weight of your fish tank, especially when filled with water. This helps you to understand that the stands you choose have the specific size and weight to support your fish tank safely. For instance, a 20-gallon fish tank needs a stronger base rather than the tank used for a 50-gallon fish tank.

Material Matters: Wood or Metal?

Aquarium stands in Dubai come in different materials, including the following;

Wood: Wood aquarium stands offer a classic look, which is great for home aquariums; however, you need to ensure that they are designed to withstand moisture.

Metal: Metal aquarium stands offer a sleek appearance and choosing a metal tank is good as they can be resistant to any type of water damage.

Style and Design Considerations

Every individual wants to enhance their home aesthetics in Dubai, which often blends with modern architecture. So, you can choose a unique style for your aquarium stands that complements your home’s interior. Minimalist designs suit modern homes, while ornate stands might fit traditional decors.

Storage and Accessibility

Buy aquarium stands in Dubai that offer built-in storage for supplies like food, cleaning tools, and filtration equipment. Therefore, choose a stand that provides easy access to these items without compromising its elegance.

Durability and Moisture Resistance

Dubai’s humidity always poses a concern due to the effects of moisture. However, select a stand that promotes excellent moisture resistance to prevent rust. Considering metal stands with water-resistant features is beneficial as they promote longevity as well.

Local Availability and Delivery

When you want to buy aquarium stands in Dubai, consider the availability of the product; a perfect way is to find local stores or online stores. Choosing Feathers and Fins is a great option, as we offer both online service and delivery and setup service in Dubai to save you time.

Summary

Choosing the right aquarium stands in Dubai balances aesthetics as well as functionality when you can store supplies beside the tank. If you’re looking for professional tank setup services, contact Feathers and Fins today.

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Aquarium

Tips on Aquarium Maintenance Services?

When it comes to aquarium maintenance, you must stay vigilant by implementing an efficient plan. Normally, the ecosystem in a fish tank is very delicate, and what you do regularly will influence the fish’s health as well as the overall aesthetics of the aquarium. Below, our experienced aquarium maintenance Dubai service providers provide the five most influential aquarium maintenance tips that you can follow to keep your aquarium beautiful and your fish healthy.

Change Water Once in Every Two Weeks

You need to change the water regularly at equal intervals to maintain the momentum, but do you know how often you should change, and how much?

A general rule of thumb states that it is essential to change the water level by approximately 20 to 25% once every two weeks. Remember, do not change the water completely as it may significantly disrupt the pH and KH levels in the water. This may also result in killing the beneficial bacteria required in the tank.

So, changing the water regularly helps keep impurities low and prevents the excessive buildup of waste in the tank, which can occur due to your fish’s natural activities.

Clean the Aquarium Glass Weekly

Unwanted algae can develop on the walls of your fish tank and contaminate the water with impurities. It can also hamper the visibility of the aquarium, making it difficult to observe your fish and other aquatic inhabitants. To resolve this issue, you need to clean the glass once a week. Utilising a glass-cleaning magnet helps to clean the inside of the tank by sliding it from the outside accordingly.

Rinse the Aquarium Filter Regularly

The water filters within the aquarium play a significant role in ensuring the well-being of the aquarium inhabitants and their ecosystem. Pull out the filter from the tank and rinse it clean, especially with the water you removed from the tank during the water change at least once a month. This helps you to keep the filter clean and free of impurities. Leaving the filters without regular maintenance will adversely influence the tank as it results in getting clogged which pollutes the water.

Clean Aquarium Lights Once Every Two Weeks

Aquariums usually need lights, especially if you have living plants in the tank. LED lights are often used as a necessary source of light, so the protective lens of the light needs to be cleaned once every two weeks. This avoids impurity build-up that hampers the amount of light made in the tank.Now, you may have some ideas on the important tips for aquarium maintenance. However, if you do not want to perform these things or if you experience any difficulties while doing aquarium maintenance. Feathers and Fins can help you, get a quote from our aquarium maintenance Dubai services such as tank cleaning, water testing, equipment inspection, and more.

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Aquarium

How often should I change my aquarium’s water?

A general rule of thumb is to keep your water clean and dirty your filter, and this is the key to thriving in fishkeeping. However, conducting frequent aquarium cleaning services will keep water crystal clear and it is very important to remember that. Even though it is clear, it might be filled with accumulated nitrates, phosphates, pheromones, and other such products of the daily routine of the fish within the tank. Professional aquarium cleaning Dubai services can help you in this process. Otherwise, properly conducting water changes is always beneficial and if you follow a regular weekly water change of approximately 20 to 25%, your pet will prosper.

Old water can fuel algae growth as well as make your tank look so tired while depressing your fish’s immune system. However, the water change rate can be determined by your stocking levels or feeding rates because messy fish such as large goldfish thrive on frequent water changes, whilst smaller changes of around 10% at a time are needed for Tanganyikan cichlids or reef tanks.

Additionally, the water filters need to be properly maintained and biological media such as foam or ceramics must be rinsed in water to clean them especially when you notice slow flow rates. If you have the option to clean almost 50% of your media at a time, then you can clean them by using aquarium water, and do not expose the mature media to chlorinated tap water. On the other hand, chemical media like carbon or phosphate-removing resins lose effectiveness as they become dirty since bacteria can physically block them, hindering their functionality. Furthermore, in aquarium cleaning services, mechanical filter media including floss need to be kept clean or replaced at regular intervals to make them work best.

Therefore, aquarium cleaning Dubai services are mainly focused on various such factors. A monthly rinse of the filter media, along with the weekly water change, could serve as the ideal foundation for a consistent maintenance routine. Contact us for your aquarium cleaning services and we will do all the necessary cleaning services that make your water crystal care which promotes a thriving ecosystem for your swimming friends. 

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Aquarium

The Importance of Regular Aquarium Maintenance for Fish Health

One of the main benefits of aquarium maintenance is improved fish health: however, this can only be achieved by conducting regular aquarium cleaning services, such as water changing. Aquarium water changes are important to change the toxic water which enhances the health of your fish and the growth of aquatic plants. Therefore, removing the dirty water from the fish tank and replacing it with clean water can positively impact your fish tank environment. It is essential to replenish trace elements during fish tank maintenance that contribute to a healthy underwater environment for your fish tank inhabitants.

The Benefits of Fish Tank Maintenance Service

When it comes to aquarium maintenance, the most important thing that comes to mind is the water change; infrequent water changes often create plenty of issues for your aquarium. Moreover, skipping water changes not only creates unsightly and odorous aquariums but can cause harmful effects on your fish and other aquatic inhabitants. Therefore, you need to be more conscious of your aquarium cleaning service. Removing a certain amount of water from your aquarium helps to remove a significant number of harmful elements such as phosphates and nitrates that irritate your aquarium inhabitants.

When there is a significant amount of phosphate or nitrate inside your fish tank, it will be susceptible to algae growth. This will adversely affect the health of your fish. Similarly, when you replace the filter, substrates, plants, and lighting help to keep a beautiful underwater environment always. For instance, a coral reef aquarium needs calcium, magnesium, and alkalinity to maintain proper growth as well as coloration. Adding clean saltwater mix helps to replenish the important elements that were removed back to adequate levels.

How Often Do You Need Aquarium Cleaning Service

Regular fish tank maintenance service is essential for maintaining a healthy environment for your fish and other living beings inside the tank. During fish tank maintenance you need to change approximately 20 percent of water once a week, also you need to check the pH level as well as clean the filter, and trim overgrown plants. You need to perform these tasks at least for another month or two. Otherwise, it will be stressful to your fish and other marine inhabitants and keep your fish tank visually unappealing. In addition, it is also important to consider the frequency of aquarium cleaning Dubai service, since frequent maintenance within a short span may also adversely affect your aquarium and the inhabitants. Instead, go for scheduled maintenance to keep the chemistry of your tank stable and to reduce the stress on the fish.

Bottomline

In conclusion, doing an aquarium maintenance service is essential to keep it fresh and make a healthy environment for fish and corals to stay healthy. This helps you to achieve a beautiful and healthy aquarium ecosystem. However, if you do not want to handle the hassle of aquarium cleaning service, schedule a professional aquarium cleaning Dubai service like Feathers and Fish. We visit your place and do all the necessary aquarium maintenance services to keep your fish tank looking great as well as improve the health of every living being within it.