Problems with Aquarium Water - and How to Solve Them

 

All aquarium keepers experience fish health problems from time to time, however well maintained the tank.
Looking at some of the most common fish health problems and the remedies involved can take some of the guesswork out of fish-keeping.

Ways to avoid health problems…

When adding new fish, aquatics experts advise quarantine for a week in a separate chamber.

Maintenance is key - perform regular water changes of 15-20% and employ an adequate filter to cope with waste levels.

Use a good test kit - regular testing will make sure that you can monitor the elements in the tank before problems start. A master test kit contains tests for a multitude of problems and is great value. Swell UK have a wide range of test kits and aquarium treatments to keep your aquarium in great shape.

Even a slight water problem can cause stress to fish, which makes them more susceptible to infections and diseases. Getting the water quality just right can mean healthier fish for longer.



Common problems

Ammonia

Fish waste is high in ammonia which can have a devastating effect on your fish. It is very common in new aquariums as New Tank Syndrome when the filtration system is not mature enough to cope with the level of waste.

Symptoms:

• Fish may gasp at the surface
• White, cloudy water
• Gills can turn red or purple
• Dead or dying fish

Treat with a good ammonia remover at the first sign of symptoms. Follow up with regular water testing to monitor levels before a problem occurs.

Algae

Murky green water is often a sign of an abundance of algae. Cells of this natural, hardy plant can quickly spread and reduce visibility, light and oxygen levels in your aquarium.

Algae uses three things to thrive; water, light and nutrients. Of course the water must stay, but reducing the amount of light in the tank can help. Move the aquarium out of direct light and reduce the amount of artificial light to no more than 10 hours per day.

Good maintenance also helps - clean the tank walls and décor regularly to avoid a build-up.

Further Reading/References:
Freshwater Aquarium Basics; Green Water
Aquarium Algae Control

Calcium deficiency

If you have corals, the level of calcium must be monitored to ensure that they have sufficient levels to thrive. Using the relevant test kit will ensure that you can top up as needed so that corals can take what they need from the water. Most reef aquariums aim for a level of 380-420ppm calcium. Corals and invertebrates can quickly deplete levels from the water, so testing is a must for healthy growth.

Symptoms:

• Slow growth
• Some corals will appear to shrink back
• Discolouration of both corals and invertebrates

Use a good calcium supplement along with regular testing to keep levels well maintained. A calcium rich substrate is also a good idea.

Further Information, including importance of calcium for freshwater aquariums: Aquarium Chemistry; Calcium, GH, KH, pH, more

Chlorine

Chlorine is used to make tap water safe for us to drink, however it is not so good for fish. It can cause burns and damage to the fish's delicate gills and mucus membrane which can be fatal.

Symptoms:

• Gills can develop a white tinge
• Fish can appear distressed with quick, jerky movements

The best treatment is to add a dechlorinator to tap water during water changes. This not only removes the element but conditions the water too, often incorporating aloe to aid healing. Many dechlorinators are also ideal to use when moving or transporting fish, to lower stress levels. Test for chlorine levels with the relevant test following water changes to ensure a level of 0.

Further Information:
Tap water for my Aquarium or Pond? From Chlorine and Chloramines to Phosphates, Sodium, & TDS

PH level

The pH level is imperative to ensure good water conditions. In all tanks, the pH level is important (although KH/Alkalinity is more important). Marine tanks especially need regular testing to ensure that the pH level is correct. The level indicates how acidic or alkaline the water is. In saltwater aquariums, it's generally more acidic which is beneficial to both reef and marine life.
A pH level of 7 is neutral but if the pH of the water is higher than around 7, it's more alkaline than necessary. Add a suitable buffer to restore the balance and support a healthy tank.

As always good maintenance is key to avoiding a multitude of problems, but regular testing can ensure you are well prepared to meet any issues that may arise. Keeping a good kit of remedies and test kits to hand can help you to tackle problems as they arise!

Further Information: Aquarium Chemistry; pH
Aquarium Chemistry; KH

Further References:

Aquarium Answers; Algae Control


Premium ATI/AAP Sponge Filters
For Aquarium Sponge Filters which are excellent for use in to improve filtration in high bio load and planted aquarium, which in turn lowers nutrients available to algae.


Sponge Filtration; Complete Sponge Filter Use Information


Aquarium or Pond UV Sterilization
True Level One Sterilization can be effective for control or part of a control plan of many types of aquarium algae.


Aquarium Lighting, Information
Aquarium Lighting is a major factor in control of many different algaes including BBA and brown diatom algae

Algae Eating Fish to Help Keep a Clean Tank

 

There are plenty of treatments and remedies to treat an algae problem in your aquarium, however to have a constant 'man on the ground' or to be more precise, an algae eating fish is a great idea. There a few different types of fish that eat algae and will help to keep your tank clean and healthy. For more information, advice and ideas about fish keeping visit the Swell UK Blog, which is packed with features.
An algae eater may start to eat your precious plants once the algae supply has diminished, so have a separate tank on stand-by for when he is not needed. Supplementing his diet with algae tablets should help stop him from destroying cultivated aquatic plants.

Farlowella/Twig Catfish
Well known bottom dwellers, most catfish will much away quite happily on algae. Twig catfish are so called because they live on driftwood or plants and camouflage easily into their surroundings. Brown in colour, they can grow to around 10-20cm in size. Supplement the diet with spirulina tablets regularly to make sure that he has enough to eat and protect your plants.
This type of catfish does not live happily with aggressive fish such as Cichlids or Barbs, as it has a delicate nature.



Pleco Catfish
These South-American Catfish are wonderful algae eaters. With a sucker type mouth and rough lips, they aren't the prettiest of creatures, however they will eat large quantities of algae. They have a brown mottled skin, and large head, they can grow to 10-15cm, with larger species such as the Hypostomus Plecostomus reaching maybe 60cm in a big tank.
Often novice fish keepers do not realise that they have bought a juvenile, and soon have an enormous Pleco dominating their tank. Chat to your local dealer for the right species for you.
Provide these fish with a rock shelter, as they sleep during the day. They can be eager feeders, and have been known to eat smaller, live fish if they cross their path.

Siamese Algae Eater
A common choice, the Siamese Algae Eater is the choice most fish keepers opt for. Striking, slim fish, they can grow to almost 14cm in length. Identify the fish by a black stripe running from nose to tail, if the stripe is a pale gold, it is likely to be the Flying Fox.
They are very quick swimmers and can jump easily, so a tank with a hood is a good idea. They feed on brush and thread algae, and will quickly feed off ornaments, glass and plants too. They are territorial fish, so limit the number to no more than 5, depending on the size of your tank.

Snails are also a great addition to your tank. They love to eat algae and will slowly but surely work their way around the aquarium eating the algae from glass, plants and more.

Malaysian Trumpet Snail
Growing to just 2cm in size, these hardy little snails will dig under the gravel or substrate to eat algae remnants. They will eat algae from plants during the night, but prefer to keep themselves tucked away in the substrate during the day.
These snails do not like a dirty habitat, and will retreat up the sides of the glass if they are unhappy with their living conditions.

Nerite Snails
These black and yellow shelled snails are a pretty and useful addition to any tank. They love to eat green spot and beard algae. They grow to around 3cm in size, so take up little room, however they can produce hundreds of little eggs, which can be a nuisance to remove. Watch the pH level of the aquarium, as Nerites like a pH level above 7 to stay healthy.
Also, it's best not to add these helpful scavengers to a tank with Loaches or Cichlids, as they make ideal prey!

To keep algae at bay in the first place, keep on top of regular water changes and treat the water accordingly. A little algae is fine, especially if you have a dedicated fish or snail to help clear the problem. However it can quickly become a real problem, so keep an eye on phosphates and nitrate levels and treat accordingly.

Further References:

Aquarium Answers; Algae Control


Premium ATI/AAP Sponge Filters
For Aquarium Sponge Filters which are excellent for use in to improve filtration in high bio load and planted aquarium, which in turn lowers nutrients available to algae.


Freshwater Aquarium Care


Aquarium or Pond UV Sterilization
True Level One Sterilization can be effective for control or part of a control plan of many types of aquarium algae.


Aquarium Lighting, Information
Aquarium Lighting is a major factor in control of many different algaes including BBA and brown diatom algae


Sponge Filtration; Complete Sponge Filter Use Information

How to Control Algae within your Aquarium

 

Even the most experienced fish keeper can fall susceptible to algae. A natural, primitive plant, algae can quickly coat a tank, its decoration and plants in a thick growth that not only looks unattractive, if left unchecked it can also affect the growth and health of other tank life. There are a variety of solutions you can use to control the dreaded algae, from filter media to treatments, retailers like Swell UK have an extensive range of remedies to choose from.

With a little research and some (more) maintenance you can control the onslaught of algae within your aquarium and keep it looking beautiful. Spotting the signs can mean that a problem is more easily controlled.



Recognise the different types…

Green Carpet Algae: This thick, fast spreading algae is the most common. It will cover glass and rocks easily. However it is the most easily removed with good maintenance tools and/or other remedies.

Brown Algae: This is common in new tanks. It grows in sheet form, which can be cleaned off easily. Generally this will disappear as the tank matures.

Green Hair Algae: As the name suggests, this type of algae resembles strands of hair. It can grow quickly, covering large areas.

Beard Algae: This is the toughest type, and as such can be the hardest to remove. It looks like small bristles in a blue/green to black/green, and can be tough to remove if left to grow for too long.

Green Water: This will give your tank a greenish tinge as the suspended growths float in the water. Water changes don’t really help, so blocking all light to the tank for a few days is a good idea.

Causes of algae:

• • Algae thrives on light, water and nutrients, one of which you can’t remove – but control of the others will certainly help
• • Nutrients: Nitrates/phosphates in the water, algae feeds on them and can quickly grow if levels are unchecked.
• • Light: Tank is in direct sunlight or over use of artificial lighting
• • Over feeding – produces more waste (phosphates)
• • Lack of maintenance

So, how can you keep on top of it?

Controlling the amount of phosphates and nitrates in your aquarium will reduce the growth of algae, which relies upon these nutrients for growth. Regularly using a test kit will highlight any raise in levels, which can then be treated with the appropriate additive or solution. Using a suitable media in your filter will remove phosphates or nitrates. Swell UK has a broad range of filters and media to ensure your tank is perfectly cleansed.

Don’t over feed your fish. This leads to a high rate of phosphates in the water. Feed a little, no more than twice a day and ensure that it is eaten within a couple of minutes. Remove any clumps of uneaten food as soon as possible.

Keep your tank out of direct sunlight. Sunlight is a key part of the algae formation process and if the tank has too much light it will soon develop and grow.

The same applies to artificial lighting. Only use lighting for a certain amount of time each day. If you would like it on during the day and your tank is in a bright spot, try to make sure that blinds/curtains are drawn to avoid too much light into the tank. A timer is a great idea too, so you can ensure the right amount of light whether you’re at home or away. Make sure that the lighting you use is appropriate for your aquarium.

Another great way to control algae is to introduce an algae eating inhabitant. There is more choice in fresh water algae consumers such as snails, Siamese Flying Fox Fish and other bottom dwellers. Bear in mind that of course, this is not an exact science, a large algae problem may be too much for the hungriest bottom feeder.

Live plants too can be an attractive, natural way to stay on top of algae formation. They too use phosphates to grow, so can deplete the supply of nutrients available to algae.

Another way to keep on top of algae is good tank maintenance. Performing a 10-15% water change every week will certainly help. Before you start to change the water, scrub away the algae with a suitable scraper, this will mean you can remove it when the water is changed. Remove rocks and ornaments and give them a good clean at the same time.

Remember the arrival of algae in your carefully tended aquarium is a natural product and a little can actually add to the look of your fish tank. Just keep a close eye on it to ensure it doesn’t get out of hand, and follow the advice above to maintain your beautiful aquarium.


Further References:

Aquarium Answers; Algae Control


Premium ATI/AAP Sponge Filters
For Aquarium Sponge Filters which are excellent for use in to improve filtration in high bio load and planted aquarium, which in turn lowers nutrients available to algae.


Freshwater Aquarium Care


Aquarium or Pond UV Sterilization
True Level One Sterilization can be effective for control or part of a control plan of many types of aquarium algae.


Aquarium Lighting, Information
Aquarium Lighting is a major factor in control of many different algaes including BBA and brown diatom algae


Sponge Filtration; Complete Sponge Filter Use Information