Fundamentals Fish Info Flashcards
Daily Duties in the Fish Department
Examine the aquariums for fish in distress; remove from display and record observations
• Remove algae from inside of glass on all four walls; re-landscape all decorations
• Polish outside tank glass and stand to create a clear visual into the aquarium
• Mop all wet spots on the floor and ensure a wet floor sign is present
• Interact with all guests in the department
• Feed the fish small amounts throughout the day, utilizing a variety of foods, while interacting with guests
• Dust, front, and face stock
• Clean glass shelves and front merchandise in bagging station; place
a rately dir tank and keep urface clean.
bin outside; replace with fresh bags in the cans
Maintenance
3 criteria required
Three criteria required:
- Water circulation
- Surface area free of solid water changes waste
- Fish to produce ammonia
Maintenance
The nitrogen cycle
The Nitrogen Cycle
Naturally occurring bacteria convert
Ammonia (NH3) to
Nitrites (NOZ) to
Nitrates (NO3).
Ammonia (NHs) from respiration and feces
Nitrifying Bacteria
Nitrites (NO2)
Nitrifying Bacteria
Nitrates (NO3)
Removed by live plants and water changes
All power filters include three stages
Mechanical
Chemical
Biological
New tank syndrome
5-7 weeks
Aquariums and sizing
One gallon per inch of fish at adult size
Or
One and a half litres per centimetre of fish at adult size
The aquarium lid:
• Keeps water in and contaminants out
• Helps reduce
temperature fluctuation and evaporation
• Includes lighting 10-12 hours per day
Incandescent lighting
• Incandescent lights do not illuminate a tank as well and they create heat.
• Although they are less expensive to purchase initially, they must be replaced more often.
• Incandescent bulbs don’t support live plants in the guest’s aquarium
Fluorescent lighting
• Fluorescent lights create a brighter, more natural appearance while using less electricity.
• They operate at a cooler temperature, which is less likelv to affect the temperature of an aquarium.
• Fluorescent lighting supports the growth of live plants.
L.E.D. lighting
• Some people also use L.E.D. lighting.
• L.E.D. lights are long lasting and offer the best light output to power consumption ratio.
Heat and temperature
76°F or 24°C
Watts by size of aquarium
• The heater should be 3-5 watts per gallon
1.5 gallon = 4.5-7.5W
20 gallon/75 litres= 60-100W heater
55 gallon = 165W-275W
Final weight and stand
Final weight and stand
Water: 8 Ibs per gallon / 1 kg per litre
Fish and decorations
Gravel: 1½-2 Ibs per gallon / 0.18-0.24
kg per litre
Final average weight of aquarium =
10 lbs per gallon or
1 kg per litre
Gravel: 2 inches / 5 centimetres deep
Behavioural supplies include
• Rocks and driftwood
• Artificial decorations
• Live, silk, or plastic plants
• Spawning grass
Care and Maintenance
Test Kits:
Test levels of Ammonia
(NH3), Nitrites (NO2), and
Nitrates (NO3)
Bacterial Supplement:
Helps kick-start the aquarium biological balance and eliminates harmful toxins produced by fish
Water changes
Perform water changes every 3-4 weeks,
changing 20-25% of the volume using a gravel vacuum
How much salt should be used?
• Most manufacturers recommend one tablespoon of aquarium salt for every 5 gallons (19 litres) when setting up a new tank or performing water changes.
Can salt be used in every aquarium set-up?
• Guests should know that aquarium salt should be used with care if the tank houses live plants, scale-less bottom feeders like Corydoras, or is being used for spawning.
• These can be affected by varying concentrations of salt.
Water testing supplies:
• pH control supplies
• General hardness test
• Carbonate hardness test kit and supplements
• Water cleanliness quality tests: Ammonia, Nitrites, and Nitrates
Ask the guest questions such as:
What types of fish are you considering?
Think about the size of the full-grown fish, the best types of fish for new aquariums, the recommended type of aquarium for the fish, ease of care, etc.
• How many fish would you like to have?
Consider the recommended size of aquarium for the fish, compatibility, behavioural needs, ample decorations and plants for hiding spaces, etc.
•Where will you locate the aquarium?
Locate your tank away from direct sunlight and heating and cooling vents
• How much space do you have for it?
Recommend an appropriate size of tank and stand. It’s also important to keep in mind that fish tanks are very heavy when filled with water and decorations, so an aquarium stand is a vital piece of equipment.
• When would you like to get your fish?
Wait one to two days before adding fish to ensure everything is running properly.
When you place the aquarium heater in the tank, do not turn it on right away. Allow the heater glass to acclimate to the water temperature in the aquarium for one hour before plugging it in.
Do you know your existing water quality?
If it’s a tank that has been set up for a while, it’s a good idea to test your water to ensure that the ammonia and nitrite levels are safe prior to adding fish.
Assisting Guests Before Catching Fish
- What kind of fish do you have and how many?
- What size of tank do you have?
- How long has your tank been set up?
- When did you add the first fish to your tank?
- What type of filtration are you using?
- How are you heating your water?
questions to ask while catching fish
- What are you feeding your fish?
- What are you doing to provide a protective coating for your fish when you add them to your tank?
- How do you clean your aquarium?
- When was the last time you did a partial water change?
- How many scavengers do you have in your tank?
- How do you have your tank decorated?
