Subscribe Feed (RSS)Arowana Care-Always Ensure a Safe-Effective Approach to Water Quality Corrective Measures
January 22nd, 2010 by admin | Filed under Uncategorized.Weekly water testing should make water quality problems evident before an Arowana’s health is at risk. This is one of the benefits of a proactive approach when it comes to managing water quality. It is much safer and simpler to correct problems before a disaster develops. Swift, but conservative action can then remedy the situation.
If your Arowana is visibly stressed due to unhealthy water conditions, it is still important to act conservatively when taking corrective measures. Arowanas do not tolerate drastic changes to their environment, regardless of intentions. Hasty efforts to improve water quality could inadvertently harm your fish. Take a calm, planned approach that addresses one problem at a time instead. When one condition is improved, others may naturally be eliminated.
The best sequential order for addressing water quality issues if more than one component is compromised is:
1. Ammonia
2. Nitrite
3. Nitrate
4. pH
Adjustments to temperature can be made concurrently with any of the above steps, but avoid changes of more than one or two degrees per 24 hours.
1. Ammonia:
Ammonia is highly toxic and must be removed from the tank. It is even more toxic if pH is alkaline, when a more aggressive approach is in order. If pH is fairly neutral, take the following corrective measures:
• Aerate the tank as much as possible
• Stop feeding temporarily
• 30% water change day 1; 10 – 15% daily until ammonia tests below 1ppm
• Add zeolite to filtration systems
• If fish are visibly stressed or ammonia readings are extreme, add ammonia neutralizer to reduce toxicity immediately. Chemical ammonia neutralizers may interfere with test results and should only be used in severe circumstances.
Begin to adjust pH to reduce ammonia toxicity only as a last resort, and preferably only if you are experienced at doing so. If pH is mildly alkaline, change up to 25% of tank water day two, and 15% thereafter.
2. Nitrite
Nitrite is also highly toxic to Arowanas and is eliminated the same way as ammonia. An increase in aeration, feeding reduction, and aggressive water changes should reduce or eliminate nitrite.
3. Nitrate
Although the presence of nitrate is usually not harmful to Arowanas, it is a strong indication of water quality problems. Since waste is generally responsible for nitrate buildup, a thorough tank cleaning is most likely in order. Pay particular attention to vacuuming any tank substrate present. Reduce feeding to eliminate excess food waste and consider replacing dirty filter media. Avoid disrupting biological filtration by staggering the cleaning procedures.
4. Incorrect or Fluctuating pH
For the benefit of your Arowana, only attempt pH adjustments when absolutely necessary. It is a tricky undertaking for several reasons, and even minor adjustments stress fish. Only do so if your Arowana seems stressed under otherwise optimum water quality conditions. Never attempt to alter pH by more than .3 within 24 hours.
“Pure” water has a neutral pH by nature (7.0). The presence of chemicals makes it more acidic or alkaline. Acids lower pH while bases raise it. Buffers are substances which stabilize pH, causing it to hold steady. In order for pH to be lowered or raised, buffers must be neutralized or removed.
Danger arises when buffers are overcome with chemicals. Once buffers are neutralized, pH quickly bounces up or down. The drastic pH changes that result can be deadly to Arowanas. Biological filtration is also compromised. Should you successfully arrive at a satisfactory pH, chemical adjustment will again be necessary at each and every water change.
If you must adjust your pH or it tends to fluctuate, consider the best method for keeping it steady. It may be possible to remove buffering ions with a Tap Water Purifier to achieve a lower pH long-term. Crushed coral may also help water hold an appropriate pH. If at all possible, seek professional advice before attempting to affect pH. Arowanas can and do adjust to less than ideal pH levels. They cannot tolerate pH shock or frequent fluctuations.
Preventing Water Quality Deterioration
Regardless of the situation, you must determine the cause of a water quality issue in order to prevent its recurrence. Ajust the tank population and feeding schedule if water quality problems persist. Excessive debris and waste can severely jeopardize water quality. Adequate filtration and a sound tank maintenance regimen prevent water quality deterioration under normal circumstances.
The basis of your Arowana tank maintenance plan should be a 10-15% partial water change performed 1 to 2 times per week. All filters should be inspected weekly and cleaned as needed. Pay particular attention to mechanical filtration media, and inspect aeration hoses and other filter components weekly. Remove mineral deposits and other debris that can compromise performance. If your tank contains substrate, avoid vacuuming in conjunction with filter media replacement to preserve biological filtration.
Steven Yeoh is an avid arowana fish lover who is also involved with an asian arowana breeding farm. If you find his arowana information helpful, make sure that you sign up for his 7 days ecourse for the “New Arowana Hobbyists” at his main site as well as visit his very useful and informative blog.
Main site: arowana-care.com arowana-care.com
Arowana blog: arowana-care.com/aroblog arowana-care.com/aroblog
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