This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of Mars Fishcare and the API brand
It's well known that having an aquarium in your home has a calming effect and can make for a beautiful and bright addition to your home. But did you know that keeping fish has also proven effective in reducing stress and improving mental health, in addition to aiding children in subjects like science and mathematics? So it's no wonder why keeping fish is so popular with families!
A few weeks ago we were invited to join Gary Jones, Manager of Industry Relations and resident (self-proclaimed) fish nerd at Mars Fishcare in a live zoom call where he talked us through how to set up and properly tend to and nurture an aquarium. We already knew a little bit about what taking care of an aquarium involves from talking to my Mum who has a large aquarium in her living room which my boys love going round to see. But even so, Gary taught us so much and I want to share some of what we learnt with you today including the products you'll need to get started with your Aquarium and properly manage it.
Once you've picked out your fish tank, filter, heater and the decoration for the inside of your tank, speak to the staff at the garden center or the store where you will be getting your fish from. They will be more than happy to advise you on which fish go best together and which will suit your tank. It is, of course, best to have your tank already set up ready to go before you go out to get the fish.
STRESS COAT
Did you know that tap water isn't always safe for fish and certainly not for your aquarium? API® STRESS COAT water conditioner makes tap water safe for fish by removing chlorine, chloramines and heavy metals from tap water and contains the healing power of Aloe Vera to reduce fish stress by up to 40%. It should be used when first starting your aquarium as well as when you do your partial water changes every 2 weeks or at least once a month and also when adding any new fish to the aquarium.
QUICK START
Something else that you'll want to add to both fresh and saltwater aquariums is API® QUICK START which will allow for the instant addition of fish to your fish tank as it will nitrify any bacteria and help to immediately start the natural aquarium cycle with beneficial bacteria, which converts toxic ammonia into nitrite, then into harmless nitrate to help prevent fish loss in your tank.
STRESS ZYME
API® STRESS ZYME bacterial cleaner will work to keep your aquarium clean and improve the natural aquarium cycle. It contains over 300 million live bacteria per teaspoonful to consume sludge and reduce aquarium maintenance, Making STRESS ZYME bacterial cleaner part of your tank’s regular upkeep routine assures a cleaner aquarium, healthier fish, and good water quality.
ACCU CLEAR
If you find that your aquarium water starts to become cloudy API® ACCU-CLEAR water clarifier quickly clarifies cloudy water in your aquarium, eliminating haze to make your water crystal clear. it works by clumping tiny floating particles together, forming large particles to be more easily removed by your aquarium filter.
AQUARIUM SALT
API® AQUARIUM SALT helps to improve fish gill making it easier for fish to breathe. It also provides essential electrolytes that fish need. These important electrolytes may be lost each time you perform a partial water change and so will need to be replenished with Aquarium Salt.
TEST STRIPS
To help prevent invisible water problems that can be harmful to fish you will need to test the water inside your fish tank for the 5 most important aquarium water parameters – pH, KH, GH, nitrate, and nitrite and API® 5-IN-1 TEST STRIPS are the quickest and easiest way to test this. You simply just need to dip one test strip directly into the aquarium and then compare the colours on the strip to the color card provided.
TROPICAL FLAKE FOOD
When it comes to feeding your fish you will need food that contains a nutritionally enhanced protein like API® TROPICAL FLAKES which are designed specifically for tropical community fish such as Angelfish, Tetras, and Barbs. Just a pinch twice a day will do and as Gary Jones advised us, you will get to know your fish and how often and when they require feeding.Thank you for reading. Alex xo