When properly cared for, fish are a beautiful and lovable addition to any home. Of course, to ensure optimal health of your aquatic friends, you need to take excellent care of your fish tank. At Gerber’s Tropical Fish in Dayton, OH, they offer the best selection of freshwater and saltwater fish, as well as the accessories you need to sustain a healthy tank environment.

To keep your aquarium in optimal health, here are a few trusted tips:

• Check Your Water Chemistry: Ask your local aquatic experts what the best levels of nitrate, nitrite, pH, and ammonia are for your particular fish. Test your fish tank for its chemistry. If there is a significant difference between the optimal and actual levels, then your fish will need longer to acclimate.
• Acclimate Your Fish: While still in the sealed bag, float your fish at the top of your aquarium for 15 minutes to one hour to help acclimate them to the temperature. After this time frame, slowly add water from the aquarium into the fish bag, approximately one-quarter cup every five minutes until the bag fills up. Then, slowly release it into its new home. This prevents your fish from going into shock from the environment change.
• Condition & Treat The Water: Use a de-chlorinating and biological supplement to keep the water healthy and safe for your fish. You should also use a pH testing kit to maintain an optimal level for your specific fish. For example, freshwater fish do best in pH levels between 6.6 and 7.8.
• Keep It In A Safe Place: Place your fish tank away from sunny windows, heating or air conditioning vents, or other sources of extreme heat or cold. The exception is tropical fish, which require an aquatic heater to maintain warmer temperatures between 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Clean Thoroughly & Well: Replace at least a quarter of your fish tank’s water at least once a month. Make sure you’re cleaning the sides well to deter algae buildup, which can threaten the oxygen supply for your fish.  

Whether you’re looking for new freshwater or saltwater fish, tank supplies, or simply a knowledgeable aquatic expert, Gerber’s Tropical Fish has everything you need. If you have any questions, give a friendly expert a call today at (937) 297-0515. For more information, visit their website.