21
ENG
13 General Aquarium
Maintenance
The long-term success and health of the inhabitants of your MAX
®
aquarium depends on you. Proper planning makes reef care easier to
manage and quicker to perform. This will leave you more time for the
real goal: enjoying your aquarium. Care of the tank should follow a
regular, logical pattern. Divide the tasks into daily, weekly and monthly
procedures, including equipment checks, feeding, water parameter
testing and adjustments.
You may find it helpful to make a systematic checklist of care activities
and keep a log of the activities performed. Your log does not need to be
complicated; you will need to track the following:
• The tank’s parameters – pH, salinity, temperature, etc.
• The general appearance of the tank and individual species.
• Equipment changes – when you changed light tubes or replaced
heaters, etc.
• Replacement of carbon or other filter media.
• Information specific to each animal – when they were added, moved
or removed, their approximate size, any signs of stress or ill health etc.
Water levels
Check the water level in the ATO on a daily basis and add fresh water
as required to compensate for any evaporation. If the water in the
aquarium is too high check that the surface skimmer is not blocked.
Surface Skimmer
Remove and clean the surface skimmer at least once a week to allow
proper water flow and stable water level differentiation between the
aquarium and the rear sump. Periodically soak in a weak acidic solution
(vinegar, citric acid) until any calcium carbonate deposits have dissolved.
Wash thoroughly before returning to the aquarium.
Protein skimmer
Check the foam production in the collection cup and reposition the Skim
Adjuster or air flow as required to maintain a stable dry foam. Empty and
clean the neck of the collection cup as required.
Pumps
Check that the circulation pump is working well and pointed in the right
direction. If you notice any regression in currents, check the pump and
the outlet nozzle for any obstructions (snails, crabs, carbon chips, etc.).
To ensure proper function of skimmer and circulation pump they should
be cleaned on a regular basis.
To clean the pumps:
• Switch the pump off at the Switch Box and disconnect the cable. and
remove it from the aquarium.
• Remove the impeller housing and take out the impeller.
• Clean all of the parts, impeller housing, impeller and the impeller
chamber of the motor by wiping with a soft cloth or brush. To remove
calcium carbonate deposits soak the parts in a weak acidic solution
(vinegar, citric acid) until deposits have dissolved.
• Rinse all parts thoroughly, reassemble the pump, ensuring that all
pipes are connected securely and return to the aquarium before
reconnecting the power cable to the electric supply.
NOTE: Aquariums with higher levels of Calcium and Alkalinity will
require more frequent maintenance.
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