FAQs - Keeping your Aquarium Happy

Q: Is flake food or pellets better for my fish?

A: Both are great foods of equal nutritional value but I prefer pellets. Flake foods can get blown around in the tank and and find their way into areas that are unaccessible to the fish, and will rot causing water quality issues. Pellets are easier to remove if your fish doesn't eat them and they aren't blow over the tank.

Q:  How many fish will fit in my tank?

This will very largely depend on the type of fish and size, and the shape of the tank. In my opinion the 1 inch per gallon of fish is a myth unless you are keeping nano (small) fish.

Q: How many hours should I leave my tank lights on for?

Lights should be left on for 8 hours at the maximum, your fish needs sleep too! Any more than eight hours can cause excessive algae growth and green water.

Q: How many times a day should I feed?

Feeding once a day is sufficient in most circumstances, even taking a day off a week without feeding is acceptable.

Q: Do I need to test my water?

Absolutley yes. You should test your water weekly in most circumstances to let you know of any water quality issues. Chemistry is the main ingredient to a healthy fish tank.

Q: How often should I do a water change and what percentage?

We recommend doing a 25% water change every 7-10 days in most circumstances.

Q: Do you accept trade-ins?

Yes, we accept any size fish, type or disposition as long as they’re healthy as well as equipment that is clean and working, and tanks with no leaks. We offer store credit on most trade-in's.

Q:  Should I have a quarantine tank?

1000% yes you should have a quarantine tank, especially in saltwater.  This is due to most saltwater fish being wild caught, you should automatically assume they are already carrying some type of disease or parasite. The last thing you want to do is add a sick fish to your beautiful display tank, and spreading it to the other fish, especially in a reef where you are unable to medicate. 

Q: What requirements do you need to keep a betta healthy and happy?

Unfortunately betta's are one of the most mistreated fish in the aquarium hobby. They do require a heater and filter, just like any other tropical fish, and a minimum of 3 gallon tank. With regular care, and water testing,  a betta can live for approximately 5 years. 

Q: Is keeping saltwater fish harder than freshwater fish?

Saltwater fish keeping is only slightly more difficult than keeping freshwater. It still comes down to keeping the chemistry at their proper levels. If you keep the chemistry healthy then it keeps the fish healthy.  There is a couple unique pieces of equipment that saltwater requires, that freshwater does not, for example a protein skimmer. Another key ingredient to a successful saltwater tank is patience (slow and steady wins the race!) and don't forget your quarantine tank.