Freshwater

The living plants in your aquarium system have special needs that you need
to meet. Your plants deserve the very best, just like your fish do.
Creating your own rainforest
Chapter 13: Those Crazy Chemicals
If you have plants in your aquarium that come from the Amazon region (Amazon
swords, for example), you can purchase chemicals to help create a rainforest
condition in your tank. Products such as Instant Amazon increase lush plant
growth (without nitrates or phosphates), discourage algae and parasite
growth, detoxify ammonia and nitrites, and help your plants create beneficial
oxygen for your fish. They also give your plants a better chance of obtaining
nutrients from the aquarium water and enhance biological filtration.
Amazon products (products that create water conditions similar to that
found in the Amazon region) provide essential macro-nutrients (proteins, carbohydrates,
and fiber) without stimulating algae and give your aquarium
water the natural look of “peat” (yellow-tinted water that is native to Amazon
fishes). You can use these products for soft-water fish such as discus,
angelfish, neons, barbs, and gouramis to create a yellow color to the water,
simulating their natural environment. This type of product often contains
trace elements, vitamins, bark, and wood.
In order for your fish to keep a clear head, you
have to do the same. If you get carried away
and turn your aquarium water into a chemical
nightmare, your fish are going to start acting
funny, suffer health problems, and face the possibility
of death from toxicity. Make sure you
check that your water conditions are correct for
your system (temperature, salinity, pH, and
nitrate levels) before you add medications. It is
also important to make sure pumps and heaters
are running properly, and filter pads are clean.
The golden rule of chemicals states that an
aquarist should always attempt to remedy
Keeping a clear head
aquarium water problems naturally before
adding chemicals. Think about it. Why add
something that is not needed? Proper aquarium
maintenance helps keep your water in good
condition so that you don’t have to add chemicals
to correct problems. Carrying out consistent
water changes once a week now will help
ward off serious problems in the future.
Remember, many chemicals claim to cure just
about any problem under the sun. Always take
each product’s claims with a grain of salt until
you check them out yourself!
185