8 Tips for Setting Up an Aquarium With Kids
This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of Mars Fish Care and the API brand
Something you may not know about our family is that we have three fish! Over the last couple of years, our fish have gotten larger and in need of a better fish tank environment. This week, we decided to upgrade our fish tank and use better products for keeping it properly cared for! Do you already have fish or are you considering starting an aquarium as a homeschool project this school year? Keep reading for 8 great tips on setting up an aquarium with kids!
FISH TANK
The first thing you need when setting up an aquarium is the tank itself! You can’t go wrong with a large tank, as even goldfish can grow up to 12 inches. We went with a 10 gallon fish tank for our three fish! You can use this link to calculate which tank and aquarium treatments are best for you.
STRESS COAT
Did you know that tap water isn’t always safe for fish? It’s important to use a Stress Coat water conditioner to remove chlorine, chloramines and heavy metals from tap water. API® STRESS COAT contains the healing power of Aloe Vera to reduce fish stress by up to 40% and to heal damaged tissue and wounds! Make sure to use this every time you start a new aquarium or add new fish to the tank.
QUICK START
When starting a new aquarium cycle and after every water change, be sure to use API® QUICK START to the tank! Quick Start immediately starts 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
Something else to consider when starting a new fish tank is picking up a good bacterial cleaner. API® STRESS ZYME bacterial cleaner contains over 300 million live bacteria per teaspoonful to consume sludge and reduce aquarium maintenance. This keeps your aquarium clean while improving the natural aquarium cycle! This is great for both fresh and saltwater aquariums.
ACCU CLEAR
Have you ever noticed that some fish tanks always have that cloudy water? Using API® ACCU-CLEAR water clarifier is great to quickly clarify cloudy water in your aquarium, keeping it looking nice! This water clarifier works to clump tiny floating particles together, forming large particles to be more easily removed by your aquarium filter. It’s great to pick up if you’ll be having this in a room with a lot of traffic!
AQUARIUM SALT
Aquarium Salt is a must-have for your aquarium! API® AQUARIUM SALT is made from evaporated sea salt and promotes fish health by improving gill function. This makes it easier for fish to breathe while providing electrolytes to reach peak coloration and vitality. We use these during each water change!
TEST STRIPS
It can get very confusing with checking water parameters, so using test strips makes it easier! API® 5-IN-1 TEST STRIPS test pH, KH, GH, nitrate, and nitrite in one easy step. They are so easy to use, simply dip one test strip directly into the aquarium and compare the colors on the strip to the color card. You never know when you may have invisible water problems that can be harmful to your fish!
FLAKE FOOD
We can’t forget about food! API® TROPICAL FLAKES are designed specifically for tropical community fish such as Angelfish, Tetras, and Barbs. This food contains enhanced protein so your fish are getting the right nutrition! Tip for kids: pour fish food into cap when they are feeding the fish to prevent waste and too much food clouding up the tank!
Most importantly, have fun! Owning a pet fish is a great way for kids to feel responsible and have something to look forward to each day. What are your best tips to setting up a fish tank? Let me know in the comments below!