Save Those Fish (NAPSA)—Life can go swimmingly for your pet fish if you know a few simple steps to keep them safe. Not enough fish fami- lies do. In fact, pet industry statistics show 90 percent of people who start an aquarium inadvertently kill the fish. To help you and your fish stay out of such statistics, fishcare experts offer you the tools you need to avoid the three common causes of aquarium failure. These are: poor water quality; inconsistent water temperature; The beauty, tranquility and fun of a healthy, bubbling aquarium can be yours if you heed a few hints. wrong time. that a shaft of sunlight streaming and adding the wrong fish at the Fish and aquatic plants thrive in an ecosystem that is naturally clean and healthy. Maintaining a healthy aquatic ecosystem is sim- ple if you take a few minutes each week to monitor the water quality. Pet stores sell easy-to-use, easy-to- read test strips such as Quick Dip Test Strips from Jungle Labs. They test for pH, ammonia levels and other conditions. Keeping the through a window doesn’t hit it directly. Make sure the tank won't get a wave of cold or hot air from the air conditioner or furnace. Locate the tank away from cold, drafty areas such as near an out- side door. Don’t skimp on the qual- ity of the in-tank heater and thermostat, it should be the highest-quality part of your tank. Even though tap water can be easily treated to make it safe for water quality balanced can be smooth sailing with the user- fish immediately, when you first perature. Two factors control aquarium to run for a few days to stabilize it before addingfish. If friendly, pre-packaged products. Fish need a constant water tem- aquarium water temperature: location of the aquarium andthe intank heater. Make sure your aquarium is away from heat sources and out of direct sunlight. Stand at the tank location and look around at all the windows, visualizing where the sun will hit at dif- ferent times. Locate the tank so set up an aquarium, allow the you just can’t wait to see fish swimming in your new aquarium, however, start out with hardy, inexpensive fish to help the tank begin its biological cycle. You can find more tips and aquarium set-up advice at www. clubjungle.com/pages/setup_aquar ium.htmlor call 1-800-357-7104.
