L17 + L18 - Fish Husbandry

Question 1

What are the 3 types of aquatic environments?

Answer 1

Fresh water

Salt water

Brackish water

Question 2

What 7 parameters need to be controlled in an aquatic environment?

Answer 2

Temperature – temperature shock is the most dangerous to fish

Salinity – incorrectly salinity affects a fishes ability to osmoregulation

pH – best kept the same as natural habitat. usually an indicator of other problems.

Ammonia – highly toxic

Nitrite – makes blood cells ineffective

Nitrate – mildly toxic effects algal/coral growth

Phosphate – effects algal/coral growth

Question 3

What is biological filtration?

Answer 3

Bacteria oxidize ammonia into less toxic nitrites, and these are oxidized into even less toxic nitrates. In the natural environment these nitrates are subsequently taken up by plants

Aquariums are usually much more densely stocked with fish than the natural environment. This increases the amount of ammonia produced in the relatively small volume of the aquarium.

The bacteria responsible for breaking down the ammonia colonize the surface objects inside the aquarium; chemically inert porous sponge, which provides a large SA

These bacterial colonies take several weeks to form, during which time the aquarium is vulnerable to a condition commonly known as “new tank syndrome” if stocked with fish too quickly.

Question 4

What is mechanical filtration?

Answer 4

Normally used to polish water by forcing
water through various media’s and/or
exposing water to environments which would sterilise and remove DOC’s and debris.

Question 5

Give 4 examples of mechanical filtration

Answer 5

1. Pressurised media filters
2. UV sterilizers
3. Filter collection socks
4. Foam fractionation

Question 6

What is foam filtration?

Answer 6

Air is cut into tiny bubbles and pumped through the water at the bottom of a tank.

The air then rises up the reaction chamber, attaching to dissolved organic compounds as it goes.

The top debris is then skimmed from the top.

Question 7

What is chemical filtration?

Answer 7

Chemical additives for reef tanks - Increasing essential nutrients and elements for cnidarians

Carbon filtration - Attracting impurities and compounds in the water effectively removing then and polishing water quality.

Question 8

Why is the type of light given important and what types are there?

Answer 8

Most important to photosynthetic organisms. Proven to increase fish colour and promote good health

Types of lighting and pros and cons

• Halides
• Light tubes
• LED

Question 9

Give 5 aquarium design considerations

Answer 9

Species ecology
• Overall species size
• Lighting preference
• Compatibility & Comfort ability
• Ease of access