Our small, local news paper has a "Pet Talk" section. Usually it's
about dogs, cats and birds.
Last Wednesday there was a small piece about fish tanks and how "A
slimey tank isn't a bad thing", but of course..the common myths had to
fly as well.
Their info came from a "Dr. Donald Lewis, professor in the Department
of pathobiology at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical
Sciences at Texas A&M University".
The artical goes on to say that most people buy a fish tank and add
the fish the same day.
Yes. This is often the first mistake newbies make.
However, he goes on to say that this "Instant plunge causes the fish
to secrete mucous as a way of protecting itself from the high level of
ammonia found in the tap water resulting from the breakdown of organic
matter."
Are you already saying "HUH?" I was. If you put a fish in a tank that
was set up the same day, why would it have high ammonia levels
already? What organic matter was breaking down?
The "Dr." goes on to explain to how to set up a tank for the first
time.
He suggests "an under gravel filter, gravel, rocks, and other
accessories. Then add water into the tank."
No mention of dechlorinator. I understand chlorine would dissipate,
however, chloramine does not.
Then he goes on to tell people to let their tank sit (after filling it
tap water) for at least 2 -3 weeks before introducing fish. What the
heck for?? I can undertsand a few hours to check for leaks, or even
several for the temp to adjust. But 2-3 weeks?!?!?!? ::shakes head::
It's not doing anything for the tank to just sit there.
Is he thinking that it's starting to cycle?
He also tells people to add Oysters or sea shells to the tank to keep
the tank slightly alkaline.
Yeah, this is going to really help those with hard, alkaline water to
begin with! Sheesh!
Mind you....this is supposed to be a professor at a veterinary college
in Texas (USA).
= O