Frequently Asked Questions?

1. What is the ideal fish tank size ?

When choosing your tank size, it is always ideal to follow the saying “The bigger the tank, the better”. With a bigger tank, fishes move more freely. This also helps to keep fishes from fighting as the more aggressive species will have their own territories inside the tank while the peaceful species will have their own hiding places as well.

Your tank size must also be made to maximize space inside a room. Placing your tank against a flat wall or building it as a divider are common examples. One should not be scared to plan big tanks as Direct Aquatic can be of service to you even from the planning and layout stage.

Standard maximum sizes of fish tanks only using 1/2 ” thick. Clear glass are 8’ x 30” x 30”, 6’ x 24” x 36” and 8’ x 24” x 30” and for 1/2 “ thick tempered glass is 10” x 24” x 30”. However, Direct Aquatic also offers 33 gallon tanks with very good filtration system for condo unit owners who have very limited space. see Product Page

2. What is the best location for a fish tank inside the house?

Other than outdoors, any area inside a house can be a perfect location for a fish tank. There are only a few considerations to take to locate the perfect spot for a tank. First, this area must not be exposed to sunlight because due hobbyist lack of experience in maintenance of water qualtiy. This will add growth of unwanted algae that messes the balance in a tank. This is also the primary reason why it is never advisable to place tanks outdoors for beginners. The flooring for this area must also be in tiles or equivalent because water may occasionally spill out during maintenance. With tiles, water can be easily wiped and cleaned while with a wooden flooring, water may seep in and eventually cause damage. Drainage system must also be considered for this area. You may also consider an area that has good ventalation. Direct Aquatic may also be consulted with this matter.

It is also important to place your tank near a convenience outlet for power supply of the equipment needed. The filtration equipment is installed beneath the tank and needs a 1-meter space from the floor for housing. The lighting fixtures, on the other hand, are installed on the top of the tank.

3. What can saltwater aquarium function in my house?

Having a custom-made Marine Aquarium Tank in my residence brings a certain uniqueness Primarily, saltwater aquariums provide an attractive focus inside any room. The live display of color and patterns present a better alternative to house decors. Aside from this, tank cabinetry may also be constructed to function as dividers between two areas. Thus, allowing a division of space and a spectacular view.

4. What are the causes of diseases?

Most diseases are carried from the ocean by the fishes themselves. If they are not expertly quarantined, these fishes might spread the disease to the entire fish tank. Other causes are poor environmental conditions, bullying by dominant fish, clumsy aquarium maintenance, capture and transportation, lack of hiding places and inappropriate lighting.

Some diseases include Parasitic Infestations such as Marine velvet and Marine Whitespot, Bacterial Diseases such as Vibriosis and Lymphocystis, and other Health Problems like Head and Lateral Line Erosion and Poisoning.

Direct Aquatic uses this knowledge to prevent these conditions from happening to your fishes.

5. How important is it to monitor the pH levels of my tank?

Because seawater has a very high pH. From 7.8 to 8.4, all marine life have adapted to this level. For that reason, a sudden drop in pH can be deadly for your marine fishes.
To monitor and maintain the right level of pH of your tank, it is a must to have pH probe which Direct Aquatic also makes available to all hobbyists. The other method is by using pH test kits, but these are not equally reliable to a pH probe.

6. How do I increase my pH Level?

To increase your pH level you have to add buffer. Refer to products Section for more details.

7. What do I do first when I take home my newly-bought fish?

First, shut off the lights to lessen the stress of the fish. Then let the bag of the fish float in the surface of your aquarium for at least 30 mins. Then put the fish and the water from the bag in a separate container. Gradually pour water from your own tank to the separate container to lessen stress and drastic water condition changes. You may also use an air pump to supply oxygen to the separate container while this introduction process takes place. It is important to acclimate the fish properly inorder not to stress them. Cleaner shirmps are know to be very delicate. Rushing the acclimation periord may instantly kill them.

8. I heard that your prices were expensive is this true?

Way back in 2004, if you noticed our prices were higher before as compared to the present time. If the supply was so little, the price went up. Now, the situation is different, more and more hobbyist are getting into marine fish keeping, the demand and supply is much larger bring the cost lower.

9. Do I need a chiller for my marine fish tank?

In certain parts of the country, during summer the heat may go above 32 C. If you want to be sure it pays to invest in a chiller. The average temperature in the pacific ocean may range between 23C to 30C depending on the time of the month. While many colorful fish are found in deep waters. It is best to maintain an average temperature of 27 C in your fish tank.

10. What is the problem with my tank, my fishes are dying?

There are various reasons why your fishes are dying. Refer to Services or Guidelines for more details.

11. Do I need to test my water for nitrate?

Yes, it is important to keep your marine fish tank with low levels of nitrate. We suggest several brands of test kits availble. Refer to Products for more details.

12. Do I leave the dead in my tank ?

No, dead fish will pollute your water. As soon as you see a dead fish in your tank we suggest removing it immediately. This will increase the level of nitrate, phosphate and ammonia in the water.

13. Do I need a wave maker in my marine fish tank?

Yes, this will help create good water circulation in your tank.

14. How long do marine fish live?

In some public aquariums they recorded angelfish to live more than 25 years.

15. How long is your oldest fish in your tank?

Since we open our shop way back 2004, our marine fish collection in our showcase tanks are doing well.

16. How long do I keep my aquarium lights on?

Never keep the lights on 24 hours. This will stress your fish. You may want to use a timer to keep the lights on and off automatically. Some hobbyist set there blue lights on first in the morning so not to shock the fish. Keeping the white light on after a few hours.