The zebrafish is a particularly hardy species of fish and is perfect for novice aquarium owners. This animal is quite small (it is about 5 cm long) and very beautiful to look at. Most importantly, it is a social species that likes to interact with other fish and reproduces quickly.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Setting up the Aquarium
Step 1. Purchase a 40 liter or larger tub
Danes are social fish, who need space for themselves and their mates. The aquarium should be equipped with an external filter, a biological filter mounted on a wheel and a heater.
- Since they are robust animals, it is generally possible to keep zebrafish even without a heater. However, it is a good way to maintain optimal conditions for your fish, especially if you plan on keeping them.
- It may be necessary to mount the aquarium; if so, follow the instructions on the package.
Step 2. Purchase water treatment chemicals
Public water companies often add chemicals, such as chlorine, which are harmful to fish. Kits are available in pet stores to test the safety of water. You will likely need a sodium trisulfate solution to neutralize chlorine and another substance to eliminate chloramines.
For more information on chemicals dissolved in tap water in your area, contact the pet shop owner or water utility
Step 3. Add gravel to the tub
Fish appreciate a layer of gravel on the bottom of the aquarium; create one about 6mm thick.
Step 4. Pour the water into the aquarium
Tap water is generally good for fish, even if you have to treat it. Fill the tub almost to the edge, but not completely. You must leave an oxygen gap between the water surface and the lid.
Step 5. Treat the water
In addition to adding sodium trisulfate and the additive against chloramines, it checks and regulates the pH level. In pet shops you will find several acidic and basic substances, which allow you to modify this parameter of the aquarium. Test and adjust the pH until you find a value between 6 and 8, even better if it is 7.
Part 2 of 3: Put the Zebra Danio in the Aquarius
Step 1. Purchase a batch of six or more
These fish are social animals, who enjoy the company of other aquatic animals; a school of at least six fish is perfect. Danes also do well with other species, including fish belonging to the genus Corydoras and tetras.
Step 2. Get zebrafish of the opposite sex
If you have decided to breed them, you need to be sure to buy both female and male specimens. To tell them apart, remember that males have yellow stripes, while females are usually larger.
Danes reproduce quickly when left free to behave as in nature. However, they frequently eat several of their fry
Step 3. Transfer the fish to their aquarium as quickly as possible
Even the small and powerful zebrafish cannot last more than eight hours in the bag in which it is sold. When placing fish in the tank, do not also transfer the water in the bag, as it contains excessive levels of ammonium.
Part 3 of 3: Taking Care of Aquarium Maintenance
Step 1. Feed them
These fish appreciate different food sources. Commercial flake products are usually sufficient, but you can also feed them American worms, daphnia, and brine shrimp.
Step 2. Maintain the correct temperature
Zebrafish are robust and do well at temperatures between 18 and 24 ° C. It is often possible to maintain the right temperature even without a heater, but this tool helps. A slightly higher temperature, 26 ° C, is perfect for encouraging reproduction.
Step 3. Clean the tub every week
When you clean the tub, you don't have to remove all the gravel; however, you must use a siphon to remove the dirt that accumulates on the bottom. Remove the algae forming on the walls using a scraper and, when finished, change 10-15% of the water.
- Do not remove the fish when you change the water, as this will cause them unnecessary stress.
- When replacing the water, put the new one in a bucket that you only use for this purpose. If you take a container that you also use for household chores, you could contaminate the water with dangerous chemicals. Check and treat the water as described above and use a siphon to slowly pour the new water into the aquarium.
