Rough Waters: 4 Common Issues Found in Old Aquariums

It’s widely known that building a home aquarium involves a lot of work and precise specifications. In fact, this process can be so particular that, by the time it’s over, you feel like it’s taken a lifetime. But the effort shouldn’t end once you stabilize your new tank. Believe it or not, your tank environment will be just as susceptible to problems as it ages, and it’s up to you to prevent them. These are some common issues found in old aquariums and what you can do to keep your own tank healthy.

Algae Growth

Algae is a slimy green substance that grows along rocks, plants, and even the sides of your tank. This not only creates an unsightly display but can also snuff out many other smaller organisms in your ecosystem. Since algae will absorb any excess nutrients that are available to it, it even poses an additional risk to your fish. Fortunately, you can prevent this problem by keeping your water levels balanced and not over-feeding your fish.

Cloudy Water

Over-feeding can also lead to cloudy or greenish-colored water due to the amount of waste present in the aquarium. When there are more minerals and substances than can be consumed by the tank life, those things rest along the sand and get kicked up by your fish. This makes it difficult to see into your tank and even harder for you to tell whether your fish are healthy. So, make sure you’re regularly cleaning your ecosystem and tracking how much your fish can eat.

Old Tank Syndrome

Another common issue found in old aquariums is what’s known as Old Tank Syndrome. This problem is an accumulation of several chemical changes that can happen as the water ages. Some signs and symptoms of this condition include larger amounts of nitrites or ammonia and a decline in overall water pH. Each of these occurrences means that your ecosystem is no longer regulating its chemical production as it should be. As such, it requires you to step up your water changes until these levels are back to normal.

Aggressive Fish

Older aquariums often experience issues with overly aggressive fish as well. This happens when your fish aren’t given enough resources to sustain their population. So, they’ll fight over things like food and certain hiding places. Because of this, you may want to consider feeding them more or even moving them to a larger tank.