Q&A for How to Build a Freshwater Predator Fish Aquarium

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How often should I vacuum my fish tank?

Doug Ludemann
Professional Aquarist
Doug Ludemann is the owner and operator of Fish Geeks, LLC, an aquarium services company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Doug has worked in the aquarium and fish-care industry for over 20 years, including having worked as a professional aquarist for the Minnesota Zoo and Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. He received his Bachelor of Science in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior from the University of Minnesota.

Doug Ludemann

Professional Aquarist

Expert Answer

Vacuum your fish tank every day if you can, but do it at least every other day. Start by using a scrub brush to loosen debris and algae. Then, vacuum out all of the debris and waste.

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Question

Should I add ammonia to my fish tank?

Doug Ludemann
Professional Aquarist
Doug Ludemann is the owner and operator of Fish Geeks, LLC, an aquarium services company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Doug has worked in the aquarium and fish-care industry for over 20 years, including having worked as a professional aquarist for the Minnesota Zoo and Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. He received his Bachelor of Science in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior from the University of Minnesota.

Doug Ludemann

Professional Aquarist

Expert Answer

Add the ammonia to your tank before you ever put the fish in it. The purpose of adding ammonia is to help grow healthy bacteria that will support your tank's ecosystem. Put a few drops of aquarium ammonia into the tank. When the ammonia levels spike, good bacteria will eat the ammonia. Going forward, this good ammonia will help maintain the ammonia and nitrite levels.

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Question

Can I keep a predatory community aquarium?

Community Answer

It depends on the type of fish, but generally you would only want to keep one predatory fish in a tank.

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Can I put my hand in the tank of a predatory fish?

Community Answer

Probably not. Depending on what you have in there, it may try to bite you. I suggest tongs of some sort if you are trying to feed or move them.

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Are silver dollars predatory?

Community Answer

No, silver dollars are mainly herbivorous. They are also quite large and do well with other fish that won't fit into their mouths (because if they are hungry enough, they will eat anything).

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