Maintenance Schedule
Daily
- Ensure all timers are set properly (especially in case of power outage)
- Check CO2 canister level
- Fertilize plants, as needed, before lights come on
- Feed fish during the photo period when they're alert and active
- Conduct general assessment, check for scent (ammonia), algae, plant health, livestock health
Weekly
- Set aside water needed for water change and treat for chlorine and beneficial bacteria
- Test water parameters, pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, GH, KH, plan possible adjustments as needed
- Check CO2 canister level
- Check the CO2 drop checker solution for possible change (every 2 to 4 weeks)
- Check the CO2 diffuser for possible cleaning need
- Remove 1/2 gallon of water to prevent overflow from hands or arm in tank, reserve old water for filter media cleaning
- Sponge or scrape down glass walls (use toothbrush in corners on silicone), brush hardscape as needed
- Perform plant care, trim, replant cuttings, remove dead leaves, etc
- Vacuum/siphon substrate surface removing excess detritus
- Turn off filter, clean/replace the media as needed, using the reserved old water for cleaning
- Perform water change
- Turn on filter