GENERAL QUESTIONS
What does Universal Aquatics offer?
Universal Aquatics is a diverse aquatic company that specializes in aquarium and pond design, installation and maintenance. Our company also offers several other services including landscaping, stonework, aquarium relocation, existing pond repair, and terrarium design and maintenance specializing in frogs, toads, salamanders and snakes.
Does your company offer consultations?
Yes. Universal Aquatics offers consultations to individuals that need information getting started on or redesigning projects. For a consultation from one of our trained biologists, please contact us at 404.680.2150.
Where do you do business?
We service clients in the Metro Atlanta area.
How long have you been working with aquariums?
We have worked with aquatic systems for 15 (+) years.
Can I come visit your store?
We do not have a store open to the public.
What do you charge for aquarium or pond maintenance services?
Our rates are based upon individual system needs. Please call 404.680.2150 to
schedule an appointment.
What are the Credentials of Universal Aquatics?
Universal Aquatics was established in 2002 in San Antonio, TX. Our expertise stems from years of work in the zoo and public aquarium industry. We offer trained biologists that have the knowledge and experience needed to assist you with any questions that may arise.
What is the mission of Universal Aquatics?
The mission of Universal Aquatics is simply to provide our customers with the experience and knowledge needed to establish and maintain a professional aquatic habit that can be admired for years to come.
Can I as a commercial client write off my aquarium or pond on my taxes?
Yes. Our commercial clients can write off every dollar they spend on an aquarium/ pond as well as maintenance service to that system.
AQUARIUMS
What can Universal Aquatics do for me in regards to aquariums?
Whether you are beginning a new project or need help with an
existing one, our services are catered to fit your needs. Our company can design and install your new system with your specifications. Whether it be a coral reef, a tropical design or a freshwater system, we have the tools to create it all. After your project is completed, our company can maintain your new system to keep it looking as beautiful as the day it was installed.
Can your company provide me with an aquarium and aquarium related products?
Yes. Universal Aquatics can obtain aquariums as well as aquarium related products and deliver them to your home or business establishment.
Can you supply fish and coral?
Yes, we offer all kinds of fish, invertebrates and coral. Our livestock is hand selected by our aquarist(s) to ensure the quality and health of the specimen. We also sell any aquarium and pond supplies needed.
What do your aquarium services include?
Our services are the best available. We offer four service plans to choose from. The items in bold print are listed to help you better understand differences in plans.
For a complete list of items that are included with each individual plan, please see the Aquarium Service Plans Sheet.
- Essentials Service: Highlights – Fresh/Salt Water (No Reef Tanks), Monthly Visit and Basic Water Quality which includes pH, salinity and temp. with the option of upgrading to advanced water quality which includes pH, salinity, temp, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate.
- Signature Service: Highlights – Fresh/Salt Water (No Reef Tanks), Bi-weekly Visit and Advanced Water Quality.
- Reef Essentials Service: Highlights – Bi-Weekly Visit for Reef Systems and Advanced Water Quality.
- Reef Signature Service: Highlights – Weekly Visit for Reef Systems and Advanced Water Quality.
How often do you service the tank?
Most saltwater aquariums require service at two week intervals; however, this requires some efforts from the owners in between visits. Reef aquariums and other special needs systems will require more frequent services. We recommend new aquariums be serviced once a week for the first month after installation.
Can your company repair a cracked aquarium?
We cannot repair cracked aquariums, but we can give you the best advice that we have in order to resolve your dilemma and help you obtain a new system if required.
Can your company service my aquarium after business hours when my customer’s aren’t in the building?
Yes. We can arrange to service your system after business hours for commercial clients.
Can your company feed my fish while I am on vacation?
Yes. An automatic fish feeder can be installed to feed your fish for up to two weeks. We also offer a vacation feeding service.
Ponds
What can Universal Aquatics do for me in regards to ponds?
Universal Aquatics also designs and installs landscaping ponds.
No matter if you desire the elegance of an Asian design or the tranquility of a terraced stream, we can bring your ideas to life.
After your pond is installed we can keep it crystal clear with a regular maintenance schedule so you can enjoy your new space without lifting a finger.
Can your company provide me with the necessary equipment to create my pond?
Yes. Universal Aquatics can provide you the necessary equipment to create a tropical oasis that you can be proud of.
What type of pond maintenance does Universal Aquatics provide?
We provide two different pond service plans for you to choose from.
For a complete list of items that are included with each individual plan, please see the Pond Service Plans Sheet.
- Pond Essentials Service: Highlights – Monthly Visit and Basic Water Quality which includes pH and temp. with the option of obtaining advanced water quality which includes pH, temp. ammonia, nitrite and nitrate.
- Pond Signature Service: Highlights – Bi-Weekly Visit and Advanced Water Quality.
Why maintain an aquarium or pond?
Aquarium and pond maintenance, and more importantly, regular maintenance is probably the most important element in aquarium and pond success for several reasons. Below are a few of those reasons.
Waste removal-Changing the water in itself will remove potentially toxic elements from the aquarium or pond environment. Ammonia, nitrite, nitrates, and other complex organic molecules are removed and replaced with toxic-free water.
Stabilizing pH-Waste removal allows the buffering capacity of the aquarium/pond water to stabilize the pH, and fluctuations are kept minimal. It’s important to understand that the water being replaced is pH-buffered, and stabilized to the desired levels.
Minimizing stress-When there are less chemical and physical dramatic fluctuations in the aquarium or pond, the specimens tend to stay much healthier, and sometimes even spawn.
Keep chemical levels in check-Over-dosing medications or additives is common, so water changes can avoid potential die-offs due to poisoning or over-exposure.
Maximizes vitality and health-A healthy environment keeps healthy specimens.
Water stays clean and clear-Avoiding nitrate buildup and changing the mechanical and chemical filters keep the water clear and void of yellow discoloration.
Avoid detritus/algae buildup-Regular maintenance removes the physical waste products, and algae scrubbing or chemical elimination of photosynthetic micro and macro algae if this is so desired.
Keeps habitat looking great-The physical environment simply looks cleaner, and its inhabitants will stay healthier. Keeping a maintenance schedule pays off.
Why is water quality so important to the success of my aquatic system? Most expert aquarists will agree that testing the water and understanding how to regulate the water quality from these tests will ensure long-term success in the aquarium or pond. This practice will prolong the life and health of its inhabitants. There are many water parameters that you can test. This section will focus on the main tests, and briefly discuss their significance to the aquarist.
Temperature - This is most commonly measured in degrees Fahrenheit (F), and in degrees Celsius (C). Temperature measures the relative heat of the aquarium water. This is measured with a thermometer. It is best to keep thermometers away from heating and cooling devices, as this will give inaccurate readings, and ultimately misinformation (especially in larger aquariums.) Coldwater fish are generally kept in the 50-70 F range. Most fresh and saltwater fish are kept from 75-80 F, and there are families of fish (i.e. cichlids, discus, and other Amazonian fish) which do best in the 80-85 F range. It is important to understand what environment your specimens live in the wild to better understand how to regulate the aquarium, especially when it comes to temperature.
pH - Measures the acidity of the water by test kits, electronic probes, and various other testing devices. A pH reading of 7.0 is neutral. A pH reading of above 7.0 is alkaline, and a pH of less than 7.0 is acidic. Fish can survive in a pH range from 6.0-9.0. Most freshwater tanks should be kept slightly acidic (6.5-7.0) for egg-laying fish and slightly alkaline (7.2-7.6) for live-bearing fish. However, there are exceptions (i.e. Cichlids 7.5-8.5). Saltwater aquariums are safe in the 7.4-8.8 range. Different aquarium setups and different inhabitants have different pH levels.
Salinity - Measured mainly in Specific Gravity (SG) and Conductivity (C) by use of a hydrometer or electronic probe. Saltwater is heavier than freshwater. There are many more minerals in seawater, including Sodium Chloride (NaCl) which is its major component and constitutes about 30% of the total elements in seawater. Thus, SG measures the density of the aquarium water. Beware that most hydrometers will give different readings at different temperatures. Freshwater tanks should have an SG of 1.000-1.005. Most marine tanks should have an SG of 1.020-1.025. Seawater is also more conductive than freshwater. It is able to carry current, because it is denser.
Ammonia (NH3) – Measured in milligrams per liter (mg/l), or parts per million (ppm), most commonly with a test kit. This highly toxic chemical is caused by the decomposition of fish waste, decaying food, and dead fish. Unfortunately, ammonia can be found in nearly all aquariums. Ammonia is the number one killer of tropical fish. With an ammonia level of 6 ppm in a freshwater aquarium, the death rate may be as high as 50%. As the level of ammonia rises, the death rate climbs even higher. Ammonia affects fish by causing the blood to lose its ability to carry oxygen. This creates stress and lowers the resistance of fish to such recurrent bacterial infections as fin and tail rot, body slime, eye cloud, mouth fungus, and body sores.
Nitrite (NO2-) - Measured in mg/l or ppm with test kits or electronic probes. Nitrite is a toxic waste material found in varying concentrations in most aquariums. It is produced by the nitrifying bacteria Nitrosomonas in the biological filter as it breaks down ammonia. As the biological filter develops and grows, the nitrifying bacteria use nitrite as a food source, converting it to non-toxic nitrate. This reduces the level of nitrite in the aquarium. Regular testing for nitrite is important because even low levels of nitrite affect the red blood cells of fish by reducing their ability to carry oxygen, thus causing suffocation, and death.
Nitrate (NO3-) - Measured in mg/l or ppm by using test kits or electronic probes. Nitrate is also produced in an aquarium, mainly by the bacteria Nitrobacter. This occurs in the biological filter. These, along with other beneficial bacteria in the biological filter convert toxic ammonia, and nitrite, into nitrate. A high nitrate level indicates a build-up of fish waste and organic compounds resulting in poor water quality and contributes to the likelihood of fish disease. Excessive nitrate also provides a nitrogen source which can stimulate algae blooms. In the opinion of many marine aquarists, maintaining a low nitrate level significantly improves the health of fish and invertebrates.