Training Level: Beginner Level

Training Duration: 5 Days (2 Hours per Day) – Total Duration: 10 Hours

Trainer: Instructor Mustafa Akkaşoğlu

Participant Profile

• Beginners in the aquarium hobby,
• Those looking to improve their current aquarium setup,
• Pet shop employees,

Prerequisites

• Interest in freshwater aquarium hobby,
• No specific prerequisites to attend this program.

Curriculum Topics

Day 1: Setup and Basic Chemistry

• Correct tank selection and nitrogen cycle,
• Aquarium types and size selection,
• The importance of nitrogen cycle and biological filtration,
• Filtration systems (internal/external/sump) and heater selection,

Day 2: Aquarium Setup and Water Quality

• Setup steps and water parameters,
• Step-by-step aquarium setup and "dry run" (starting the cycle),
• Water hardness, pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate (basic water tests),
• Use of aquarium salt and water conditioners.

Day 3: Fish Species and Feeding

• Compatible species selection and balanced diet,
• Popular species and their compatibility,
• Fish population calculation,
• Nutrition values and varieties of fish food,
• The dangers of overfeeding and proper portioning.

Day 4: Maintenance Routines and Plants

• Weekly/monthly routines,
• Water change frequency and ratio (siphoning technique),
• Filter cleaning and maintaining beneficial bacteria colonies,
• Basic needs of aquarium plants (light, CO2, fertilizers),
• Types of algae and control methods,

Day 5: Common Diseases and Prevention

• Diagnosis of diseases and quarantine procedures,
• Most common diseases: White spot (Ich), fungal infections, fin rot,
• Setting up and importance of quarantine tank,
• Diseases caused by stress and water quality (preventive measures).

Training Outcomes

• Can create a healthy biological environment for fish by understanding the nitrogen cycle.
• Can understand the basic chemical parameters of aquarium water and apply proper maintenance routines.
• Can select compatible and healthy fish species, and provide proper and balanced feeding.
• Can diagnose common fish diseases early and take necessary preventive measures.
• At the end of the training, participants will receive a university-approved participation certificate if they attend 79% or more of the training.