Salt Water Fish Aquarium

By Trevor J Rockberry

Have you ever gone to an aquarium and enjoy the countless denizens of reef, warm, or deep oceanic variety of fish within their salt water fish tanks? It can be nearly certain that these colors, the activity, and the wonders of this unusual wildlife within the tanks mesmerized you. Maybe you have regarded bringing the current fish tank? Definitely, it is possible to, and this article offer you fundamental tips on salt-water aquariums, and dealing with the present day fish tanks being made today.

Anyone who has previously possessed goldfish as a child got an excellent association with the little fish inside the bowl. It had an identify, and initially watched as it ate its food. There was a hidden knowledge of the reason why the little fish got excited whenever we approached the bowl to feed these folks. They actually seemed to think, did it not? For a few folks, that fascination had hooks, and the path to having and retaining a modern fish tank.

Marine, or salt-water aquarium, have a certain allure for many hobbyists, since the range of fishes in the exact same environment can be vast. Invertebrates can be a thrilling addition, such as anemone's and mollusks. Big snails does not only add color or charm on the tank atmosphere, but can include the improvement cleaning of a marine tank.

To begin your new adventure in the salt-water aquariums activity, your choices abound for the size you may want. An excellent choice would be a tank that can be mounted either on a stand or within a wall, thus giving the tank a mounted picture appearance. This type of tank is the AquaBella stainless 49" tank, which is among the most current.

Easy Mounting

Any tank for your fish should have a base to carry it, and the base must be strong enough to carry the weight of gallons of water. A retaining wall installation structure may employ the studs within the wall to keep the tank safely, including a metal body surface finishes off the front, giving this specific modern day fish tank an appearance of art work.

Trouble F-r-e-e Servicing

The majority of fresh or salt-water aquariums need frequent cleaning and also maintenance, especially from algal blooms or large bacteria counts. The new modern fish tank is ready-to-use, just bring in water and sea the creatures begin their life. Low upkeep will relieve the hobbyist who would like the tank and everything in its beauty, but not all of the headache.

No matter what your choices tend to be, whether fresh or a salt-water fish tanks, the activity is often a gratifying and enjoyable possibility. The fish, as you will subsequently notice, have got individuality. Moreover, it is actually an educating working experience watching them begin their tiny lives inside the environment you provided. There are also products for instance "live rocks", which house a number of invertebrates and other sea creatures which have been anchored on the rock and "come alive after a few days of submersion. Sponges are also available to the new hobbyist, which cannot only be a wonder to observe, but can keep the tank nice and clean.

Mollusks and eels can be purchased, along with specialized shrimps as well as small crabs, rounding out your tank with an interesting and lively community of living organisms. Within the modern salt-water fish tanks, the actual sea may be the limit while determining exactly what creatures you'll use in your own small bit of design. - 32185

About the Author:

New World Cichlid Tankmates - Choose Tankmates for Cichlids Wisely

By Carey Malloy

Choosing South American Cichlid tank mates is not difficult at all. There are a few things that you need to consider before you make any quick decisions while at your favorite pet store.

Considering how big your cichlids will be is the first thing that you should think about. Never pick tankmates for your cichlids that look like they are small enough to fit in your fishes mouth. Maybe that will not always work, but you get the idea.

Second, choosing tankmates that do not have the same temperament as each other. Juvenile Oscars and Angel Fish are a good example. These two species make great tankmates when they are little. But when those Oscars start to grow, the Angels will loose every battle very quickly.

Those are a couple of points about choosing tankmates for your cichlids, but I am sure you already knew about those simple details. Now lets ask the real question. What are the best tankmates for cichlids? Have you ever thought about catfish or the fantastic little corydoras. Corydoras are simply some of my favorite tropical aquarium fish and they make great tankmates for many types of cichlids.

Again, you should definitely think about the size of the cichlids that you own. If you have Oscars, you should not choose the smaller kinds of corydoras. The Oscars will think that they are food and scarf them down like little candies. It is best to choose one of the larger varieties of corys like the bronze corydoras.

These larger cichlids will reach full adult size at about three inches long so they will make great tankmates for the larger varieties of cichlids.

Keep this in mind when choosing South American Cichlid tank mates, Oscars sometimes break the rules. For the best results with Oscars, it is best to raise them with tank mates like corys, while they are both juveniles, so that they are conditioned to having each other around. Oh, and make sure you keep at least a half dozen or so of the corys. They like the company and have strength in numbers. - 32185

About the Author:

Fish Tanks For Sale, Buying Quality Aquariums

By Ken Kavis

Searching for fish tanks for sale is not an easy task, getting a quality aquarium for a cheap price is your priority. If you choose to buy a cheaper aquarium you might find that this was not such a good choice after all.

These are the three options you have when looking for fish tanks for sale, get to your local petshop and look at some new aquariums for sale, you can drop in on a garage sale and might find used fish tanks, or you can browse the web and look for both new or used fish tanks for sale.

Comparing the prices of aquariums is a good way to indicate the best option for yourself when buying a fish tank. Making sure you get what you pay for is critical when buying used aquariums. New fish tanks come without flaws, but sometimes there is a fabrication error and it is recommended you send it back when it is still under guarantee.

Don't forget the fact that you might want to buy additional aquarium equipment to make your fish tank complete. Most fish tanks for sale have a starter kit and include additonal aquarium equipment. If you buy a used aquarium the previous owner will sell you the extra aquarium equipment seperatly or include it when you take his offer.

When you're new to fish keeping, you should get a new aquarium to prevent your fish to be harmed because used aquariums in some cases have a potential danger of killing your petfish. Experienced aquarium keepers can spot the flaws on a used aquarium at first sight.

Finally you want to choose what type of fish tank you want to keep, either look for freshwater fish tanks for sale or a saltwater fish tanks sale. Most beginners start with looking for goldfish tanks for sale, because they want to start out with something small and inexpensive.

When your looking to buy fish tanks online you will find lots of new and used aquariums for sale. You can bid on auction sites or you can buy new aquariums from online petshops or websites at real good price. Online aquariums for sale are usually cheaper than the ones you'll find in your local pet store because they don't need staff or storage room to be in business.

There are many different shapes and sizes when it comes to aquariums , and in the end it is up to you to find a quality fish tank for sale. Some recommend to start with a large aquarium because you'll have more time to fix it when something goes wrong. - 32185

About the Author:

Keeping Cichlids Happy - It's Not Hard

By Carey Malloy

Keeping Cichlids is a hobby that more and more people are learning to enjoy every day. But if you are just beginning to learn how to keep these amazing and beautiful tropical fish, you have lots of questions. These are a few tips to get you started in your quest to keeping healthy but most importantly happy cichlids.

The first and most important thing that you should do is to think about the size that your cichlid fish will be when they reach full maturity. If Oscar fish are your favorite cichlids, you are simply going to need a large tank. Oscars are some of the largest and most intelligent of cichlids and they need their room.

Oscars need at least a 55 gallon tank, and that's just for a pair of these big guys. And guess what, if your cichlids are smaller, then a smaller tank will do. Couldn't be any simpler than thay.

Secondly, water salinity and ph levels, among other variables, can be very different between the different species of these fish. Specifically, they can be very different between the different American Cichlids and African Cichlids. Salinity and ph levels can even be diverse between the different lakes in Africa that particular African Cichlids are native to.

If you are going to have happy and healthy fish, Africans or Americans, temperature and water chemistry must be monitored on a daily basis.

Keeping cichlids with aquatic plants can sometimes be a challenge. I love a lush aquarium full of vibrant vegetation, but this can sometimes be impossible with certain types of cichlids.

African varieties of cichlids simply don't do very well with plants. South American cichlids seem to have a better tolerance for plant life. But if you have Oscars, don't bother. They love to dig plants up. Angels, however love plants and will thrive in a fully planted aquarium.

Angel fish are some of the most beautiful cichlids in my opinion. They can make a great addition to almost any docile cichlid tank. - 32185

About the Author:

How Fish Tanks Can Add To The Decor Of Your Residence

By Eddie Lamb

Fish tanks can add to the ambiance of your home. If you have children, they will most definitely enjoy this addition to your household. If you have kids, having pets can be both exciting and a useful education tool. They will learn to clean and feed them, which is essential to helping teach your children to be responsible.

Today tanks are available in different sizes and shapes. They not only hold your children's attention but the different colors and hues of the fish will be attractive to your guests as well. They make a soothing backdrop to any room and the species themselves come in various colors, so you can match them to your decor. You can even add lighting to illuminate your tank.

If you choose to have fish, it is best to go to your local pet store to inquire how best to do this. It is important to understand that there are many things that can be poisonous to them. There are a variety of objects such as logs, plants and treasure chests that you can add that will not only allow for them to play, but will also help your tank look quite interesting.

Be particular when trying to decide on what type of water feature you intend to purchase. By doing so you'll ensure that it will help complete the look of a room. If you prefer a color scheme that is bold and colorful, then choose one that is different style-wise, and that holds creatures that are quite unique and eye catching in terms of their color. If your design tastes are more subdued, choose one that is more subdued in terms of design.

The combination of fish and water help to make a tranquil effect. In addition, an eye-catching piece can make for an interesting conversational starter for both adults and certainly children. Water features are usually incorporated into an interior designer's vision when decorating a room. In fact a rather large section of your home can be sectioned off to house a tank that is of a considerable size. This can really give a room a more glamorous look.

People even opt to put them in their offices due to their calming effect. A paediatrician would greatly benefit by keeping a fish tank as the kids would be instantly at ease and it can also be an excellent distraction for a child. Many larger business offices install massive tanks as it adds a luxurious feel to the environment and the colorful swimming fish add depth and motion to the office decor.

A number of things should be kept in mind when keeping an aquarium. A decent filtration system will ensure the water is well oxygenated and cleaning it often will keep the fish healthy. The food should be administered on time and a thermometer should be used to keep an eye on the temperature of the water. The tanks also need to have correct lighting installed to keep the occupants calm.

Having one that is unique in design can be a very interesting and stylish addition to both your home and or office. Fish can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and not to mention colors. Feng shui states that goldfish, in particular, can signal money and success, a definite must-have for any business. At home, choose species that signal serenity, peace and love, as the combination in turn will be an ideal asset to your once humble abode. - 32185

About the Author:

Happy Fish Means Clean Tanks

By Teri Autumn

Proper maintenance of tropical fish tanks involve doing some tasks that you have to accomplish daily, monthly, weekly, bi-annually, and yearly. Doing these regularly and diligently will ensure the good health of your fish and prevent major problems from occurring.

Daily schedule

The daily tasks involved in taking care of tropical fish tanks are simple. These are checking if your fish are complete and healthy, spotting and removing dead fish and dead plant matter, and examining the temperature readings of your heater and thermometer. The temperature readings should match. Otherwise, it could mean that there is something wrong with your heater.

You should also check the water level. If it has dropped, replace the evaporated water to prevent salinity and pH levels from fluctuating.

Weekly maintenance tasks

Water change and light cleaning of tropical fish tanks are usually done during the weekly maintenance checks. You have to remove and clean dirty ornaments, clean the tank walls, siphon off floating particles and dirt, and prune and re-anchor live plants if you have them in your tank. When changing the water, do not remove more than 25% of the water in the tank. Before you put in the new water, make sure that it is filtered, dechlorinated, aerated, and of the correct temperature. You can leave the fish inside the tank while cleaning as long as you won't make sudden movements that will disturb them.

Monthly maintenance

Cleaning and replacement of some of the equipment of tropical fish tanks are done monthly. These are your filter media and filter cartridges. Do the monthly cleaning together with the scheduled water change so you can use the discarded water to clean the mechanical and chemical filter media of your fish tank. However, do not replace nor replace the biological media as this will wipe out the bacteria colonies needed for filtration. Make sure that you test the levels of ammonia, pH, nitrates, and nitrites in the fish tank.

It is advisable to keep a record book where your observations, activities, and testing results are noted down. Referring to those notes will help you later on in case concerns regarding water conditions or fish health will arise.

Bi-annual maintenance tasks

Tropical fish tanks are equipped with pumps, light bulbs, filters, pipes, and protein skimmers, and you need to clean or replace them at least every six months. Make sure that the pumps are working properly by checking for impeller cracks or any missing blades. For pipes, you have to clean them thoroughly to make sure that they'll work properly. It's best to replace the light bulbs of tropical fish tanks one at a time and when they're cool enough. Check the manual as a guide for replacing and cleaning any of these equipment.

Tools for maintenance

To complete the task diligently, arm yourself with the needed tools for maintenance. Among them are the algae pads, gravel vacuums, scrapers, tongs, gloves, tongs, and magnetic cleaners. Also use cleaning fluids such as salt creep removers, lime dissolvers, and glass polishers. - 32185

About the Author:

Beginning as well as Maintaining Vibrant Glass Aquariums

By Dave Bowman

You don't need to be an expert to have a home aquarium with vividly colored fish and healthy plants. It's not impossible to maintain a healthy environment for fish and plants in a tank. However, you do need to follow instructions that are essential in fishkeeping.

The tank material and shape matters.

Consider buying rectangular glass aquariums. Although aquariums come in many kinds, shapes, and sizes, the better option for beginners are glass aquariums, as they are not as expensive as acrylic ones. They are also less prone to scratches and discoloration, so maintaining them won't be so complicated. As for the shape, narrow cylindrical and spherical aquariums may be pleasing to the eye but are not always suitable for the fish. These types have too little water surface open to air. Fish get oxygen and discharge carbon dioxide through the water surface, so narrower aquariums can be suffocating for fish.

Pay attention to details.

If you want to reduce the risk of contaminating the water in your tank and poisoning the fish, know which materials are dangerous and keep it out of your tank. Since glass aquariums are not prone to scratches and yellowing, you get to avoid using polishing compounds that are normally toxic. Other harmful substances include detergent, paint, plastic, and soap. It's also important to keep even the slightest hint of metal out of your tank because it poisons the fish.

Be cautious with aquarium decors.

Sometimes, new aquarists make the mistake of using any item that seems to "look right" in an aquarium as decor. This mistake, however, could be fatal to your fish. Limestone products, such as coral, coral sand, and marble chips, are wrong choices as they tend to dissolve in water. The residues increase the mineral content and pH of the water, which may be intolerable depending on the type of fish you have. Granite, quartz, and sandstone make good decorations for glass aquariums. To ensure the suitability of a material for aquariums, use decorations that are available at pet and aquarium shops.

Pick the right location.

Choosing the right spot for your aquarium is crucial in fishkeeping. Whether they're acrylic or glass aquariums, don't place them in windy areas. Otherwise, you will speed up evaporation and increase the chances of getting foreign particles into your tank. Sudden temperature changes are also harmful to fish, so it's vital to keep your aquarium away from heat-producing equipment.

Keep sunlight exposure to a minimum.

Anywhere that is not exposed to direct sunlight, wind, and heat is all right. Aside from hastening evaporation, the wind may also get harmful objects into your tank without your noticing it. Keeping glass aquariums away from heat-generating appliances is also essential, as abrupt changes in water temperature is detrimental to the health of your fish. Although sunlight exposure is good up to a certain period, prolonged periods will heat up the water and promote the growth of algae.

Control algae growth.

Algae are tiny plants, which are harmless or even beneficial up to a certain degree. When there's too much of them, the water in your tank will turn a greenish color. With their decay, they poison the water. In addition, they may steal nutrients that should otherwise nourish fish and other plants inside your tank. To keep algae out, reduce lighting in your tank. Keep your tank from direct sunlight and use artificial aquarium lighting, which you can turn on and off at fixed periods.

Even a beginner like you can maintain an aquarium successfully. All you need to do is to follow these simple yet effective tips. You'll certainly be fulfilled as you watch your fish swim happily in your own aquarium. - 32185

About the Author:

Specialized Saltwater Fish Tanks

By Amber Shipplen

It is no wonder that scuba diving and other related activities are becoming more and more popular, since the beauty of the aquatic world is undeniable. Fortunately, modern technology and equipment for aquarium setups are readily available. Through them, exploration of the different bodies of water and the different life forms found within is now made possible.

Though you can easily purchase marine fish tanks and other equipment from various pet supplies stores, setting up your own saltwater fish aquarium is not that easy. You need more than just the equipment to get started. You also need a lot of information, patience, and commitment to maintain marine fish tanks.

Saltwater fishkeeping versus freshwater fishkeeping Salwater fishkeeping or marine fishkeeping is different from freshwater fishkeeping in that the requirements for marine fish tanks are more complex. Water parameters such as salinity, pH, specific gravity, temperature, and ammonia, among others, need close monitoring. Marine fish tanks have intricate filtration systems, including the need for protein skimmers that remove organic compounds before they degrade.

Aside from the equipment, you will also spend more on acquiring saltwater fish since they are usually more expensive than their freshwater counterparts. This is because they are usually more eye-catching and exotic. In addition, you will also have to invest in live rock. This can be the most expensive part of your initial setup for the aquarium as you may need to have the live rock cured. However, it is a worthy investment because it is considered as the best form of biological filtration, not to mention the beauty that it will add to your entire marine aquarium setup.

Setting up marine fish tanks

Some helpful tips in setting up your very own saltwater fish aquarium It is not easy to set up marine fish tanks. Prior to making your purchase, you need to read a lot about it and familiarize yourself with the necessary equipment and proper procedures.

Aside from the aquarium itself, you need to prepare your background or aquarium design, saltwater mix, live rock, aquarium filter, hydrometer, heater, aquarium vacuum, saltwater fish foods, and protein skimmer, among others.

If you think that the initial setup takes a lot of time, well you have to give as much time and attention to cleaning and maintenance too. Ideally, you should clean your saltwater aquarium once a month and change some of the saltwater too. Change 20% of saltwater monthly. This ought to keep your fish happy and healthy.

Other things you might want to consider is the location of the aquarium, the size of the aquarium, and the kind of saltwater fish you wish to put in it. The key is to be well informed by reading a lot about marine fishkeeping. - 32185

About the Author:

Things To Consider Before You Buy Fish Tank Ornaments

By Vernon Young

Each component that makes up your aquarium environment plays a significant role in successful aquarium maintenance. However, before you go and buy fish tank materials, there are three key elements that you should look into if you want to achieve a beautiful aquarium. These include aquarium flooring, water, and plants.

You don't always need a bed of gravel or sand as a sort of flooring for your aquarium. However, if you wish to use live, rooted plants and provide a more natural setting for the fish, you should use the larger variety of gravel. Materials that are much too fine pack more tightly when wet and this may hold back the growth of plants. Be sure to wash the gravel carefully if you want to use it as aquarium flooring.

Ensuring the quality of water is among the most crucial tasks of an aquarist. You need to buy fish tank accessories that will make the water suitable for fishkeeping. As much as possible, use conditioned water, which refers to water that fish have already lived in. A strange fact about fish is that their own waste products, or "clean dirt," make the water more habitable for them. If you plan to buy fish tank cleaning tools, this information will help you save more. Instead of purchasing all those expensive aquarium gadgets for frequent water replacement, you can simply opt for algae scrapers and tools for scooping out only "dirty dirt," such as uneaten food, dead fish, and foreign particles.

If it's your first time to set up an aquarium, be sure to let chlorine-treated tap water stand before exposing your fish to it. Chlorine is toxic to fish, and waiting for the water to be at room temperature gives you time to allow the chlorine to dissipate. Buy fish tank thermometers to keep an eye on water temperature, as this is critical in fishkeeping. Newly filled aquariums are normally murky. To provide clear water for your fish, give them a modest amount of food in the first two weeks.

Contrary to popular belief, fish don't need live plants for oxygen supply and carbon dioxide release. This doesn't make plants less important, though. If you wish for a more natural setting for your fish, a well-planted aquarium is a good playground for the fish. In terms of aesthetics, it doesn't really matter much if you want to purchase plastic or live plants, rooted or not. However, live plants in good condition do keep the water from turning green.

Plants are able to make their own food only when they are exposed to daylight. However, this will also increase the presence of algae in your aquarium. To avoid this, use artificial lighting instead. You will need to keep it on for eight (8) hours to give just the right amount of lighting for your fish and plants.

Plants provide oxygen and use carbon dioxide only during photosynthesis. This only occurs when there's sunlight. Since excessive sunlight encourages algae growth, it's better to use artificial lighting with a timer. Artificial lighting works just as well for fish as daylight. Leaving the light on for eight (8) hours is often enough.The types of plants you use will significantly affect the type of lighting your tank will require. Buy fish tank plants at aquarium shops and see which ones work best for you. Plants like fanwort and waterweed (or water thyme) need plenty of light, while arrowhead and floating fern don't need as much.

Fish keeping need not be an expensive hobby. If you want to start your own aquarium, study which elements you can use to reduce aquarium-related expenses. This way, you'll get to spend hours watching your aquarium without spending too much. - 32185

About the Author:

What You Should Know Before Purchasing an Neon Tetra

By Stephen J Broy

Neon tetras are officially classified to the family Characidae. To most of the world they are known as Characins. This family includes 776 species in 152 different genera. Neons are indigenous to Northwest and Central Brazil, including the Amazon River and its tributaries.

Neons are an all time favorite among freshwater aquarium owners. In any given mouth approximately 1.8 million neon tetras are exported to the US alone. Their petite size most certainly contributes to their appeal. They rarely exceed an inch and a quarter in length. You can keep an entire school of them in an aquarium no bigger than 5 gallons. They are the perfect choice for desktop nano tanks.

These dazzling little beauties will add brilliance and color to any aquarium. The iridescent blue horizontal stripe that runs just above their spines almost glows under aquarium lights. Just below the blue, a second bright red stripe runs from mid-body to the base of their tail. These radiant colors are transposed against a translucent body. Their fins are transparent. You can see right through them.



There is a slightly more colorful member of the tetra family. Neons and cardinal tetras look very similar in appearance. Put them in the same aquarium together and most people wouldn't be aware they are two different species. Both have metallic neon blue upper bodies and a brilliant red stripe in the center of their bodies. This stripe is found mid-body running to back the tail in neons. The stripe runs the entire length of a cardinal's body. Neons and cardinals are, in fact, so closely related that they will school together in an aquarium.

Neons are timid creatures. They should not be housed with more aggressive species. They are also very small as far as fish go. Don't house them with larger species unless you don't mind waking up with one less fish in your aquarium. You will also want to make sure provide them with plenty of hiding places. Lots of plants and rocks or aquarium decor will help them fell more secure in their new accommodations.

Neons are a shoaling species. Shoaling fish are meant to be raised as a community. They are not well suited to environment devoid of other members of their species. Social habits are an important factor to consider before buying any new species for your aquarium. Many shoaling species simply will not survive the adjustment to their new environment if they fish themselves suddenly deprived of other members of their species.

There is yet another factor to consider when deciding whether these fish are right for your particular aquarium. Tetras are notorious fin nippers. The more neons you have together, the higher the likelihood that this will become a problem. Long, flowing fins like those found on a betta fish or a fancy tailed guppies will most likely prove to be a taste treat to tempting to pass up.

Neons are one of the easiest fish to take care of. They are a robust species. These omnivores will fare well on common fish flakes. Their diet can be further supplemented with a variety of frozen or freeze-dried products formulated for omnivores. The average life expectancy of a neon tetra in the wild is 10 years. They will commonly live in excess of five years in an aquarium.

The aquarium trade is a relatively young industry. Goldfish were virtually unknown in the United States until their public debut at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893. After the conclusion of WWII, massive fleets of transportation and cargo vessels were now free to pursue commercial interests. Neon tetras were one of the very first tropical species to be introduced to the burgeoning fish hobby industry. They are very much responsible for helping to transform this hobby into the global enterprise it is today. Part of this globalization included the development of commercial fish hatcheries. The vast majority of neon tetras sold in the world are raised to support this industry rather that caught in the wild. - 32185

About the Author:

A Schedule For Your Child's Fish Tank Maintenance

By Leonard Boyler

Fish are great starter pets for kids. They do not need a great deal of attention or special care, like a dog might. They are quiet, reliable pets. Though the fish themselves require minimal care, there is much aquarium maintenance that one needs to think about. If a fish is the first pet your child ever has, teach them proper care. It is a good foundation for taking further responsibility with more complicated pets later on.

Bigger aquariums tend to be much better than smaller. Though it is tempting to save money by buying the traditional bowl, the water will almost always be more easily contaminated. Bigger tanks can firstly support different filtration systems. Secondly, bigger tanks have more water, which means that if there is a slight impurity in the water, it will be less problem to the fish than being in a smaller bowl. More water means more dilution for imperfections.

Larger tanks also mean you can have more fish. While you may want to start your child out slowly and make sure they can tend to a single fish, the death of a single fish may be overlooked by the child and the other fish if it is just one among several. Also, the difference between one fish and ten is small because the start-up costs are almost always for the tank, not for the fish.

A normal ecological environment can never be reached in a tank, but it is important for the longevity of your fish's life that you try. You will want as much normal activity and genetic diversity in a tank as possible while still making sure that the fish will not eat each other.

Tank maintenance depends on several factors. The leading factor is what kind of fish you have: salt or fresh water. Fresh water fish tend to be less exotic and may lower the costs of your equipment. Salt water can be a great and rewarding challenge, but may not be a good option for kids just starting out. It is just one more factor you have to check and maintain.

The specific components of the system should be discussed with a professional at the pet store. They can help you fit the tank to your budget and your fish. There are a few things to do regardless of what type of system you have. Clean up any large messes, but most importantly you need to change out a third of the water and put in new about every two weeks. If you use EcoBio-Block products, you can reduce this part of your maintenance to once a month or less. EcoBio-Block contains beneficial bacteria that create a healthy environment for your fish. These bacteria which are found in nature, break down toxic organic waste into safer by-products, clarify your water and eliminate odors. All you have to do is put the block in the water and wait for the bacteria to build up in the tank. Just be sure to monitor your ammonia and nitrite levels on a regular basis.

The gravel should be vacuumed occasionally, removing large pieces of organic waste. (This job will also be reduced with the use of the EcoBio-Block). You should check the filters every couple of weeks to look for any clogs (if they are left too long, you will definitely notice a dirty tank and probably some dead fish). You can also test the water for pH levels occasionally, or more often if they seem stressed and you can't find any other possible reason.

Filter inserts should be automatically changed every month, even if you think they look fine. On a daily basis you should just watch life in the tank. Fish can bully or abuse others, or eat more than their share of food. You should count the fish to make sure one has not died and you may need to separate fish if there is an unhappy relationship. - 32185

About the Author:

Angelfish Information

By Jenna Williams

Community Tank Opinions are wide a varied regardingthe compatibility of angelfish with other fish. As a general rule angelfish are compatible with gouramis, platies, tetras, danio, loaches, plecostomus, mollies and swordtails. In addition, the volume of the fish tank can establish how well your fish get along. A congested aquarium will stress fish and cause them to be more aggressive.

Diseases in Angelfish The familiar wise saying an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure is without doubt true when is comes to keeping angelfish. The main component is superior water quality Ammonia is a common killer of angelfish. Ammonia build up in water occurs from lack of sufficient water changes as well as over crowding. The simple act of regular water changes will prevent this from taking place and keep your angelfish happy and at ease.

Common diseases in angelfish are fin rot, mouth rot, cotton wool disease, ick, dropsy,worms, hole in the head disease and constipation. Every one are treatable but again the best means to deal with diseases in to keep outstanding water quality all the time and curtail stress on your angelfish. You will be rewarded with vibrant, strong, contented and stunning angelfish that survive a long time.

Angelfish Breeding Angelfish Breeding is not overly complicated and can be a truly amazing experience. A fish hobbyist's success in breeding angelfish can depend on many variables, including the fish themselves. A lot of captive angelfish have been so inbred that they have lost much of their rearing instincts. The result is often angelfish will eat their fry.

A normal angelfish spawn can produce anywhere from 400 to 1200 eggs. Fertilized eggs should hatch in approximately 6 to 7 days, but the growth of the fry can be observed from about day 3 on. Young fry can eat live brine shrimp once the yolk sack is gone.

There are a number of variables that must be weighed when trying to breed angelfish not limited to aquarium size, water temperature, water condition, environment and lighting. Fortunately, if one wants immediate success in angelfish breeding there are several excellent resources available to the fish hobbyist to ensure the success of his/her angelfish breeding. - 32185

About the Author:

FX5 - The Future of Aquarium Filtration

By Trevor J Rockberry

An aquarium is as good as its filter and it is a well known fact by all aquarium enthusiasts. You will reap many advantages in the long run if you have a premium and an efficient filter like the FX5 canister filter in the Fluval range. You don't have to clean your aquarium every now and then and the water remains free of chemicals and other products which are typically found in tap water. Also, your fish will highly benefit because they will stay healthy until they are too old. For their quality and efficiency, FX5 aquarium filters by Hagen are well known and highly recommended. Their superior features and ease of use these filters have also been applauded by many users.

Always Gets the Job Done

Do you have an aquarium? Are you sick and tired of all the work required to keep the water clean and your fish healthy? The Fluval FX5 filter can help you reduce your aquarium workload by filtering out microscopic impurities which are not visible to the naked eye, thereby keeping your fish swimmingly healthy. Not only do they take away the stress in that way, these high-volume multistage aquarium filters are easy to install and maintain and will keep your aquarium clean and healthy for years to come!

The functioning of an ideal aquarium filter must not only be able to simply filter mechanical contaminants but also handle biological and chemical contaminants. The FX5 clears all types of mechanical, chemical and biological debris from your aquarium as it is a three in one aquarium filtration system. It helps in getting rid of contaminants like the high ammonia content from your aquarium with all the other chemical substances which might lead to the build up of impurities which could kill your aquarium fish.

Capable of Just About Anything

These canister filters are quite compact as far as their design and structure is concerned. This helps them to fit easily into most aquariums. The hi tech electronic circuit board monitors and maintains the performance of the filter and ensures an out put which is not just powerful but also utilizes the energy efficiently and economically. These canister filters are quite convenient, all you need to do is to install them and plug in and start. Unlike the other filters, there is no requirement for any kind of manual siphoning.

Other Interesting Facts

The twin output nozzles in the FX5 are designed to circulate and filter the water throughout the entire aquarium. A valve drain in the filter allows the elimination of waste without anyone having to open the lid or even move the unit. The entire unit, including the pipes, are held in place by the rim connector, and the entire system is compact, easy to install and energy efficient. It utilizes the ultimate in technological innovation, and the filters come with a three-year warranty. Furthermore, these aquarium canister filters come complete with all the features anyone could ever want in an aquarium. Just install this technological marvel, sit back, and relax as you watch your fish swimming happily by. The FX5 is highly energy efficient and will not disappoint anyone who owns it. - 32185

About the Author:

What You Should Know Before Purchasing an Angelfish

By Stephen J Broy

Angelfish are cataloged in one of the largest families of vertebrates known to science. The family Cichlidae is comprised of over 1,300 scientifically classified species in 220 assorted genera. Previously undiscovered species are being classified to this family every year. It is highly possible that there may be as many as 3,000 species that fall within the scientific classification of this family. The family Cichlidae, more commonly known as cichlids, includes oscars, discus and tilapias. Many sources will tell you that angelfish are indigenous to the Amazon River. While this is true, this species can also be found in both the Orinoco River and Essequibo River basins. Substantial populations of this species exist throughout Guyana, Venezuela, and Columbia as well as Brazil.

Angels are hypnotically exotic creatures. Angelfish are the number one variety among freshwater aquarium keepers worldwide. Their distinctive triangular profile unquestionably facilitated their unparalleled popularity. Angelfish are sold in a variety of patterns and colors, from unembellished to banded, veined, black, golden, or Koi. They are without a doubt the most commonly found fish in department stores and pet shops. These fish are exceptionally reasonably priced. Angels are also the easiest species to care for.

While angels will not grow anywhere near the size of an oscar or a discus, they are not a small species. You should be aware that the angelfish on display in pet stores are generally quite young. They usually reach six inches in diameter upon maturity. They can be maintained in a rather small aquarium as juveniles. A fully grown angel, however, should not be housed in tank under 10 gallons in size. A 20 gallon fish tank is advisable.

Angelfish make great additions to any freshwater community tank. They are not timid enough to allow themselves to be bullied, but they won't pick on other fish in the tank. Angels have a docile character. However, just as any other species, they will see smaller tank mates as a food source. They should not be housed with species small enough for them to consume. Remember this when selecting their potential tank mates. You will also want to avoid housing them with known fin nippers. Species such as barbs and tetras will instinctively nibble on fish of the long finned variety, even if the fish is larger than them. You never want to house a betta or an angelfish with a species that has a reputation as a fin nipper. Information on the habits of various freshwater species can be easily researched on the internet. Any reputable pet shop can also provide you with information on what species to and do not mix well together.

Angelfish are omnivores. Their diet should be comprised of both plant and animal matter. You will want to make sure to choose a fish food that is formulated for omnivores as their main staple. A good quality flake food is all you will need to keep your angelfish fit and full of vigor. Many fish keepers prefer to provide a variety of dietary supplements in addition to the main staple. Although this is not mandatory, it is recommended. You might want to ask yourself; would you want to eat the exact same thing for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day of your life? A varied diet will help to guarantee optimum health. Crushed seaweed sheets make a great dietary supplement for omnivores. High protein supplements like brine shrimp, tubifex and bloodworms make ideal dietary supplements. Frozen and freeze dried preparations are readily available and are a cost effective alternative to live food.

These fish are endemic to the Amazon River system. They are accustomed to water on the acidic side of the pH scale. A pH factor of 6.8 with temperatures between 72-86 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal environment. If maintained properly angelfish have an average life expectancy of 10 years.

In the realm of parenting, freshwater fish can be divided into two specific categories. There are those fish that will abandon their unborn eggs or even consume them in complete disregard for nature's mandate to prorogate the species. Then there are the fish that express varying amounts of brooding instinct. All cichlids fall in the second category. Angelfish are what is known as open brooders. Open brooders lay there eggs out in the open as opposed to hiding them from potential predation by cleaning a flat surface like a rock or piece of wood to lay their eggs on. A common trait among brooders is that they will guard over their unborn offspring until they hatch. Normally the male stands guard over his future offspring while the female becomes the eggs' caregiver. Once they are hatched, both parents will take an active role in tending their offspring. - 32185

About the Author:

A Review of a Brilliant Aquarium Filtration System

By Trevor J Rockberry

How long fish live in the aquarium depends mainly on the aquarium's filter system. If it is effective, then it will continually clean every bit of dirt and debris in it and will maintain its great shape to make sure the fish are healthy along with your aquarium. In contrast, if it's not a good filter, eventually the pores will clog, the tank will stink, and the fish will slowly die. Thus, it is vital to purchase durable aquarium filters such as the Eheim filter. The majority of global customers trust the Eheim range for perfect aquarium filters when it comes to the well-being of their fish and aquariums.

Amazing Features and A Trusted Name

Eheim is an established and trusted name in the aquarium filtration and accessory manufacturing industry. Their filter range of aquarium filters do not just assist in cleaning the water in aquariums, it keeps cleaning it thoroughly through layer filtration which maintains a high level of hygiene in the water. This filter, once installed correctly, ensures a tidy and healthy aquarium which keeps your fish and other aquarium pets alive and thriving. Mechanical filtration is the basic mode of filtration in a filter by Eheim and it was designed to make water flow through the ceramic section of the filter which was made to settle the dust particles at the bottom. The water is then passed through many layers of filtration afterward to ensure that it is totally cleaned, recycled, and free of any type of contaminants. These aquarium filters can be used over and over again after it is cleaned and washed properly.

Eheim canister filters are small and efficient which makes them extremely compact. This, along with the fact that they are long lasting, is one of its main advantages. They can be found in various styles and types, and one can definitely be found to fit your aquarium. Though they are very good to have, however, they are a bit expensive. Some of the older models don't have self-priming and this could be a major drawback. The desired filter should be researched before purchase for this reason.

Superb Filtration Systems

Eheim canister filters are available in four different types that can be used for different kinds of aquariums. The filters that have a cylindrical design function as mechanical and chemical filters. Filters that can serve as chemical, biological and mechanical filters have a square design. If biological filtration is required, then wet and dry filter series fit the bill since they come with a dry and wet filter that helps in filtering all the biological contaminants. These filters also come with thermal filters and incorporated heaters. People who have a salt-water aquarium can go for a marine thermo model since all the other models only cater to fresh water aquariums.

Nowadays, the newest town hot topic is Eheim aquarium filters because they include a patent pending technology with a multipurpose handle. They're simple to set up while the procedure for filtering has the ability to take care of 3 impurity types: mechanical, biological, and chemical. This makes it simpler to maintain its cleanliness and to manage as well. - 32185

About the Author:

Things To Think About When Buying An Aquarium

By Dustin Williams

There are a few things to consider when you are buying tropical fish tanks. First you have to decide if you want saltwater or freshwater fish. Saltwater fish are a little harder to care for and require more to set up the tank. For this reason, freshwater tropical fish are usually recommended for beginners. Saltwater tanks can take weeks to get ready for fish while a freshwater tank can be fish ready within 24 hours.

Another main concern when buying tropical fish tanks is location. Location is almost as important as deciding the type of fish. There are a lot of rules when it comes to placing an aquarium. For example: Aquariums can't be placed in direct sunlight because that can overheat the water and kill your fish. The tank can't be placed somewhere that has extreme temperature changes, such as in a unfinished basement or unheated garage.

The perfect location would be somewhere out of the immediate walkway, with a level floor and easy access to an electrical outlet. It also needs to be accessible to you for cleaning and redecorating purposes. The reason you want tropical fish tanks in a slightly out of the way area is because of their size. Even a 20 gallon tank can be quite heavy when filled with water, gravel, plants and fish. Being on a level floor helps keep the weight of the water from putting stress on some seals more than others, preventing leaks. Tropical tanks need an electrical outlet mainly for their heater, but most tanks come with a lighted cover that also needs to be plugged in.

Once you have all the information you can get from your house, its time to go to the store and actually pick your tank. There are a few things to keep in mind when picking out tropical fish tanks at the store too. Your main concerns at the store will be shape, size and material of the aquarium.

First the shape. The longer and wider a tank is the larger the surface area of water, which is how oxygen gets into the water for your fish to breath. The size of your aquarium matters too. The larger a tank is, the easier to care for the fish but keep in mind where you want to put it when you get home. Finally material of the aquarium. Most aquariums are made out of glass or acrylic. Glass is easier to care for and therefore recommended for beginners. - 32185

About the Author:

There's A Lot Of Work Involved With Getting A New Aquarium

By Leonard Boyler

Through the reading of this article, I hope you can obtain some helpful information about how to start a new aquarium. You are also likely to learn, through the process, that is is quite an incredible undertaking to get the ball rolling on a project like this. So the best thing for you to do is to plan for the process, and that can begin by understanding the most important aspects and sorting through them now rather than later.

As stated earlier, taking on this project will require a good bit of work and dedication. It also requires a good deal of decision making on your end before any of it can come to fruition. It might all logically begin with deciding what you would like your aquarium to look like, as this well help you choose from some of the many options and features available for you.

So, as was said you have to determine what kind of life you hope to support through the aquarium's use. There are two main types of creatures: freshwater and saltwater. You cannot usually mix the two because you cannot have both fresh and saltwater in the same aquarium. These animals cannot survive outside their required elements. This will affect what other creatures you can choose for your aquarium.

Along with the same decision making process, when you have decided what type of creature you are looking to support, you have to actually choose among several varieties. This is another big decision because you cannot allow certain creatures to be with other creatures because they cannot co-exist. Certain creatures fight with one another, and there is nothing you will be able to do about this. So it really pays to do the research about which specimens exist best together.

Next you will have to decide the size of the aquarium that you are trying to get. This will help you decide what type of life it can support, or vice versa. You might have to adjust your aquarium to support a creature that you would like to have. When you have made this decision, you have to learn the proper ratio of flooring elements to water so that your fish or creatures can remain healthy and happy.

Setting up the aquarium should not be very difficult, as most of these models will come with easy to read and understand instructions. Basically, the trickiest part will involve the installation and use of the filter. But after you have water flowing through this you are in business. Typically you are asked to run the water through the filter and circulate the water for 24 hours or more before use by aquatic life.

You should also invest in items like the Eco Bio-Block, which will improve the quality of life and water within your aquarium for two years or better. This will help the water be clearer for the pets that you have, as well as make the quality of the water better for the pets to live in as well. So it is well worth the investment if you care about the animals you have obtained.

So you can understand that starting a new aquarium is a large task that requires a good deal of decision making and preparation. Granted, it is meant to be fun, so don't get too stressed out about it. - 32185

About the Author:

A Simple Guide To Aquarium Filtration Choices

By Dustin Williams

An aquarium can add beauty and interest to a room and collecting sea life for it is often a fascinating hobby. However, it is important to understand some basics in order to create a healthy environment for fish. One of the most important decisions is which Aquarium Filtration system will be used.

Filters remove toxins and chemicals from the water. They can also be decorative and help create an attractive effect. An ideal system will provide biological, chemical, and mechanical filtering. There are several types of systems to choose from, depending on individual needs.

Aquarium filtration systems come in three basic types. Each has its benefits, and all of them do a good job. Canister filters hang outside the tank, They can clean the tank for long periods of time without maintenance and are a good choice for people with little time to clean tanks. Power filters also hang outside of the aquarium, do an effective ob of filtering, and are less expensive than canister filters. This has made them very popular. Another option is undergravel filtration, which is also an attractive choice. The system can be combined with colorful gravel to create a beautiful effect.

Your choice of filters also depends on future plans for expansion and what type of fish will live in the aquarium. You may not need a powerful canister filter for your first small tank but it still might be wise to buy an Aquarium Filtration system which will support any size setup. This would allow you to increase your tank size in the future without replacing the filtering system. It is also a good idea to consider the type of fish which will be living in the aquarium. For instance, if you plan to have baby fish, you might not want to use a power system, since these can suck small fish into them. A canister filter would be a better choice, although it is more expensive.. If you prefer the decorative undergravel system but want to make sure you are getting the best filtration, a powerhead can be added to the setup.

Whatever size or type of aquarium you choose, there is an Aquarium Filtration system which will fit your budget and ensure a long, healthy life for your fish. - 32185

About the Author:

Time To Clean The Aquarium

By Roshelle Krung

So, you have an aquarium that's in want of a smart spring cleaning, but you don't know precisely how to travel regarding it? Ought to you merely scrap the mess and begin over? Should you are attempting cleaning is without emptying it 1st? The answer is that tearing it down and completely starting over can remove the bacterial colonies created in the aquarium that are helpful to serving to eliminate wastes. Unless the tank is extraordinarily terrible, starting over should not be your 1st option; it ought to be a last resort.

You may would like to own an algae scraper or pad, a razor blade (plastic for an acrylic tank), some bleach, a water siphon, a bucket, some lime remover and glass cleaner created specifically for aquariums, a filter media and a filter brush, some recent bath towels and paper towels. You ought to start with the glass, move to the decorations such as rocks and plants and then clean the gravel. You should then move on to the skin of the glass and also the fixtures and finish by cleaning or replacing the filter.

Give the glass a radical cleaning on the inside using the algae pad. You'll notice a massive choice of scrapers and pads for algae; from a scrubber with an extended handle to magnetic scrubs. The small magnetic scrubs are a private favorite, but just regarding any algae pad can do the job. You must purchase the algae pads at a pet store as opposed to purchasing one from the house wares department of your local store. They appear simply regarding the same, but the house wares pads can contain harmful chemicals or soap that could be lethal to fish. If the algae is extremely stubborn you may would like to scrape it with the razor blade or plastic blade.

Once you have got completely cleaned the glass, take away the decorations, artificial plants and rocks that have a significant build-of algae on them. Do not use detergents or soaps when cleaning them. Though you may suppose you've fully removed the soap, there might and most most likely would still be some residue. You can scrub them with the algae scrubber or scrape them clean, but for very tough issues you'll be able to use a ten% answer of bleach. Soak them for regarding 15 minutes and then scrub off the remaining residue. Rinse them well in running water and allow them to dry fully. Build positive the bucket you use has never held any type of detergent or soap. Vacuum the gravel whereas the opposite decorations are out of the tank.

Use a water siphon to vacuum away any debris within the gravel. You can choose from a selection of siphons and all of them work in terribly abundant the same manner. If you wish to eliminate the requirement for a bucket, attempt the Python. There also are adapters that will allow you to filter the siphoned water back to the tank.

Take care when using glass and lime cleaners as they'll contain ammonia that is toxic to the fish. A normal lime cleaner is even worse. Use vinegar whenever attainable or cleaners that are specifically designed for aquarium cleaning. Always rinse completely and leave nothing to chance.

If you would like to clean the filter, you need to wait a couple of weeks to do it. From the cleaning you already completed you have disturbed the helpful algae and bacteria colonies on the decorations, gravel and plants. You haven't fully destroyed the eco system because the filter can still contain a number of these helpful bacteria. Simply enable the filter to run for two weeks to restore the balance. Then you'll clean it. If the filter is older than three weeks, replace it. - 32185

About the Author:

How to Decorate Your Fish Tank

By Benjamin Coombes

Your tank should be decorated, your fish need places to hide in places to rest. Mainly though you will find a decorated fish tank much more pleasing to view.

When setting up a fish tank, the first thing that you should do is put gravel on the bottom. You can get your Gravel from your local dealer. Remember that most fish will look better in fish tanks with a darker or neutral gravel. A good rule of thumb for the amount of gravel that you should put in your fish tank is about 5 pounds for every one half square foot of surface area. You can mix your gravel's for an interesting effect, but remember after all your plants and other decorations going into your fish tank, you may not even see your gravel.

The choice is yours for deciding on what to put as the background of your fish tank. Anything that can be taped to the back, like mirrored backgrounds, or printed scenes purchased at your favorite pet store.

A large rock to make a great centerpiece for your fish tank. Rocks are great as standalone decorations. Or you can use them to build ledges and terraces.

Whether live or plastic, plants provide hiding places, shade, breeding spots, territories, and beauty.

Decorative driftwood, can be found in pet stores and are suitable for your aquarium. While collecting rocks driftwood and other items to placing your fish tank can be enjoyable and unique. Be careful, you never know whether you've cleaned out all the substances that can pose a danger to your fish.

You can get ornaments for the bottom of your tank like no fishing signs, and frogs, and turtles. Even items that move like air driven treasure chests, sunken ships, and divers.

Finally your fish will be more comfortable and more pleasing to view the decorated fish tank backgrounds are attractive and hide cords. Plants rocks and gravel should bring out the colors of your fish. Take the time and enjoy setting up your fish tank. - 32185

About the Author:

Shark Dives In Hawaii

By Morten Elm

Shark diving in Hawaii is among the best in the world. So if you are planning to visit Hawaii, you can go on a trip and meet sharks. Something you will never forget.

The Hawaiian island chain is made up of 132 islands, with the two islands Maui and Oahu having the best places for a shark scuba dive. Hawaii is located 2400 miles from the nearest continent, which creates a unique underwater environment.

The water around Hawaii is home for about 40 different shark species. The most common are Reef Whitetip Sharks, Sandbar Sharks and Scalloped Hammerhead Shark. In rare occasions it is also possible to encounter Tigers Sharks and even Whale Sharks.

The amazing cobalt blue water has a visibility approximately 200 feet, which makes it some of the best in the whole world. Diving in Hawaii is very special.

An always popular adrenalin-pumping activity is shark cage diving. Hawaii is a great place for this kind of diving (or swimming is probably a better word for this non-scuba diver activity).

Oahu is the place for this shark cage activity. You and up to three other persons are placed in a floating cage. From here you can look the sharks in the eyes from a very short distance.

So if you have never tried a shark cage dive, you should try it, if you are on vacation in Oahu. You cannot know when you get the chance again.

Another place to dive is Maui. The place is considered to be one of the top dive destinations in the world. The island offers a range of diving opportunities including reef dives and dives near volcanic craters.

But the most exciting encounter is certainly the amazing (and very huge) Whale Shark. You cannot expect to see them on every dive trip, because they are pretty rare. But if you are lucky, you can see them when you are diving or snorkeling.

If you do not want to take the risk not to see any sharks, you can instead take a dive in the 750,000 gallon fish tanks in the Maui Ocean Center aquarium. Here you can see 20 sharks, a lot of stingrays and thousands of colorful, tropical reef fish.

So if you want to dive with sharks in an aquarium or in the ocean, Maui or Oahu is the places to go. - 32185

About the Author:

Tropical Fish Tank Set Up For Newbies

By James Conley

This will be a beginners guide to setting up a tropical fish tank. You will need to take your time and make sure not to add fish to the tank right away as this could kill your fish. You must understand that it takes a little time for the water to fully cycle so your fish can live a long time and stay healthy.

You will first need to find out what kind of fish that you want to keep in the tank. This will help you decide how big of an aquarium that you will need. Do some research, especially look into how big the fish will grow, you do not want your fish to outgrow the fish tank.

The items that you will need to set up a fish tank are the aquarium, filter pump, heat pump. Optional items that you should get also are gravel, thermometer, lamp, decorations, and a back up filter pump in case the main one goes bad.

Find a space in your home that you want to set up the fish tank at. This should be somewhere that is not in the way and make sure you are happy with the spot because moving a tank can be a pain once you have fish in it.

Next fill the tank up with water to the top, do not worry about putting any conditioner in the water yet as we are only testing to see if the tank has any leaks. Let the water sit in the tank overnight, and in the morning check around the tank for any signs of water, once you are sure there are no leaks you can empty the tank.

When you are waiting to find out if your aquarium had any leaks or not you can start pre-treating gallons of tap water in jugs with water conditioner. One thing I do to speed up the process is add bacteria supplement to the water also, to get the perfect mixture ratio make sure to pay attention to the instructions on the bottle of water conditioner.

Next you can start setting up the interior of the tank with decorations and gravel while the tank is still empty. It is very critical that you was anything that you put into the tank very well, even if it is brand new. There will still be dust and dirt on the gravel so make sure that it is rinsed with water before putting it into your aquarium.

Now add the premixed water into the tank, and turn on your filter pump or pumps, heat pumps, and overhead light if you have one. Let the tank cycle for at least a week before adding any fish, as it takes a tank time to complete a full cycle.

Once it has been a week and the water is cycled you can add a few starter fish to get the ecosystem of the aquarium started. Do not attempt to add any more fish to the aquarium for at least 4 weeks, the longer you wait the better off your fish will be. - 32185

About the Author:

Tips For Algae Control In Your Pond Or Aquarium

By Roland Stockwell

Figuring out how to stop algae from growing in an aquarium or ornamental pond can be tricky but there are many algae control steps that you can take that also include using special algae control products. There are many different forms of algae and the best way to eliminate them is to take away their source of food and nutrient.

You can streamline your system to minimize any algae growth as this will help even more when using a product. Light is required for most, but not all, algae to grow. To cut back on this algae growth you should limit the amount of time your aquarium is in direct sunlight. If you use an artificial light source then it should not be on for more than 12 hours a day.

It is possible to keep the nutrient levels in the water low by frequently changing the water or regularly filtering it. There are many types of filtering substances you can use such as adsorption resins, deionised water and reverse osmosis. These systems will eliminate nitrates, phosphate sand silicates from the water. You can also stock your pond or aquarium with fish that will specifically eat the algae for food.

There are four different types of algae that can be issues; these include blue-green algae, brown algae, red or brush algae and green algae. Brown algae will probably be the first algae you will have to deal with and this algae does not need light to grow.

If your water has a high pH then red algae can be a problem and this algae is particularly difficult to clean manually.

If you have a pond then you should invest in a good pump system as this will keep the water clean and in constant motion. Also any products you use should be natural and non toxic to the fish and other plant life in the water. - 32185

About the Author:

Review of a Premium Quality Aquarium Filter

By Trevor J Rockberry

If you are looking for a better filtration system for your home aquarium, then the Fluval 405 aquarium filter gives you excellent filtration for an aquarium holding up to 400 liters, or 100 gallons. External multi-stage filtration makes the system easy to clean and maintain, which is why the Fluval is so popular among many home aquarium owners. Fluval has put a lot of effort into designing all of their filtration systems into optimizing maintenance, use of space, and filtration power just so you can get everything you need.

The Features

Features like the instant priming and the Aqua-Stop feature that allows you to stop water flow without disconnecting hoses, makes it quick and trouble-free to maintain. There's no need for manual siphoning with the self-priming feature and there's no mess or leaks when you are cleaning and maintaining the 405. Since the chemical and biological media are in separate compartments, you can just change what you need to, instead of the entire media because it might not be needed at the same time.

Professionally Approved

UL approved with a 3 year guarantee, this aquarium filtration system works off 120 volt household current at 60 Hz and filters 225 gallons per hour while using just 22 watts. Keeping the cover secure for safe and consistent operation is the lift-lock clamp. When it is time to clean the filter, this lid is easy to open and lift off although it is tightly fitted. This filtration system is easy to set up in a matter of seconds straight from the box and includes an updated intake strainer, pre-packed media and a number of pre-assembled parts.

Convenience and Value

The filter is small enough to easily fit into many spaces as its measurements are at 8.75" x 6" x 16.75". This enables the filter to use up the entire canister space so that the water flow would increase, providing better efficiency and optimal filtration that other aquarium filters fail to offer. Due to the smooth and quiet operation of the 405, your home aquarium will be turned into a relaxing distraction instead of a noisy and annoying one. Costing at around a few hundred dollars, the Fluval filters come with four media baskets which contain carbon bags, suction cups and biological media. Also available with it are two foam blocks, an instruction manual and DVD, and an intake and outlet tubing. In the Fluval filters line of products, this filter comes in the middle just after the less expensive models and just before the Fluval FX-5.

In Conclusion

Most people who own an aquarium will agree that cleaning the filtration system is a dreaded chore and keeping their aquariums clean with canister filters that have just enough power has been a reported problem for many. However, the 405 filters addresses all of those complaints and optimizes increased water flow for better filtering as well as easy cleaning and maintenance. The Fluval 405 is extremely affordable for just about anyone and it is very easy and convenient to use. If you want an aquarium filtration system for your home aquarium then this is one you should definitely check out. - 32185

About the Author:

Sign Up for our Free Newsletter

Enter email address here