By David E. Edwards
We love small water gardens in a big way and whilst designing water gardens for small containers we find the greatest pleasure. We have learned over the years that even the smallest of containers can be turned into water gardens to be proud of. It certainly makes a pleasant change from the large water gardens that we are used to designing for our clients.
Small water gardens allow you to get up close and personal with the foliage of the aquatic plants, their flowers and the tiny inhabitants that nature just loves to supply. they are tremendously easy to install and if it doesn't come up to scratch the first time it is far easier to dismantle a small water garden and rebuild it more to your liking.
Small water gardens normally consist of a collection of submerged, potted pond plants so redesigning is as simple as moving the pots around into differing positions. You will also find that the plants themselves are very difficult to kill and even easier to maintain. For us, small-container water gardens have been an endless source of inspiration. And once you've mastered a small container, think what you can do in a big water garden.
Anything that can hold water can contain a water garden with the first step being to choose a suitable container. Even pots with holes do not pose a problem as they can be filled with silicone sealant or an appropriate cork. We find that the widely sold half barrels are the best containers for small water gardens, However, the small problem of wine or vinegar seeping into the water must be remedied first. A small pond liner or plastic container will suffice.
If using clay or porous ceramic vessels then we suggest using a suitable waterproof resin to seal the walls. We normally add two coats and is ready for your small water gardens to be planted within 24 hours.
Use pond plants that have contrasting shapes to create appealing compositions. Small water gardens cupped in a container or basin is a thing of miniature beauty. The reflections are always a pleasant presence in any garden, but dressing it up with plants only adds to the dynamic. this is why we use plants that contrast both in height, width and colours to complete the display.
A few small floating plants such as water lettuce or water hyacinth also help the smaller water garden by filtering out harmful nitrates that tend to turn the water green if not kept in check. We also tend to add a small pond pump to keep the water fresh and vibrant.
The first mistake learner water gardeners make is jamming too many plants into their small water gardens. Though a half barrel-sized container easily accommodates up to four plants potted in pots and a host of floating plants, there is no need to use that many. An overcrowded container often results in designs that are chaotic. Keep it simple.especially when you're starting out, it's easiest to make pleasing small water gardens with only two or three plants. As you gain experience, you can progress to more complicated compositions using greater numbers and varieties of plants.
David 'Goldie' Edwards is managing director of an Aquatics Supply company based in the UK. His Pond Supplies webpage gives clients the opportunity to further enhance their Aquatic knowledge and skills
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Purchasing Freshwater Tropical Fish
By Jackie Robinson
So you�re at the pet shop choosing your new freshwater tropical fish, you�ve found the ones you�d like, and are ready to purchase. Before buying, check that the shop you are planning to buy from look after their fish properly. Tropical fish get very stressed when they are moved around, and this makes them susceptible to disease, so any reputable shop will quarantine new fish for a couple of weeks after they receive delivery. I personally always like to check that the dealer has quarantine tanks set aside for this purpose, and if they don�t, do ask what their policy is regarding new fish.
Secondly, check the conditions inside the fish tanks. If they look dirty and uncared for, or you see a few dead fish around the place, I would recommend not buying from this shop, the chances are that the fish you buy from them will not live long.
If you are happy with the shop you are at, watch carefully the fish that are caught for you. You want to have healthy specimens, and this you can usually see at a glance. The top fin should be standing tall, and the fish should have a good shape, i.e. nicely rounded underneath, not concave. Check also that it swims straight and streamlined. If you are looking to breed your fish, check that you know what sex the fish is, if possible. In livebearers, which are the easiest to breed, it is usually obvious by the dorsal fin, but egg-layers are not often easy, and sometimes, depending on the species, they can be impossible to tell apart.
At this point the shop with almost certainly put the freshwater tropical fish in plastic bags that they will tie up tight with as much air as possible left inside the bag. To ensure you give your fish as little stress as possible, it is advisable to put the plastic bag inside a thick paper bag, to keep the tropical fish in the dark as much as possible.
Now, get the fish home as gently and as quickly as you can, and float the plastic bags on top of the aquarium for twenty minutes or so. This will allow the fish to calm down, and the water temperature in the bag to match the temperature in the aquarium. After the twenty minutes is up, cut open the bag and release the fish, with as little of the dirt from the water, as possible. If you have a brand new aquarium you can release your fish straight in to it, otherwise I would recommend using a small quarantine tank for a few days just so you can protect the rest of your tropical fish.
Jackie Robinson is a keen hobbyist, and has kept freshwater tropical fish for over 20 years. Find out more information on Tropical Fish
So you�re at the pet shop choosing your new freshwater tropical fish, you�ve found the ones you�d like, and are ready to purchase. Before buying, check that the shop you are planning to buy from look after their fish properly. Tropical fish get very stressed when they are moved around, and this makes them susceptible to disease, so any reputable shop will quarantine new fish for a couple of weeks after they receive delivery. I personally always like to check that the dealer has quarantine tanks set aside for this purpose, and if they don�t, do ask what their policy is regarding new fish.
Secondly, check the conditions inside the fish tanks. If they look dirty and uncared for, or you see a few dead fish around the place, I would recommend not buying from this shop, the chances are that the fish you buy from them will not live long.
If you are happy with the shop you are at, watch carefully the fish that are caught for you. You want to have healthy specimens, and this you can usually see at a glance. The top fin should be standing tall, and the fish should have a good shape, i.e. nicely rounded underneath, not concave. Check also that it swims straight and streamlined. If you are looking to breed your fish, check that you know what sex the fish is, if possible. In livebearers, which are the easiest to breed, it is usually obvious by the dorsal fin, but egg-layers are not often easy, and sometimes, depending on the species, they can be impossible to tell apart.
At this point the shop with almost certainly put the freshwater tropical fish in plastic bags that they will tie up tight with as much air as possible left inside the bag. To ensure you give your fish as little stress as possible, it is advisable to put the plastic bag inside a thick paper bag, to keep the tropical fish in the dark as much as possible.
Now, get the fish home as gently and as quickly as you can, and float the plastic bags on top of the aquarium for twenty minutes or so. This will allow the fish to calm down, and the water temperature in the bag to match the temperature in the aquarium. After the twenty minutes is up, cut open the bag and release the fish, with as little of the dirt from the water, as possible. If you have a brand new aquarium you can release your fish straight in to it, otherwise I would recommend using a small quarantine tank for a few days just so you can protect the rest of your tropical fish.
Jackie Robinson is a keen hobbyist, and has kept freshwater tropical fish for over 20 years. Find out more information on Tropical Fish
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Discus Fish Ideal Fish Tank Conditions For Discus Fish
By Adrian Whittle
Many people that keep amateur fish tanks have come to love the cichlid varieties of fish. They are noted for their huge variety that display interesting and complex behaviors that are fascinating to watch. They are also noted for their beautiful markings and colors. One such species is the ever popular discus fish. This article will describe the typical nature of the discus fish and the ideal conditions and habitat for a discus fish tank.
Discus fish hail from the black water tributaries of the Amazon. The vegetation and substrate in these waters has a high level of humic acid that causes the water to be soft or have an acidic Ph level. The Ph level should be around 5.5 to 6.5 for Discus fish. The water temperatures range from around 26 degrees Celsius to 31 degrees Celsius. The water is generally slow moving.
Discus fish require very good water quality or they are likely to become stressed otherwise. Some people use Reverse Osmosis (R.O) water to get the quality right but as R.O. water is virtually distilled water it is not advised to use it without adding essential minerals and salts that all freshwater fish need. There are supplements that can be added to R.O. Water that will do this. Water should be changed regularly too.
The typical habitat of Discus fish is gentle water movement, a variety of plants and a diverse aqua scape of rocks, caves and bogwood. They prefer to live in a large tank.
Discus fish are generally placid fish but become very protective during breeding and nurturing of fry. It is sometimes a good idea to remove other fish during this time or partition them off.
They will eat most things from flake to live foods.
Discuss fish are some of the most beautiful cichlids you can keep however it can be a challenge to maintain the water quality to their liking. Soft water is often more difficult to maintain than hard water and discus fish are quite sensitive to this. This puts more responsibility on you to know how to maintain the fish tank and keep a regular schedule of maintenance.
Starting a fish tank ? Find all the products you need at http://www.fishtank-supplies.com . The site has features on all types of equipment you need for tropical fish tanks, including fish tank heaters and getting the best fish tank lights . Adrian Whittle writes about keeping both tropical and saltwater fish.
Many people that keep amateur fish tanks have come to love the cichlid varieties of fish. They are noted for their huge variety that display interesting and complex behaviors that are fascinating to watch. They are also noted for their beautiful markings and colors. One such species is the ever popular discus fish. This article will describe the typical nature of the discus fish and the ideal conditions and habitat for a discus fish tank.
Discus fish hail from the black water tributaries of the Amazon. The vegetation and substrate in these waters has a high level of humic acid that causes the water to be soft or have an acidic Ph level. The Ph level should be around 5.5 to 6.5 for Discus fish. The water temperatures range from around 26 degrees Celsius to 31 degrees Celsius. The water is generally slow moving.
Discus fish require very good water quality or they are likely to become stressed otherwise. Some people use Reverse Osmosis (R.O) water to get the quality right but as R.O. water is virtually distilled water it is not advised to use it without adding essential minerals and salts that all freshwater fish need. There are supplements that can be added to R.O. Water that will do this. Water should be changed regularly too.
The typical habitat of Discus fish is gentle water movement, a variety of plants and a diverse aqua scape of rocks, caves and bogwood. They prefer to live in a large tank.
Discus fish are generally placid fish but become very protective during breeding and nurturing of fry. It is sometimes a good idea to remove other fish during this time or partition them off.
They will eat most things from flake to live foods.
Discuss fish are some of the most beautiful cichlids you can keep however it can be a challenge to maintain the water quality to their liking. Soft water is often more difficult to maintain than hard water and discus fish are quite sensitive to this. This puts more responsibility on you to know how to maintain the fish tank and keep a regular schedule of maintenance.
Starting a fish tank ? Find all the products you need at http://www.fishtank-supplies.com . The site has features on all types of equipment you need for tropical fish tanks, including fish tank heaters and getting the best fish tank lights . Adrian Whittle writes about keeping both tropical and saltwater fish.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Local Aquarium Stores for Information and Advice
By Carl Strohmeyer
I have read many blogs, forum posts (including Yahoo answers), and infomerial articles that trash local fish (pet) stores as a source of Aquarium information and help. This in my opinion is unfair as there are many dedicated stores and employees who love the hobby and really want to see the best for your aquarium (or pond). Even stores such as PetsMart or PetsCo which are often noted for poor quality advice often will have an employee who really knows his or hers �stuff� (although these good employees will often not stay long). This said, if you have recieved good service and advice, your local aquarium store is worth supporting over the large chains (especially Walmart)
One should ask around when seeking a good store, get to know the owners and/or the employees. Also keep in mind that everyone makes mistakes and just because you may have gotten one bad fish or some bad advice does not mean you should right off that particular store.
You want to look for a store that is open minded and not dogmatic on everything they say, always open to new ideas. Also be careful of stores that may push only one manufacturer�s line of product rather than carrying the best of all manufacturers. This of coarse does not prove a bad store either as they may have purchasing restrictions or other factors that go into this. However I have personally tried to resist purchasing an entire manufacturers line just to get better discounts (many companies from Hagen to Tetra offer these discounts either direct or through distributors such as Central Garden and Pet). I mentioned Hagen and Tetra as two expamples of companies that make some good products (more so Hagen), but also some 'dogs' too.
I personally have never tried to be everything to everyone in my previous LFS and Aquarium Maintenance company or my current Online Aquarium Products store, I have always tried to sell what I personally use and believe in and have often suggested DIY filters, lighting and similar. In my Aquarium information and help article I often make many suggestions such as for marine applications of products or methods of I have nothing to sell. There are many good LFS that are just the same and will honestly tell you when they cannot help your and send you in the right direction to those who can.
Many larger metropolitan areas have many good stores to choose from, while unfortunately many smaller communities (such as Grants Pass where I now live) often may have just one or two stores and in my community they are both very poor Aquarium stores with poor advice and out of date low quality supplies. Back in the San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles County (where I was in business for 28 years) there are more choices (such as Pasadena Tropical Fish). I am sure many other larger communities are the same and maybe some smaller ones where the �old boy network� is not quite so strong have excellent Aquarium Stores as well.
For my full article and more, please visit this link: Fish as Pets
By Carl Strohmeyer
http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com
I have read many blogs, forum posts (including Yahoo answers), and infomerial articles that trash local fish (pet) stores as a source of Aquarium information and help. This in my opinion is unfair as there are many dedicated stores and employees who love the hobby and really want to see the best for your aquarium (or pond). Even stores such as PetsMart or PetsCo which are often noted for poor quality advice often will have an employee who really knows his or hers �stuff� (although these good employees will often not stay long). This said, if you have recieved good service and advice, your local aquarium store is worth supporting over the large chains (especially Walmart)
One should ask around when seeking a good store, get to know the owners and/or the employees. Also keep in mind that everyone makes mistakes and just because you may have gotten one bad fish or some bad advice does not mean you should right off that particular store.
You want to look for a store that is open minded and not dogmatic on everything they say, always open to new ideas. Also be careful of stores that may push only one manufacturer�s line of product rather than carrying the best of all manufacturers. This of coarse does not prove a bad store either as they may have purchasing restrictions or other factors that go into this. However I have personally tried to resist purchasing an entire manufacturers line just to get better discounts (many companies from Hagen to Tetra offer these discounts either direct or through distributors such as Central Garden and Pet). I mentioned Hagen and Tetra as two expamples of companies that make some good products (more so Hagen), but also some 'dogs' too.
I personally have never tried to be everything to everyone in my previous LFS and Aquarium Maintenance company or my current Online Aquarium Products store, I have always tried to sell what I personally use and believe in and have often suggested DIY filters, lighting and similar. In my Aquarium information and help article I often make many suggestions such as for marine applications of products or methods of I have nothing to sell. There are many good LFS that are just the same and will honestly tell you when they cannot help your and send you in the right direction to those who can.
Many larger metropolitan areas have many good stores to choose from, while unfortunately many smaller communities (such as Grants Pass where I now live) often may have just one or two stores and in my community they are both very poor Aquarium stores with poor advice and out of date low quality supplies. Back in the San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles County (where I was in business for 28 years) there are more choices (such as Pasadena Tropical Fish). I am sure many other larger communities are the same and maybe some smaller ones where the �old boy network� is not quite so strong have excellent Aquarium Stores as well.
For my full article and more, please visit this link: Fish as Pets
By Carl Strohmeyer
http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Best Aquarium Gravel For Soft Water
By Adrian Whittle
Aquarium gravel can play an important role in maintaining the habitat that is your fish tank. It can be used as part of the filtration system, as a nutrient rich substrate for plants or to change the properties in the water. In most cases however it is there purely for decorative reasons. People like to see a gravel bottom because it makes the tank look better and often offsets the colors of the fish. It also provides the fish with more things to do which makes better viewing for the Aquarist and his/her friends.
The type of gravel you want in your fish tank is also determined by the type of animal and plant life that you want in your tank. If you are looking for gravel for soft water this is generally because you have fish that are suited to soft water. Common fish include South American Cichlids like Discus and Angel fish. You may also want to have plants in you tank to recreate the natural environment of these fish. Then the gravel must be rich in nutrients and be firm enough to allow roots to take hold.
The gravel commonly used for this purpose is titled lime free gravel. Lime or calcium carbonate is the principle component that causes hard water. If you were to put gravel that was composed of calcium carbonate in then the water it would turn the water alkaline over time and could cause stress or ill health to your fish.
Lime free gravel is usually quartz or man made. Quartz gravel is ideal for plants as it collects nutrients and allows roots to take hold. You can also layer the substrate so that the base is lime free material and the top levels are more nutrient rich to encourage plant growth. Another consideration if you have bottom dwelling fish is to have smooth edged gravel so that the fish don't get damaged.
Starting a fish tank ? Find all the products you need at http://www.fishtank-supplies.com . The site has features on finding the best fish tank gravel for your aquarium. Adrian Whittle writes about keeping both fresh and saltwater aquariums including fish tank stands , heaters and filters.
Aquarium gravel can play an important role in maintaining the habitat that is your fish tank. It can be used as part of the filtration system, as a nutrient rich substrate for plants or to change the properties in the water. In most cases however it is there purely for decorative reasons. People like to see a gravel bottom because it makes the tank look better and often offsets the colors of the fish. It also provides the fish with more things to do which makes better viewing for the Aquarist and his/her friends.
The type of gravel you want in your fish tank is also determined by the type of animal and plant life that you want in your tank. If you are looking for gravel for soft water this is generally because you have fish that are suited to soft water. Common fish include South American Cichlids like Discus and Angel fish. You may also want to have plants in you tank to recreate the natural environment of these fish. Then the gravel must be rich in nutrients and be firm enough to allow roots to take hold.
The gravel commonly used for this purpose is titled lime free gravel. Lime or calcium carbonate is the principle component that causes hard water. If you were to put gravel that was composed of calcium carbonate in then the water it would turn the water alkaline over time and could cause stress or ill health to your fish.
Lime free gravel is usually quartz or man made. Quartz gravel is ideal for plants as it collects nutrients and allows roots to take hold. You can also layer the substrate so that the base is lime free material and the top levels are more nutrient rich to encourage plant growth. Another consideration if you have bottom dwelling fish is to have smooth edged gravel so that the fish don't get damaged.
Starting a fish tank ? Find all the products you need at http://www.fishtank-supplies.com . The site has features on finding the best fish tank gravel for your aquarium. Adrian Whittle writes about keeping both fresh and saltwater aquariums including fish tank stands , heaters and filters.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Aquarium Peat Filtration - Do You Need A Peat Filtration System?
By Adrian Whittle
Filtration systems within a fish tank are needed to keep the water condition at a quality that sustains the life of aquatic plants and animals. A fish tank is a closed environment and without the filtration systems the tanks inhabitants would become sick and ultimately die. Filtration performs 3 cleaning functions. It removes visible waste and debris from decaying plants to chips of driftwood. It circulates and aerates the water. It removes any toxic substances or chemicals. This article will briefly discuss the other two types of filtration that go on in a fish tank and then concentrate on chemical filtration of which aquarium peat filtration is a variety.
Mechanical Filtration
Mechanical filtration of a fish tank is mainly to make the tank look clean to the viewer of the fish tank. Fish don't mind if debris is floating round, and some quite like it. But the owner of the fish tank wants the tank to look spotless so he/she can show it off to his/her friends. Mechanical filtration is simply a device much like a sieve that strains the water of the tank so as to remove any debris.
Biological Filtration
Biological filtration removes any waste products, like fish food or excrement, that could make the tank uninhabitable by breaking them down into less toxic substances. Biological filtration is the nitrogen cycle in action. To create biological filtration you need to add media that promote the growth of bacteria colonies that convert ammonia into nitrates. Sponge, sintered glass and ceramic material are good for bacterial growth.
Chemical Filtration
Chemical Filtration is concerned with altering the properties of the water. This primarily means the hardness or softness of the water but can also mean changing the amount of chlorine or other chemicals in the water. Fish prefer soft or hard water based on their indigenous environments. East African lakes generally have hard water so fish from these regions prefer alkaline water. Popular fish like the Discus,Angel fish and surface dwelling catfish prefer softer water.
So you often change the properties of the water based on the type of fish you are keeping.
Peat contains tannic acid which acts as an ion exchanger to soften water. Calcium and Magnesium are the principle chemicals present in hard water. Through ion exchange these chemicals are exchanged for Hydrogen and Sodium.
Thus peat filtration systems will soften the water. They will also color the water and will lose their effectiveness over time.
Aquarium peat filtration is used to change the water quality from hard to soft water. This is useful if you want to keep fish that are more accustomed to this type of water, notably South American cichlids.
Find all the equipment and advice you need to set up your own fish tank at http://www.fishtank-supplies.com . You will get useful tips on selecting the right fish tank filter and other equipment for your aquarium. Adrian Whittle writes about keeping both fresh and saltwater fish and gives advice on selecting fish tank pumps and heaters.
Filtration systems within a fish tank are needed to keep the water condition at a quality that sustains the life of aquatic plants and animals. A fish tank is a closed environment and without the filtration systems the tanks inhabitants would become sick and ultimately die. Filtration performs 3 cleaning functions. It removes visible waste and debris from decaying plants to chips of driftwood. It circulates and aerates the water. It removes any toxic substances or chemicals. This article will briefly discuss the other two types of filtration that go on in a fish tank and then concentrate on chemical filtration of which aquarium peat filtration is a variety.
Mechanical Filtration
Mechanical filtration of a fish tank is mainly to make the tank look clean to the viewer of the fish tank. Fish don't mind if debris is floating round, and some quite like it. But the owner of the fish tank wants the tank to look spotless so he/she can show it off to his/her friends. Mechanical filtration is simply a device much like a sieve that strains the water of the tank so as to remove any debris.
Biological Filtration
Biological filtration removes any waste products, like fish food or excrement, that could make the tank uninhabitable by breaking them down into less toxic substances. Biological filtration is the nitrogen cycle in action. To create biological filtration you need to add media that promote the growth of bacteria colonies that convert ammonia into nitrates. Sponge, sintered glass and ceramic material are good for bacterial growth.
Chemical Filtration
Chemical Filtration is concerned with altering the properties of the water. This primarily means the hardness or softness of the water but can also mean changing the amount of chlorine or other chemicals in the water. Fish prefer soft or hard water based on their indigenous environments. East African lakes generally have hard water so fish from these regions prefer alkaline water. Popular fish like the Discus,Angel fish and surface dwelling catfish prefer softer water.
So you often change the properties of the water based on the type of fish you are keeping.
Peat contains tannic acid which acts as an ion exchanger to soften water. Calcium and Magnesium are the principle chemicals present in hard water. Through ion exchange these chemicals are exchanged for Hydrogen and Sodium.
Thus peat filtration systems will soften the water. They will also color the water and will lose their effectiveness over time.
Aquarium peat filtration is used to change the water quality from hard to soft water. This is useful if you want to keep fish that are more accustomed to this type of water, notably South American cichlids.
Find all the equipment and advice you need to set up your own fish tank at http://www.fishtank-supplies.com . You will get useful tips on selecting the right fish tank filter and other equipment for your aquarium. Adrian Whittle writes about keeping both fresh and saltwater fish and gives advice on selecting fish tank pumps and heaters.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Getting Started with Freshwater Tropical Fish
By Jackie Robinson
Having a beautiful aquarium filled with freshwater tropical fish can be a real feature in any home, and if set up and maintained correctly, can give countless hours of pleasure for not too much time or effort.
The key is all in the planning � firstly, where will the aquarium live in your home? Once it is filled with water it�s not moving anywhere, so choosing the right place the first time is critical. It should be placed out of direct sunlight, and not in any draughts, which will disturb the water. Don�t forget also to have an electric supply handy nearby, so you can plug in the light, filter and heater that you will almost certainly need.
Secondly, what size aquarium should you buy? I would always recommend buying as large an aquarium as you can afford, both financially and space-wise. Keeping freshwater tropical fish is addictive, and you will never wish you had bought a smaller aquarium. Also, the larger the aquarium the easier it is to maintain optimum water quality, so it will save on maintenance as well. I would also recommend buying an aquarium, which is wider than it is tall, as the size of the water surface is also important for your tropical fish, so a tall, thin aquarium is far from ideal.
If you are planning on placing your new aquarium on a piece of furniture, do check it is strong enough to hold the weight of the aquarium and all the water, the last thing you want is your beautiful aquarium crashing to the floor with your precious tropical fish inside.
Once you have purchased your aquarium and found a good home for it, now is the time to put the filter, light and heater in place, and fill it with water and gravel in preparation for your freshwater tropical fish. Do not be in a hurry here, as tempting as it is to rush and get a huge assortment of fish as soon as possible. Plan the fish you would like to have in your aquarium before you start.
Would you like a species tank, where you have only one type of fish? This is usually because the fish you have chosen does not live happily with other breeds of fish. I would suggest that if this is your first aquarium you look at getting a community tank, where you get a variety of different fish, which live happily together. There are many types of community fish which are relatively easy to keep, and will look stunning together in an aquarium.
Some freshwater tropical fish like to spend most of their time near the surface of the water, some prefer the middle of the aquarium, and others are happiest down at the bottom, so it is advisable to get a mixture so you get a balanced aquarium. You must also ensure you do not over-fill your aquarium, putting too many fish in is a very easy thing to do, but is a sure way to lose some of your fish. When calculating how many freshwater tropical fish your aquarium can hold, remember that when you buy them from the pet store they are young, and could well have a lot of growing to do.
Get this right, and you will get many years of pleasure from your freshwater tropical fish.
Jackie Robinson is a keen hobbyist, and has kept freshwater tropical fish for the last 20 years. Find out more information on Freshwater Tropical Fish at http://www.JustTropicalFish.com
Having a beautiful aquarium filled with freshwater tropical fish can be a real feature in any home, and if set up and maintained correctly, can give countless hours of pleasure for not too much time or effort.
The key is all in the planning � firstly, where will the aquarium live in your home? Once it is filled with water it�s not moving anywhere, so choosing the right place the first time is critical. It should be placed out of direct sunlight, and not in any draughts, which will disturb the water. Don�t forget also to have an electric supply handy nearby, so you can plug in the light, filter and heater that you will almost certainly need.
Secondly, what size aquarium should you buy? I would always recommend buying as large an aquarium as you can afford, both financially and space-wise. Keeping freshwater tropical fish is addictive, and you will never wish you had bought a smaller aquarium. Also, the larger the aquarium the easier it is to maintain optimum water quality, so it will save on maintenance as well. I would also recommend buying an aquarium, which is wider than it is tall, as the size of the water surface is also important for your tropical fish, so a tall, thin aquarium is far from ideal.
If you are planning on placing your new aquarium on a piece of furniture, do check it is strong enough to hold the weight of the aquarium and all the water, the last thing you want is your beautiful aquarium crashing to the floor with your precious tropical fish inside.
Once you have purchased your aquarium and found a good home for it, now is the time to put the filter, light and heater in place, and fill it with water and gravel in preparation for your freshwater tropical fish. Do not be in a hurry here, as tempting as it is to rush and get a huge assortment of fish as soon as possible. Plan the fish you would like to have in your aquarium before you start.
Would you like a species tank, where you have only one type of fish? This is usually because the fish you have chosen does not live happily with other breeds of fish. I would suggest that if this is your first aquarium you look at getting a community tank, where you get a variety of different fish, which live happily together. There are many types of community fish which are relatively easy to keep, and will look stunning together in an aquarium.
Some freshwater tropical fish like to spend most of their time near the surface of the water, some prefer the middle of the aquarium, and others are happiest down at the bottom, so it is advisable to get a mixture so you get a balanced aquarium. You must also ensure you do not over-fill your aquarium, putting too many fish in is a very easy thing to do, but is a sure way to lose some of your fish. When calculating how many freshwater tropical fish your aquarium can hold, remember that when you buy them from the pet store they are young, and could well have a lot of growing to do.
Get this right, and you will get many years of pleasure from your freshwater tropical fish.
Jackie Robinson is a keen hobbyist, and has kept freshwater tropical fish for the last 20 years. Find out more information on Freshwater Tropical Fish at http://www.JustTropicalFish.com
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Filter to be Pure! Aquarium Filtration Units
By Thomas Bladecki
Most filters fall into three categories, namely mechanical, chemical or bacteriological filtration base. The aquarium supply scene is so diversified and a multitude of products available that it becomes a little confusing to make a quick choice without studying the competitive data. You must carefully prepare your "brief" and specify all your requirements before deciding on the type of filtration to be used.
What & Why of Aquarium Filtration Units
Fish and organisms cause pollution in the form of waste and if not removed would cause toxin development and consequent illness of the fish. The aquarium filtration units consolidate this waste and purify the water that recycles back into the fish tank. The assembly of a filter relies on filtration media that serves the purpose of removing chemicals, particles, and bacteria. Commonly filters are available as packaged units with mechanical and bacteriological media. Chemical filtration can be added to this. Nitrogen residues in the form of ammonia causes distress to fish and the bacteriological filtration unit remove this component very successfully.
Short description of Aquarium Filtration Units
There are four basic types that you can install in case you are assembling your own aquarium. These are:
* Internal Power type
* External Power type
* Powered filters
* Internal box type filters
Let us compare the features of each filter assembly.
1. Internal Power driven filters are in two parts. The main cylinder contains a bio foam compound and is attached under the submersible pump that drives the filter. This is a mechanical filtration system and is most common in aquarium filter units integrated with fish tanks. The filter unit first mechanically filters the water, removing sludge and solid waste etc and then the bio-filter cleans the water of all biological impurities. It is also possible to have an option of chemical filtration, if that is desired or necessary. As this is the most common type of filter almost all manufacturers can supply a suitably sized filtration system to the aquarium owner.
2. External filter unit are also widely available and give superior duty in comparison with the internal aquarium filtration units. Since these are not integrated into the fish tank the capacity and duty may be of a higher quality and obviously cost compared to the previous internal type. The control is better and one can incorporate additional accessories that enhance the filtration of the water for your aquarium.
3. Air driven under gravel filters was earlier used by aquarium owners when the power driven versions were still in its nascent stage. This is a kind of biological filter where the water is purified and kept in constant motion through the gravel bed and the aerobic bacteria produced breaks down the waste into less toxic products, thereby rendering a pseudo-filtration action. The assembly is electrically driven or can be attached also to a power pump. Easily available and of a lower cost, the under gravel type of aquarium filtration units offer an easy solution to keeping your aquarium clean and healthy.
4. Finally, air box filters driven by internal air are compact and fit alongside the aquarium fish tanks. They are made of plastics and contain suitable filtration media. The air box filters are no longer used in professional or commercial units where the previous three types are more popular. They can provide low cost easy installable aquarium filtration units that a newbie or small fish tank owners can easily use.
Article Source: Desert Coral Aquatics
Most filters fall into three categories, namely mechanical, chemical or bacteriological filtration base. The aquarium supply scene is so diversified and a multitude of products available that it becomes a little confusing to make a quick choice without studying the competitive data. You must carefully prepare your "brief" and specify all your requirements before deciding on the type of filtration to be used.
What & Why of Aquarium Filtration Units
Fish and organisms cause pollution in the form of waste and if not removed would cause toxin development and consequent illness of the fish. The aquarium filtration units consolidate this waste and purify the water that recycles back into the fish tank. The assembly of a filter relies on filtration media that serves the purpose of removing chemicals, particles, and bacteria. Commonly filters are available as packaged units with mechanical and bacteriological media. Chemical filtration can be added to this. Nitrogen residues in the form of ammonia causes distress to fish and the bacteriological filtration unit remove this component very successfully.
Short description of Aquarium Filtration Units
There are four basic types that you can install in case you are assembling your own aquarium. These are:
* Internal Power type
* External Power type
* Powered filters
* Internal box type filters
Let us compare the features of each filter assembly.
1. Internal Power driven filters are in two parts. The main cylinder contains a bio foam compound and is attached under the submersible pump that drives the filter. This is a mechanical filtration system and is most common in aquarium filter units integrated with fish tanks. The filter unit first mechanically filters the water, removing sludge and solid waste etc and then the bio-filter cleans the water of all biological impurities. It is also possible to have an option of chemical filtration, if that is desired or necessary. As this is the most common type of filter almost all manufacturers can supply a suitably sized filtration system to the aquarium owner.
2. External filter unit are also widely available and give superior duty in comparison with the internal aquarium filtration units. Since these are not integrated into the fish tank the capacity and duty may be of a higher quality and obviously cost compared to the previous internal type. The control is better and one can incorporate additional accessories that enhance the filtration of the water for your aquarium.
3. Air driven under gravel filters was earlier used by aquarium owners when the power driven versions were still in its nascent stage. This is a kind of biological filter where the water is purified and kept in constant motion through the gravel bed and the aerobic bacteria produced breaks down the waste into less toxic products, thereby rendering a pseudo-filtration action. The assembly is electrically driven or can be attached also to a power pump. Easily available and of a lower cost, the under gravel type of aquarium filtration units offer an easy solution to keeping your aquarium clean and healthy.
4. Finally, air box filters driven by internal air are compact and fit alongside the aquarium fish tanks. They are made of plastics and contain suitable filtration media. The air box filters are no longer used in professional or commercial units where the previous three types are more popular. They can provide low cost easy installable aquarium filtration units that a newbie or small fish tank owners can easily use.
Article Source: Desert Coral Aquatics
What to Consider with Owning Aquarium Fish and Discount Aquarium Tanks
By Stuart Brown
Owning an aquarium is one of the most wonderful things that you can do. When you watch the glint of beautifully coloured fish swimming around, it is both relaxing and re-assuring that you have chosen the right hobby. And this is especially true, when you are dealing with tropical fish, which can be some of the most beautiful, you will ever see. Of course, owning an aquarium isn't just about looking at beauty. As both you and I know. There's also a lot of work involved in it. And one of the most expensive aspects of the hobby is buying an aquarium tank. Unfortunately, discount aquarium tanks do not grow on trees! So if you are going to find a good bargain on one then you will need to shop around extensively. In this article I'm going to discuss various aspects of owning aquarium fish, and some thoughts about researching fish tanks.
The first thing that you need to decide is how big you want to go with your aquarium. Or, more accurately, where you want to stop! Because literally you can go from a goldfish bowl right up to a massive 400 gallon plus salt water tank. And which one you go for will be dependent on several factors. Firstly, how big is your budget? If you only have 20 bucks to spend, then your choice has already been made! Get the goldfish bowl, start out small and grow from there. But more likely, if you're reading this article, then you have already been involved in owning fish for probably quite some time, and so are considering the next step up. You may already own a small aquarium, are looking to upgrade to a larger one, or perhaps you are looking to change styles of fish, or try out more exotic fish, that require a different care environment or a larger tank.
A key ingredient to consider is that the larger the tank, the more work you will have to do. You will have to measure the water pH, sort out water filters, check that the fish that you wish to put in the tank are compatible with one another, and check to make sure that none of the fish have any existing diseases or problems. There are also dietary concerns, both in terms of what you feed the fish, and also that the fish do not feed on each other!
The main place to start if you are looking to buy a discount aquarium is the pet shop. You will often find that many pet shop owners also have a great deal of interest in fish breeding. This is because fish tend to take up very little space in a shop, but can also be sold for large amounts of money, so many small pet shops, are able to stock large amounts of fish, and the owners will often be very knowledgeable. Make sure that you pick their brains about the best places to buy tanks, and what you should be looking for. It is in their interest to help you, because you will need to put fish in those tanks!
Other places to look are in the public library, where you will be able to research for the differences between the different fish breeds, and the type of tank and aquarium setup that you require. You will also find that many of the books in the library will have illustrated guides as to these, as well as guidelines as to any extra equipment you may need such as oxygenation filters, decoration etc.
For more information about aquariums, fish tanks and fish keeping visit any of the links below. And, most importantly, enjoy your fish.
For the very latest information about blue freshwater aquarium fish and other aquarist resources. Visit http://www.ChampsNews.info where you can also learn more about Aquarium Tank Accessories
Owning an aquarium is one of the most wonderful things that you can do. When you watch the glint of beautifully coloured fish swimming around, it is both relaxing and re-assuring that you have chosen the right hobby. And this is especially true, when you are dealing with tropical fish, which can be some of the most beautiful, you will ever see. Of course, owning an aquarium isn't just about looking at beauty. As both you and I know. There's also a lot of work involved in it. And one of the most expensive aspects of the hobby is buying an aquarium tank. Unfortunately, discount aquarium tanks do not grow on trees! So if you are going to find a good bargain on one then you will need to shop around extensively. In this article I'm going to discuss various aspects of owning aquarium fish, and some thoughts about researching fish tanks.
The first thing that you need to decide is how big you want to go with your aquarium. Or, more accurately, where you want to stop! Because literally you can go from a goldfish bowl right up to a massive 400 gallon plus salt water tank. And which one you go for will be dependent on several factors. Firstly, how big is your budget? If you only have 20 bucks to spend, then your choice has already been made! Get the goldfish bowl, start out small and grow from there. But more likely, if you're reading this article, then you have already been involved in owning fish for probably quite some time, and so are considering the next step up. You may already own a small aquarium, are looking to upgrade to a larger one, or perhaps you are looking to change styles of fish, or try out more exotic fish, that require a different care environment or a larger tank.
A key ingredient to consider is that the larger the tank, the more work you will have to do. You will have to measure the water pH, sort out water filters, check that the fish that you wish to put in the tank are compatible with one another, and check to make sure that none of the fish have any existing diseases or problems. There are also dietary concerns, both in terms of what you feed the fish, and also that the fish do not feed on each other!
The main place to start if you are looking to buy a discount aquarium is the pet shop. You will often find that many pet shop owners also have a great deal of interest in fish breeding. This is because fish tend to take up very little space in a shop, but can also be sold for large amounts of money, so many small pet shops, are able to stock large amounts of fish, and the owners will often be very knowledgeable. Make sure that you pick their brains about the best places to buy tanks, and what you should be looking for. It is in their interest to help you, because you will need to put fish in those tanks!
Other places to look are in the public library, where you will be able to research for the differences between the different fish breeds, and the type of tank and aquarium setup that you require. You will also find that many of the books in the library will have illustrated guides as to these, as well as guidelines as to any extra equipment you may need such as oxygenation filters, decoration etc.
For more information about aquariums, fish tanks and fish keeping visit any of the links below. And, most importantly, enjoy your fish.
For the very latest information about blue freshwater aquarium fish and other aquarist resources. Visit http://www.ChampsNews.info where you can also learn more about Aquarium Tank Accessories
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