By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dane_J_Stanton]Dane J Stanton
When is comes to keeping your goldfish outdoors, there are a few things you need to know about keeping the outside environment clean and sanitary for your fish. If you are planning to keep your goldfish outdoors, then you've made a good decision as most goldfish have the potential to grow larger and live for longer in a pond environment.
Just because you keep your goldfish outdoors, doesn�t mean that you can just leave them there and forget about them! You will have to feed and care for them just as you would do if they were in an aquarium inside your house. Here�s what you have to do:
Keeping A Healthy Environment
- Firstly make sure you check on a weekly basis the pond water's pH, ammonia and nitrite levels. Try to keep the pH as close to 7 as possible.
- Tank or pond, you will need to change the water. Make sure that you do a partial water change of your pond every month. Remove 20% of the water on a monthly basis so that the goldfish get a supply of fresh water. It's best to use a water siphon to suck out the residue on the bottom of the pond. This will help to remove bad bacteria that breed on the bottom of the pond which sometimes can have a lethal effect on your goldfish.
- Make sure that there are plenty of freshwater plants so that your goldfish have the opportunity to shield themselves from birds but mostly from the sun, which has the potential to cause damage to your goldfish's exterior. They also act as natural filters, helping to remove bad bacteria. Goldfish tend to live well with cannas, water lettuce, nymphaeas, sedges, and water lilies in the pond.
- Beware of overfeeding! If your pool has a lot of plants, you might not need to feed the goldfish at all. Avoid overfeeding; as you will not only endanger your fish, but you could also pollute the pond with the uneaten morsels.
- Make sure that the water temperature does not rise above 75 degrees F.
Is it good to keep other fish in the pond with goldfish?
Koi are another popular choice of fish to house in with Goldfish, but their needs are far different. Koi tend to eat a lot more that most breeds of goldfish, therefore you may find a lot of the plants to add to the pond could be consumed within a short period of time. Koi also need a pond much deeper than goldfish.
If you want to learn more about keeping your goldfish healthy, including tips on [http://www.secretsofgoldfish.com]goldfish breeding, feeding and much more than [http://www.secretsofgoldfish.com]www.SecretsofGoldfish.com is the place to go!
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Buying Live Aquarium Fish Online
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Ayers]Andrew Ayers
You�ve got many choices when purchasing live aquarium fish online these days. Traditionally, saltwater aquarists would head into their local fish stores hoping to find something new and exotic. Location and transportation prohibited those who lived far from the coast from enjoying the incredible diversity of saltwater fish the ocean holds. But now, with overnight shipping and improved collection methods, hobbyists everywhere can enjoy live aquarium fish in their homes.
Buying saltwater fish online is very similar to buying them at a local fish store, however there are a few things you should know in order to ensure your buying experience is a good one. Below are some tips for making your purchase.
First, most online retailers have the physical space and the buying power to offer many marine fish that you might have ever heard of or had experience with. Be sure to take your time viewing their sites and research the information they provide about the fish they sell. Remember that even though they�re an online retailer, you can call them and ask questions. Be sure to ask about the fish�s behavior, its eating habits, and its current health. Most retailers will be happy to help you.
Second, remember that shipping is expensive so try to maximize your order. Buying a few extra fish now may be less expensive than a separate order later, provided you�re able to safely house them now. Also, larger fish typically mean larger or multiple boxes which can increase costs.
Finally, make sure you�re prepared to receive the fish on your end. Just because they�ve arrived safely doesn�t mean the journey�s over. Be sure to properly acclimate them and ensure your home aquarium will provide the type of environment they�re accustomed to. Provided you follow these simple tips, you should have a great experience buying live aquarium fish online!
Andrew Ayers is the owner of Aquarium Fish Live, a website designed to help hobbyists purchase saltwater and marine fish online. For more information, please visit http://www.aquariumfishlive.com
You�ve got many choices when purchasing live aquarium fish online these days. Traditionally, saltwater aquarists would head into their local fish stores hoping to find something new and exotic. Location and transportation prohibited those who lived far from the coast from enjoying the incredible diversity of saltwater fish the ocean holds. But now, with overnight shipping and improved collection methods, hobbyists everywhere can enjoy live aquarium fish in their homes.
Buying saltwater fish online is very similar to buying them at a local fish store, however there are a few things you should know in order to ensure your buying experience is a good one. Below are some tips for making your purchase.
First, most online retailers have the physical space and the buying power to offer many marine fish that you might have ever heard of or had experience with. Be sure to take your time viewing their sites and research the information they provide about the fish they sell. Remember that even though they�re an online retailer, you can call them and ask questions. Be sure to ask about the fish�s behavior, its eating habits, and its current health. Most retailers will be happy to help you.
Second, remember that shipping is expensive so try to maximize your order. Buying a few extra fish now may be less expensive than a separate order later, provided you�re able to safely house them now. Also, larger fish typically mean larger or multiple boxes which can increase costs.
Finally, make sure you�re prepared to receive the fish on your end. Just because they�ve arrived safely doesn�t mean the journey�s over. Be sure to properly acclimate them and ensure your home aquarium will provide the type of environment they�re accustomed to. Provided you follow these simple tips, you should have a great experience buying live aquarium fish online!
Andrew Ayers is the owner of Aquarium Fish Live, a website designed to help hobbyists purchase saltwater and marine fish online. For more information, please visit http://www.aquariumfishlive.com
Friday, July 27, 2007
Starting a Saltwater Aquarium
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Elliot_Lawson]Elliot Lawson
Starting up a saltwater tank can be an exciting hobby! One that can provide enjoyment for years and years. However, as with any major decision the first step is to slow down and learn everything you can about building a saltwater aquarium tank. If there is one hobby that requires some patience this is it!
When deciding on a saltwater tank you can choose one of three ways to design your tank. Your options are fish only, fish and live rock (aka reef keeping), or live rock only. If you decide to go with a fish only system try to buy equipment that could be used for live rock in case you decide to add it later.
There are a lot of great books on saltwater tanks and saltwater tropical fish for sale. If you are considering a setup with live rock I would recommend that you look for a newer book. I suggest this because the methods for caring for live rock and corals have been improved upon in recent years. Check out online book sellers as they usually have the best variety.
In regards to tank size you can start with something as small as a twenty gallon tank. It is important to point out that saltwater tanks and tropical fish are delicate and a smaller tank will require more frequent monitoring and can be more susceptible to changes in the environment. Most experts feel strongly that the minimum size should be at least fifty gallons if not larger.
Once you have an idea as to the size of your tank give careful thought to where it will be placed. One gallon of water weighs roughly nine pounds. Add some sand, live rock and combined with the weight of the tank your setup will easily exceed five hundred pounds or more. As a result be sure that there is adequate support under your tank. Also be sure that it is level. An unleveled tank can put additional pressure on joints and could cause leaking over time.
Other suggestions when deciding on tank placement include avoiding direct sunlight and placing it away from heating and cooling vents. These things can make the temperature in your tank fluctuate and cause unnecessary stress on your fish and live rock. Also, try to find a spot such a family room or entry way where everyone in your family will be able to enjoy your saltwater tank.
The next thing to consider is the equipment that you will use in your tank. If you are doing a fish only tank most saltwater enthusiasts would agree that at a minimum you should include a wet/dry trickle filter, a protein skimmer, a pump, heating equipment and lighting. If your setup will include live rock then eliminate the wet/dry filter as the live rock will help keep your system in balance.
It can be easy to spend a lot of money purchasing equipment. Make sure that what you plan to purchase will adequately service your tank. You should expect to spend at least five hundred dollars to get started. This figure is on the low end. Anyone that has been in this hobby for very long will tell you that the sky is the limit when is comes to the amount of money you could invest in your new hobby.
Also, don�t forget about the monthly expenses as well. You will be using more water when you clean your tank every month and when you are topping it off due to evaporation. You will also notice an increase in your electric bill since you will now be running lights, pumps, and heaters. You can expect at least a $10.00 rise in your monthly utility bills.
One idea to save some money when starting is to look in your local newspaper�s classified ads or the local ad bulletin for a good tank. You can also look for equipment but this is more of a gamble as you probably won�t know how old the equipment is or if it was well maintained.
So, do you think you are ready to add some saltwater and look for some fish for sale? Not so fast. In my next article I will discuss the need to cycle your tank.
The Author, Elliot Lawson, offers tips and advice about keeping saltwater fish. Please check out http://www.theguidetofun.com/Saltwater if you would like to learn more about setting up a saltwater aquarium and saltwater tropical fish.
Starting up a saltwater tank can be an exciting hobby! One that can provide enjoyment for years and years. However, as with any major decision the first step is to slow down and learn everything you can about building a saltwater aquarium tank. If there is one hobby that requires some patience this is it!
When deciding on a saltwater tank you can choose one of three ways to design your tank. Your options are fish only, fish and live rock (aka reef keeping), or live rock only. If you decide to go with a fish only system try to buy equipment that could be used for live rock in case you decide to add it later.
There are a lot of great books on saltwater tanks and saltwater tropical fish for sale. If you are considering a setup with live rock I would recommend that you look for a newer book. I suggest this because the methods for caring for live rock and corals have been improved upon in recent years. Check out online book sellers as they usually have the best variety.
In regards to tank size you can start with something as small as a twenty gallon tank. It is important to point out that saltwater tanks and tropical fish are delicate and a smaller tank will require more frequent monitoring and can be more susceptible to changes in the environment. Most experts feel strongly that the minimum size should be at least fifty gallons if not larger.
Once you have an idea as to the size of your tank give careful thought to where it will be placed. One gallon of water weighs roughly nine pounds. Add some sand, live rock and combined with the weight of the tank your setup will easily exceed five hundred pounds or more. As a result be sure that there is adequate support under your tank. Also be sure that it is level. An unleveled tank can put additional pressure on joints and could cause leaking over time.
Other suggestions when deciding on tank placement include avoiding direct sunlight and placing it away from heating and cooling vents. These things can make the temperature in your tank fluctuate and cause unnecessary stress on your fish and live rock. Also, try to find a spot such a family room or entry way where everyone in your family will be able to enjoy your saltwater tank.
The next thing to consider is the equipment that you will use in your tank. If you are doing a fish only tank most saltwater enthusiasts would agree that at a minimum you should include a wet/dry trickle filter, a protein skimmer, a pump, heating equipment and lighting. If your setup will include live rock then eliminate the wet/dry filter as the live rock will help keep your system in balance.
It can be easy to spend a lot of money purchasing equipment. Make sure that what you plan to purchase will adequately service your tank. You should expect to spend at least five hundred dollars to get started. This figure is on the low end. Anyone that has been in this hobby for very long will tell you that the sky is the limit when is comes to the amount of money you could invest in your new hobby.
Also, don�t forget about the monthly expenses as well. You will be using more water when you clean your tank every month and when you are topping it off due to evaporation. You will also notice an increase in your electric bill since you will now be running lights, pumps, and heaters. You can expect at least a $10.00 rise in your monthly utility bills.
One idea to save some money when starting is to look in your local newspaper�s classified ads or the local ad bulletin for a good tank. You can also look for equipment but this is more of a gamble as you probably won�t know how old the equipment is or if it was well maintained.
So, do you think you are ready to add some saltwater and look for some fish for sale? Not so fast. In my next article I will discuss the need to cycle your tank.
The Author, Elliot Lawson, offers tips and advice about keeping saltwater fish. Please check out http://www.theguidetofun.com/Saltwater if you would like to learn more about setting up a saltwater aquarium and saltwater tropical fish.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Paid Surveys - The Untold Truth Behind Every Paid Survey
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dane_J_Stanton]Dane J Stanton
When it comes to making money taking part in paid surveys, is there really a chance to make a considerable amount of money? I mean we hear stories of people making $1000 a month and more, but are they really legit? The truth is you probably won't make that much money, unless you do some of the following.
Getting Ahead Of The Rest
THE most important reason why some people are making all the money and others are struggling to make any, is because they always get in first! As soon as a paid survey crops up, they're in there filling out an application and guess what? They're usually the ones who get accepted! Yes many companies look only for people who have experience in certain areas, but the majority of them just take the first 500 or however many they need for the survey.
So what can you do to ensure you are one of these first people to apply for the latest paid surveys as soon as they come out? Well you can either spend every second of the day, searching the internet and refreshing pages, or you can do a couple of things that will save you a lot of time. After all the reason why people get into this business is because they don't have very much time!
Make Contact
Now before anything, have you got a list of the top paid survey sites, with contact information? If you are a member at a paid survey directory, they do this for you. Make sure you have a list of the sites that tend to provide the most surveys on a regular basis, so if you haven't do it now!
Second of all one of the things that a lot of people are doing, is consistently contacting these sites, asking them when their next survey is coming out etc. Also another tip is to ask them to email you when they do release a survey. The majority of these sites will just ignore you, but at least they know you're serious and in the end, that's what they after, people who are serious about filling out there surveys and who also have experience in completing some in the past.
Now a lot of people are already doing this, so they're probably going to start ignoring emails very shortly, so take advantage of it now before it's too late!
To learn more about [http://ezinearticles.com/?All-The-Secrets-They-Didnt-Tell-You-About-Online-Paid-Surveys&id=328553]paid surveys and review the top [http://www.paidsurveyinspector.com]paid survey sites visit [http://www.paidsurveyinspector.com] PaidSurveyInspector.com
When it comes to making money taking part in paid surveys, is there really a chance to make a considerable amount of money? I mean we hear stories of people making $1000 a month and more, but are they really legit? The truth is you probably won't make that much money, unless you do some of the following.
Getting Ahead Of The Rest
THE most important reason why some people are making all the money and others are struggling to make any, is because they always get in first! As soon as a paid survey crops up, they're in there filling out an application and guess what? They're usually the ones who get accepted! Yes many companies look only for people who have experience in certain areas, but the majority of them just take the first 500 or however many they need for the survey.
So what can you do to ensure you are one of these first people to apply for the latest paid surveys as soon as they come out? Well you can either spend every second of the day, searching the internet and refreshing pages, or you can do a couple of things that will save you a lot of time. After all the reason why people get into this business is because they don't have very much time!
Make Contact
Now before anything, have you got a list of the top paid survey sites, with contact information? If you are a member at a paid survey directory, they do this for you. Make sure you have a list of the sites that tend to provide the most surveys on a regular basis, so if you haven't do it now!
Second of all one of the things that a lot of people are doing, is consistently contacting these sites, asking them when their next survey is coming out etc. Also another tip is to ask them to email you when they do release a survey. The majority of these sites will just ignore you, but at least they know you're serious and in the end, that's what they after, people who are serious about filling out there surveys and who also have experience in completing some in the past.
Now a lot of people are already doing this, so they're probably going to start ignoring emails very shortly, so take advantage of it now before it's too late!
To learn more about [http://ezinearticles.com/?All-The-Secrets-They-Didnt-Tell-You-About-Online-Paid-Surveys&id=328553]paid surveys and review the top [http://www.paidsurveyinspector.com]paid survey sites visit [http://www.paidsurveyinspector.com] PaidSurveyInspector.com
Monday, July 23, 2007
Perfect Discus Fish Companions
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=K_Madsen]K Madsen
Speaking about adding other fish to a Discus fish tank, you'll find that there's nearly as many points of view on this subject, as there's discus fish keepers. There is, however, a few species that are commonly referred to as good mates for the Discus fish.
The idea of this article is not take part in the discussions - but to bring a few issues to your attention - and help you to do your own research.
First of all - a Discus Fish tank is just that! A Discus Fish tank! So what does this mean? It means that your focus must be on making sure that you keep your Discus Fish happy in terms of water temperature and water quality, and that you only add fish that will happily live under the same conditions.
Secondly, the Discus Fish is by nature quite shy, and they do NOT like bullies! You should never add bigger sized fish to your Discus Fish tank that will threaten their position as "Kings of the aquarium". Neither should you add aggressive types of fish to your Discus Fish tank.
Last, but definitely not least, Discus fish are slow eaters, so you'd make a mistake if you introduce fast eaters that will beat them to their food in their tank. Also - don't add fish that are normally gracious - but enter into a frenzy at feeding time.
Below is a list of species that by many Discus Fish Keepers are considered to be good mates:
Tetras (Cardinals, Red Nose, Lemon and Congo)
Clown Loach
Rams
Plecos (Bristle Nose and Clown)
Once again - should you decide to introduce other species to your Discus Fish tank - make sure you do your research thoroughly, and that you keep the conditions of your fish tank perfect for Discus Fish.
Find more advice, tips and valuable resources on how to keep Discus Fish at [http://www.squidoo.com/discusfishcare]Squidoo.com
Speaking about adding other fish to a Discus fish tank, you'll find that there's nearly as many points of view on this subject, as there's discus fish keepers. There is, however, a few species that are commonly referred to as good mates for the Discus fish.
The idea of this article is not take part in the discussions - but to bring a few issues to your attention - and help you to do your own research.
First of all - a Discus Fish tank is just that! A Discus Fish tank! So what does this mean? It means that your focus must be on making sure that you keep your Discus Fish happy in terms of water temperature and water quality, and that you only add fish that will happily live under the same conditions.
Secondly, the Discus Fish is by nature quite shy, and they do NOT like bullies! You should never add bigger sized fish to your Discus Fish tank that will threaten their position as "Kings of the aquarium". Neither should you add aggressive types of fish to your Discus Fish tank.
Last, but definitely not least, Discus fish are slow eaters, so you'd make a mistake if you introduce fast eaters that will beat them to their food in their tank. Also - don't add fish that are normally gracious - but enter into a frenzy at feeding time.
Below is a list of species that by many Discus Fish Keepers are considered to be good mates:
Tetras (Cardinals, Red Nose, Lemon and Congo)
Clown Loach
Rams
Plecos (Bristle Nose and Clown)
Once again - should you decide to introduce other species to your Discus Fish tank - make sure you do your research thoroughly, and that you keep the conditions of your fish tank perfect for Discus Fish.
Find more advice, tips and valuable resources on how to keep Discus Fish at [http://www.squidoo.com/discusfishcare]Squidoo.com
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Aquarium Decorations Creating Homes For Fishes
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tomy_Williams]Tomy Williams
Aquarium decorations are not only beautiful to look at they also have an important purpose. They provide fishes with homes---- hiding places and natural borders resembling their natural habitat. There are many different types of decorations, for instance Cave dwelling fishes love aquarium decorations that structure like caves, holes and crevices. Whereas Fishes that live in dense vegetation prefer plants and other types of tiny hiding places. Decorations are crucial for a happy and healthy aquarium they also keep fishes from getting bored.
Tanks: There are many variants of tanks big, small, quadrilateral or polygonal. The size of an aquarium should be according to the size and the number of fishs you plan to keep.
Also tanks come in a variety of tinted glasses.
Plants: They are the the most beautiful, inexpensive source of decoration for your aquariums. Fishes love the aquatic plants as they are part of their natural habitats. They come in all varieties, costing anywhere from a few bucks to hundreds. Plants are very useful as well; they bind carbon dioxide and oxygenate the water. They also use organic waste products as nutrition and remove potentially harmful compounds from the water. Plants can also be used to keep a check on the water quality of an aquarium; the plant will start dieing before the fish if the water suddenly becomes toxic.
Wood, Rock and Coral: An aquarium can be like a miniature true habitat for the fishes with these decorations. Drift wood and mangroves can create a beautiful effect in the aquarium, plus some fishes particularly thrive on Drift wood. But be careful as Drift wood might lower pH levels and the hardness of the water. So it is best used in aquariums with soft slightly acid water. Stones and rocks make excellent decorations. But again caution is needed; you should never use rocks that affect your water�s pH levels or stones that might contain toxins. There are also fake rocks that resemble real rocks, but these are pretty expensive. Rocks can be used to create caves which many fishes are passionate about. Coral are a beautiful addition to marine aquariums; in fact they may prove necessary for a healthy marine habitat. But can be dangerous to fresh water aquarium and should not be used as they be harmful.
Gravel or sand: Both are great both come in a variety of color. Gravel comes in white, brown and black, or blue, red, green, yellow the whole rainbow spectrum. Sand again also has a plethora of colors white, black, blue, yellow, red, green. Both of these can be layered in multiple colors.
Glass marbles, Ceramics, Plastic: Ok all are unnatural materials and might look slightly tacky, but fishes don�t give a fig for this, they enjoy them enormously. Glass marbles though are not a good bottom substrate out of a biologically as flora does not thrive on them, can add beautiful colors to the aquarium. It�s best to use them sparingly or add another more functional substrate below. Ceramics are excellent aquarium decorations. All sizes and shapes can be used as long as they do not have sharp edges. However ceramics tend to grow algae that might be hard to. Plastic they are cheap, colorful and yes tacky, but can be found in a variety of fun shapes. Treasure chests, skulls, divers, pirates, plants and ships you name it and stores have them.
It is imperative that you only use aquarium decorations that are safe to use in aquariums. If you have salt water aquariums they should be saltwater-safe also. If you don�t take this precaution your fish will die due to the organisms and toxins released by the decorations.
Decorations have both practical and aesthetical use if done tastefully and carefully you can create a miniature aquatic ecosystem that both you and your fish can enjoy.
Tony Williams has an expert in installing lighting and having a website http://www.hamiltontechnology.com for more information on aquarium lighting aquarium accessory, and saltwater aquarium lighting. Visit Site to know more about on metal halide aquarium lighting
Aquarium decorations are not only beautiful to look at they also have an important purpose. They provide fishes with homes---- hiding places and natural borders resembling their natural habitat. There are many different types of decorations, for instance Cave dwelling fishes love aquarium decorations that structure like caves, holes and crevices. Whereas Fishes that live in dense vegetation prefer plants and other types of tiny hiding places. Decorations are crucial for a happy and healthy aquarium they also keep fishes from getting bored.
Tanks: There are many variants of tanks big, small, quadrilateral or polygonal. The size of an aquarium should be according to the size and the number of fishs you plan to keep.
Also tanks come in a variety of tinted glasses.
Plants: They are the the most beautiful, inexpensive source of decoration for your aquariums. Fishes love the aquatic plants as they are part of their natural habitats. They come in all varieties, costing anywhere from a few bucks to hundreds. Plants are very useful as well; they bind carbon dioxide and oxygenate the water. They also use organic waste products as nutrition and remove potentially harmful compounds from the water. Plants can also be used to keep a check on the water quality of an aquarium; the plant will start dieing before the fish if the water suddenly becomes toxic.
Wood, Rock and Coral: An aquarium can be like a miniature true habitat for the fishes with these decorations. Drift wood and mangroves can create a beautiful effect in the aquarium, plus some fishes particularly thrive on Drift wood. But be careful as Drift wood might lower pH levels and the hardness of the water. So it is best used in aquariums with soft slightly acid water. Stones and rocks make excellent decorations. But again caution is needed; you should never use rocks that affect your water�s pH levels or stones that might contain toxins. There are also fake rocks that resemble real rocks, but these are pretty expensive. Rocks can be used to create caves which many fishes are passionate about. Coral are a beautiful addition to marine aquariums; in fact they may prove necessary for a healthy marine habitat. But can be dangerous to fresh water aquarium and should not be used as they be harmful.
Gravel or sand: Both are great both come in a variety of color. Gravel comes in white, brown and black, or blue, red, green, yellow the whole rainbow spectrum. Sand again also has a plethora of colors white, black, blue, yellow, red, green. Both of these can be layered in multiple colors.
Glass marbles, Ceramics, Plastic: Ok all are unnatural materials and might look slightly tacky, but fishes don�t give a fig for this, they enjoy them enormously. Glass marbles though are not a good bottom substrate out of a biologically as flora does not thrive on them, can add beautiful colors to the aquarium. It�s best to use them sparingly or add another more functional substrate below. Ceramics are excellent aquarium decorations. All sizes and shapes can be used as long as they do not have sharp edges. However ceramics tend to grow algae that might be hard to. Plastic they are cheap, colorful and yes tacky, but can be found in a variety of fun shapes. Treasure chests, skulls, divers, pirates, plants and ships you name it and stores have them.
It is imperative that you only use aquarium decorations that are safe to use in aquariums. If you have salt water aquariums they should be saltwater-safe also. If you don�t take this precaution your fish will die due to the organisms and toxins released by the decorations.
Decorations have both practical and aesthetical use if done tastefully and carefully you can create a miniature aquatic ecosystem that both you and your fish can enjoy.
Tony Williams has an expert in installing lighting and having a website http://www.hamiltontechnology.com for more information on aquarium lighting aquarium accessory, and saltwater aquarium lighting. Visit Site to know more about on metal halide aquarium lighting
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Fish for Beginners
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tonia_Jordan]Tonia Jordan
While requiring a good degree of dedication and maintenance, freshwater aquariums make a great hobby for potential pet owners. While fish care can be quite detailed and complex, there are some helpful tips for beginners to get the most out of an aquarium while maintaining the health and longevity of the fish.
There are two basic kinds of freshwater aquariums: Community tanks and Species tanks.
Species tanks contain one type of species and is used often for a species that requires special tank conditions. This type of tank is not recommended for beginners.
The other type, community tanks, is recommended for beginners, as it contains several species of fish that can live together peacefully in one environment. Not only is this a better situation for viewing several types of fish, but in general, the tank is easier to take care of, as all of the fish should require similar, �typical� tank conditions.
Choosing compatible fish for your community freshwater tank is crucial to promoting health and overall well-being of your fish. For beginners, there are a many species to choose from, and a good general rule is to mix three basic types of fish - topwater, midwater and bottom. By choosing fish from each of these types, you are recreating what exists naturally.
Topwater Fish:
Topwater fish spend most of their time in the upper levels of your tank. A few easy to care for species that are good for beginners are: Guppy, Black Molly, Zebra Danio and Siamese Fighting Fish (only one male per tank).
Midwater Fish:
Midwater fish spend most of their time in the middle levels of the tank, and most of these fish are best suited in groups of at least 5 or 6. Some midwater fish that are good for beginners: Neon Tetra, Angelfish, and Blue Gourami.
Bottom fish:
Bottom fish spend most of their time on the bottom of the tank, and are generally tank cleaners. They eat algae and can help to keep your tank clean. A few bottom fish good for beginners are: Red-tailed Shark, Corydoras Catfish, and Plecostomus.
In addition to mixing the three basic types, there are a few other general helpful tips. Schooling fish, for instance, should be kept in groups of at least 5 or 6, and aggressive fish should be avoided for beginners. Fish with special water condition requirements are to be avoided by beginners or those seeking community tanks.
A bit of research should be done before heading to a pet shop. It�s important to know which species are compatible for your aquarium.
This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pets.
Tonia Jordan is an author on Writing.Com/ which is a site for [http://www.Writing.Com/]Writers.
While requiring a good degree of dedication and maintenance, freshwater aquariums make a great hobby for potential pet owners. While fish care can be quite detailed and complex, there are some helpful tips for beginners to get the most out of an aquarium while maintaining the health and longevity of the fish.
There are two basic kinds of freshwater aquariums: Community tanks and Species tanks.
Species tanks contain one type of species and is used often for a species that requires special tank conditions. This type of tank is not recommended for beginners.
The other type, community tanks, is recommended for beginners, as it contains several species of fish that can live together peacefully in one environment. Not only is this a better situation for viewing several types of fish, but in general, the tank is easier to take care of, as all of the fish should require similar, �typical� tank conditions.
Choosing compatible fish for your community freshwater tank is crucial to promoting health and overall well-being of your fish. For beginners, there are a many species to choose from, and a good general rule is to mix three basic types of fish - topwater, midwater and bottom. By choosing fish from each of these types, you are recreating what exists naturally.
Topwater Fish:
Topwater fish spend most of their time in the upper levels of your tank. A few easy to care for species that are good for beginners are: Guppy, Black Molly, Zebra Danio and Siamese Fighting Fish (only one male per tank).
Midwater Fish:
Midwater fish spend most of their time in the middle levels of the tank, and most of these fish are best suited in groups of at least 5 or 6. Some midwater fish that are good for beginners: Neon Tetra, Angelfish, and Blue Gourami.
Bottom fish:
Bottom fish spend most of their time on the bottom of the tank, and are generally tank cleaners. They eat algae and can help to keep your tank clean. A few bottom fish good for beginners are: Red-tailed Shark, Corydoras Catfish, and Plecostomus.
In addition to mixing the three basic types, there are a few other general helpful tips. Schooling fish, for instance, should be kept in groups of at least 5 or 6, and aggressive fish should be avoided for beginners. Fish with special water condition requirements are to be avoided by beginners or those seeking community tanks.
A bit of research should be done before heading to a pet shop. It�s important to know which species are compatible for your aquarium.
This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pets.
Tonia Jordan is an author on Writing.Com/ which is a site for [http://www.Writing.Com/]Writers.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
How To Design An Aquarium
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sveinung_Skoglund]Sveinung Skoglund
One of the most attractive conversation pieces that you can realistically have in your own home is an aquarium. Many satisfied aquarium owners have already discovered the almost magical drawing power that these displays can have on even the most cynical, �seen it all� people. It seems that no matter how world weary, or tired or stressed out you are, the glorious sight of a tank full of vibrantly colored tropical fish is enough to instantly whisk you away into a mystical underwater world where the world�s cares, no matter how urgent or pressing just don�t seem to matter very much. Honestly now: who can normally resist the charms of a several finned beauties traversing the gentle currents concerned only with their own slow and gentle progress? Even just a few minutes spent in front of an aquarium and your eyes glaze over leaving you far more serene and composed than you were before.
As awesome a sight as a home aquarium system is we are as human beings by nature a picky and hard to please lot, and we are constantly looking for ways to improve upon things whether it be visually or in terms of functionality. It is wholly understandable therefore that even with an already magnificent display of aquatic creatures in our midst our mind is constantly searching for ways to enhance what is by most accounts already a great thing. It is not uncommon for many home aquarium owners to be deeply into another perhaps less glamorous but certainly no less rewarding hobby: perusing online and printed catalogs of aquarium decorations! I am just kidding of course, but given the passion, fervor and dare I say it, obsession that some people approach this pursuit, it may as well be its own separate undertaking given the amount of time and money that they spend on it. All this is hopefully not wasted time however as at the end of the road, you can only end up with an aquarium display that is even more magnificent and awe inspiring than you first planned it to be.
Even if you just take a cursory glance at a typical online aquarium supply website, you may well find yourself being slightly overwhelmed by the amount of aquarium decoration options that are available out in the market today. Many people who have been confronted by this staggering wealth of options will often take the easy way out and merely settle for the obligatory rectangular aquarium. That will do fine for an ordinary aquarium but you did have something more special in mind for yours right? If that is the case you may want to check out the Ocean Treasures Collection Ancient Egypt Aquarium. With a motif that is heavily inspired by early Egyptian civilization artifacts, this unique aquarium is truly a showstopper and just may garner more attention than the fish contained therein! The product�s exclusive �dry tube technology� works to conceal all electrical cords and ensure that nothing distracts from the beauty of your water masterpiece.
The [http://web-pet-store.com/aquariums/reviews/Ocean-Treasures-Collection-Ancient-Egypt-Aquarium.php]Ocean Treasures Collection Ancient Egypt Aquarium is unique aquarium design with a motif that is heavily inspired by early Egyptian civilization artifacts. For more [http://web-pet-store.com/aquariums/reviews/portal.php]aquarium products - please visit [http://web-pet-store.com]web-pet-store.com
One of the most attractive conversation pieces that you can realistically have in your own home is an aquarium. Many satisfied aquarium owners have already discovered the almost magical drawing power that these displays can have on even the most cynical, �seen it all� people. It seems that no matter how world weary, or tired or stressed out you are, the glorious sight of a tank full of vibrantly colored tropical fish is enough to instantly whisk you away into a mystical underwater world where the world�s cares, no matter how urgent or pressing just don�t seem to matter very much. Honestly now: who can normally resist the charms of a several finned beauties traversing the gentle currents concerned only with their own slow and gentle progress? Even just a few minutes spent in front of an aquarium and your eyes glaze over leaving you far more serene and composed than you were before.
As awesome a sight as a home aquarium system is we are as human beings by nature a picky and hard to please lot, and we are constantly looking for ways to improve upon things whether it be visually or in terms of functionality. It is wholly understandable therefore that even with an already magnificent display of aquatic creatures in our midst our mind is constantly searching for ways to enhance what is by most accounts already a great thing. It is not uncommon for many home aquarium owners to be deeply into another perhaps less glamorous but certainly no less rewarding hobby: perusing online and printed catalogs of aquarium decorations! I am just kidding of course, but given the passion, fervor and dare I say it, obsession that some people approach this pursuit, it may as well be its own separate undertaking given the amount of time and money that they spend on it. All this is hopefully not wasted time however as at the end of the road, you can only end up with an aquarium display that is even more magnificent and awe inspiring than you first planned it to be.
Even if you just take a cursory glance at a typical online aquarium supply website, you may well find yourself being slightly overwhelmed by the amount of aquarium decoration options that are available out in the market today. Many people who have been confronted by this staggering wealth of options will often take the easy way out and merely settle for the obligatory rectangular aquarium. That will do fine for an ordinary aquarium but you did have something more special in mind for yours right? If that is the case you may want to check out the Ocean Treasures Collection Ancient Egypt Aquarium. With a motif that is heavily inspired by early Egyptian civilization artifacts, this unique aquarium is truly a showstopper and just may garner more attention than the fish contained therein! The product�s exclusive �dry tube technology� works to conceal all electrical cords and ensure that nothing distracts from the beauty of your water masterpiece.
The [http://web-pet-store.com/aquariums/reviews/Ocean-Treasures-Collection-Ancient-Egypt-Aquarium.php]Ocean Treasures Collection Ancient Egypt Aquarium is unique aquarium design with a motif that is heavily inspired by early Egyptian civilization artifacts. For more [http://web-pet-store.com/aquariums/reviews/portal.php]aquarium products - please visit [http://web-pet-store.com]web-pet-store.com
Sunday, July 15, 2007
5 Simple Steps To Teach Kids Fishing
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Arindam_Chattopadhyaya]Arindam Chattopadhyaya
My friends are always asking me what the secret behind my fishing skill is. You know there is no simple answer because now it's almost my habit. I started joining my father for fishing since I was 4 years old. My dad taught me how to start fishing and what to do to get fish hooked, so to speak. Start early might be the biggest secret for my excellent skill in fishing.
I found that the main problem to most of my friends that they don't even know the basics of fishing. And, this is because their father didn't initiate their training on how to fish when they were young. I noticed my dad did something different while teaching us fishing that made the difference.
I'm sharing you few tips to teach your kid fishing.
1. You should get kids in a fishing boat at a very young age. Pay attention to your kid's safety and answer their questions. Remember you are here to teach fishing to your kids. So, encourage them.
2. Take your kid to a place where they can catch many fishes easily. You should select a place where your kid can get couple of fishes within 10 to 12 minutes because small child's patience is very short. Remember quality does not matter for your kid but quantities do matter for young angler.
3. Cheer your kids for every fish they catch. Take picture, video of them in action and make a big deal out of it. Teach him how to clean the fish with a table knife. Once your kid sees the connection from catching to cleaning to cooking, he will be hooked with fishing. Kid need to feel the excitement of fishing.
4. Once your kid is familiar with fishing, take him with you while you go for fishing. Teach him the importance of patience in fishing. Involve them in cleaning and cutting of fishes.
5. Fishing in summer is very tough. You should not take your kid for fishing in blistering summer when there is no cloud, wind and you can't even touch the fiber glass cover because its to hot. Fishing on summer days, really stretched the "fun" part of fishing, and it certainly not the time to have any young children with you. Hence, you should start to teach fishing when the environment is cool and comfortable and gradually expose them in more challenging environment like hot summer or very cold weather.
6. Once your child is familiar with fishing, present him "his own" rod and reel, tackle box, and fishing hat.
You should teach your kids on how to fish. Your kids will learn their lesson on fishing by just copying you so take them with you whenever and wherever possible.
About the author: Author is professional angler and author of [http://www.fishingletsgo.com/ebook.html]best selling eBook on fishing. If you are interested on [http://www.fishingletsgo.com/sport/sport-fishing.php]sport fishing, visit his site http://www.fishingletsgo.com
My friends are always asking me what the secret behind my fishing skill is. You know there is no simple answer because now it's almost my habit. I started joining my father for fishing since I was 4 years old. My dad taught me how to start fishing and what to do to get fish hooked, so to speak. Start early might be the biggest secret for my excellent skill in fishing.
I found that the main problem to most of my friends that they don't even know the basics of fishing. And, this is because their father didn't initiate their training on how to fish when they were young. I noticed my dad did something different while teaching us fishing that made the difference.
I'm sharing you few tips to teach your kid fishing.
1. You should get kids in a fishing boat at a very young age. Pay attention to your kid's safety and answer their questions. Remember you are here to teach fishing to your kids. So, encourage them.
2. Take your kid to a place where they can catch many fishes easily. You should select a place where your kid can get couple of fishes within 10 to 12 minutes because small child's patience is very short. Remember quality does not matter for your kid but quantities do matter for young angler.
3. Cheer your kids for every fish they catch. Take picture, video of them in action and make a big deal out of it. Teach him how to clean the fish with a table knife. Once your kid sees the connection from catching to cleaning to cooking, he will be hooked with fishing. Kid need to feel the excitement of fishing.
4. Once your kid is familiar with fishing, take him with you while you go for fishing. Teach him the importance of patience in fishing. Involve them in cleaning and cutting of fishes.
5. Fishing in summer is very tough. You should not take your kid for fishing in blistering summer when there is no cloud, wind and you can't even touch the fiber glass cover because its to hot. Fishing on summer days, really stretched the "fun" part of fishing, and it certainly not the time to have any young children with you. Hence, you should start to teach fishing when the environment is cool and comfortable and gradually expose them in more challenging environment like hot summer or very cold weather.
6. Once your child is familiar with fishing, present him "his own" rod and reel, tackle box, and fishing hat.
You should teach your kids on how to fish. Your kids will learn their lesson on fishing by just copying you so take them with you whenever and wherever possible.
About the author: Author is professional angler and author of [http://www.fishingletsgo.com/ebook.html]best selling eBook on fishing. If you are interested on [http://www.fishingletsgo.com/sport/sport-fishing.php]sport fishing, visit his site http://www.fishingletsgo.com
Friday, July 13, 2007
Checklist for Buying Your Bass Boat
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Arindam_Chattopadhyaya]Arindam Chattopadhyaya
Bass boats are the best buy for those who usually fish in lake waters. Not only are they beautifully built into sleek lines but also lend an extra edge to budding fishermen. They help in this by enabling quiet modes of operation which provide stealth for better catching of the quarry. However, bass boats are usually expensive. Therefore, it would be good to keep a few important points in mind before putting your money into buying a specific model.
Budget: - As bass boats fall in the specialist, category they tend to cost more than the normal boats. Nonetheless, it is not always that they fall in the very expensive slot. The prices vary from the average to very high. So, deciding beforehand on how much you are prepared to dish out would be a good idea. The budget for the boat and motor should be made before going to the shop. This will prevent you from paying up for a costly model which doesn�t sit easy on your pocket later on. They will cost more than say a canoe, but die hard fishing experts vouch for the worth of every penny spent on their purchase.
Features: - Bass boats can come with custom built features as well the regular models that are the same for every buyer. Customizations will of course cost more. Then, features also vary according to where you are going to use the boat. Mostly, you will find bass boats constructed exclusively for lake fishing. Features will be different for the models that can be used for sea or ocean waters.
Seating: - If fishing is generally a family expedition in your house, you will do well by purchasing a model that has adequate seating capacity. However, choice might get limited as bass boats usually come in models with seating for two to three people. You can research for a model with higher capacity or get the bass boat custom fit with additional seats. However, in case you are not satisfied with the features involved you may go in for a larger boat.
Speed: - The speed again varies in different models. Some models are meant only for fishing. These will understandably not be designed for high speeds. Then there are others which come fit with extremely high speed motors that help in doubling up the bass boat as a ski boat as well. However, though it sounds good, there's no point in paying for the ski-boat feature if you are purchasing the bass boat only or mostly for fishing.
Author is professional angler and running charter service for more than 10 years. He authored several books on boating and fishing. If you are interested to know how to plan and budget for a fishing trip, subscribe to his monthly newsletter at http://www.fishingletsgo.com . You can read several interesting articles on [http://www.fishingletsgo.com/bass/bass-fishing-equipment.php]bass fishing at his website fishingletsgo.com .
Bass boats are the best buy for those who usually fish in lake waters. Not only are they beautifully built into sleek lines but also lend an extra edge to budding fishermen. They help in this by enabling quiet modes of operation which provide stealth for better catching of the quarry. However, bass boats are usually expensive. Therefore, it would be good to keep a few important points in mind before putting your money into buying a specific model.
Budget: - As bass boats fall in the specialist, category they tend to cost more than the normal boats. Nonetheless, it is not always that they fall in the very expensive slot. The prices vary from the average to very high. So, deciding beforehand on how much you are prepared to dish out would be a good idea. The budget for the boat and motor should be made before going to the shop. This will prevent you from paying up for a costly model which doesn�t sit easy on your pocket later on. They will cost more than say a canoe, but die hard fishing experts vouch for the worth of every penny spent on their purchase.
Features: - Bass boats can come with custom built features as well the regular models that are the same for every buyer. Customizations will of course cost more. Then, features also vary according to where you are going to use the boat. Mostly, you will find bass boats constructed exclusively for lake fishing. Features will be different for the models that can be used for sea or ocean waters.
Seating: - If fishing is generally a family expedition in your house, you will do well by purchasing a model that has adequate seating capacity. However, choice might get limited as bass boats usually come in models with seating for two to three people. You can research for a model with higher capacity or get the bass boat custom fit with additional seats. However, in case you are not satisfied with the features involved you may go in for a larger boat.
Speed: - The speed again varies in different models. Some models are meant only for fishing. These will understandably not be designed for high speeds. Then there are others which come fit with extremely high speed motors that help in doubling up the bass boat as a ski boat as well. However, though it sounds good, there's no point in paying for the ski-boat feature if you are purchasing the bass boat only or mostly for fishing.
Author is professional angler and running charter service for more than 10 years. He authored several books on boating and fishing. If you are interested to know how to plan and budget for a fishing trip, subscribe to his monthly newsletter at http://www.fishingletsgo.com . You can read several interesting articles on [http://www.fishingletsgo.com/bass/bass-fishing-equipment.php]bass fishing at his website fishingletsgo.com .
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Types Of Tropical Fish For Building A Tropical Fish Aquarium
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Shrinivas_Vaidya]Shrinivas Vaidya
If you are looking for a way to set up a tropical fish aquarium in your home then there are certain things you must know before you start collecting the items needed.
Let's look at the tropical fish aquarium from a different perspective. The tropical fish are primarily made to live in the sea water, but we are looking for a way to make them live in a small aquarium tank. No matter what you do an aquarium tank can never be replaced with real life sea life. I an aquarium we can try our best to rebuild the kind of environment that the tropical fish will enjoy, but certainly has limitations.
That is why selecting the exact types of tropical fish will help you create a healthy aquarium in no time at all. Not all tropical fish can survive in the small tank. Also there are certain species that will never live together and cam cause danger to lives of each other.
That is why the best types of tropical fish that you can use in your home aquarium are.
1) Blue Gourami or 3 Spot Gourami
2) The Black Moor Goldfish
3) The Butterfly Loach
These 3 types of tropical fish are best as pet tropical fish that you can have in a home aquarium. Actually there are hundreds of types of tropical fish with great amount of colors that can easily add to the beauty of you tropical fish aquarium, but as I said they must be willing to adjust themselves to the kind of environment you will be creating in a small aquarium.
Types of tropical fish varies with not just colors, but the kind of food they eat and types of tropical fish they will go with. Amongst the many types of tropical fish such as Rainbows, Danios, Barbs, the butterfly loach is the one that can go very well with any kind of other type of fish and helps to keep the tank clean too.
I hope this article was informative.
Copyright Shrinivas Vaidya
Want to learn about [http://tropical-fish-aquarium-types.blogspot.com/]tropical fish aquarium? Visit my blog at http://tropical-fish-aquarium-types.blogspot.com to learn the insider secrets to setting up your own stunning tropical fish aquarium, quickly and easily.
If you are looking for a way to set up a tropical fish aquarium in your home then there are certain things you must know before you start collecting the items needed.
Let's look at the tropical fish aquarium from a different perspective. The tropical fish are primarily made to live in the sea water, but we are looking for a way to make them live in a small aquarium tank. No matter what you do an aquarium tank can never be replaced with real life sea life. I an aquarium we can try our best to rebuild the kind of environment that the tropical fish will enjoy, but certainly has limitations.
That is why selecting the exact types of tropical fish will help you create a healthy aquarium in no time at all. Not all tropical fish can survive in the small tank. Also there are certain species that will never live together and cam cause danger to lives of each other.
That is why the best types of tropical fish that you can use in your home aquarium are.
1) Blue Gourami or 3 Spot Gourami
2) The Black Moor Goldfish
3) The Butterfly Loach
These 3 types of tropical fish are best as pet tropical fish that you can have in a home aquarium. Actually there are hundreds of types of tropical fish with great amount of colors that can easily add to the beauty of you tropical fish aquarium, but as I said they must be willing to adjust themselves to the kind of environment you will be creating in a small aquarium.
Types of tropical fish varies with not just colors, but the kind of food they eat and types of tropical fish they will go with. Amongst the many types of tropical fish such as Rainbows, Danios, Barbs, the butterfly loach is the one that can go very well with any kind of other type of fish and helps to keep the tank clean too.
I hope this article was informative.
Copyright Shrinivas Vaidya
Want to learn about [http://tropical-fish-aquarium-types.blogspot.com/]tropical fish aquarium? Visit my blog at http://tropical-fish-aquarium-types.blogspot.com to learn the insider secrets to setting up your own stunning tropical fish aquarium, quickly and easily.
Monday, July 9, 2007
Enjoy The Beauty Of A Saltwater Aquarium
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jon_Arnold]Jon Arnold
Should you go fresh or saltwater? When you decide to invest in an aquarium for the first time, the decision could be quite a challenge. Knowing the difference between the two with respect to cost, maintenance, etc., could make it easier to decide.
Setting up a freshwater aquarium is cheaper and maintenance is easier than a saltwater aquarium. However, the magnificent sight when you look at the wonderful undersea life forms in your tank makes the extra cost of a saltwater aquarium worth it.
Freshwater fish are overall more adaptable than marine fish. While fresh water fish adjust easily to changes in the aquarium, marine fish need their environment just right. Temperature, nitrate, salinity, ammonia and pH always have to be at the appropriate levels.
Freshwater fish are cheaper than marine fish, but on the other hand, the wonderful colors available in marine fish more than makes up for that. Marine plants are also pricier because harvesting is more difficult.
If you are on a tight budget, you can start your saltwater aquarium with fish only and then build on from there adding live rock, plants, etc. After a while, you will have a beautiful tank, excellent for soothing the senses and relieving stress.
Although the saltwater aquarium requires monitoring of more levels, the price difference between kits is minimal. To ensure proper salinity in your saltwater aquarium, a hydrometer is necessary, but also inexpensive.
Lighting and filtration systems are also more expensive for saltwater aquariums.
Whatever aquarium you have, always buy good quality commercially prepared foods and never overfeed your fish. If any flakes remain after 10 minutes, you are overfeeding. Pathogenic organisms could be introduced into your tank, so it is advisable to keep away from live foods.
Stocking your saltwater aquarium should be done with care. Quite a number of fish are not suitable for captivity. Even so, many are still for sale in shops. Buy from a reputable dealer, do your homework before you buy and avoid buying species that will not do well in captivity.
Puffers, pinfish, pigfish, sheepshead and bull minnows are all suitable but great care must be taken to make sure fish are compatible and do not fight. Some fish also tend to bully others. It is necessary to observe the fish for two or three days every time you introduce new fish. Should you notice aggressive behavior, you must be prepared to separate fish. Your aquarium retailer should be able to provide this information for you.
As an example of an exotic fish, many people think of the Moorish Idol as an ideal aquarium fish. Unfortunately, we do not have the necessary food to replace their specialized diet and 90% of them die within a few months. It is better to settle for the nearly identical Banner fish, which will live a long and happy life in captivity if given proper care.
To ensure your marine aquarium is always a joy will require you to put in some time. If you establish a routine, you should be able to relax and admire your aquarium at any time.
Daily: Feed in the morning and early evening. Check fish for any signs of problems
Weekly: Check pH and other levels. Top up tank if necessary. Check equipment such as heater, etc.
Once a month: Clean box, filters and glass. Check lighting equipment, etc.
Four to six weeks: Prepare 20-25% water change 24 hrs in advance. Aerate well and check all levels before adding to tank.
Putting together your saltwater aquarium is bound to give you hours of fun and offering peace, tranquility and beauty to your home or office for years to come.
For more insights and information about a [http://www.fish-tank-aquarium.com/tips-for-a-saltwater-fish-tank.php]Saltwater Aquarium please visit our web site at http://www.fish-tank-aquarium.com
Should you go fresh or saltwater? When you decide to invest in an aquarium for the first time, the decision could be quite a challenge. Knowing the difference between the two with respect to cost, maintenance, etc., could make it easier to decide.
Setting up a freshwater aquarium is cheaper and maintenance is easier than a saltwater aquarium. However, the magnificent sight when you look at the wonderful undersea life forms in your tank makes the extra cost of a saltwater aquarium worth it.
Freshwater fish are overall more adaptable than marine fish. While fresh water fish adjust easily to changes in the aquarium, marine fish need their environment just right. Temperature, nitrate, salinity, ammonia and pH always have to be at the appropriate levels.
Freshwater fish are cheaper than marine fish, but on the other hand, the wonderful colors available in marine fish more than makes up for that. Marine plants are also pricier because harvesting is more difficult.
If you are on a tight budget, you can start your saltwater aquarium with fish only and then build on from there adding live rock, plants, etc. After a while, you will have a beautiful tank, excellent for soothing the senses and relieving stress.
Although the saltwater aquarium requires monitoring of more levels, the price difference between kits is minimal. To ensure proper salinity in your saltwater aquarium, a hydrometer is necessary, but also inexpensive.
Lighting and filtration systems are also more expensive for saltwater aquariums.
Whatever aquarium you have, always buy good quality commercially prepared foods and never overfeed your fish. If any flakes remain after 10 minutes, you are overfeeding. Pathogenic organisms could be introduced into your tank, so it is advisable to keep away from live foods.
Stocking your saltwater aquarium should be done with care. Quite a number of fish are not suitable for captivity. Even so, many are still for sale in shops. Buy from a reputable dealer, do your homework before you buy and avoid buying species that will not do well in captivity.
Puffers, pinfish, pigfish, sheepshead and bull minnows are all suitable but great care must be taken to make sure fish are compatible and do not fight. Some fish also tend to bully others. It is necessary to observe the fish for two or three days every time you introduce new fish. Should you notice aggressive behavior, you must be prepared to separate fish. Your aquarium retailer should be able to provide this information for you.
As an example of an exotic fish, many people think of the Moorish Idol as an ideal aquarium fish. Unfortunately, we do not have the necessary food to replace their specialized diet and 90% of them die within a few months. It is better to settle for the nearly identical Banner fish, which will live a long and happy life in captivity if given proper care.
To ensure your marine aquarium is always a joy will require you to put in some time. If you establish a routine, you should be able to relax and admire your aquarium at any time.
Daily: Feed in the morning and early evening. Check fish for any signs of problems
Weekly: Check pH and other levels. Top up tank if necessary. Check equipment such as heater, etc.
Once a month: Clean box, filters and glass. Check lighting equipment, etc.
Four to six weeks: Prepare 20-25% water change 24 hrs in advance. Aerate well and check all levels before adding to tank.
Putting together your saltwater aquarium is bound to give you hours of fun and offering peace, tranquility and beauty to your home or office for years to come.
For more insights and information about a [http://www.fish-tank-aquarium.com/tips-for-a-saltwater-fish-tank.php]Saltwater Aquarium please visit our web site at http://www.fish-tank-aquarium.com
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Betta Fish Breeding for Fun
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Chris_Kerr]Chris Kerr
Breeding Betta fish can be very difficult. You can not just put the two fish together, then expect them to mate and everything to be just fine.
The male Siamese fighting fish are known to be aggressive and will fight with other Bettas. It is best to keep the two fish separated, but in tanks next to each other for several days, just so they can see one another and get used to each other before you try to breed them.
There are several things that you will need to make sure you have ready and set up before you can even begin the breeding process. These include things such as keeping the water temperature a comfortable 80 degrees, and making sure that you remove the female and male Bettas at the right time.
You will soon be the proud caretaker of up to 1000 baby fish! Not all of the fry live, but there will likely be several hundred and you will need to think about where to put them all.
These few things may make it slightly more difficult for the average person to breed Bettas at home for fun, they are very picky fish and will need close monitoring. But those who do breed these beautiful fish soon learn the extra efforts are worth it as breeding Betta fish can be a lot of fun, and even profitable too. So, just make sure that you know what you are getting into before you decide to dive into breeding Betta fish.
Chris Kerr runs [http://www.bettafishpage.com]The Betta Fish Page providing in-depth information on breeding Betta fish for fun and profits.
Breeding Betta fish can be very difficult. You can not just put the two fish together, then expect them to mate and everything to be just fine.
The male Siamese fighting fish are known to be aggressive and will fight with other Bettas. It is best to keep the two fish separated, but in tanks next to each other for several days, just so they can see one another and get used to each other before you try to breed them.
There are several things that you will need to make sure you have ready and set up before you can even begin the breeding process. These include things such as keeping the water temperature a comfortable 80 degrees, and making sure that you remove the female and male Bettas at the right time.
You will soon be the proud caretaker of up to 1000 baby fish! Not all of the fry live, but there will likely be several hundred and you will need to think about where to put them all.
These few things may make it slightly more difficult for the average person to breed Bettas at home for fun, they are very picky fish and will need close monitoring. But those who do breed these beautiful fish soon learn the extra efforts are worth it as breeding Betta fish can be a lot of fun, and even profitable too. So, just make sure that you know what you are getting into before you decide to dive into breeding Betta fish.
Chris Kerr runs [http://www.bettafishpage.com]The Betta Fish Page providing in-depth information on breeding Betta fish for fun and profits.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Choosing A Saltwater Fish Tank
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Alison_Stevens]Alison Stevens
What to Look For in a Saltwater Fish Tank
The decision to purchase a saltwater or marine fish tank for your home or office should not be taken lightly. Marine fish will have requirements far greater than freshwater fish. However, once you�ve decided to purchase a saltwater aquarium you�ll be rewarded with a stunning range of tropical and reef fish to choose from.
But first you�ll need to purchase your tank. The selection process can be time consuming and confusing because the range of tanks available is large. The best advice is usually to purchase the largest tank you can afford and that will fit in the available space. There are numerous stories of people starting out their fish tank hobby with a small fish tank only to find in a short space of time that they wish they had purchased a larger tank!
A 30-gallon saltwater aquarium is probably the smallest tank you should consider. A fish tank of this size will provide sufficient surface area to allow adequate exchange of oxygen into the water and to provide a comfortable swimming environment for your fish.
The oxygen supply in the water together with the water temperature will determine the success or otherwise of your fish keeping hobby. Tropical saltwater fish require a water temperature of about 75 degrees F. The warmer water in the saltwater aquarium will tend to deplete the oxygen in the water which means that the surface area becomes important. The addition of aeration equipment is usually desirable to increase the oxygen concentration. Aeration can usually be provided in conjunction with your filtration equipment.
Saltwater fish tanks are available in both acrylic and glass. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Some of the advantages of glass aquariums are
� Glass fish tanks are usually cheaper than acrylic tanks
� Glass fish tanks are more scratch resistant than acrylic tanks
� Glass fish tanks won't discolor with age
� Glass fish tanks won�t require as much brace support as acrylic tanks although the stand needs to be able to support a great weight
Advantages of acrylic fish tanks
� Acrylic fish tanks are lighter in weight than glass fish tanks
� Acrylic fish tanks can be custom made in a shape to suit your home
� Acrylic fish tanks are less likely to break
� Acrylic fish tanks can be purchased online
Setting Up Your Saltwater Fish Tank
Bringing your new saltwater fish tank home from the store is only the first step. Never be tempted to purchase fish at the same time that you acquire your aquarium. There are many steps to complete prior to introducing fish to their new home.
First, you need to install your tank in its desired location. Avoid locating your saltwater fish tank in any spot that receives sunlight. Sunlight will cause algae to grow in your tank and whilst this will not usually harm the fish it is unsightly and spoils the appearance of your aquarium. Also avoid any locations close to room heaters or where the tank will be exposed to drafts.
Many acrylic fish tanks come with a built-in stand. Glass tanks will require a sturdy stand and should have a layer of polystyrene or rubber placed between the tank and the stand to absorb any unevenness. If the tank is unbalanced it will eventually crack.
Check your new tank for leaks. Fill it with water and let is stand for a day or two. Once you have confirmed that it is water tight you will need to thoroughly clean the tank and all equipment. Rinse thoroughly. Do not skip the cleaning and rinsing step just because you�ve purchased a new tank and it appears sparkling clean. Your fish will die if there are any contaminants left in the tank! Don�t forget to wash the gravel before adding it the tank. Add all your other equipment in accordance with the manufacturer�s directions. Your pet store will have provided advice on how to set up your saltwater fish tank.
After you have added your salt water and confirmed that the salt and chemical levels are correct you�ll need to run all your equipment for at least 72 hours to filter and heat your water and stabilize your tank. Let the aquarium cycle to build up the correct biological levels.
The hardest part of setting up your saltwater fish tank is now complete and now you�ll be able to go and select your colorful fish!
Alison Stevens is an online author and writes about fresh and [http://www.goldfishsite.com/blog/ ] saltwater fish tanks to assist anyone who wants to get started with setting up an aquarium fish tank and gain an understanding of fresh or saltwater fish tank maintenance.
What to Look For in a Saltwater Fish Tank
The decision to purchase a saltwater or marine fish tank for your home or office should not be taken lightly. Marine fish will have requirements far greater than freshwater fish. However, once you�ve decided to purchase a saltwater aquarium you�ll be rewarded with a stunning range of tropical and reef fish to choose from.
But first you�ll need to purchase your tank. The selection process can be time consuming and confusing because the range of tanks available is large. The best advice is usually to purchase the largest tank you can afford and that will fit in the available space. There are numerous stories of people starting out their fish tank hobby with a small fish tank only to find in a short space of time that they wish they had purchased a larger tank!
A 30-gallon saltwater aquarium is probably the smallest tank you should consider. A fish tank of this size will provide sufficient surface area to allow adequate exchange of oxygen into the water and to provide a comfortable swimming environment for your fish.
The oxygen supply in the water together with the water temperature will determine the success or otherwise of your fish keeping hobby. Tropical saltwater fish require a water temperature of about 75 degrees F. The warmer water in the saltwater aquarium will tend to deplete the oxygen in the water which means that the surface area becomes important. The addition of aeration equipment is usually desirable to increase the oxygen concentration. Aeration can usually be provided in conjunction with your filtration equipment.
Saltwater fish tanks are available in both acrylic and glass. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Some of the advantages of glass aquariums are
� Glass fish tanks are usually cheaper than acrylic tanks
� Glass fish tanks are more scratch resistant than acrylic tanks
� Glass fish tanks won't discolor with age
� Glass fish tanks won�t require as much brace support as acrylic tanks although the stand needs to be able to support a great weight
Advantages of acrylic fish tanks
� Acrylic fish tanks are lighter in weight than glass fish tanks
� Acrylic fish tanks can be custom made in a shape to suit your home
� Acrylic fish tanks are less likely to break
� Acrylic fish tanks can be purchased online
Setting Up Your Saltwater Fish Tank
Bringing your new saltwater fish tank home from the store is only the first step. Never be tempted to purchase fish at the same time that you acquire your aquarium. There are many steps to complete prior to introducing fish to their new home.
First, you need to install your tank in its desired location. Avoid locating your saltwater fish tank in any spot that receives sunlight. Sunlight will cause algae to grow in your tank and whilst this will not usually harm the fish it is unsightly and spoils the appearance of your aquarium. Also avoid any locations close to room heaters or where the tank will be exposed to drafts.
Many acrylic fish tanks come with a built-in stand. Glass tanks will require a sturdy stand and should have a layer of polystyrene or rubber placed between the tank and the stand to absorb any unevenness. If the tank is unbalanced it will eventually crack.
Check your new tank for leaks. Fill it with water and let is stand for a day or two. Once you have confirmed that it is water tight you will need to thoroughly clean the tank and all equipment. Rinse thoroughly. Do not skip the cleaning and rinsing step just because you�ve purchased a new tank and it appears sparkling clean. Your fish will die if there are any contaminants left in the tank! Don�t forget to wash the gravel before adding it the tank. Add all your other equipment in accordance with the manufacturer�s directions. Your pet store will have provided advice on how to set up your saltwater fish tank.
After you have added your salt water and confirmed that the salt and chemical levels are correct you�ll need to run all your equipment for at least 72 hours to filter and heat your water and stabilize your tank. Let the aquarium cycle to build up the correct biological levels.
The hardest part of setting up your saltwater fish tank is now complete and now you�ll be able to go and select your colorful fish!
Alison Stevens is an online author and writes about fresh and [http://www.goldfishsite.com/blog/ ] saltwater fish tanks to assist anyone who wants to get started with setting up an aquarium fish tank and gain an understanding of fresh or saltwater fish tank maintenance.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
How To Breed Bettas
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Adrian_Whittle]Adrian Whittle
Bettas are a member of the Gourami family. The most popular Betta species is the Betta Splendens (sometimes referred to as the Siamese fighting fish or Pla Kat in it's native Thailand). They are popular in aquariums because they have a distinctive shape/color and are quite active. This article will discuss some of the things you need to know and tips for breeding Bettas.
Like many cichlids the male betta is responsible for raising the young. Bettas are split into two sub groups based on their method of rearing the Betta Fry. They can be either a mouth brooder or a bubble nester. Mouth brooders keep the young in their mouth for safety. Betta splendens are typical bubble nesters. The male will create a nest close to the water surface. It will consist of bubbles and a saliva that is used to give the nest more durability and protect the eggs and fry in the future.
Building a bubble nest is often a sign that the male Bettas are ready to spawn (although not always). The female is ready to spawn when her body changes. The abdomen becomes rounder and fuller. The white ovipositor at the end of the oviduct becomes prominent.
It is generally a good idea to put the breeding pair in a separate fish tank. This will prevent other fish in a community tank from eating the fry or eggs. It will also allow you to remove the male or female Bettas after breeding hence protecting them from each other. The water should have a neutral ph level with a temperature of around 28 deg. Celsius (83F)
Once the pair are together the male will embark on an elaborate courtship. He will try to encourage the female to go to his bubblenest. Once this occurs he will dart about her and they will mate. The female will release numerous eggs that will float down to the bottom of the tank. The male will round up the eggs with his mouth and place them under the bubble-nest.
The female Bettas can be removed from the tank after mating. The males will tend the nest. Within about 24 to 48 hours the fry will begin the develop and start moving. You can remove the male at this point.
The fry will develop into miniatures of their parents after about 3 weeks. In a few months they will be completely developed and can be transferred to other tanks or sold on. It is not a good idea to keep male Bettas together as they will fight. The key to healthy and fast growing fry is to keep the water quality good and the temperature at around the 28 deg. Celsius mark.
Find all the products you need for your aquarium at http://www.fishtank-supplies.com . The site has features on fish tank maintenance, selecting a filtration system and the importance of a fish tank stand. For a bit of fun, why don't you pick up a [http://fishtank-supplies.com/Fish_Tank_Screen_Saver.html]free fish tank screensaver so that you can watch a virtual aquarium on your computer during breaks at work. Adrian Whittle writes about keeping both fresh and saltwater fish.
Bettas are a member of the Gourami family. The most popular Betta species is the Betta Splendens (sometimes referred to as the Siamese fighting fish or Pla Kat in it's native Thailand). They are popular in aquariums because they have a distinctive shape/color and are quite active. This article will discuss some of the things you need to know and tips for breeding Bettas.
Like many cichlids the male betta is responsible for raising the young. Bettas are split into two sub groups based on their method of rearing the Betta Fry. They can be either a mouth brooder or a bubble nester. Mouth brooders keep the young in their mouth for safety. Betta splendens are typical bubble nesters. The male will create a nest close to the water surface. It will consist of bubbles and a saliva that is used to give the nest more durability and protect the eggs and fry in the future.
Building a bubble nest is often a sign that the male Bettas are ready to spawn (although not always). The female is ready to spawn when her body changes. The abdomen becomes rounder and fuller. The white ovipositor at the end of the oviduct becomes prominent.
It is generally a good idea to put the breeding pair in a separate fish tank. This will prevent other fish in a community tank from eating the fry or eggs. It will also allow you to remove the male or female Bettas after breeding hence protecting them from each other. The water should have a neutral ph level with a temperature of around 28 deg. Celsius (83F)
Once the pair are together the male will embark on an elaborate courtship. He will try to encourage the female to go to his bubblenest. Once this occurs he will dart about her and they will mate. The female will release numerous eggs that will float down to the bottom of the tank. The male will round up the eggs with his mouth and place them under the bubble-nest.
The female Bettas can be removed from the tank after mating. The males will tend the nest. Within about 24 to 48 hours the fry will begin the develop and start moving. You can remove the male at this point.
The fry will develop into miniatures of their parents after about 3 weeks. In a few months they will be completely developed and can be transferred to other tanks or sold on. It is not a good idea to keep male Bettas together as they will fight. The key to healthy and fast growing fry is to keep the water quality good and the temperature at around the 28 deg. Celsius mark.
Find all the products you need for your aquarium at http://www.fishtank-supplies.com . The site has features on fish tank maintenance, selecting a filtration system and the importance of a fish tank stand. For a bit of fun, why don't you pick up a [http://fishtank-supplies.com/Fish_Tank_Screen_Saver.html]free fish tank screensaver so that you can watch a virtual aquarium on your computer during breaks at work. Adrian Whittle writes about keeping both fresh and saltwater fish.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Aquarium Ornaments
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sveinung_Skoglund]Sveinung Skoglund
You would perhaps be tempted to think that upon the purchase of a brand spanking new aquarium system that your work is done. And you would not be far amiss in thinking so, for almost anyone would be hard pressed to figure out how there could be any possible way to improve on such a wondrous spectacle. Depending on the type of fish that you choose to have in your aquarium, you will more than likely be inundated with a staggering display of all nature�s colors, swimming away majestically. Whether you decide to go for a fresh water aquarium or a saltwater aquarium, many multi hued sea creatures are available for either type and your final decision can be made largely based on your personal preference. In other words, no matter which one you decide on eventually, a breathtaking water spectacle is in the cards for you.
It is inherent in human nature however that we must constantly strive to improve upon every aspect of our daily lives and the enhancement of your aquarium system is not at all that different. By this token, you may find yourself therefore shopping around for means to improve on what is already a good thing. Chances are good that you may eventually turn your attention to any number of the aquarium ornaments or aquarium decorations that adorn the shelves of your local pet supply store. Or you may even have already begun to peruse various pet supply websites in the hopes of finding just that perfect�something that will add the master finishing touch to your underwater display.
Some of the more popular ornaments available are the Tropical Clam ornament and the Half-Shipwreck decoration. They are popular for precisely the reason that they serve to considerably liven up what would otherwise be a fairly humdrum or run of the mill aquarium. Not to worry; these two products are totally safe for aquarium use and your precious watery friends will surely have hours of fun romping through them and chasing each other in and out of their pathways. In fact given the presence of such delightful ornaments, your fish may well be in their own natural habitat and I sincerely doubt that any of them will miss home with these toys adorning their tanks! The themes of these decorations are particularly apt given their intended usage and will add that needed little bit of whimsy in your aquatic creations.
These ornaments are not only attractive to the eye, they are also easy on the wallet. Costing only a few dollars each, there�s no reason why you shouldn�t have them in your very own aquarium right now and even purchasing several of them! In fact, with playthings such as these, even I would be tempted to live in an aquarium� if I wasn�t so attached to my land lubbing ways that is!
Web-pet-store provides all manner of [http://web-pet-store.com/aquariums/reviews/portal.php]aquarium enhancements and improvements to suit every need at every price point. Some of the more popular ornaments available from this site are the [http://web-pet-store.com/aquariums/reviews/Aquarium-Ornaments.php]Tropical Clam ornament and the [http://web-pet-store.com/aquariums/reviews/Aquarium-Ornaments.php]Half-Shipwreck decoration.
You would perhaps be tempted to think that upon the purchase of a brand spanking new aquarium system that your work is done. And you would not be far amiss in thinking so, for almost anyone would be hard pressed to figure out how there could be any possible way to improve on such a wondrous spectacle. Depending on the type of fish that you choose to have in your aquarium, you will more than likely be inundated with a staggering display of all nature�s colors, swimming away majestically. Whether you decide to go for a fresh water aquarium or a saltwater aquarium, many multi hued sea creatures are available for either type and your final decision can be made largely based on your personal preference. In other words, no matter which one you decide on eventually, a breathtaking water spectacle is in the cards for you.
It is inherent in human nature however that we must constantly strive to improve upon every aspect of our daily lives and the enhancement of your aquarium system is not at all that different. By this token, you may find yourself therefore shopping around for means to improve on what is already a good thing. Chances are good that you may eventually turn your attention to any number of the aquarium ornaments or aquarium decorations that adorn the shelves of your local pet supply store. Or you may even have already begun to peruse various pet supply websites in the hopes of finding just that perfect�something that will add the master finishing touch to your underwater display.
Some of the more popular ornaments available are the Tropical Clam ornament and the Half-Shipwreck decoration. They are popular for precisely the reason that they serve to considerably liven up what would otherwise be a fairly humdrum or run of the mill aquarium. Not to worry; these two products are totally safe for aquarium use and your precious watery friends will surely have hours of fun romping through them and chasing each other in and out of their pathways. In fact given the presence of such delightful ornaments, your fish may well be in their own natural habitat and I sincerely doubt that any of them will miss home with these toys adorning their tanks! The themes of these decorations are particularly apt given their intended usage and will add that needed little bit of whimsy in your aquatic creations.
These ornaments are not only attractive to the eye, they are also easy on the wallet. Costing only a few dollars each, there�s no reason why you shouldn�t have them in your very own aquarium right now and even purchasing several of them! In fact, with playthings such as these, even I would be tempted to live in an aquarium� if I wasn�t so attached to my land lubbing ways that is!
Web-pet-store provides all manner of [http://web-pet-store.com/aquariums/reviews/portal.php]aquarium enhancements and improvements to suit every need at every price point. Some of the more popular ornaments available from this site are the [http://web-pet-store.com/aquariums/reviews/Aquarium-Ornaments.php]Tropical Clam ornament and the [http://web-pet-store.com/aquariums/reviews/Aquarium-Ornaments.php]Half-Shipwreck decoration.
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