By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=David_Beart]David Beart
Buying an aquarium is a commitment which should be approached with careful thought and consideration. While aquarium keeping is considered to be an enjoyable hobby by many, it is always best to purchase the largest tank you can afford when you first begin. This will help you to avoid the need to upgrade later on; after your fish have already been established. Keep in mind, when purchasing an aquarium that you will also need the correct equipment to go along with the actual tank including a heater, filter and lighting to correspond with the size tank you purchase. A sufficiently large tank is necessary as your fish will be happier and healthier when they have adequate room to exercise.
Today, many different shape and height of tanks are available, so some thought will need to be given to this as well. Ideally, it is best not to purchase a tank that is deeper than your arm length or you could face difficult maintenance issues. Generally speaking, standard rectangle and bow-fronted aquariums are more suitable as these types of tanks provide the largest surface area in relation to their volume. As a result they provide maximum length for your fish to swim and exercise in. While tall column tanks can be visually interesting, they do make maintenance difficult. In addition, due to the small surface area, in the event of a power shortage, your fish can suffocate. Other options include cylindrical and spherical tanks; however, these types of tanks tend to distort the fish for viewing.
After you have determine the size and shape of tank you prefer, it is time to do some shopping around. While shopping, you will find there are three basic types of aquariums available. These are basic glass tanks, complete set-up tanks and systemized aquariums. Each has advantages and disadvantages.
A basic glass tank is an all-glass tank that is in a word-basic. When purchasing this type of tank you must keep in mind that you will need to purchase everything else needed to complete a fully functioning aquarium separate. This means purchasing the filtration, lighting, thermometer, hood, stand, test kits, heater and more separate. Purchasing these items separately can be more expensive than purchasing a complete set-up; however, it does allow you to purchase exactly what you want.
With a complete-set up aquarium, the tank comes with a hood and some equipment and accessories. When purchased this way, you usually get a break on the individual prices. This can be a good option if you are unsure about what you will need when you first start out. Perhaps the only disadvantage is that because the items come together you will not be able to purchase exactly what you want, regardless of manufacturer. In addition, do not allow the term �complete set-up� fool you. You may still need other items such as cleaning equipment, background paper and test kits; which must be purchased separately.
A systemized aquarium has the lighting and filtration already fitted into the tank by the manufacturer. This can take the hassle out of selecting and fitting the equipment; however, if you want to use different equipment or even if you want to upgrade in the future, the process is not that simple. Therefore, you should make sure that the system you choose is appropriate for the type of fish you want to keep when you purchase it. For example, some systemized aquariums are better suited for planted tanks and tropical fish.
Regardless of which type of aquarium you choose to purchase, it is important to position your tank where it will be easy to view as well as maintain. It should also be positioned in a location that is near an electric outlet. Try to avoid locations near natural sunlight as this can increase the water temperature as well as doors, which may be loud and distress your fish. Finally, avoid placing your tank near areas close to radiators and fireplaces as this can result in excess heat as well.
By giving proper thought and consideration to the type of tank that will best suit your needs and the needs of your fish for some time to come you can be sure you and your fish will enjoy your new aquarium for a long time.
David Beart is the owner of http://www.professorshouse.com Our site covers [http://www.professorshouse.com/pets/fish/first-time-fish-owners.aspx]raising tropical fish, household finances [http://www.professorshouse.com/forum/]family forums recipes and other household issues.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Some Helpful Tips for Choosing the Right Tropical Fish
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Graham_Wardle]Graham Wardle
If you are starting out new in your tropical fish hobby then you may be wondering just what type of fish you should get. Perhaps you want something a bit more advanced than the traditional goldfish that sat on your dresser as a child. The good news is that there is such a wide variety of tropical fish nowadays that you can pretty much find one that will fit your personality and setting. Let�s check out some tips for helping you choose the right ones for your aquarium!
* Now think of this for a moment. Say you purchase 4 small Angelfish thinking they are perfect for your tank. They look great until a year later you wake up and realize that they have grown and are now over 110mm in length! Suddenly that aquarium that housed them with plenty of room is cramped and the Angelfish aren�t looking too healthy. It�s important when choosing your tropical fish you not only account for the space they take now, but how much they will take as they grow older.
* A piece of advice any good tropical fish hobbyist will give you is to purchase your fish from a reputable dealer. Wal-Mart is not the place to be buying fish you plan to keep for years. A pet store or aquatic supply shop that takes pride in what they sell will make sure you are getting quality stock. Any sick fish will be isolated from the rest of the bunch. At mass merchandisers that sell fish you are pretty much �hoping for the best�. It�s worthwhile to spend a little more money to make sure you are not going to get a sick fish that could potentially infect your entire tank!
* Just like people, different fish have different requirements in what makes a good environment for them to live in. For example, Angelfish tend to favor tall tanks, while Tetras and Danios like space as they tend to school together and love to race each other around! A fish like a Labyrinth, as the name suggests, like places they can hide so be sure to have rocks, plants and other decorations they can retreat off too.
When stocking the fish in the tank, keep in mind that if you try and add too many you will get what is called toxic shock syndrome and risk losing your entire tank! Seek out advice if you are not familiar in how many fish per gallon you need in your tank or are unsure about the space requirements of what you plan to purchase. Again, this is where it helps to go to a store that specializes in tropical fish that can give you expert advice.
The Author, Graham Wardle, offers tips and advice about the hobby of keeping fish both indoors and outside at http://beta-tropical-and-pond-fish-news.blogspot.com and also at http://tropicalpondandfreshwaterfishnews.blogspot.com
If you are starting out new in your tropical fish hobby then you may be wondering just what type of fish you should get. Perhaps you want something a bit more advanced than the traditional goldfish that sat on your dresser as a child. The good news is that there is such a wide variety of tropical fish nowadays that you can pretty much find one that will fit your personality and setting. Let�s check out some tips for helping you choose the right ones for your aquarium!
* Now think of this for a moment. Say you purchase 4 small Angelfish thinking they are perfect for your tank. They look great until a year later you wake up and realize that they have grown and are now over 110mm in length! Suddenly that aquarium that housed them with plenty of room is cramped and the Angelfish aren�t looking too healthy. It�s important when choosing your tropical fish you not only account for the space they take now, but how much they will take as they grow older.
* A piece of advice any good tropical fish hobbyist will give you is to purchase your fish from a reputable dealer. Wal-Mart is not the place to be buying fish you plan to keep for years. A pet store or aquatic supply shop that takes pride in what they sell will make sure you are getting quality stock. Any sick fish will be isolated from the rest of the bunch. At mass merchandisers that sell fish you are pretty much �hoping for the best�. It�s worthwhile to spend a little more money to make sure you are not going to get a sick fish that could potentially infect your entire tank!
* Just like people, different fish have different requirements in what makes a good environment for them to live in. For example, Angelfish tend to favor tall tanks, while Tetras and Danios like space as they tend to school together and love to race each other around! A fish like a Labyrinth, as the name suggests, like places they can hide so be sure to have rocks, plants and other decorations they can retreat off too.
When stocking the fish in the tank, keep in mind that if you try and add too many you will get what is called toxic shock syndrome and risk losing your entire tank! Seek out advice if you are not familiar in how many fish per gallon you need in your tank or are unsure about the space requirements of what you plan to purchase. Again, this is where it helps to go to a store that specializes in tropical fish that can give you expert advice.
The Author, Graham Wardle, offers tips and advice about the hobby of keeping fish both indoors and outside at http://beta-tropical-and-pond-fish-news.blogspot.com and also at http://tropicalpondandfreshwaterfishnews.blogspot.com
Monday, August 27, 2007
Why Betta Fish Fight Each Other
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Bosun_Sogeke]Bosun Sogeke
Betta fish is also famous by the name of Siam Fighting Fish. Siam is the conventional name for Thailand. There are many variety of betta fish, the most widespread is Betta Splendens. Betta is local to Thailand and is found in several other parts of Asia as well, namely Vietnam, Cambodia and Malaysia.
Betta is a labyrinth for the reason that it breathes oxygen from the air. Bettas are found in slow moving waters in paddy fields or small rivers. It is violent and defensive by temperament.
In several regions of Asia many people still employ them to fight for bets and it is one of the much loved past time. Through discriminating breeding and genetics development, now days we are seeing more diversities in finnage and colors of bettas. Halfmoon and plakat betta fishes are progressively becoming more preferred aquarium fish pets.
Betta fish fights to look after their area, to make sure that they have sufficient food, and also for the reason that they want to be �king of the hill� when the time for reproducing comes for them. These are hereditary qualities, and you can�t train your Betta fish to fight.
In case if you place two male Betta fishes together in the tank, they will flare up at each other � (this means they inflate, flaring out their fins and gill covers, to make themselves look superior and more intimidating.) Time and again one fish will make a clean breast defeat and swim away, leaving the other male winning.
When people started keeping and fighting Betta fish, violent behavior was bred into them, but over the last few years, this quality has started to be bred out of them.
For the majority of the time male Betta fishes will only bother other males. On the other hand it�s not completely unheard of for a male Betta fish to bother a new female or one that he feels endangered by, so it�s always an excellent idea to keep an eye on your Betta fish when you initially place another fish into the tank, or if you�re placing your Betta in with other fish.
At times a more violent Betta fish will pinch or bite the other fish. Therefore if you see this incident, take away the violent one right away to keep away from injuries.
Actually there is only one way to prevent your betta fish from fighting� don�t keep two male Betta fishes in the same tank. If you have just one tank and two male Betta fishes, you have two alternatives � one is to make use of a �fish condo� and the other one is to use a separator or single mesh divider.
Fish Condos: These are apparent plastic containers with air holes that allow the tank water flow all the way through them. Depending on the dimension of your tank, you can also fit in two, three or four space fish condos. Each Betta fish have possession of his own space, and you can put up visual blockades for example plants or java moss so that one betta fish can�t see the other.
You can also place a single mesh divider in one part of your tank that will maintain your male Betta fish alienated from each other.
As per Mr. Walt Maurus in a book named "Bettas a Complete Introduction," this diversity of betta was developed by a prisoner of the Indiana State Prison named Orville Gulley. He was trying to create a black butterfly betta in his prison cell in peanut butter jars and he was selling his extra fishes to Walt. Marble Betta fishes appeared in the middle of these extras and have been kept going by various other breeders. There are marbled bettas of approximately every color mixture possible now.
It seems that Dr. Pronger uncovered some fertilized betta eggs to x-ray radiation and as a result a number of them fry turned black in color. And the baby fishes produced from these eggs are known as melano betta fish. These melano bettas are excellent looking fish, but the female melanos don't produce sufficient eggs. It appears that the metamorphosis that produced the black pigment also changed the temperament of the egg membranes so that they are no longer water proof and no one of them ever hatch. That's the problem with rays�you can't just focus it on one genetic material.
For more information or to learn more on Betta Fish, please visit my [http://www.bettafishworld.blogspot.com ]blog
Betta fish is also famous by the name of Siam Fighting Fish. Siam is the conventional name for Thailand. There are many variety of betta fish, the most widespread is Betta Splendens. Betta is local to Thailand and is found in several other parts of Asia as well, namely Vietnam, Cambodia and Malaysia.
Betta is a labyrinth for the reason that it breathes oxygen from the air. Bettas are found in slow moving waters in paddy fields or small rivers. It is violent and defensive by temperament.
In several regions of Asia many people still employ them to fight for bets and it is one of the much loved past time. Through discriminating breeding and genetics development, now days we are seeing more diversities in finnage and colors of bettas. Halfmoon and plakat betta fishes are progressively becoming more preferred aquarium fish pets.
Betta fish fights to look after their area, to make sure that they have sufficient food, and also for the reason that they want to be �king of the hill� when the time for reproducing comes for them. These are hereditary qualities, and you can�t train your Betta fish to fight.
In case if you place two male Betta fishes together in the tank, they will flare up at each other � (this means they inflate, flaring out their fins and gill covers, to make themselves look superior and more intimidating.) Time and again one fish will make a clean breast defeat and swim away, leaving the other male winning.
When people started keeping and fighting Betta fish, violent behavior was bred into them, but over the last few years, this quality has started to be bred out of them.
For the majority of the time male Betta fishes will only bother other males. On the other hand it�s not completely unheard of for a male Betta fish to bother a new female or one that he feels endangered by, so it�s always an excellent idea to keep an eye on your Betta fish when you initially place another fish into the tank, or if you�re placing your Betta in with other fish.
At times a more violent Betta fish will pinch or bite the other fish. Therefore if you see this incident, take away the violent one right away to keep away from injuries.
Actually there is only one way to prevent your betta fish from fighting� don�t keep two male Betta fishes in the same tank. If you have just one tank and two male Betta fishes, you have two alternatives � one is to make use of a �fish condo� and the other one is to use a separator or single mesh divider.
Fish Condos: These are apparent plastic containers with air holes that allow the tank water flow all the way through them. Depending on the dimension of your tank, you can also fit in two, three or four space fish condos. Each Betta fish have possession of his own space, and you can put up visual blockades for example plants or java moss so that one betta fish can�t see the other.
You can also place a single mesh divider in one part of your tank that will maintain your male Betta fish alienated from each other.
As per Mr. Walt Maurus in a book named "Bettas a Complete Introduction," this diversity of betta was developed by a prisoner of the Indiana State Prison named Orville Gulley. He was trying to create a black butterfly betta in his prison cell in peanut butter jars and he was selling his extra fishes to Walt. Marble Betta fishes appeared in the middle of these extras and have been kept going by various other breeders. There are marbled bettas of approximately every color mixture possible now.
It seems that Dr. Pronger uncovered some fertilized betta eggs to x-ray radiation and as a result a number of them fry turned black in color. And the baby fishes produced from these eggs are known as melano betta fish. These melano bettas are excellent looking fish, but the female melanos don't produce sufficient eggs. It appears that the metamorphosis that produced the black pigment also changed the temperament of the egg membranes so that they are no longer water proof and no one of them ever hatch. That's the problem with rays�you can't just focus it on one genetic material.
For more information or to learn more on Betta Fish, please visit my [http://www.bettafishworld.blogspot.com ]blog
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Five Great Tropical Saltwater Fish For Your New Saltwater Aquarium
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Elliot_Lawson]Elliot Lawson
After getting home from a long day at work and getting the kids into bed you have worked into the wee hours of the night and most of the last few weekends to get your new saltwater set up just right. You have designed the reef system to be the envy of the neighborhood! Don�t forget that you have tested the water faithfully as you cycled your aquarium. The time has now arrived that you can start introducing tropical saltwater fish to your tank. Now the decision is what kind of tropical saltwater fish do you add?
The very first thing to remember is that fish have personalities just like people and not everyone gets along well. As a result you need to give serious thought to who will call your new saltwater tank home. Also, the order in which you add fish and how many of the same type can make a big difference. Fish can be protective of their homes just like us. Here is a list of five tropical fish that are easy for beginners to handle and can live together in your new saltwater tank.
The Royal Gramma
The Royal Gramma Basslet or Fairy Basslet is a beautiful fish. The front half of its body and head are a bright purple, while the back half is yellow. It is a hardy fish that does well in a reef aquarium. Since it remains small (less than 3 inches), it is perfect for small reef systems. It is recommended for saltwater tank setups as small as 30 gallons.
They can be aggressive towards their own species, and as a result you should only purchase one for your aquarium. This tropical fish is a deep water dweller and prefers caves and extensive rockwork. It does well in a somewhat subdued lighting arrangement.
Powder Blue Tang
This tropical saltwater fish will be sure to entertain you! If you are not sure of which fish I am writing about think of �Dory� from the Disney movie �Finding Nemo.� The Powder Blue Tang has an oval body shape with colorful markings. It is primarily blue and is accented with yellow and white. Bright yellow highlights the dorsal and pectoral fins while blue-black markings outline the face and tail. They do best in a larger tank. They like reef systems with passages that provide them with a sense of security. Unless your tank is really large you should only have one Blue Tang. They are also known to quarrel with the Brown Tangs. If you want to have these two types of Tang in your aquarium be sure to have a lot of space and reef with passages.
Clownfish
You can�t think about a saltwater tank and not envision a Clownfish (Nemo). Clownfish have alternating bands of orange and white. Some varieties will have black lines as well. This is a great fish for saltwater tanks with reef systems. This peaceful fish will spend most of it�s time at home in its anemone. If you plan to have more than one Clownfish it is best to add them in pairs and have at least one anemone for each pair you place in the tank. You should only consider more than one Clownfish if your tank is at least 100 gallons.
Flame Hawkfish
This is one of the most popular types of Hawkfish. This peaceful fish has a red body with darker markings along the dorsal fin and around the eyes. The Flame Hawkfish can be very personable fish. They make a great addition to any live reef aquarium as long as there are no small shrimp in the aquarium. The Flame Hawkfish will do well in saltwater aquariums as small as 30 gallons.
Fantail Filefish
This fish is very popular because of its exceptional color scheme. The Fantail is a cream color with brown striations on its face and a brown pattern covering the rest of its body. Its tail is in stark contrast with an orange then brown then yellow coloring scheme. If you are planning a saltwater fish only aquarium this would be an excellent choice. They are not recommended for reef tanks as they enjoy eating invertebrates.
There are several other fish that would be considered great starter fish. The ones chosen above were listed for their ability to adapt well in a new tank, ease of care, popularity and, coloring. The most important thing to remember is that a saltwater aquarium is a long term commitment. So be sure that the fish you choose are ones that you and your family will enjoy.
The Author, Elliot Lawson, offers tips and advice about keeping saltwater fish. Please check out http://www.theguidetofun.com if you would like to learn more about setting up a saltwater aquarium and saltwater tropical fish.
After getting home from a long day at work and getting the kids into bed you have worked into the wee hours of the night and most of the last few weekends to get your new saltwater set up just right. You have designed the reef system to be the envy of the neighborhood! Don�t forget that you have tested the water faithfully as you cycled your aquarium. The time has now arrived that you can start introducing tropical saltwater fish to your tank. Now the decision is what kind of tropical saltwater fish do you add?
The very first thing to remember is that fish have personalities just like people and not everyone gets along well. As a result you need to give serious thought to who will call your new saltwater tank home. Also, the order in which you add fish and how many of the same type can make a big difference. Fish can be protective of their homes just like us. Here is a list of five tropical fish that are easy for beginners to handle and can live together in your new saltwater tank.
The Royal Gramma
The Royal Gramma Basslet or Fairy Basslet is a beautiful fish. The front half of its body and head are a bright purple, while the back half is yellow. It is a hardy fish that does well in a reef aquarium. Since it remains small (less than 3 inches), it is perfect for small reef systems. It is recommended for saltwater tank setups as small as 30 gallons.
They can be aggressive towards their own species, and as a result you should only purchase one for your aquarium. This tropical fish is a deep water dweller and prefers caves and extensive rockwork. It does well in a somewhat subdued lighting arrangement.
Powder Blue Tang
This tropical saltwater fish will be sure to entertain you! If you are not sure of which fish I am writing about think of �Dory� from the Disney movie �Finding Nemo.� The Powder Blue Tang has an oval body shape with colorful markings. It is primarily blue and is accented with yellow and white. Bright yellow highlights the dorsal and pectoral fins while blue-black markings outline the face and tail. They do best in a larger tank. They like reef systems with passages that provide them with a sense of security. Unless your tank is really large you should only have one Blue Tang. They are also known to quarrel with the Brown Tangs. If you want to have these two types of Tang in your aquarium be sure to have a lot of space and reef with passages.
Clownfish
You can�t think about a saltwater tank and not envision a Clownfish (Nemo). Clownfish have alternating bands of orange and white. Some varieties will have black lines as well. This is a great fish for saltwater tanks with reef systems. This peaceful fish will spend most of it�s time at home in its anemone. If you plan to have more than one Clownfish it is best to add them in pairs and have at least one anemone for each pair you place in the tank. You should only consider more than one Clownfish if your tank is at least 100 gallons.
Flame Hawkfish
This is one of the most popular types of Hawkfish. This peaceful fish has a red body with darker markings along the dorsal fin and around the eyes. The Flame Hawkfish can be very personable fish. They make a great addition to any live reef aquarium as long as there are no small shrimp in the aquarium. The Flame Hawkfish will do well in saltwater aquariums as small as 30 gallons.
Fantail Filefish
This fish is very popular because of its exceptional color scheme. The Fantail is a cream color with brown striations on its face and a brown pattern covering the rest of its body. Its tail is in stark contrast with an orange then brown then yellow coloring scheme. If you are planning a saltwater fish only aquarium this would be an excellent choice. They are not recommended for reef tanks as they enjoy eating invertebrates.
There are several other fish that would be considered great starter fish. The ones chosen above were listed for their ability to adapt well in a new tank, ease of care, popularity and, coloring. The most important thing to remember is that a saltwater aquarium is a long term commitment. So be sure that the fish you choose are ones that you and your family will enjoy.
The Author, Elliot Lawson, offers tips and advice about keeping saltwater fish. Please check out http://www.theguidetofun.com if you would like to learn more about setting up a saltwater aquarium and saltwater tropical fish.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
The Keys to a Great Saltwater Tank
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Elliot_Lawson]Elliot Lawson
The Saltwater Aquarium Do's and Don'ts List (Part 1)
Having a saltwater aquarium can be a lot of fun. Watching your tropical saltwater fish can be a very relaxing hobby. Not to mention if set up properly your aquarium can be a great addition to any room. If you want to keep it in tip top shape you do have to pay attention to it. I have put together a list of some do�s and don�ts when it comes to managing a saltwater aquarium. In this week�s edition you can read about the Do�s.
The Do's
� Buy a good saltwater aquarium book. This will be a great resource as there are lots of issues that can arise with a saltwater set up. If you haven�t purchased it already it should be the next item you purchase. Amazon.com will probably have a better variety than you can find at your local book store and they usually have very good prices.
� React quickly when you believe that something is wrong. Test your water quality. Look for signs of disease. Consult your aquarium book(s); check out some fish (saltwater tropical) forums on the internet.
� Keep a maintenance schedule to help remind you to regularly check things like your water quality, toping off with water, replace saltwater, etc.
� Feed small amounts of food regularly.
� Look at your tank every day to look for changes in your saltwater fish�s health. Are they acting behaving any differently than normal, do they show any damage or signs of sickness.
� Be sure you have sufficient circulation in your tank. Look into a power head.
� Use a timer if possible on your tanks lights as your saltwater tropical fish like structure with respect to their daytime and nighttime.
�Be sure to use good quality activated carbon in your tanks so that unwanted toxins are removed and water stays clear.
� Regularly replace your activated carbon.
� Keep your tank as close as possible to Natural Sea Water conditions.
�Acclimate your new tropical fish appropriately � this can be anywhere from a few minutes to a few days if you want to quarantine them first.
�Use a protein skimmer if possible. It will work nicely with your mechanical and biological filtration. In some cases it is a must have if you are keeping certain invertebrates.
� Always keep some saltwater supplies on hand for an unexpected problem.
� Make sure you understand the nitrogen cycle. This is the process for how wastes in the saltwater get converted from toxic chemicals to less toxic chemicals by bacteria that live in your saltwater aquarium.
�If possible use natural sea water in your tank - there is nothing like the real thing.
� If you use real sea water make sure you know where it is coming from. You don't want sea water that was collected in your local marina or just offshore as it will not be suitable. Sea water taken from these areas can contain all sorts of man made pollutants.
� Select your new fish very carefully. Study ahead of time to make sure you know what signs to look for in a damaged or diseased fish. It is always a good idea to quarantine new tropical fish in a separate salt water tank before adding them to your display tank.
� Always wash your hands before putting them in the tank or working with any equipment that will come into contact with your tanks water. Oils and anything else on your skin (lotion, soap, etc.) can pollute your saltwater setup.
� Feed a varied diet that accommodates all your saltwater tanks needs.
� Create passages and caves for you saltwater reef fish to enjoy.
There are probably some other Do�s that we could add to the list. However, this is a good start. Keeping a saltwater set up going properly takes some work but the benefits are well worth it.
In the next article we will cover the Don�ts list for your saltwater aquarium.
The Author, Elliot Lawson, offers tips and advice about keeping tropical saltwater fish. Please check out http://www.theguidetofun.com if you would like to learn more about setting up a saltwater aquarium and saltwater tropical fish.
The Saltwater Aquarium Do's and Don'ts List (Part 1)
Having a saltwater aquarium can be a lot of fun. Watching your tropical saltwater fish can be a very relaxing hobby. Not to mention if set up properly your aquarium can be a great addition to any room. If you want to keep it in tip top shape you do have to pay attention to it. I have put together a list of some do�s and don�ts when it comes to managing a saltwater aquarium. In this week�s edition you can read about the Do�s.
The Do's
� Buy a good saltwater aquarium book. This will be a great resource as there are lots of issues that can arise with a saltwater set up. If you haven�t purchased it already it should be the next item you purchase. Amazon.com will probably have a better variety than you can find at your local book store and they usually have very good prices.
� React quickly when you believe that something is wrong. Test your water quality. Look for signs of disease. Consult your aquarium book(s); check out some fish (saltwater tropical) forums on the internet.
� Keep a maintenance schedule to help remind you to regularly check things like your water quality, toping off with water, replace saltwater, etc.
� Feed small amounts of food regularly.
� Look at your tank every day to look for changes in your saltwater fish�s health. Are they acting behaving any differently than normal, do they show any damage or signs of sickness.
� Be sure you have sufficient circulation in your tank. Look into a power head.
� Use a timer if possible on your tanks lights as your saltwater tropical fish like structure with respect to their daytime and nighttime.
�Be sure to use good quality activated carbon in your tanks so that unwanted toxins are removed and water stays clear.
� Regularly replace your activated carbon.
� Keep your tank as close as possible to Natural Sea Water conditions.
�Acclimate your new tropical fish appropriately � this can be anywhere from a few minutes to a few days if you want to quarantine them first.
�Use a protein skimmer if possible. It will work nicely with your mechanical and biological filtration. In some cases it is a must have if you are keeping certain invertebrates.
� Always keep some saltwater supplies on hand for an unexpected problem.
� Make sure you understand the nitrogen cycle. This is the process for how wastes in the saltwater get converted from toxic chemicals to less toxic chemicals by bacteria that live in your saltwater aquarium.
�If possible use natural sea water in your tank - there is nothing like the real thing.
� If you use real sea water make sure you know where it is coming from. You don't want sea water that was collected in your local marina or just offshore as it will not be suitable. Sea water taken from these areas can contain all sorts of man made pollutants.
� Select your new fish very carefully. Study ahead of time to make sure you know what signs to look for in a damaged or diseased fish. It is always a good idea to quarantine new tropical fish in a separate salt water tank before adding them to your display tank.
� Always wash your hands before putting them in the tank or working with any equipment that will come into contact with your tanks water. Oils and anything else on your skin (lotion, soap, etc.) can pollute your saltwater setup.
� Feed a varied diet that accommodates all your saltwater tanks needs.
� Create passages and caves for you saltwater reef fish to enjoy.
There are probably some other Do�s that we could add to the list. However, this is a good start. Keeping a saltwater set up going properly takes some work but the benefits are well worth it.
In the next article we will cover the Don�ts list for your saltwater aquarium.
The Author, Elliot Lawson, offers tips and advice about keeping tropical saltwater fish. Please check out http://www.theguidetofun.com if you would like to learn more about setting up a saltwater aquarium and saltwater tropical fish.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Best Aquarium Fish Decoration Ideas and Tips
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Norlian_Ali]Norlian Ali
You would certainly agree that just like a home looks plain without furniture, paintings and other decoration. The same thing applies to having an aquarium, because a tank is so boring to look at if there are only a few fish inside.
Aquarium fish decor can be consider as part of the "necessity" for aquarium.
Here are some ideas for Aquarium Fish Decor:
(1.) Before putting any rocks, stones, or pebbles inside, it would be a good idea to check on the pH levels of these objects since they could pose a problem to the aqua life. Use litmus pH paper and test the acidity/alkalinity of a test water sample before and after soaking the rocks. This simple but always overlooked thing when it comes to aquarium fish decor.
These rocks, stones, or pebbles can be purchased from the pet store and are available in different colors. They can be mixed and matched with the gravel that also helps in keeping the filtration system anchored at the bottom of the tank.
(2.) Drift wood and mangrove are another options that you could use in aquarium fish decor. This will be wonderful for fish to swim over and under. You should only use a few because too much may lower the pH levels in the water, thus making it more acidic.
(3.) Live flora are useful for fish to lay spawn in, be a good hiding place and also act as a filter to balance the toxicity level in the aquarium. Plants perhaps are the top winners to decorate the aquarium.
(4.) It is also possible to put a poster on the back of the aquarium. The only problem is that you can only see three sides; and have to walk around to see what is going on. This is one of many ways of aquarium fish decor.
(5.) Since most fish live among the corals, it is only right to put one or two in the aquarium. CORALS can also be substituted for shells but corals should only be used for salt water and NOT for fresh water fish.
(6.) You may use a plastic submarine, a treasure chest or a pirate's ship. Undeniable, this is one of the unique way to decorate your aquarium. This would also be good way to hide the tube that pushes oxygen from the pump. Some small ceramic figurines can also be used to make it look like a miniature Atlantis !!
(7.) The nice thing about having an aquarium at home is that there is no right or wrong answer as to how to decorate it. There are many other things that can be used to decorate the aquarium.
Aquarium fish decor is very flexible. Today one set up can be done now and when you get tired of it, it can be changed to something new. The pet owner can use one of those mentioned or a combination but the most important thing to keep in mind is that whatever your setup, it must not be harmful to the fish !
In short, decorating the aquarium is a fine balance between substance, form and safety for the aqua life.
Happy decorate and enjoy your [http://aquariumfishcare.articles-express.com/fish-aquarium-decor/best-aquarium-fish-decoration-ideas-and-tips/] aquarium fish decor!
Norlian Ali is an expert in [http://aquariumfishguides.bestguidesnow.com/] aquarium fish care . She has 15 years experience in handling different types of aquarium and growing hundreds type of fish. She is a fish lover too and spending most of her free time with her fish at home. Read her latest article on [http://aquariumfishcare.articles-express.com/fish-aquarium-decor/best-aquarium-fish-decoration-ideas-and-tips/] fish aquarium decor which was published in the local magazine recently.
You would certainly agree that just like a home looks plain without furniture, paintings and other decoration. The same thing applies to having an aquarium, because a tank is so boring to look at if there are only a few fish inside.
Aquarium fish decor can be consider as part of the "necessity" for aquarium.
Here are some ideas for Aquarium Fish Decor:
(1.) Before putting any rocks, stones, or pebbles inside, it would be a good idea to check on the pH levels of these objects since they could pose a problem to the aqua life. Use litmus pH paper and test the acidity/alkalinity of a test water sample before and after soaking the rocks. This simple but always overlooked thing when it comes to aquarium fish decor.
These rocks, stones, or pebbles can be purchased from the pet store and are available in different colors. They can be mixed and matched with the gravel that also helps in keeping the filtration system anchored at the bottom of the tank.
(2.) Drift wood and mangrove are another options that you could use in aquarium fish decor. This will be wonderful for fish to swim over and under. You should only use a few because too much may lower the pH levels in the water, thus making it more acidic.
(3.) Live flora are useful for fish to lay spawn in, be a good hiding place and also act as a filter to balance the toxicity level in the aquarium. Plants perhaps are the top winners to decorate the aquarium.
(4.) It is also possible to put a poster on the back of the aquarium. The only problem is that you can only see three sides; and have to walk around to see what is going on. This is one of many ways of aquarium fish decor.
(5.) Since most fish live among the corals, it is only right to put one or two in the aquarium. CORALS can also be substituted for shells but corals should only be used for salt water and NOT for fresh water fish.
(6.) You may use a plastic submarine, a treasure chest or a pirate's ship. Undeniable, this is one of the unique way to decorate your aquarium. This would also be good way to hide the tube that pushes oxygen from the pump. Some small ceramic figurines can also be used to make it look like a miniature Atlantis !!
(7.) The nice thing about having an aquarium at home is that there is no right or wrong answer as to how to decorate it. There are many other things that can be used to decorate the aquarium.
Aquarium fish decor is very flexible. Today one set up can be done now and when you get tired of it, it can be changed to something new. The pet owner can use one of those mentioned or a combination but the most important thing to keep in mind is that whatever your setup, it must not be harmful to the fish !
In short, decorating the aquarium is a fine balance between substance, form and safety for the aqua life.
Happy decorate and enjoy your [http://aquariumfishcare.articles-express.com/fish-aquarium-decor/best-aquarium-fish-decoration-ideas-and-tips/] aquarium fish decor!
Norlian Ali is an expert in [http://aquariumfishguides.bestguidesnow.com/] aquarium fish care . She has 15 years experience in handling different types of aquarium and growing hundreds type of fish. She is a fish lover too and spending most of her free time with her fish at home. Read her latest article on [http://aquariumfishcare.articles-express.com/fish-aquarium-decor/best-aquarium-fish-decoration-ideas-and-tips/] fish aquarium decor which was published in the local magazine recently.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Making An Aquarium From Scratch
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Norlian_Ali]Norlian Ali
An "aquarium" is a casing of 4 glass sheets glued together. It doesn't take a genius to assemble this. The secret here is to have all the materials available before hand.
A person can build a tank single handedly. The glass and other materials can be purchased from the hard ware store. Someone can cut it to the proper size, or if there is equipment in the house, it can be done at home. The steps are:-
(1.) As soon as you cut the glass sheets to the appropriate length, the edges must be sanded and cleaned using a piece of sand paper. Even if there isn't any grease or dirt, the edges should still be wiped clean using an acetone cleaner. This must be done carefully so that the glue will be able to stick properly when it is finally put together.
(2.) Better SAFE than sorry, so during assembly, a middle brace should be placed inside. This does not have to go all the way to the top but just enough so as to hold things together and provide stability and prevent DANGEROUS slip ups.
Aquarium factories use a steal tank stand. Another way to save on time and labor will be to use a Styrofoam pad. Thus, this will allow you to use thinner glass for the other sides.
(3.) The difficult part is applying the glue. Application should be done slowly so there will not be any gaps or bubbles. The best glue to use when sticking the glass together is the Silicone type. This dries fast so you should be complete the gluing in approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
(4.) The aquarium should be left to dry for a few hours and then when it is ready, the last thing to do will be to apply a little on the glass brace. Good duct tape can also be used as an additional precaution.
(5.) The "baptism by fire" will come when water is placed in the aquarium. If there are no leaks, then you have just successfully built a tank. Congratulations !
Having been able to make an aquarium without a hitch will make it easier to make smaller or lager ones later on. You could price it correctly and then sell aquariums to aquaria shops and offer customized versions to those who are willing to pay the price.
From this experience, you can experiment making aquariums of different forms. However, do note that if the core is shaped in the form of a rectangle, it will be easier to sell since this is the kind frequently bought by those who want to have fish in their house.
Well if you do fail, chalk it up to experience, and then go buy a ready made aquarium !
Norlian Ali is an expert in [http://aquariumfishguides.bestguidesnow.com/]fish aquarium. She has 15 years experience in handling different types of aquarium and growing hundreds type of fish. She is a fish lover too and spending most of her free time with her fish at home. Read her latest article on [http://aquariumfishguides.bestguidesnow.com/Aquarium_Fish_Maintenance.html] aquarium fish maintenance which was published in the local magazine recently.
An "aquarium" is a casing of 4 glass sheets glued together. It doesn't take a genius to assemble this. The secret here is to have all the materials available before hand.
A person can build a tank single handedly. The glass and other materials can be purchased from the hard ware store. Someone can cut it to the proper size, or if there is equipment in the house, it can be done at home. The steps are:-
(1.) As soon as you cut the glass sheets to the appropriate length, the edges must be sanded and cleaned using a piece of sand paper. Even if there isn't any grease or dirt, the edges should still be wiped clean using an acetone cleaner. This must be done carefully so that the glue will be able to stick properly when it is finally put together.
(2.) Better SAFE than sorry, so during assembly, a middle brace should be placed inside. This does not have to go all the way to the top but just enough so as to hold things together and provide stability and prevent DANGEROUS slip ups.
Aquarium factories use a steal tank stand. Another way to save on time and labor will be to use a Styrofoam pad. Thus, this will allow you to use thinner glass for the other sides.
(3.) The difficult part is applying the glue. Application should be done slowly so there will not be any gaps or bubbles. The best glue to use when sticking the glass together is the Silicone type. This dries fast so you should be complete the gluing in approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
(4.) The aquarium should be left to dry for a few hours and then when it is ready, the last thing to do will be to apply a little on the glass brace. Good duct tape can also be used as an additional precaution.
(5.) The "baptism by fire" will come when water is placed in the aquarium. If there are no leaks, then you have just successfully built a tank. Congratulations !
Having been able to make an aquarium without a hitch will make it easier to make smaller or lager ones later on. You could price it correctly and then sell aquariums to aquaria shops and offer customized versions to those who are willing to pay the price.
From this experience, you can experiment making aquariums of different forms. However, do note that if the core is shaped in the form of a rectangle, it will be easier to sell since this is the kind frequently bought by those who want to have fish in their house.
Well if you do fail, chalk it up to experience, and then go buy a ready made aquarium !
Norlian Ali is an expert in [http://aquariumfishguides.bestguidesnow.com/]fish aquarium. She has 15 years experience in handling different types of aquarium and growing hundreds type of fish. She is a fish lover too and spending most of her free time with her fish at home. Read her latest article on [http://aquariumfishguides.bestguidesnow.com/Aquarium_Fish_Maintenance.html] aquarium fish maintenance which was published in the local magazine recently.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Monitoring the Healthcare of Your Tropical Pond Fish
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Graham_Wardle]Graham Wardle
You have a beautiful outdoor pond stocked full of the fish that create a wonderful kaleidoscope of color in your backyard. If you aren�t careful, though, you can come outside one day to find most of your habitat dieing or in poor health. Let�s take a look at some of the ways you can monitor the health of your outdoor pond fish.
* Your tropical fish live in that pond, but so do their waste, food, oxygen and everything else from nature that may drain into the pond. It�s important to keep on top of pond maintenance to keep up the well-being of your fish. One of the regular maintenance items on your list should be to take the pH level of the pond at least once a week. Know what pH level is appropriate for your fish and if you notice an increase or decrease try to find and resolve the problem before it affects the health of your tropical fish.
* Maybe you just moved some of your favorite species from the indoor aquarium to the outside pond and they just don�t seem to be doing so well. It could be �new tank syndrome� as they are getting over the shock of being transported to a new environment. Tropical fish are very susceptible to stress, and moving definitely applies stress to the poor fellows! Try to introduce them gradually to the pond, and always make sure they spend at least 24 hours getting used to the temperature of the new pond before releasing them.
* Don�t crowd them out! You may think you have a big pond, but you still need to keep space considerations in mind. Too many fish in the pond will quickly turn the water toxic and could potentially kill off the entire pond. Start out small and keep a record of how many and what species you have introduced to the pond. Not only does this help plan out how many fish you can add, but if you notice a sudden change in health of the fish after adding a certain species you will have a record of where and when to help you isolate it.
* Keep on top of pond cleaning and maintenance. If you notice your fish losing their color, or becoming bloated it could be because there is too much algae, carbon dioxide or other parasites in the water. It�s hard to control all the variables in an outside setting, but there are a number of additives you can put in the water to at least control the parasites.
Although an outdoor pond requires you to keep an eye on it a bit more than your indoor aquarium you will find that with just a little bit of extra work you can have a tropical fish setting that will please you for years to come � not to mention add that special touch to your outdoor landscaping.
The Author, Graham Wardle, offers tips and advice about the hobby of keeping fish both indoors and outside at http://beta-tropical-and-pond-fish-news.blogspot.com and also at http://tropicalpondandfreshwaterfishnews.blogspot.com
You have a beautiful outdoor pond stocked full of the fish that create a wonderful kaleidoscope of color in your backyard. If you aren�t careful, though, you can come outside one day to find most of your habitat dieing or in poor health. Let�s take a look at some of the ways you can monitor the health of your outdoor pond fish.
* Your tropical fish live in that pond, but so do their waste, food, oxygen and everything else from nature that may drain into the pond. It�s important to keep on top of pond maintenance to keep up the well-being of your fish. One of the regular maintenance items on your list should be to take the pH level of the pond at least once a week. Know what pH level is appropriate for your fish and if you notice an increase or decrease try to find and resolve the problem before it affects the health of your tropical fish.
* Maybe you just moved some of your favorite species from the indoor aquarium to the outside pond and they just don�t seem to be doing so well. It could be �new tank syndrome� as they are getting over the shock of being transported to a new environment. Tropical fish are very susceptible to stress, and moving definitely applies stress to the poor fellows! Try to introduce them gradually to the pond, and always make sure they spend at least 24 hours getting used to the temperature of the new pond before releasing them.
* Don�t crowd them out! You may think you have a big pond, but you still need to keep space considerations in mind. Too many fish in the pond will quickly turn the water toxic and could potentially kill off the entire pond. Start out small and keep a record of how many and what species you have introduced to the pond. Not only does this help plan out how many fish you can add, but if you notice a sudden change in health of the fish after adding a certain species you will have a record of where and when to help you isolate it.
* Keep on top of pond cleaning and maintenance. If you notice your fish losing their color, or becoming bloated it could be because there is too much algae, carbon dioxide or other parasites in the water. It�s hard to control all the variables in an outside setting, but there are a number of additives you can put in the water to at least control the parasites.
Although an outdoor pond requires you to keep an eye on it a bit more than your indoor aquarium you will find that with just a little bit of extra work you can have a tropical fish setting that will please you for years to come � not to mention add that special touch to your outdoor landscaping.
The Author, Graham Wardle, offers tips and advice about the hobby of keeping fish both indoors and outside at http://beta-tropical-and-pond-fish-news.blogspot.com and also at http://tropicalpondandfreshwaterfishnews.blogspot.com
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Important Considerations for Setting up a Saltwater Aquarium
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Roger_Gordon]Roger Gordon
Anyone who has had an aquarium knows that algae is unavoidable. It is just one of the things that fish owners, both salt and freshwater, have to deal with on a regular basis.There are four main variety's of algae; green algae, brown algae, red-brush algae, and blue green algae.
Green algae is the variety of algae that most people are familiar with. Green algae thrives in any aquarium that receives an abundance of light. The two most commonly seen green algaes in aquariums are hair algae and hard "green dot algae". Hair algae are long wispy strands of algae that are easily cleaned from the tank. The green-dot algae appears as green dots of algae on the side of the aquarium, it is very difficult and time consuming to remove green dot algae.
It is common for brown algae to appear when a tank that has just been started. It typically puts in an appearance within the first two weeks. Its appearance in established tanks means that the aquarium owner needs to test the nitrate and phosphate levels of this tank.
Brown algae is unusual because it thrives in aquariums that do not receive a great deal of light. When brown algae appears in the tank the aquarium owner needs to clean the entire tank and increase the lighting. It is not unusual for brown algae to disappear when the tank conditions stabilize.
Red-brush algae is a variety of algae that loves aquariums that have a high PH. It is incredibly difficult to manually remove red-brush algae from aquariums.Blue-green algae is deceptive because it's not an algae at all. It is really a cynobacteria. When it appears in the aquarium it looks like a slime that is taking over the tank. Blue-green algae can be fatal to aquarium plants and can jeopardize the health of the fish.
There are many ways you can discourage the growth of algae in your saltwater tanks.One of the simplest ways to limit the amount of algae in your saltwater tank is to reduce your lighting. Leaving your aquarium lights on for less then nine hours a day will limit the amount of time algae has to photosynthesis. Use the lowest wattage possible.
Use distilled water whenever you clean your saltwater aquarium or change the water. Changing your water every two to three weeks will limit the amount of time algae can grow in your tank. When you change the water make sure you vacuum your rocks. Also keep the use of additives to a minimum. Change your prefilter pad weekly.
Another consideration is materials. Glass and acrylic are the two choices most widely available on the market at the moment. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Glass is by far the more popular of the two due to the fact that it is less likely to scratch, allowing the sides to maintain their clarity. It is also considerably less expensive, an important consideration as it can cost a great deal of money to establish a saltwater aquarium and every advantage should be taken. Finally, the nature of the silicone sealant used in glass aquariums allows the tank to expand more readily when water is added.
Acrylic tanks come with their own advantages. There is almost no limit to the shape and size that an acrylic tank can take, allowing for a greater amount of creativity in tank design. It is also considerably more durable than glass, an important consideration if the aquarium is going to be displayed in a public place or if the owner has small children. Where a small bump may crack or otherwise damage a glass tank acrylic tanks are made of hardier stuff. It is also easier to adjust the filtration options on an acrylic tank, as it is not necessary to have the number of special tools available that are necessary to cut glass.
Thank you for showing interest in my article. For more information on aquarium care please visit http://aquariummania.info
Thanks once again for your time from your author Roger Gordon.
Anyone who has had an aquarium knows that algae is unavoidable. It is just one of the things that fish owners, both salt and freshwater, have to deal with on a regular basis.There are four main variety's of algae; green algae, brown algae, red-brush algae, and blue green algae.
Green algae is the variety of algae that most people are familiar with. Green algae thrives in any aquarium that receives an abundance of light. The two most commonly seen green algaes in aquariums are hair algae and hard "green dot algae". Hair algae are long wispy strands of algae that are easily cleaned from the tank. The green-dot algae appears as green dots of algae on the side of the aquarium, it is very difficult and time consuming to remove green dot algae.
It is common for brown algae to appear when a tank that has just been started. It typically puts in an appearance within the first two weeks. Its appearance in established tanks means that the aquarium owner needs to test the nitrate and phosphate levels of this tank.
Brown algae is unusual because it thrives in aquariums that do not receive a great deal of light. When brown algae appears in the tank the aquarium owner needs to clean the entire tank and increase the lighting. It is not unusual for brown algae to disappear when the tank conditions stabilize.
Red-brush algae is a variety of algae that loves aquariums that have a high PH. It is incredibly difficult to manually remove red-brush algae from aquariums.Blue-green algae is deceptive because it's not an algae at all. It is really a cynobacteria. When it appears in the aquarium it looks like a slime that is taking over the tank. Blue-green algae can be fatal to aquarium plants and can jeopardize the health of the fish.
There are many ways you can discourage the growth of algae in your saltwater tanks.One of the simplest ways to limit the amount of algae in your saltwater tank is to reduce your lighting. Leaving your aquarium lights on for less then nine hours a day will limit the amount of time algae has to photosynthesis. Use the lowest wattage possible.
Use distilled water whenever you clean your saltwater aquarium or change the water. Changing your water every two to three weeks will limit the amount of time algae can grow in your tank. When you change the water make sure you vacuum your rocks. Also keep the use of additives to a minimum. Change your prefilter pad weekly.
Another consideration is materials. Glass and acrylic are the two choices most widely available on the market at the moment. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Glass is by far the more popular of the two due to the fact that it is less likely to scratch, allowing the sides to maintain their clarity. It is also considerably less expensive, an important consideration as it can cost a great deal of money to establish a saltwater aquarium and every advantage should be taken. Finally, the nature of the silicone sealant used in glass aquariums allows the tank to expand more readily when water is added.
Acrylic tanks come with their own advantages. There is almost no limit to the shape and size that an acrylic tank can take, allowing for a greater amount of creativity in tank design. It is also considerably more durable than glass, an important consideration if the aquarium is going to be displayed in a public place or if the owner has small children. Where a small bump may crack or otherwise damage a glass tank acrylic tanks are made of hardier stuff. It is also easier to adjust the filtration options on an acrylic tank, as it is not necessary to have the number of special tools available that are necessary to cut glass.
Thank you for showing interest in my article. For more information on aquarium care please visit http://aquariummania.info
Thanks once again for your time from your author Roger Gordon.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Goldfish - Buying The Best Goldfish In The World
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dane_J_Stanton]Dane J Stanton
Well you would be pretty lucky to buy the BEST goldfish in the world! I mean how do you even tell what a good looking goldfish looks like? When you're down at the pet store next time, how do you decide which fish is worth purchasing and which is not?
What Breed Are You After?
The first thing you have to do is work out what type of goldfish would best suit your circumstances! Are you planning to keep your fish indoors or outdoors? This will play a huge role in your overall decision. There are many breeds that are not suited for life outdoors and at the same time, there are breeds that survive and grow larger in an outdoor pond environment as opposed to living in an aquarium or other kind of tank!
So What Fish Are Suited To What Environments?
When we're trying to think of what fish to place in what environment, the rule to go by is this one � "How big does the breed grow?" Now if you're planning to keep your fish in a pond, you're best to go with a particular breed that grows fairly big, especially in an outdoor environment. The best outdoor breed is of course the common Koi, which has the capacity to grow to enormous lengths! The other breed that fits the outdoor environment quite well is the comet. The comet has the ability to adapt extremely well to whatever circumstance it finds itself it. It's basically the 'survivor' of the goldfish world!
So What If You Are Planning To Keep Your Fish Indoors?
Well, that's a whole different story! It really depends on what fish you want to keep and the size of the environment you are planning to keep them in. I mean, are you after something a little bit different, extravagant or do you just want a bit of gold in your aquarium? You have the option of getting a breed of fantail, the more extravagant breed that has long butterfly-wing-like tails. Comets can also be kept in tanks too if you just want to have a bit of gold in the tank. Koi usually grow a lot bigger and prefer the larger environment of the garden pond.
When buying from a pet shop you will need to make sure the fish you are looking at, hasn't already contracted certain diseases, parasites or fungus for that matter. One of the easiest things to spot is to see if the fish you are looking at has blood spots anywhere on its body? This is a surefire sign that it has contracted anchor worms, a common parasite that leaches its way usually onto the dorsal fin area of the goldfish.
Secondly check to see if there are any white spots hanging off the tail fins. This usually means, the fish has been infected by Ichtyopthirius(Ick), which can been noticed by checking for white patches on the surface area.
If you want to learn more about keeping your [http://ezinearticles.com/?Goldfish---Inside-Secrets-On-Keeping-Beautiful-Goldfish&id=637085]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!
Well you would be pretty lucky to buy the BEST goldfish in the world! I mean how do you even tell what a good looking goldfish looks like? When you're down at the pet store next time, how do you decide which fish is worth purchasing and which is not?
What Breed Are You After?
The first thing you have to do is work out what type of goldfish would best suit your circumstances! Are you planning to keep your fish indoors or outdoors? This will play a huge role in your overall decision. There are many breeds that are not suited for life outdoors and at the same time, there are breeds that survive and grow larger in an outdoor pond environment as opposed to living in an aquarium or other kind of tank!
So What Fish Are Suited To What Environments?
When we're trying to think of what fish to place in what environment, the rule to go by is this one � "How big does the breed grow?" Now if you're planning to keep your fish in a pond, you're best to go with a particular breed that grows fairly big, especially in an outdoor environment. The best outdoor breed is of course the common Koi, which has the capacity to grow to enormous lengths! The other breed that fits the outdoor environment quite well is the comet. The comet has the ability to adapt extremely well to whatever circumstance it finds itself it. It's basically the 'survivor' of the goldfish world!
So What If You Are Planning To Keep Your Fish Indoors?
Well, that's a whole different story! It really depends on what fish you want to keep and the size of the environment you are planning to keep them in. I mean, are you after something a little bit different, extravagant or do you just want a bit of gold in your aquarium? You have the option of getting a breed of fantail, the more extravagant breed that has long butterfly-wing-like tails. Comets can also be kept in tanks too if you just want to have a bit of gold in the tank. Koi usually grow a lot bigger and prefer the larger environment of the garden pond.
When buying from a pet shop you will need to make sure the fish you are looking at, hasn't already contracted certain diseases, parasites or fungus for that matter. One of the easiest things to spot is to see if the fish you are looking at has blood spots anywhere on its body? This is a surefire sign that it has contracted anchor worms, a common parasite that leaches its way usually onto the dorsal fin area of the goldfish.
Secondly check to see if there are any white spots hanging off the tail fins. This usually means, the fish has been infected by Ichtyopthirius(Ick), which can been noticed by checking for white patches on the surface area.
If you want to learn more about keeping your [http://ezinearticles.com/?Goldfish---Inside-Secrets-On-Keeping-Beautiful-Goldfish&id=637085]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!
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Adding Koi To Your Pond
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tim_Sousa]Tim Sousa
Koi are a wonderful addition to your backyard pond. It is relaxing to watch these graceful fish gliding slowly through the water. To live a a long and healthy life, koi need just as much care as any other pet. Koi live an average of 25-35 years, although some have lived much longer. If you want to provide the proper care and environment for your fish, you need to do some research.
Make sure you do your research before you go to buy your koi. Read through books on koi care, browse the internet, and consult with koi experts.
Before you buy your fish, your pond needs to be properly prepared. It has to be big enough for the koi to swim around. A minimum of 1000 gallons, and 18 inches deep is recommended. The koi also need a quiet corner that they can retreat to. It is also advisable to have a number of hiding places for the fish so that they can avoid predators, such as racoons, or your neighbor's cat. The pH of the water should be between 7.5 and 8.5. Make sure that the filter has been running for a while, and that the beneficial bacteria in the pond have had a chance to establish themselves. These bacteria are important for maintaining the chemical balance of your pond once you add the fish.
It is always best to shop for your koi at a specialty store. Be sure too look for healthy fish with clear eyes, no missing scales and erect fins. Many variables affect the price of the fish, including size, pattern, shape, and availability.T Younger fish are usually a lot less expensive than the older and larger fish. Younger fish, about 3-4 inches long will probably cost less than 10 dollars. Older fish, 22-24 inches long can range from $1,200 and up, occasionally ranging up to $10,000. Butterfly koi are more expensive than regular koi due to their long flowing fins.
Be sure to add fish to your pond gradually. If you put in too many, the bacteria won't be able to handle all of the fish waste, and the chemical balance of the pond will be thrown off. Start with just one or two fish, and then after a week or two, go ahead and start adding a few more. Because of their metabolism is slower in the winter, it is best to buy the fish in cooler weather if possible. Koi do just fine in cold water, but you should avoid rapidly fluctuating temperatures. Even though koi are a warm water fish who prefer water temperatures of around 78 - 80 degrees F., they are capable of surviving in freezing cold temperatures and water over 86 degrees F. Deeper ponds are also preferable, so the water underneath the ice would not freeze. If you live in an area where the pond will freeze over, be sure to use a floating heater to keep a hole in the ice.
When the weather changes for the warmer, their metabolisms will speed up. Feeding of koi is quite easy by just feeding them koi pellets which are found online or at a pet store. Make sure to feed them twice a day. With some training, it is even possible to teach koi to eat out of your hand. When the weather and the water temperature start to cool off, you want to gradually reduce the amount of food that you feed the koi. When the water temperature drops to 50 degrees, then you should stop feeding them altogether until spring, when the water warms up again.
Koi will add a brilliant splash of color to your pond. And properly cared for, they will be in your pond for a long time, and provide years of enjoyment.
Isn't it time to get your water garden started? Visit [http://www.water-gardens-fountains.com]Water Gardens & Fountains to find a wide selection of fountains, garden waterfalls, and much more.
Koi are a wonderful addition to your backyard pond. It is relaxing to watch these graceful fish gliding slowly through the water. To live a a long and healthy life, koi need just as much care as any other pet. Koi live an average of 25-35 years, although some have lived much longer. If you want to provide the proper care and environment for your fish, you need to do some research.
Make sure you do your research before you go to buy your koi. Read through books on koi care, browse the internet, and consult with koi experts.
Before you buy your fish, your pond needs to be properly prepared. It has to be big enough for the koi to swim around. A minimum of 1000 gallons, and 18 inches deep is recommended. The koi also need a quiet corner that they can retreat to. It is also advisable to have a number of hiding places for the fish so that they can avoid predators, such as racoons, or your neighbor's cat. The pH of the water should be between 7.5 and 8.5. Make sure that the filter has been running for a while, and that the beneficial bacteria in the pond have had a chance to establish themselves. These bacteria are important for maintaining the chemical balance of your pond once you add the fish.
It is always best to shop for your koi at a specialty store. Be sure too look for healthy fish with clear eyes, no missing scales and erect fins. Many variables affect the price of the fish, including size, pattern, shape, and availability.T Younger fish are usually a lot less expensive than the older and larger fish. Younger fish, about 3-4 inches long will probably cost less than 10 dollars. Older fish, 22-24 inches long can range from $1,200 and up, occasionally ranging up to $10,000. Butterfly koi are more expensive than regular koi due to their long flowing fins.
Be sure to add fish to your pond gradually. If you put in too many, the bacteria won't be able to handle all of the fish waste, and the chemical balance of the pond will be thrown off. Start with just one or two fish, and then after a week or two, go ahead and start adding a few more. Because of their metabolism is slower in the winter, it is best to buy the fish in cooler weather if possible. Koi do just fine in cold water, but you should avoid rapidly fluctuating temperatures. Even though koi are a warm water fish who prefer water temperatures of around 78 - 80 degrees F., they are capable of surviving in freezing cold temperatures and water over 86 degrees F. Deeper ponds are also preferable, so the water underneath the ice would not freeze. If you live in an area where the pond will freeze over, be sure to use a floating heater to keep a hole in the ice.
When the weather changes for the warmer, their metabolisms will speed up. Feeding of koi is quite easy by just feeding them koi pellets which are found online or at a pet store. Make sure to feed them twice a day. With some training, it is even possible to teach koi to eat out of your hand. When the weather and the water temperature start to cool off, you want to gradually reduce the amount of food that you feed the koi. When the water temperature drops to 50 degrees, then you should stop feeding them altogether until spring, when the water warms up again.
Koi will add a brilliant splash of color to your pond. And properly cared for, they will be in your pond for a long time, and provide years of enjoyment.
Isn't it time to get your water garden started? Visit [http://www.water-gardens-fountains.com]Water Gardens & Fountains to find a wide selection of fountains, garden waterfalls, and much more.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Preventing Bladder Disease In Goldfish
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Neale_Goldingay]Neale Goldingay
One of the simplest things I ever learnt about goldfish was a simple technique for preventing bladder disease by adding a few frozen peas to your fish tank. By taking this simple step you can reduce the chance of your favorite goldfish, becoming very ill.
Goldfish, if looked after, can live for a very long time if cared for properly. When deciding on a fish tank for your goldfish, stop and think how do you like to live? Is your goal in life to live in a tiny studio? Or would you prefer a large spacious house? Your pet goldfish is no different he or she has needs as well. A good rule of thumb is to allow 10 gallons of water per fish and more is better.
A goldfish's environment is as important to them as ours is to us, would you prefer to live in a place with no furniture? Do you sleep in a bed? These are just some of the questions that you can ask yourself, and apply the answers to creating a livable environment for your goldfish. Simple things like adding a selection of gravel and rocks to the bottom of your tank can greatly improve the life expectancy of your fish. A few plants and other objects can be found either at your local pet store or around your house or garden.
When adding items from your house or garden. Or if you're lucky enough to live by the ocean, �from the beach� make sure that that you sanitize the items before adding them to your fish tank. Otherwise, you could be creating more problems that you can imagine.
For more information on Caring for your goldfish visit the authors site http://www.goldfishcare.org
One of the simplest things I ever learnt about goldfish was a simple technique for preventing bladder disease by adding a few frozen peas to your fish tank. By taking this simple step you can reduce the chance of your favorite goldfish, becoming very ill.
Goldfish, if looked after, can live for a very long time if cared for properly. When deciding on a fish tank for your goldfish, stop and think how do you like to live? Is your goal in life to live in a tiny studio? Or would you prefer a large spacious house? Your pet goldfish is no different he or she has needs as well. A good rule of thumb is to allow 10 gallons of water per fish and more is better.
A goldfish's environment is as important to them as ours is to us, would you prefer to live in a place with no furniture? Do you sleep in a bed? These are just some of the questions that you can ask yourself, and apply the answers to creating a livable environment for your goldfish. Simple things like adding a selection of gravel and rocks to the bottom of your tank can greatly improve the life expectancy of your fish. A few plants and other objects can be found either at your local pet store or around your house or garden.
When adding items from your house or garden. Or if you're lucky enough to live by the ocean, �from the beach� make sure that that you sanitize the items before adding them to your fish tank. Otherwise, you could be creating more problems that you can imagine.
For more information on Caring for your goldfish visit the authors site http://www.goldfishcare.org
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Pond Aquarium Plants: More than Just Decoration
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Graham_Wardle]Graham Wardle
What is a pond with plants in it? Just another hole in the ground with water! Well, maybe it isn�t that bad, but you will find that by adding plants to your outdoor pond you can greatly help not only with the visual aspects of the pond, but also help your fish breed better and the pond keep itself healthy for your fish. Let�s take a look at how aquatic plants can help spruce up your outdoor pond.
* Different tropical fish like different types of aquatic plants. There are a large number which to choose from and it is important to pick types that your fish will enjoy and those that will help your pond. Most pet stores and tropical fish handbooks can give you an idea of what types of aquatic plants will work well in an outdoor environment. If your pond is large enough you may even want to consult with your local greenhouse which may have a selection of aquatic plants available.
* Aquatic plants serve many purposes in a pond. They not only provide a place for fish to hide, rest and breed, but they also help keep the Carbon Dioxide levels in the water regulated as well as help control algae production. Without aquatic plants you would need to use chemicals and other methods to control the environment.
* Freshwater ponds also benefit from having aquatic plants in them to control the environmental conditions of the water itself. Water lilies not only look beautiful, but they also provide a cool area for fish to hide out during particularly hot days. Many plants also attract bugs and other small insects to them which can provide a great secondary food resource for your tropical fish friends.
* If you are interested in trying to breed your fish, then adding some water-loving plants can also provide a habitat for your fish to breed and raise their young. Fish often lay eggs and want to do so in a place they think is safe. Plants provide the natural covering necessary to help in this process.
Finally, as with everything else in your pond, your aquatic plants will need periodic maintenance. Don�t let them overtake the entire pond � some are nice, too many can be deadly to your fish. Also, as plants die out over the course of nature be sure to remove them so they don�t add contamination to the pond as they decompose.
The Author, Graham Wardle, offers tips and advice about the hobby of keeping fish both indoors and outside at http://beta-tropical-and-pond-fish-news.blogspot.com and also at http://tropicalpondandfreshwaterfishnews.blogspot.com
What is a pond with plants in it? Just another hole in the ground with water! Well, maybe it isn�t that bad, but you will find that by adding plants to your outdoor pond you can greatly help not only with the visual aspects of the pond, but also help your fish breed better and the pond keep itself healthy for your fish. Let�s take a look at how aquatic plants can help spruce up your outdoor pond.
* Different tropical fish like different types of aquatic plants. There are a large number which to choose from and it is important to pick types that your fish will enjoy and those that will help your pond. Most pet stores and tropical fish handbooks can give you an idea of what types of aquatic plants will work well in an outdoor environment. If your pond is large enough you may even want to consult with your local greenhouse which may have a selection of aquatic plants available.
* Aquatic plants serve many purposes in a pond. They not only provide a place for fish to hide, rest and breed, but they also help keep the Carbon Dioxide levels in the water regulated as well as help control algae production. Without aquatic plants you would need to use chemicals and other methods to control the environment.
* Freshwater ponds also benefit from having aquatic plants in them to control the environmental conditions of the water itself. Water lilies not only look beautiful, but they also provide a cool area for fish to hide out during particularly hot days. Many plants also attract bugs and other small insects to them which can provide a great secondary food resource for your tropical fish friends.
* If you are interested in trying to breed your fish, then adding some water-loving plants can also provide a habitat for your fish to breed and raise their young. Fish often lay eggs and want to do so in a place they think is safe. Plants provide the natural covering necessary to help in this process.
Finally, as with everything else in your pond, your aquatic plants will need periodic maintenance. Don�t let them overtake the entire pond � some are nice, too many can be deadly to your fish. Also, as plants die out over the course of nature be sure to remove them so they don�t add contamination to the pond as they decompose.
The Author, Graham Wardle, offers tips and advice about the hobby of keeping fish both indoors and outside at http://beta-tropical-and-pond-fish-news.blogspot.com and also at http://tropicalpondandfreshwaterfishnews.blogspot.com
Sunday, August 5, 2007
7 Tips For Building Koi Fish Ponds
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tanya_Turner]Tanya Turner
Are you thinking of building a koi fish pond? Keeping these magnificent fish in your garden can be great fun and it is not as difficult as you might think. With the right care koi can live for decades and some can become almost a meter long. Follow these tips to plan your pond properly so your koi will live long and happy life.
1 Depth is important
Depth of your pond is crucial. The minimum recommended depth is 4 feet, however it is much better to give your fish six or even 8 feet deep pond. This will ensure that your koi are protected from raccoons, cats and other animals who love a fish dinner. Deeper fish pond also helps to keep water cool in hot summer days
2 Make your pond as large as you can
Small ponds are not suitable for koi. Remember, with time koi can grow quite large and they will need a lot of room. Also there are so many color variations of koi, that with time you will probably want to add more fish to your pond. So it is better to create a large pond from the start than rebuild it later. About ten thousand gallons is a good size for a koi pond, bigger would be even better.
3 Use fish pond heater in colder months
Unlike tropical fish, koi don't suffer much from cold; however you should never let your pond freeze completely. Installing a proper pond heater will always keep an opening in the ice. Also keep in mind, that koi only grow when the water is warm, so with a heater your fish will grow faster
4 Plan some shade for your koi
When selecting a spot for your pond, make sure it is out of direct sunlight. Also keeping water plants like water lilies in your pond are a good idea - not only they add beauty to the overall design, but they also provide shade for the fish. However, you should avoid building your koi pond under trees. Cleaning a fish pond of fallen leaves is no fun.
5 Plan to install a bird net
There are many birds of prey that would love to steal your koi. Don't give them the opportunity; plan your pond location so it is possible to cover it with a net.
6 Keep insecticides away from your pond
When landscaping your pond keep in mind that you should not use any insecticides or herbicides near the water. Even a small amount of common garden poison can kill your beautiful fish.
7 Get proper equipment for your pond
Several accessories are absolutely essential for a healthy koi pond. Ideally you will have to invest into a water pump, filtration system, water aerator and an ultraviolet sterilizer. If the water in your pond is still, your fish might get sick and eventually die. Koi pond filtration systems are expensive, so as an alternative you can make your own homemade filters.
There is much more to [http://www.koifishponds.org/koi-fish-ponds.htm]building a koi fish pond Visit [http://www.koifishponds.org]Koi Fish Ponds for more information about installing and maintaining koi ponds.
Are you thinking of building a koi fish pond? Keeping these magnificent fish in your garden can be great fun and it is not as difficult as you might think. With the right care koi can live for decades and some can become almost a meter long. Follow these tips to plan your pond properly so your koi will live long and happy life.
1 Depth is important
Depth of your pond is crucial. The minimum recommended depth is 4 feet, however it is much better to give your fish six or even 8 feet deep pond. This will ensure that your koi are protected from raccoons, cats and other animals who love a fish dinner. Deeper fish pond also helps to keep water cool in hot summer days
2 Make your pond as large as you can
Small ponds are not suitable for koi. Remember, with time koi can grow quite large and they will need a lot of room. Also there are so many color variations of koi, that with time you will probably want to add more fish to your pond. So it is better to create a large pond from the start than rebuild it later. About ten thousand gallons is a good size for a koi pond, bigger would be even better.
3 Use fish pond heater in colder months
Unlike tropical fish, koi don't suffer much from cold; however you should never let your pond freeze completely. Installing a proper pond heater will always keep an opening in the ice. Also keep in mind, that koi only grow when the water is warm, so with a heater your fish will grow faster
4 Plan some shade for your koi
When selecting a spot for your pond, make sure it is out of direct sunlight. Also keeping water plants like water lilies in your pond are a good idea - not only they add beauty to the overall design, but they also provide shade for the fish. However, you should avoid building your koi pond under trees. Cleaning a fish pond of fallen leaves is no fun.
5 Plan to install a bird net
There are many birds of prey that would love to steal your koi. Don't give them the opportunity; plan your pond location so it is possible to cover it with a net.
6 Keep insecticides away from your pond
When landscaping your pond keep in mind that you should not use any insecticides or herbicides near the water. Even a small amount of common garden poison can kill your beautiful fish.
7 Get proper equipment for your pond
Several accessories are absolutely essential for a healthy koi pond. Ideally you will have to invest into a water pump, filtration system, water aerator and an ultraviolet sterilizer. If the water in your pond is still, your fish might get sick and eventually die. Koi pond filtration systems are expensive, so as an alternative you can make your own homemade filters.
There is much more to [http://www.koifishponds.org/koi-fish-ponds.htm]building a koi fish pond Visit [http://www.koifishponds.org]Koi Fish Ponds for more information about installing and maintaining koi ponds.
Friday, August 3, 2007
Goldfish Care - Preventing Goldfish Diseases
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dane_J_Stanton]Dane J Stanton
When it comes to looking after your goldfish, there is nothing more important that keeping a clean, sanitary environment. Unfortunately a lot of people just don't take the necessary precautions to keep their goldfish free from disease. Here are some simple precautions you can take to ensure no malicious bacteria enter your fish's environment.
Cleaning Your Tank
If there is any area that most goldfish owners are particularly lazy at, then it's got to be cleaning their tanks, bowls or aquariums. Now unless you have a state of the art filtration system (seen usually in commercial aquariums), then you will be required to clean your tank once a week! I know, I know, it sounds like a lot of work, but if you decide to leave it for any longer, you're giving certain harmful bacteria a chance to multiply and mutate, which will eventually affect your goldfish.
When cleaning the tank, a lot of people make one more mistake, they don't wash their hands! Make sure you always wash your hands with an antibacterial soap before you even think about handling your goldfish! Human hands are a breeding ground for incredibly harmful bacteria of which could be lethal to your goldfish.
Cleaning Your Filter
I want you to go and take a look at your filter and check to see how clean it is? Is there any unsightly fungus inside or outside of the filter? Because if there is, it's likely that it's spreading disease through the tank. Make sure you always clean and rinse out your filter every time you change the water. Filters can be a breeding ground for bacteria that cause mostly Ick, which is one of the most common diseases associated with goldfish.
Get Yourself a Water Siphon
Water siphons are used to clean the gravel in a tank. They work by sucking out all the bad particles that build up over time and should be used thoroughly twice a week to keep conditions in your tank optimal for living conditions. If you do happen to have a siphon it means you won't have to completely change the water in your tank week after week. It is recommended that you still should try and change at least 25% however, to keep things nice and clean.
In the end, an unclean tank is the main reason why goldfish tend to contract certain diseases, so make sure you keep it looking great, for your fish's sake!
If you want to learn more about keeping your [http://ezinearticles.com/?Goldfish---Inside-Secrets-On-Keeping-Beautiful-Goldfish&id=637085]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!
When it comes to looking after your goldfish, there is nothing more important that keeping a clean, sanitary environment. Unfortunately a lot of people just don't take the necessary precautions to keep their goldfish free from disease. Here are some simple precautions you can take to ensure no malicious bacteria enter your fish's environment.
Cleaning Your Tank
If there is any area that most goldfish owners are particularly lazy at, then it's got to be cleaning their tanks, bowls or aquariums. Now unless you have a state of the art filtration system (seen usually in commercial aquariums), then you will be required to clean your tank once a week! I know, I know, it sounds like a lot of work, but if you decide to leave it for any longer, you're giving certain harmful bacteria a chance to multiply and mutate, which will eventually affect your goldfish.
When cleaning the tank, a lot of people make one more mistake, they don't wash their hands! Make sure you always wash your hands with an antibacterial soap before you even think about handling your goldfish! Human hands are a breeding ground for incredibly harmful bacteria of which could be lethal to your goldfish.
Cleaning Your Filter
I want you to go and take a look at your filter and check to see how clean it is? Is there any unsightly fungus inside or outside of the filter? Because if there is, it's likely that it's spreading disease through the tank. Make sure you always clean and rinse out your filter every time you change the water. Filters can be a breeding ground for bacteria that cause mostly Ick, which is one of the most common diseases associated with goldfish.
Get Yourself a Water Siphon
Water siphons are used to clean the gravel in a tank. They work by sucking out all the bad particles that build up over time and should be used thoroughly twice a week to keep conditions in your tank optimal for living conditions. If you do happen to have a siphon it means you won't have to completely change the water in your tank week after week. It is recommended that you still should try and change at least 25% however, to keep things nice and clean.
In the end, an unclean tank is the main reason why goldfish tend to contract certain diseases, so make sure you keep it looking great, for your fish's sake!
If you want to learn more about keeping your [http://ezinearticles.com/?Goldfish---Inside-Secrets-On-Keeping-Beautiful-Goldfish&id=637085]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!
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
A Guide To Buying Discus Fish
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=K_Madsen]K Madsen
Buying discus fish for your aquarium should be pretty much the same as buying any other fish, yet it seems to give people all sorts of worries and anxieties, possibly because of the amount of money involved. Not many other fish has the price tag that Discus Fish has attached to them.
The main thing is that you have carried out your homework, so you know about the fish and their requirements, what to look out for, and what questions to ask, in order for you to be able to make a right decision. This may seem like common sense - but some people fail on this - and make costly mistakes!
Next - remember you're not in a race! If you are up against time or competition to get the fish you want, put down a deposit to get the vendor to keep hold of it for you, or let it go. Don't let yourself be pressurised into making a hasty decision.
When you feel you've got these bases covered - you're ready to go! So where do you go?
Discus Fish are generally available from 3 sources: Importers/Dealers, Pet shops and Home Breeders.
If you're a beginner - whether you never had discus before or are starting as a fish keeper in general - always go to the specialist shops. There's two reasons for this. They have a bigger selection of fish which means you are more likely to find something to suit you, and the have specialist knowledge for you to draw from at the time of purchase and after.
For the more advanced Discus Fish keepers - by all means try other avenues - but take care. While the fish may come at less of a premium - you'll often find that the quality of the stock isn't always all it's cracked up to be.
So what do you need to look out for? Most people will tell you to search for Discus Fish with perfectly round shaped bodies and small bright eyes. Even though this is correct - there's more to it than that.
Apart from finding the fish with the colour/pattern (don't worry too much about their names as these tends to vary from place to place), it's important that you spend some time watching the fish closely and monitor their behaviour.
Healthy Discus Fish should be bold and alert, and not shy away from the front of the tank. Do not go for fish that hide away at the back of the tank or behind plants etc., as that is a sign that something is not quite right.
As far as bodily defects is concerned, the things to be on the outlook for is fish that seems to be breathing heavily, fish with twisted mouths, poorly shaped finns and tails, odd or big eyes and short gill covers. These are all signs of poor breeding practices.
Also, you should not look at the fish themselves only. It's equally important to look at the bottom of the tank, to see if you can see any if their waste. Discus Fish pass their faeces regularly, and it the fish are healthy it should be black in colour. If they're white or clear this indicates that the fish may have intestinal worms or similar internal problems, in which case you shouldn't buy them.
So what about the questions to ask the dealer? Well - first and most importantly - ask if you can see the fish feed. Healthy discus should, though they are slow eaters, respond fairly quickly to food. Any dealer who really wants to sell his fish will agree to do this. Otherwise walk away.
Other information you need to obtain is how long the dealer has had the fish (less than two weeks suggest that they may not be fully quarantined), where they originate from (import or bred in-house), and if they have been subject to any medication or de-worming cures? Any decent dealer will have an immediate answer to such questions - and it will give you an idea of the fish's history as well as the dealer's knowledge.
Finally, remember to ask about the water conditions the fish are in, so you can make sure your aquarium offers the same conditions before bringing the fish home. If this is not the case, go and make the necessary changes to your water, before bringing the fish home.
Again - if you have seen the fish you want - put down a deposit, and go back a couple of times to check on their conditions, while you're in the process of changing things. It's another chance for you to make sure that the fish you're buying is in good health.
If possible - buy medium sized Discus Fish - adolescent in want of a better word. The reason for this is that they will find it easier to adapt to a new environment than older fish, and they do not require as many regular feeds as the young growing Discus.
Find more advice, tips and valuable resources on how to keep Discus Fish at [http://www.squidoo.com/discusfishcare]Squidoo.com
Buying discus fish for your aquarium should be pretty much the same as buying any other fish, yet it seems to give people all sorts of worries and anxieties, possibly because of the amount of money involved. Not many other fish has the price tag that Discus Fish has attached to them.
The main thing is that you have carried out your homework, so you know about the fish and their requirements, what to look out for, and what questions to ask, in order for you to be able to make a right decision. This may seem like common sense - but some people fail on this - and make costly mistakes!
Next - remember you're not in a race! If you are up against time or competition to get the fish you want, put down a deposit to get the vendor to keep hold of it for you, or let it go. Don't let yourself be pressurised into making a hasty decision.
When you feel you've got these bases covered - you're ready to go! So where do you go?
Discus Fish are generally available from 3 sources: Importers/Dealers, Pet shops and Home Breeders.
If you're a beginner - whether you never had discus before or are starting as a fish keeper in general - always go to the specialist shops. There's two reasons for this. They have a bigger selection of fish which means you are more likely to find something to suit you, and the have specialist knowledge for you to draw from at the time of purchase and after.
For the more advanced Discus Fish keepers - by all means try other avenues - but take care. While the fish may come at less of a premium - you'll often find that the quality of the stock isn't always all it's cracked up to be.
So what do you need to look out for? Most people will tell you to search for Discus Fish with perfectly round shaped bodies and small bright eyes. Even though this is correct - there's more to it than that.
Apart from finding the fish with the colour/pattern (don't worry too much about their names as these tends to vary from place to place), it's important that you spend some time watching the fish closely and monitor their behaviour.
Healthy Discus Fish should be bold and alert, and not shy away from the front of the tank. Do not go for fish that hide away at the back of the tank or behind plants etc., as that is a sign that something is not quite right.
As far as bodily defects is concerned, the things to be on the outlook for is fish that seems to be breathing heavily, fish with twisted mouths, poorly shaped finns and tails, odd or big eyes and short gill covers. These are all signs of poor breeding practices.
Also, you should not look at the fish themselves only. It's equally important to look at the bottom of the tank, to see if you can see any if their waste. Discus Fish pass their faeces regularly, and it the fish are healthy it should be black in colour. If they're white or clear this indicates that the fish may have intestinal worms or similar internal problems, in which case you shouldn't buy them.
So what about the questions to ask the dealer? Well - first and most importantly - ask if you can see the fish feed. Healthy discus should, though they are slow eaters, respond fairly quickly to food. Any dealer who really wants to sell his fish will agree to do this. Otherwise walk away.
Other information you need to obtain is how long the dealer has had the fish (less than two weeks suggest that they may not be fully quarantined), where they originate from (import or bred in-house), and if they have been subject to any medication or de-worming cures? Any decent dealer will have an immediate answer to such questions - and it will give you an idea of the fish's history as well as the dealer's knowledge.
Finally, remember to ask about the water conditions the fish are in, so you can make sure your aquarium offers the same conditions before bringing the fish home. If this is not the case, go and make the necessary changes to your water, before bringing the fish home.
Again - if you have seen the fish you want - put down a deposit, and go back a couple of times to check on their conditions, while you're in the process of changing things. It's another chance for you to make sure that the fish you're buying is in good health.
If possible - buy medium sized Discus Fish - adolescent in want of a better word. The reason for this is that they will find it easier to adapt to a new environment than older fish, and they do not require as many regular feeds as the young growing Discus.
Find more advice, tips and valuable resources on how to keep Discus Fish at [http://www.squidoo.com/discusfishcare]Squidoo.com
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