Setting Up A Freshwater Fish Tank
This article discusses the basics of setting up a healthy freshwater fish tank including tank size, filters, plants, and breeds of fish.
Fish make excellent pets. They are beautiful, inexpensive to feed, and, generally, require little time. An attractive fish tank makes a wonderful focal point for a quiet room. Many doctors and dentists have fish tanks in their waiting rooms because studies have shown that watching a tank of fish can help lower blood pressure and induce calm.
Freshwater tanks can be either coldwater or tropical (heated). Coldwater tanks are for goldfish. Tropical tanks are for angels to zebra danios and everything in between. Once you have chosen the type of tank you want, you should consider what size your tank will be and where it will be located. It will need to be close to an electrical outlet, but away from direct sunlight and heat sources. A corner of a room is a good location, or any place that meets other requirements and is not in a well-travelled area where the tank could be frequently bumped. The size of tank you choose will determine the type of support you will need. A firm table or counter will support smaller tanks. Large tanks need special stands. The ten gallon tank is the most popular size. In addition to different sizes of tanks, there are also different shapes of tanks, for example, a 20 gallon long or a 20 gallon tall.
There are three basic types of filters: intank filters, exterior filters, and under gravel filters. The type you choose will be based somewhat on personal preference, but mostly on the efficiency of the filter for the size and shape of your tank. If you purchase a packaged tank, hood, filter, pump, heater, thermometer, etc., the filter and pump will be matched to your tank size. Otherwise, consult a pet supplier for recommendations to ensure that your pump and filter are the most efficient for the tank you have chosen.
To allow the tank to stabilize, you should set it up at least two weeks before you bring home your first fish. Start by thoroughly cleaning the tank and all equipment with baking soda and warm water. If you need to scrub any stubborn spots, use plain salt. Rinse everything thoroughly. Be extremely carefully handling the tank to avoid chips and cracks. Larger tanks are obviously a two-person undertaking. Place at least two inches of gravel in the bottom of the tank. Be creative with contouring the gravel and adding rocks. Live plants help keep a tank healthy, provide natural refuges for your fish, and enhance the beauty of this miniature ecosystem. Your pet supplier will have many varieties of plants. Elodea is particularly hardy and is a good choice for beginners. Add water slowly and carefully to your tank. If your water is chlorinated, it may need to be conditioned to remove the chlorine. Additionally, the acidity of the water may need to be adjusted. Water conditioners and test kits are inexpensive and readily available. Follow the written instructions that accompany your filter, pump, and heater when setting them up. Place the thermometer in a location that is easily visible.
Buy a couple of hardy fish, like guppies, to start and allow the tank to stabilize for several weeks. Some of the fancier breeds are more sensitive and may not survive if the tank is not stable. The number of fish your tank will support will depend on the surface area of your tank and the size of fish you intend to keep. The general rule of thumb is that you can keep one inch of fish for each gallon of water in your tank. For example, if each of your fish will grow to two inches in length, a ten gallon tank will support five adult fish. If you want a community tank with several different types of fish, avoid agressive breeds which may bully or even eat smaller fish. Oscars and Siamese fighters are not good choices for community tanks. Tetras, guppies, swordtails, and mollies are among the many tropical favorites. An algae eater and a small catfish will help keep the tank balanced.
Many more fish die of overfeeding than starvation. Feeding little and often (two or three times per day) is the preferred method. Sprinkle just a pinch of flakes on the surface of the tank. If the food is eaten within a minute or two and the fish still seem to be hungry, add another pinch. Never leave stale or rotting food in the tank. If food is left after five minutes, do not feed the following day.
Once your tank is stable, you will need to clean the filter and change approximately 10 to 20% of the water every month or two, depending on the type of filter and pump you have. Be sure to refer to the manufacturer's recommendations for your maintenance schedule. If any of your fish show signs of illness or disease, consult your pet supplier or a reliable reference book for appropriate treatments.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Cleaning Your Fish Tank
Cleaning Your Fish Tank
Cleaning a fish tank regularly is important - learn how to do it.
Step 1
Changing your water:
It is recommended that you change the water in your tank once a week. If you maintain this frequency you only have to change out about ten percent. If you decide to go once a month, take out twenty five percent. Make sure when you put new water in that it matches the pH level of your tank; if it doesn't, adjust it before putting it in.
Step 2
Pouring water into your tank:
Before pouring the water in, add chemicals that remove chlorine and chloramine from the water. Other products product your fish's gills, look into any product that can help your fish cope with their environment. When you pour the water in be very gentle and try and pour it down the side of your tank to avoid jarring the fish.
Step 3
Test the waters
No matter how often you change your water, check at least once a week to make sure no dangerous chemicals or pH levels are present. Test kits are available at pet stores that will take care of this.
Step 4
Clean Filters
Every couple of weeks remove your filter and wash it out with cold water.
Step 5
Remove Algae
Make sure to remove algae when your water gets cloudy or it collects. To do so you can use a specific scraping device intended for the purpose, a toothbrush, or some even remove the filter from their tube and use the tube as a vacuum.
Step 6
Daily checks
Take a look at you tank daily so you can remove any potential hazards. Make sure food hasn't built up at the bottom of the tank, and also if any fish die remove them immediately. Generally, it is relatively easy to maintain a clean and safe environment for your pets at no large inconvenience to you.
Cleaning a fish tank regularly is important - learn how to do it.
Step 1
Changing your water:
It is recommended that you change the water in your tank once a week. If you maintain this frequency you only have to change out about ten percent. If you decide to go once a month, take out twenty five percent. Make sure when you put new water in that it matches the pH level of your tank; if it doesn't, adjust it before putting it in.
Step 2
Pouring water into your tank:
Before pouring the water in, add chemicals that remove chlorine and chloramine from the water. Other products product your fish's gills, look into any product that can help your fish cope with their environment. When you pour the water in be very gentle and try and pour it down the side of your tank to avoid jarring the fish.
Step 3
Test the waters
No matter how often you change your water, check at least once a week to make sure no dangerous chemicals or pH levels are present. Test kits are available at pet stores that will take care of this.
Step 4
Clean Filters
Every couple of weeks remove your filter and wash it out with cold water.
Step 5
Remove Algae
Make sure to remove algae when your water gets cloudy or it collects. To do so you can use a specific scraping device intended for the purpose, a toothbrush, or some even remove the filter from their tube and use the tube as a vacuum.
Step 6
Daily checks
Take a look at you tank daily so you can remove any potential hazards. Make sure food hasn't built up at the bottom of the tank, and also if any fish die remove them immediately. Generally, it is relatively easy to maintain a clean and safe environment for your pets at no large inconvenience to you.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Fish Tank Filters
Fish Tank Filters
Fish tank filters: What are the different types of filters? Which ones are best for your tank?
One of most important things you need to consider when setting up a new tank is the filter you are going to install. For some types of exotic fish, the wrong filter means death. You will need to understand what a filter is and how it works before you purchase one for your tank.
How do they work?
A tube suctions up air which forces water to enter from the tank. The water transfers through the filter and back out into the aquarium. Filters vary on design but, this is basic concept found in all of them.
Why is a filter so important?
Filters basically perform two important duties. The first thing they do is remove all harmful and/or unneeded particles from the water. The second thing they do is to reduce the amount of ammonia in the tank. The filter needs to be changed occasionally, at least cleaned. The particles it removes from the tank stay in the filter and the water that passes through will eventually carry it back into the aquarium. With a reduction of ammonia in your tank, there will be a lower chance of algae growing in your tank.
What kind of filter should you use?
There a few things that will determine what kind of filter you need. These include the size of your tank, the type of tank, the fish you plan you buy, and your budget. The three cheapest types of tank include the corner box filter, under gravel filter, and the sponge filter. Corner box filter come with most smaller aquarium kits. This filter provides good oxygen circulation and ammonia removal.
The under gravel filter works just like its name suggests. Instead of pulling the dirt particles and ammonia up and out of the water, the under gravel filter pulls them down under the gravel and traps them there. The waste and debris are trapped along the length of the bottom of the tank, keeping the rest of the tank clean and safe for your fish. The sponge filter is used mostly when there is breeding going on.
Since the tubes on the sponge filter is so small, baby fish will not be sucked up into it. Besides, the sponge filter provides microscopic nutrients for young fish. Then there are more expensive filters. These include canister filters, diatom filters and reverse osmosis filters. These filters are designed mostly for larger tanks. Canister filters a larger amount of water. In addition, they also serve as a great water softener and degasser. The diatom filter is basically same except that they provide an added bonus. They use diatomaceous earth, skeletons of tiny animals that are used to form plankton in both fresh and salt water tanks. Reverse osmosis filters are basically used for tropical fish that cannot live in hard water. This filter removes any metals, mineral salts or calcium deposits that may form in your tank.
Fish tank filters: What are the different types of filters? Which ones are best for your tank?
One of most important things you need to consider when setting up a new tank is the filter you are going to install. For some types of exotic fish, the wrong filter means death. You will need to understand what a filter is and how it works before you purchase one for your tank.
How do they work?
A tube suctions up air which forces water to enter from the tank. The water transfers through the filter and back out into the aquarium. Filters vary on design but, this is basic concept found in all of them.
Why is a filter so important?
Filters basically perform two important duties. The first thing they do is remove all harmful and/or unneeded particles from the water. The second thing they do is to reduce the amount of ammonia in the tank. The filter needs to be changed occasionally, at least cleaned. The particles it removes from the tank stay in the filter and the water that passes through will eventually carry it back into the aquarium. With a reduction of ammonia in your tank, there will be a lower chance of algae growing in your tank.
What kind of filter should you use?
There a few things that will determine what kind of filter you need. These include the size of your tank, the type of tank, the fish you plan you buy, and your budget. The three cheapest types of tank include the corner box filter, under gravel filter, and the sponge filter. Corner box filter come with most smaller aquarium kits. This filter provides good oxygen circulation and ammonia removal.
The under gravel filter works just like its name suggests. Instead of pulling the dirt particles and ammonia up and out of the water, the under gravel filter pulls them down under the gravel and traps them there. The waste and debris are trapped along the length of the bottom of the tank, keeping the rest of the tank clean and safe for your fish. The sponge filter is used mostly when there is breeding going on.
Since the tubes on the sponge filter is so small, baby fish will not be sucked up into it. Besides, the sponge filter provides microscopic nutrients for young fish. Then there are more expensive filters. These include canister filters, diatom filters and reverse osmosis filters. These filters are designed mostly for larger tanks. Canister filters a larger amount of water. In addition, they also serve as a great water softener and degasser. The diatom filter is basically same except that they provide an added bonus. They use diatomaceous earth, skeletons of tiny animals that are used to form plankton in both fresh and salt water tanks. Reverse osmosis filters are basically used for tropical fish that cannot live in hard water. This filter removes any metals, mineral salts or calcium deposits that may form in your tank.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Fish Maintain A Social Rank
Do Fish Maintain A Social Rank In Your Tank?
What evidence is there to suggest a social hierarchy among fish?
Will fish in captivity exhibit these behaviors?
How does a fish show dominance?
These behaviors include: Fin display, charging, chasing and biting. When a fish wants to appear fierce, it shows its dorsal fins. This is a sign of threat. Fin display alone can force some fish into submission. Charging involves a slow, yet direct, approach toward another fish. By charging, the dominant fish expresses that it is not afraid to attack. Chasing is basically the same concept. Biting is the actual expression of attack. Biting is the last measure in gaining dominance. All other fish will likely become submissive.
Why do some fish seek dominance?
It is the cornerstone of survival and evolution; survival of the fittest. By gaining dominance it provides an increased access to food and resources. In addition, the dominant member of a school will get preference when it comes to mating; they will be able to choose the best mate. Dominant fish usually become bigger and faster as a result.
Without some sort of dominance hierarchy some species would not last. When the dominant fish goes to choose a mate, he chooses the one most likely to produce the greatest number of strong fish. If it was performed more egalitarian, the genes would not be combined in the most beneficial way.
What signs do submissive fish demonstrate?
Submissive fish are less likely to raise fins or move around. The submissive fish will simply follow the dominant fish. They are more prone to attacks from the dominant fish and outside predators. They tend to always be smaller in size. Submissive fish get the last choice of a mate or have none at all, and they are usually the first to die in the school.
Will fish display this in captivity?
There have been many studies documenting this behavior in captivity. Regardless of being captive or not, fish still have an overwhelming instinct to survive and to procreate. If you have an aquarium you will see the aforementioned signs of dominance.
What evidence is there to suggest a social hierarchy among fish?
Will fish in captivity exhibit these behaviors?
How does a fish show dominance?
These behaviors include: Fin display, charging, chasing and biting. When a fish wants to appear fierce, it shows its dorsal fins. This is a sign of threat. Fin display alone can force some fish into submission. Charging involves a slow, yet direct, approach toward another fish. By charging, the dominant fish expresses that it is not afraid to attack. Chasing is basically the same concept. Biting is the actual expression of attack. Biting is the last measure in gaining dominance. All other fish will likely become submissive.
Why do some fish seek dominance?
It is the cornerstone of survival and evolution; survival of the fittest. By gaining dominance it provides an increased access to food and resources. In addition, the dominant member of a school will get preference when it comes to mating; they will be able to choose the best mate. Dominant fish usually become bigger and faster as a result.
Without some sort of dominance hierarchy some species would not last. When the dominant fish goes to choose a mate, he chooses the one most likely to produce the greatest number of strong fish. If it was performed more egalitarian, the genes would not be combined in the most beneficial way.
What signs do submissive fish demonstrate?
Submissive fish are less likely to raise fins or move around. The submissive fish will simply follow the dominant fish. They are more prone to attacks from the dominant fish and outside predators. They tend to always be smaller in size. Submissive fish get the last choice of a mate or have none at all, and they are usually the first to die in the school.
Will fish display this in captivity?
There have been many studies documenting this behavior in captivity. Regardless of being captive or not, fish still have an overwhelming instinct to survive and to procreate. If you have an aquarium you will see the aforementioned signs of dominance.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Aquarium Tank Maintenance
Aquarium Tank Maintenance
If you have an aquarium tank there are important facts you need to know to provide a healthy environment for your fish. Learn all about aquarium maintenance. Aquariums in your home can bring you hours of relaxing pleasure. Watching the tiny fish as they gracefully swim about interacting with each other is so fascinating that anyone entering the room will be drawn into this pleasurable hobby. If you have an aquarium or plan to purchase one in the near future there are a few important facts you need to know to provide a healthy environment for your pets. It is very important that fully understand how to choose, set up, maintain and stock a freshwater aquarium. In addition you will need to know about feeding the fish and treating ill fish.
To begin you should start with only a few fish. Many beginners find that goldfish are ideal when starting an aquarium. Some of the most popular freshwater species include guppies, swordtails and Siamese fighting fish. Be sure when purchasing your fish that you select fish that appear lively, well fed, free of fungus and other growths. When choosing the tank for your fish, a rectangular glass tank is the best container. Many people attempt using a traditional fishbowl which has a narrow neck that does not allow enough contact between the water and the air. You will need to make sure that each fish has 50 square inches of water surface. It is also important that the tank hold at least one gallon of water for each inch of fish. For instance, if you have two fish, each about 2 inches long, you need a four gallon tank with an opening of 100 square inches. You will to purchase a stand for the aquarium or, if you plan to use a table make sure that the aquarium is on a perfectly level surface.
After you have chosen your tank, make sure it is equipped with a glass or clear plastic cover to keep dirt out of the water, minimize evaporation, and help maintain an even water temperature. Much like with plants, any sudden temperature changes can be fatal to fish. An exception is the goldfish which tends to thrive in cool water. But with most tropical fish a water temperature between 68 degrees fahrenheit and 80 degrees fahrenheit must be maintained to keep them alive. Because of this, the purchase of a thermometer and water heater for tropical fish is always a wise move. Plants are a very important part of an aquarium. They remove potentially dangerous nitrates from the water, absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen during the day. But to ensure proper oxygenation of the water at all times you should install an air pump with a filter since at night plants can use up dissolved oxygen.
A few days before you buy the fish, you will need to wash the tank with clear water. Once this is done you can cover the bottom with 1 1\2 to 3 inches of well rinsed aquarium sand or gravel. Be sure that you slope the sand or gravel to form a slight hollow in the middle since this will catch dirt making cleaning your aquarium easier. Next you should soak the plants for 15 to 20 minutes in a solution of 3 tablespoons of salt per gallon of water to get rid of parasites. After they have soaked you will need to rinse the plants in clear water and bury the root areas in the sand or gravel. If you plan to use decorative items such as a few rocks or ceramic pieces, they should be added to the tank at this time. Using a slow running tap, fill the tank with water being careful not to uproot the plants. Place the aquarium on the stand or table you have chosen and allow it to stand uncovered at least 24 hours. You will want to completely prepare your tank prior to purchasing the fish since they should never be left in the plastic bag they will come home in for more than 45 minutes. After you have picked up your fish, they should be added to the tank by first floating them in their plastic carrying bag for 5 to 10 minutes or until the two water temperatures are the same.
The placement of your aquarium is also a very important matter. Tanks should always be placed where it will receive diffused light. It is wise to keep it in a diffused light area since direct sunlight may cause over heating and overgrowth of algae. If for any reason you find that you cannot get proper natural light for your aquarium, you can install a florescent light on the top of the tank. Most pet supply stores carry special lighting fixtures to fit any size tank. When you clean the tank you should scrape all the algae from the sides with a long handled glass scraper. You will then need to remove sediment, decaying plants, and uneaten food with a dup tube. Both of these tools can be purchased when you buy your aquarium and fish. You should occasionally trim the plants and siphon off some water from the bottom. Since this will lower the water level of your aquarium, you can replace it with water that has been allowed to sit for 24 hours.
Your fish should be fed twice a day with commercial fish food. If you discover that your schedule will not allow you to feed these pets twice a day then they should be fed each morning. When feeding fish, make sure you only give them as much as they can consume in 10 minutes since uneaten food pollutes the water. From time to time it is good to offer the fish a fresh or frozen food, such as daphnia which is a water flea or tubifex worms or bits of cooked liver, canned salmon, shrimp or hard cooked egg yolk. If for any reason you find you are out of fish food, you can use ground up dry cat food or baby cereal flakes to feed your fish. If you are planning on leaving town for a day or two don't worry about your fish if they have been properly fed prior to your leaving. It is safe for fish to go unfed for such a short period of time.
Even if you provide the best of care there are times when one or more of your fish may show signs of illness. If you observe that one or more fish are gasping at the surface, this means there could be insufficient oxygen due to over crowding, heat or dirt. The first thing you will need to do is improve the tank conditions. Then you should move any fish that appear to be ill to a separate tank for observation. If your fish have trailing feces this is an indication of constipation. In this case you should give the fish greens or other fresh foods in minute amounts. One of the most common illness in fish is fungus. Appearing as a white slimy coating, it will eventually infest a fish. When you think one or more of you fish are infested with fungus you should place the fish into a tank containing 3 teaspoons of salt per gallon of water. If the fish does not improve in 3 or 4 days dispose of it.
If you have an aquarium tank there are important facts you need to know to provide a healthy environment for your fish. Learn all about aquarium maintenance. Aquariums in your home can bring you hours of relaxing pleasure. Watching the tiny fish as they gracefully swim about interacting with each other is so fascinating that anyone entering the room will be drawn into this pleasurable hobby. If you have an aquarium or plan to purchase one in the near future there are a few important facts you need to know to provide a healthy environment for your pets. It is very important that fully understand how to choose, set up, maintain and stock a freshwater aquarium. In addition you will need to know about feeding the fish and treating ill fish.
To begin you should start with only a few fish. Many beginners find that goldfish are ideal when starting an aquarium. Some of the most popular freshwater species include guppies, swordtails and Siamese fighting fish. Be sure when purchasing your fish that you select fish that appear lively, well fed, free of fungus and other growths. When choosing the tank for your fish, a rectangular glass tank is the best container. Many people attempt using a traditional fishbowl which has a narrow neck that does not allow enough contact between the water and the air. You will need to make sure that each fish has 50 square inches of water surface. It is also important that the tank hold at least one gallon of water for each inch of fish. For instance, if you have two fish, each about 2 inches long, you need a four gallon tank with an opening of 100 square inches. You will to purchase a stand for the aquarium or, if you plan to use a table make sure that the aquarium is on a perfectly level surface.
After you have chosen your tank, make sure it is equipped with a glass or clear plastic cover to keep dirt out of the water, minimize evaporation, and help maintain an even water temperature. Much like with plants, any sudden temperature changes can be fatal to fish. An exception is the goldfish which tends to thrive in cool water. But with most tropical fish a water temperature between 68 degrees fahrenheit and 80 degrees fahrenheit must be maintained to keep them alive. Because of this, the purchase of a thermometer and water heater for tropical fish is always a wise move. Plants are a very important part of an aquarium. They remove potentially dangerous nitrates from the water, absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen during the day. But to ensure proper oxygenation of the water at all times you should install an air pump with a filter since at night plants can use up dissolved oxygen.
A few days before you buy the fish, you will need to wash the tank with clear water. Once this is done you can cover the bottom with 1 1\2 to 3 inches of well rinsed aquarium sand or gravel. Be sure that you slope the sand or gravel to form a slight hollow in the middle since this will catch dirt making cleaning your aquarium easier. Next you should soak the plants for 15 to 20 minutes in a solution of 3 tablespoons of salt per gallon of water to get rid of parasites. After they have soaked you will need to rinse the plants in clear water and bury the root areas in the sand or gravel. If you plan to use decorative items such as a few rocks or ceramic pieces, they should be added to the tank at this time. Using a slow running tap, fill the tank with water being careful not to uproot the plants. Place the aquarium on the stand or table you have chosen and allow it to stand uncovered at least 24 hours. You will want to completely prepare your tank prior to purchasing the fish since they should never be left in the plastic bag they will come home in for more than 45 minutes. After you have picked up your fish, they should be added to the tank by first floating them in their plastic carrying bag for 5 to 10 minutes or until the two water temperatures are the same.
The placement of your aquarium is also a very important matter. Tanks should always be placed where it will receive diffused light. It is wise to keep it in a diffused light area since direct sunlight may cause over heating and overgrowth of algae. If for any reason you find that you cannot get proper natural light for your aquarium, you can install a florescent light on the top of the tank. Most pet supply stores carry special lighting fixtures to fit any size tank. When you clean the tank you should scrape all the algae from the sides with a long handled glass scraper. You will then need to remove sediment, decaying plants, and uneaten food with a dup tube. Both of these tools can be purchased when you buy your aquarium and fish. You should occasionally trim the plants and siphon off some water from the bottom. Since this will lower the water level of your aquarium, you can replace it with water that has been allowed to sit for 24 hours.
Your fish should be fed twice a day with commercial fish food. If you discover that your schedule will not allow you to feed these pets twice a day then they should be fed each morning. When feeding fish, make sure you only give them as much as they can consume in 10 minutes since uneaten food pollutes the water. From time to time it is good to offer the fish a fresh or frozen food, such as daphnia which is a water flea or tubifex worms or bits of cooked liver, canned salmon, shrimp or hard cooked egg yolk. If for any reason you find you are out of fish food, you can use ground up dry cat food or baby cereal flakes to feed your fish. If you are planning on leaving town for a day or two don't worry about your fish if they have been properly fed prior to your leaving. It is safe for fish to go unfed for such a short period of time.
Even if you provide the best of care there are times when one or more of your fish may show signs of illness. If you observe that one or more fish are gasping at the surface, this means there could be insufficient oxygen due to over crowding, heat or dirt. The first thing you will need to do is improve the tank conditions. Then you should move any fish that appear to be ill to a separate tank for observation. If your fish have trailing feces this is an indication of constipation. In this case you should give the fish greens or other fresh foods in minute amounts. One of the most common illness in fish is fungus. Appearing as a white slimy coating, it will eventually infest a fish. When you think one or more of you fish are infested with fungus you should place the fish into a tank containing 3 teaspoons of salt per gallon of water. If the fish does not improve in 3 or 4 days dispose of it.
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