How To Care For Tropical Aquarium Plants
Tropical aquarium plants should be cared for with proper lighting, regular fertilizing and grooming, and regular water changes.
The fish and live plants in your tropical freshwater aquarium rely on each other for health and nutrition. But because they are in a closed environment, they also rely on the diligence of their caretaker. So, just as you would care for the well-being of your fishes, you must also take diligent care of your aquatic plants. Here are some tips to remember:
1. Provide the right amount of light. Most aquatic plants require about 10 to 12 hours of light exposure in order to thrive. Some need intense light (which is not the same as prolonged exposure) for proper growth. Research on the specific requirements of the plants you've chosen so that you can determine what type of lighting is appropriate.
2. Do regular check-ups and plant grooming.
Trim dead or damaged leaves and branches, propagate by cutting or separating new growth, and remove plant-eating snails.
3. Fertilize.
Aquatic plant fertilizers that are rich in nutrients like iron and potassium are available as pellets and in liquid form. Follow the product instructions on the quantity, schedule, and manner of applying these fertilizers.
4. Change some of the water.
Aquarium plants play an active role in the tank's nitrogen cycle, but sometimes the water composition degrades into one that is not highly beneficial to plants anymore, in which case, refresh the quality of the environment by changing up to 20 percent of the tank water every couple of weeks. Be sure to de-chlorinate and check the temperature of the new water before introducing it into the tank.
5. Avoid introducing elements that are toxic to the plants.
The standard manner of treating fish ailments is by dropping medication directly into the water. Unfortunately, many fish medications are harmful to plants, because they can affect leaf coloring and absorption of nutrients. Never pour anti-chlorine and water conditioners directly on the plants. When medicating fish, transfer them to an unplanted tank.
6. Be aware of indications of poor maintenance.
When the tank's conditions are less than ideal, you will see the effects on the plant leaves. Pale and widely spaced leaf growth is a sign of poor or insufficient light. Blackening of the leaves indicates pollution. Yellowing of the leaves is a sign of lack of nutrients like iron. And holes or damage indicates the presence of either snails or vegetarian fish. Attend to these distress signs immediately so that your aquarium garden will always be in good health.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Aquarium Substrates For Healthy Fish
Aquarium Substrates For Healthy Fish
How can you make your fish feel most at home in your tank?
What kinds of substrates should you put in the bottom of your tank to improve your fish's lives?
Any pet owner wants to accommodate their pet within reason, and in general you want your pet to enjoy their environment. You aquarium substrate is a huge facet of your fish's immediate surroundings and can be either harmful or great for your fish. Because your fish will want this medium for hiding out in, or even laying eggs it is necessary to try and find the right substrate.
What type
First, keep in mind that your fish will come into contact with your substrate regularly. For this reason you should try and get smooth surfaced objects that won't scratch or cut your fish's skin. Also, you want something rather substantial in size, smaller objects can cause all sorts of problems such as getting sucked into the air filter etc.
Color is also important. You want your fish to feel at home so research where they might hang out in nature. While typically fish live in darker earthy toned environments ask a pet store employee about it just in case.
What you should avoid
In general avoid substrates that you don't know a whole lot about. Go to a good pet store to make sure you know all about what you are putting into your tank. Problems such as bacteria growth, mineral and lime deposits can all have a negative affect on you fish's environment.
Maintenance
Make sure and only put the amount of substrate in that you need. If your filter is under gravel then three or four inches is appropriate, if the filter doesn't pull waste and food from the bottom keep a thin layer. Make sure and also clean your substrate regularly. Cleansing can be accomplished by simply putting it in a strainer and running cold water over it. Do so before you put it into the tank after buying it as well.
How can you make your fish feel most at home in your tank?
What kinds of substrates should you put in the bottom of your tank to improve your fish's lives?
Any pet owner wants to accommodate their pet within reason, and in general you want your pet to enjoy their environment. You aquarium substrate is a huge facet of your fish's immediate surroundings and can be either harmful or great for your fish. Because your fish will want this medium for hiding out in, or even laying eggs it is necessary to try and find the right substrate.
What type
First, keep in mind that your fish will come into contact with your substrate regularly. For this reason you should try and get smooth surfaced objects that won't scratch or cut your fish's skin. Also, you want something rather substantial in size, smaller objects can cause all sorts of problems such as getting sucked into the air filter etc.
Color is also important. You want your fish to feel at home so research where they might hang out in nature. While typically fish live in darker earthy toned environments ask a pet store employee about it just in case.
What you should avoid
In general avoid substrates that you don't know a whole lot about. Go to a good pet store to make sure you know all about what you are putting into your tank. Problems such as bacteria growth, mineral and lime deposits can all have a negative affect on you fish's environment.
Maintenance
Make sure and only put the amount of substrate in that you need. If your filter is under gravel then three or four inches is appropriate, if the filter doesn't pull waste and food from the bottom keep a thin layer. Make sure and also clean your substrate regularly. Cleansing can be accomplished by simply putting it in a strainer and running cold water over it. Do so before you put it into the tank after buying it as well.
Monday, February 23, 2009
How To Add New Fish To Your Aquarium
How To Add New Fish To Your Aquarium
What's the best way to add new fish to your aquarium to maintain the health of your existing fish and get your new fish acclimated? What are the right ways to do this?
What are the wrong ways?
Do you need to quarantine?
Most experts say quarantining is necessary. This will allow time for your fish to adjust and will allow time to make sure your fish are healthy. The last thing you want to do is put a sick fish in your tank and make all your fish ill.
What should you look for?
You need to look for fin and tail rot, fungal infections and ich. Fin and tail rot is one of the most common. It can spread quickly to other fish. If you see any signs, you will want to get an antibiotic quickly.
Fungal infections are growths of fungus on your fish's body or lips. If you see the white growths, purchase an antibiotic treatment.
Ich can look like fungus but is caused by parasites. To tell the difference, look for small, round white spots. If you see them, go ahead and raise the temperature in your tank. Also, purchase medicine. Both will help cure your fish.
When should you put the new fish in your tank?
If your new fish does not show any signs of sickness in two weeks you can transfer it to your tank. Some experts suggest moving fish at night when other fish might be asleep. That way, there will be less confrontation between the new and old fish.
How do you prepare the tank?
The new fish will want places to hide, so add rocks or pots to your aquarium. You will also need to maintain pH levels as usual. A new fish will be particularly sensitive to changing levels.
How do you move the fish?
Put the fish in a plastic bag with water from the quarantine tank. Then, put the bag in the regular tank. Slowly let the bag fill with the new water. The fish will swim out naturally.
It is even more important now to watch the pH levels in your tank. Adding fish will surge the ammonia levels. That is why you should not add any more than two fish to your aquarium at a time. For awhile, you might want to check the pH levels more than once a week. Once you see that the tank has stabilized, you can check less often.
What's the best way to add new fish to your aquarium to maintain the health of your existing fish and get your new fish acclimated? What are the right ways to do this?
What are the wrong ways?
Do you need to quarantine?
Most experts say quarantining is necessary. This will allow time for your fish to adjust and will allow time to make sure your fish are healthy. The last thing you want to do is put a sick fish in your tank and make all your fish ill.
What should you look for?
You need to look for fin and tail rot, fungal infections and ich. Fin and tail rot is one of the most common. It can spread quickly to other fish. If you see any signs, you will want to get an antibiotic quickly.
Fungal infections are growths of fungus on your fish's body or lips. If you see the white growths, purchase an antibiotic treatment.
Ich can look like fungus but is caused by parasites. To tell the difference, look for small, round white spots. If you see them, go ahead and raise the temperature in your tank. Also, purchase medicine. Both will help cure your fish.
When should you put the new fish in your tank?
If your new fish does not show any signs of sickness in two weeks you can transfer it to your tank. Some experts suggest moving fish at night when other fish might be asleep. That way, there will be less confrontation between the new and old fish.
How do you prepare the tank?
The new fish will want places to hide, so add rocks or pots to your aquarium. You will also need to maintain pH levels as usual. A new fish will be particularly sensitive to changing levels.
How do you move the fish?
Put the fish in a plastic bag with water from the quarantine tank. Then, put the bag in the regular tank. Slowly let the bag fill with the new water. The fish will swim out naturally.
It is even more important now to watch the pH levels in your tank. Adding fish will surge the ammonia levels. That is why you should not add any more than two fish to your aquarium at a time. For awhile, you might want to check the pH levels more than once a week. Once you see that the tank has stabilized, you can check less often.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Choosing Aquarium Fish
Choosing Aquarium Fish
Choosing aquarium fish: Which ones are the easiest to care for? Which ones are the most difficult? Which ones should you avoid?
You've chosen to buy fish as pets, but aren't quite sure which ones to get once you get the store. It's an important decision because, while fish at first glance appear to be simple creatures to care for, there are many fish that can actually be too much for many beginners to handle.
What are some good fish for beginners?
Betas
This species is one of the few types of fish that actually enjoys living in bowls. So if you know you don't have space for a large aquarium, betas are one type you should consider. Betas are colorful fish and have long graceful fins.
Tetras
These fish are easy to care for. They are colorful and enjoy having plenty of other tetras around. One down side to Tetras is that they are known to sometimes carry diseases that only their species can carry. Be sure you buy healthy fish.
Guppies
Guppies are small fish, and you can house a lot of them in a small space. They're great for children, as they are among the easiest fish to care for. One thing you need to watch out for with guppies, however, is that they breed easily. Once you have a few guppies in your tank or bowl, it won't be long before they'll multiply in number.
What are some bad fish for beginners?
Mollies
These fish are complex to care for. They require higher pH water levels and warmer water temperatures than most other fish.
Eels
Eels are creatures that need a lot of space. While they look like they'd be easy to care for, they usually are not. Also, it doesn't take much for an eel to become stressed, and if you don't know what symptoms to look for, it can prove dangerous for your eel.
Piranhas
Piranhas are complicated to care for and require a lot of space. They eat quite a bit of food, and their food can be expensive. So while it may sound cool to own a piranha, it may not be a good idea for a beginning fish owner.
Choosing aquarium fish: Which ones are the easiest to care for? Which ones are the most difficult? Which ones should you avoid?
You've chosen to buy fish as pets, but aren't quite sure which ones to get once you get the store. It's an important decision because, while fish at first glance appear to be simple creatures to care for, there are many fish that can actually be too much for many beginners to handle.
What are some good fish for beginners?
Betas
This species is one of the few types of fish that actually enjoys living in bowls. So if you know you don't have space for a large aquarium, betas are one type you should consider. Betas are colorful fish and have long graceful fins.
Tetras
These fish are easy to care for. They are colorful and enjoy having plenty of other tetras around. One down side to Tetras is that they are known to sometimes carry diseases that only their species can carry. Be sure you buy healthy fish.
Guppies
Guppies are small fish, and you can house a lot of them in a small space. They're great for children, as they are among the easiest fish to care for. One thing you need to watch out for with guppies, however, is that they breed easily. Once you have a few guppies in your tank or bowl, it won't be long before they'll multiply in number.
What are some bad fish for beginners?
Mollies
These fish are complex to care for. They require higher pH water levels and warmer water temperatures than most other fish.
Eels
Eels are creatures that need a lot of space. While they look like they'd be easy to care for, they usually are not. Also, it doesn't take much for an eel to become stressed, and if you don't know what symptoms to look for, it can prove dangerous for your eel.
Piranhas
Piranhas are complicated to care for and require a lot of space. They eat quite a bit of food, and their food can be expensive. So while it may sound cool to own a piranha, it may not be a good idea for a beginning fish owner.
Selecting Fish For Your Aquarium
Selecting Fish For Your Aquarium
Tips and techniques on selecting the proper fish for your aquarium.
Once you have your aquarium completely set up in your home, it is time to decide what fish to put in it. There are many different tropical fish on the market. There are also fish that are good with other fish and ones that are not.
Here are a few tips for choosing fish for your aquarium.
1. I like to purchase my fish at a small pet store instead of a large chain store. The fish seem healthier and most of the time, cheaper. I feel that the pet store fish have been better taken care of.
2. Make sure the fish you choose will interact with each other. Some fish are social and others will kill each other. If you want these aggressive fish, be sure to keep them by themselves.
3. You also need to decide whether you are purchasing fresh or salt water fish. They each require different aquarium set ups.
4. Always pick the fish that seem most active in the tank. You don't want to purchase a sick fish.
5. Don't overcrowd your aquarium. I recommend one fish per gallon of water.
6. Don't purchase small and large fish together. Try to get fish pretty much the same size.
7. When you purchase new fish keep them away from the others a few days to monitor them for diseases.
I hope these tips will be helpful to you when you go to purchase fish for your aquarium. Just keep your aquarium cleaned and filtered properly, and you should have no trouble at all with your fish.
Tips and techniques on selecting the proper fish for your aquarium.
Once you have your aquarium completely set up in your home, it is time to decide what fish to put in it. There are many different tropical fish on the market. There are also fish that are good with other fish and ones that are not.
Here are a few tips for choosing fish for your aquarium.
1. I like to purchase my fish at a small pet store instead of a large chain store. The fish seem healthier and most of the time, cheaper. I feel that the pet store fish have been better taken care of.
2. Make sure the fish you choose will interact with each other. Some fish are social and others will kill each other. If you want these aggressive fish, be sure to keep them by themselves.
3. You also need to decide whether you are purchasing fresh or salt water fish. They each require different aquarium set ups.
4. Always pick the fish that seem most active in the tank. You don't want to purchase a sick fish.
5. Don't overcrowd your aquarium. I recommend one fish per gallon of water.
6. Don't purchase small and large fish together. Try to get fish pretty much the same size.
7. When you purchase new fish keep them away from the others a few days to monitor them for diseases.
I hope these tips will be helpful to you when you go to purchase fish for your aquarium. Just keep your aquarium cleaned and filtered properly, and you should have no trouble at all with your fish.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Setting Up A Simple Aquarium At Home
Setting Up A Simple Aquarium At Home
How to set up a simple Fresh water Aquarium at home and maintain it to enjoy the beauty of nature in close quarters.
Watching colorful fish swaying is enjoyable. Everyone loves to have an aquarium at home. A fresh water aquarium is a miniature water-world. Creating it at home is fun.
To setup an aquarium at home select a place where there is no direct sunlight. Buy a medium sized glass tank. Larger the tank minimum is your maintenance problem. The tank should be fitted with a cover or hood. Fix a fluorescent tube in it. This total set up is readily available with aquarium shops.
The bottom of the tank can be filled up to 2 inches height with coarse river sand. Avoid using pebbles or stones to fill up, as dirt will settle between them and maintenance will be difficult. The river sand should be washed thoroughly 15 to 20 times till the water poured on it stays clear. Only soft water should be used.
First fill only one third of the tank with water. Introduce ornamental items like a few big pebbles and driftwoods – woods that you find on the riversides. These are only optional to add up to the beauty of the aquarium. Plant firmly on the sand, fresh water plants like Vallisneria, Amazon Sword and Lace Plant. These can be bought from aquarists. Fill up the rest of the tank with water and allow it to settle down for three to four days.
Buy healthy fish, which can stay together in a community tank like Guppies, Mollies, Swordtails, Tetras, Angelfish and Gold Fish. A few scavengers like Loaches & Catfish can be added. Fish brought in plastic bags from the shop should be floated on the surface of the tank for at least 15 minutes to equalize the temperature of water. Avoid overcrowding. Allow one and half liters of water for every 1cm. Length of fish. To calculate the liters of water in the tank multiply length by height by width in cms. And divide by 1000. Then 10% has to be deducted for the sand, plants and decorative materials.
Feeding should be done once or twice a day. It is best to buy the fish food pellets available in aquarium shops. Food given should be consumed within two to three minutes. Watch and feed carefully. Any excess food should be removed. Otherwise it will cloud the water. The lights should be kept on, throughout the day to enable the plants to grow. Artificial plants can be substituted for natural ones or both can also be mixed.
Once in three weeks the glasses should be cleaned with a scrubber to remove any formation of algae. The dirt collected at the bottom on top of the sand should be siphoned out with the help of a thin bore tube. Amount of water removed should be replaced gently without disturbing much. Only once in 6 to 7 months the total set up should be thoroughly washed, cleaned and reset after removing the fish first with the help of a net to another container.
A fresh water aquarium set with bright colored fish, evergreen plants and light brightens up the home. It is a silent beautiful nature. Young and old enjoy watching it. Watching it reduces one's stress, tension and even blood pressure. It is a creation, which gives tremendous satisfaction and happiness. It takes you closer to nature.
How to set up a simple Fresh water Aquarium at home and maintain it to enjoy the beauty of nature in close quarters.
Watching colorful fish swaying is enjoyable. Everyone loves to have an aquarium at home. A fresh water aquarium is a miniature water-world. Creating it at home is fun.
To setup an aquarium at home select a place where there is no direct sunlight. Buy a medium sized glass tank. Larger the tank minimum is your maintenance problem. The tank should be fitted with a cover or hood. Fix a fluorescent tube in it. This total set up is readily available with aquarium shops.
The bottom of the tank can be filled up to 2 inches height with coarse river sand. Avoid using pebbles or stones to fill up, as dirt will settle between them and maintenance will be difficult. The river sand should be washed thoroughly 15 to 20 times till the water poured on it stays clear. Only soft water should be used.
First fill only one third of the tank with water. Introduce ornamental items like a few big pebbles and driftwoods – woods that you find on the riversides. These are only optional to add up to the beauty of the aquarium. Plant firmly on the sand, fresh water plants like Vallisneria, Amazon Sword and Lace Plant. These can be bought from aquarists. Fill up the rest of the tank with water and allow it to settle down for three to four days.
Buy healthy fish, which can stay together in a community tank like Guppies, Mollies, Swordtails, Tetras, Angelfish and Gold Fish. A few scavengers like Loaches & Catfish can be added. Fish brought in plastic bags from the shop should be floated on the surface of the tank for at least 15 minutes to equalize the temperature of water. Avoid overcrowding. Allow one and half liters of water for every 1cm. Length of fish. To calculate the liters of water in the tank multiply length by height by width in cms. And divide by 1000. Then 10% has to be deducted for the sand, plants and decorative materials.
Feeding should be done once or twice a day. It is best to buy the fish food pellets available in aquarium shops. Food given should be consumed within two to three minutes. Watch and feed carefully. Any excess food should be removed. Otherwise it will cloud the water. The lights should be kept on, throughout the day to enable the plants to grow. Artificial plants can be substituted for natural ones or both can also be mixed.
Once in three weeks the glasses should be cleaned with a scrubber to remove any formation of algae. The dirt collected at the bottom on top of the sand should be siphoned out with the help of a thin bore tube. Amount of water removed should be replaced gently without disturbing much. Only once in 6 to 7 months the total set up should be thoroughly washed, cleaned and reset after removing the fish first with the help of a net to another container.
A fresh water aquarium set with bright colored fish, evergreen plants and light brightens up the home. It is a silent beautiful nature. Young and old enjoy watching it. Watching it reduces one's stress, tension and even blood pressure. It is a creation, which gives tremendous satisfaction and happiness. It takes you closer to nature.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Maintaining A Home Aquarium
Maintaining A Home Aquarium
Tips on maintaining an aquarium in your home.
It is nice to have an aquarium in your home. Just sitting and staring at the fish swimming around seems so peaceful. If you maintain your aquarium properly it requires little time to keep it looking beautiful. You hear people saying all of the time that up keep on a aquarium is a hard job. If you let it go for months before cleaning, maybe it is. With regular maintenance though, keeping an aquarium clean and functional is easy. Here are some tips I use to keep my aquariums in top notch shape.
1. Do not overfill with fish. Try not to put over one fish per gallon of water.
2. I have an algae eater fish for every five other fish in each tank. They keep the waste cleaned from the tank.
3. Change your filter at least every two months. This will enable it to filter the water for you and keep it clean.
4. About once every three months empty half of the water out of the aquarium and fill with new. Never empty all of the water out of the tank. There are many nutrients in the water by now that the fish need.
5. I always keep my aquarium water medicated with medication for the fish. They have many different types of medicine to keep your fish healthy.
6. Keep new fish separated from the fish you already have for at least two weeks. This way you don't put a diseased fish in with your healthy ones.
7. Keep the temperature in your aquarium the same all of the time, don't let it vary.
8. Keep clean gravel in your aquarium at all times. Usually if you change it every three months it will be alright.
9. Do not over feed the fish. This is the worst possible thing you can do. Try feeding the fish only about once every three days.
10. Only keep the aquarium's lights on during hours you are present. If you leave the lights on all of the time, it causes algae to grow in your tank.
I think if you follow these tips, in maintaining your aquarium, you will never have the problems of a dirty tank. Your fish will be healthier and you will be happier having such a beautiful looking aquarium.
Tips on maintaining an aquarium in your home.
It is nice to have an aquarium in your home. Just sitting and staring at the fish swimming around seems so peaceful. If you maintain your aquarium properly it requires little time to keep it looking beautiful. You hear people saying all of the time that up keep on a aquarium is a hard job. If you let it go for months before cleaning, maybe it is. With regular maintenance though, keeping an aquarium clean and functional is easy. Here are some tips I use to keep my aquariums in top notch shape.
1. Do not overfill with fish. Try not to put over one fish per gallon of water.
2. I have an algae eater fish for every five other fish in each tank. They keep the waste cleaned from the tank.
3. Change your filter at least every two months. This will enable it to filter the water for you and keep it clean.
4. About once every three months empty half of the water out of the aquarium and fill with new. Never empty all of the water out of the tank. There are many nutrients in the water by now that the fish need.
5. I always keep my aquarium water medicated with medication for the fish. They have many different types of medicine to keep your fish healthy.
6. Keep new fish separated from the fish you already have for at least two weeks. This way you don't put a diseased fish in with your healthy ones.
7. Keep the temperature in your aquarium the same all of the time, don't let it vary.
8. Keep clean gravel in your aquarium at all times. Usually if you change it every three months it will be alright.
9. Do not over feed the fish. This is the worst possible thing you can do. Try feeding the fish only about once every three days.
10. Only keep the aquarium's lights on during hours you are present. If you leave the lights on all of the time, it causes algae to grow in your tank.
I think if you follow these tips, in maintaining your aquarium, you will never have the problems of a dirty tank. Your fish will be healthier and you will be happier having such a beautiful looking aquarium.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Rock In Your Aquarium
Should You Put Live Rock In Your Aquarium?
What is live rock?
Why does it help your aquarium?
Should you get it for your tank?
Live rock is a system by which living organisms on rock help keep your aquarium clean and filtered. Bacteria, algae and other microorganisms do the work and can consume animal waste, produce oxygen, and give grazing fish a food center.
Where does it come from?
Most any ocean system produces live rock. Today, live rock harvesting in American waters is illegal and so most all live rock that you may buy comes from the Pacific ocean, specifically the island of Fiji.
What are the different types of live rock?
There are two types of live rock, cured and uncured. Cured simply has been rid of any decaying organisms that would be harmful to your tank, and therefore makes it more desirable.
Where can you get live rock?
It is illegal to harvest live rock in American waters so pretty much you are stuck finding a live rock dealer of some sort. Generally it is best to go to a reputable dealer to avoid problems. As well, it is possible to create your own by purchasing or finding a porous rock. After several months in your tank life will sprout on it that will begin to help filter your tank.
What is live rock?
Why does it help your aquarium?
Should you get it for your tank?
Live rock is a system by which living organisms on rock help keep your aquarium clean and filtered. Bacteria, algae and other microorganisms do the work and can consume animal waste, produce oxygen, and give grazing fish a food center.
Where does it come from?
Most any ocean system produces live rock. Today, live rock harvesting in American waters is illegal and so most all live rock that you may buy comes from the Pacific ocean, specifically the island of Fiji.
What are the different types of live rock?
There are two types of live rock, cured and uncured. Cured simply has been rid of any decaying organisms that would be harmful to your tank, and therefore makes it more desirable.
Where can you get live rock?
It is illegal to harvest live rock in American waters so pretty much you are stuck finding a live rock dealer of some sort. Generally it is best to go to a reputable dealer to avoid problems. As well, it is possible to create your own by purchasing or finding a porous rock. After several months in your tank life will sprout on it that will begin to help filter your tank.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Quarantine Your Sick Fish
Quarantine Your Sick Fish
Is quarantining a fish safe?
When should you do it?
How do you set up an effective quarantine tank?
Most people do not understand exactly what a quarantine tank is and how and when it should be used. A quarantine tank is not a tank you would set up when a fish gets sick, rather it is a tank that is always up and running. A quarantine tank can be used to acclimate new fish or separate a sick fish from the rest of the aquatic population.
What are the down sides of a quarantine tank?
If you are skilled or an expert in aquariums, you probably will not need to consider a quarantine tank. These people can spot diseases in fish early enough to treat it before the entire tank is wiped out. The rest of us are not as likely to detect these diseases before the damage is already done. A quarantine tank is not cheap. However, the cost of renewing your tank with all new fish will definitely cost more.
Why quarantine a new fish?
The transport from the pet store to your tank causes a great deal of stress in a fish. This is one reason to quarantine; the fish needs time to adjust to its new home before it is introduced to other fish. The quarantine will also allow you to monitor the new fish for any diseases that may pose a threat to the other fish. Most people recommend a quarantine period of about two to three weeks. If you notice any abnormalities, keep them separated longer.
Why quarantine a sick fish?
With your existing fish you want to watch signs of sickness such as sluggishness or lack of appetite. Color change is also a sign of illness. Getting to know your fish could really help you in noticing symptoms of sickness in your fish. Catching a diseased fish early and quarantining it could stop the spread of the disease to other fish in your tank. While in the quarantine tank the sick fish can get better without stress or harassment from other fish.
Is quarantining a fish safe?
When should you do it?
How do you set up an effective quarantine tank?
Most people do not understand exactly what a quarantine tank is and how and when it should be used. A quarantine tank is not a tank you would set up when a fish gets sick, rather it is a tank that is always up and running. A quarantine tank can be used to acclimate new fish or separate a sick fish from the rest of the aquatic population.
What are the down sides of a quarantine tank?
If you are skilled or an expert in aquariums, you probably will not need to consider a quarantine tank. These people can spot diseases in fish early enough to treat it before the entire tank is wiped out. The rest of us are not as likely to detect these diseases before the damage is already done. A quarantine tank is not cheap. However, the cost of renewing your tank with all new fish will definitely cost more.
Why quarantine a new fish?
The transport from the pet store to your tank causes a great deal of stress in a fish. This is one reason to quarantine; the fish needs time to adjust to its new home before it is introduced to other fish. The quarantine will also allow you to monitor the new fish for any diseases that may pose a threat to the other fish. Most people recommend a quarantine period of about two to three weeks. If you notice any abnormalities, keep them separated longer.
Why quarantine a sick fish?
With your existing fish you want to watch signs of sickness such as sluggishness or lack of appetite. Color change is also a sign of illness. Getting to know your fish could really help you in noticing symptoms of sickness in your fish. Catching a diseased fish early and quarantining it could stop the spread of the disease to other fish in your tank. While in the quarantine tank the sick fish can get better without stress or harassment from other fish.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Aquarium Fish Diseases
Aquarium Fish Diseases
What fish ailments do you need to look out for?
How do you heal your sick fish?
Often, detecting illness in your fish is very difficult. However, because disease spreads quickly in tanks it is necessary to spot illness quickly and separate an ill fish from others. Hospital tanks are as expensive as one might think and they also guarantee the safety of other fish. When a diseased fish is spotted it should either be destroyed or placed in a hospital tank. Also, new fish can be acclimated to new environments using hospital tanks, and this will also serve to make sure the fish harbors no diseases.
What are some symptoms and diseases to look for?
The most common disease in saltwater tanks is Ick. Ick are free swimming parasites that literally eat fish alive. Symptoms of Ick include white spots on scales, gills or heads of fish, strange swimming motions, decreased appetite, and change in breathing habits (the fish struggles to obtain oxygen). Treatment can either be to remove the fish that display symptoms, or treating the water in the tank with a solution from a pet store.
Marine Velvet is quite similar to Ick, however, the main difference being its elongated life span. There are a number of other parasites that can attack your fish, usually you may diagnose them if your fish rubs against rocks, swims awkwardly, secretes slime or has open sores, clouded eyes, or there may even be white worms hanging out of the fish. Some cases can be treated with antibiotics, but usually the fish must be destroyed.
Lateral Line Erosion is a disease that causes facial erosion and pits in the skin. Its primary symptom is loss of interest in food, and an antibiotic food can help to cure it.
Finrot is a disease that occurs primarily due to poor water maintenance. Its symptoms are fin erosion that leads to hampered swimming and reddened areas on the fish's body.
Disease and parasites are remarkably harmful to your fish, be sure and monitor their condition regularly and provide a very sanitary environment for avoidance. Give your fish a good diet with vitamins to held them ward off disease, and always keep a hospital tank available in case of any problems.
What fish ailments do you need to look out for?
How do you heal your sick fish?
Often, detecting illness in your fish is very difficult. However, because disease spreads quickly in tanks it is necessary to spot illness quickly and separate an ill fish from others. Hospital tanks are as expensive as one might think and they also guarantee the safety of other fish. When a diseased fish is spotted it should either be destroyed or placed in a hospital tank. Also, new fish can be acclimated to new environments using hospital tanks, and this will also serve to make sure the fish harbors no diseases.
What are some symptoms and diseases to look for?
The most common disease in saltwater tanks is Ick. Ick are free swimming parasites that literally eat fish alive. Symptoms of Ick include white spots on scales, gills or heads of fish, strange swimming motions, decreased appetite, and change in breathing habits (the fish struggles to obtain oxygen). Treatment can either be to remove the fish that display symptoms, or treating the water in the tank with a solution from a pet store.
Marine Velvet is quite similar to Ick, however, the main difference being its elongated life span. There are a number of other parasites that can attack your fish, usually you may diagnose them if your fish rubs against rocks, swims awkwardly, secretes slime or has open sores, clouded eyes, or there may even be white worms hanging out of the fish. Some cases can be treated with antibiotics, but usually the fish must be destroyed.
Lateral Line Erosion is a disease that causes facial erosion and pits in the skin. Its primary symptom is loss of interest in food, and an antibiotic food can help to cure it.
Finrot is a disease that occurs primarily due to poor water maintenance. Its symptoms are fin erosion that leads to hampered swimming and reddened areas on the fish's body.
Disease and parasites are remarkably harmful to your fish, be sure and monitor their condition regularly and provide a very sanitary environment for avoidance. Give your fish a good diet with vitamins to held them ward off disease, and always keep a hospital tank available in case of any problems.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Sucker Fish
Sucker Fish
What do Sucker fish look like? How do they act?
What do you need to know about them?
What do they look like?
Suckers are rather dull in color. They may be practically invisible, depending on their surroundings. They are usually very ordinary in color, ranging from browns to greens. Their undersides are typically silver. The tails on suckers are deeply forked, and the head normally has few, if any, scales, which is unusual for fish. The scales on their bodies, however, are generally larger than average. They have teeth, but they're not visible by humans. Their teeth are in their throats and are used to devour shell-bearing prey.
How do they behave?
Suckers are generally quiet fish. They usually keep to themselves and try to stay away from any fears or dangers in their own world.
The sucker is named after its sucker of a mouth. It has a suction cup for a mouth and has distinguished protruding lips on the bottom of their heads. The mouths on these fish act as a vacuum cleaner of sorts. It is used to eat small animals and insect larvae. Suckers generally prefer to eat worms and vegetation from the bottom of their habitat.
What else do you need to know about them?
Suckers generally find their food based on their ability to taste and touch. They like to comb the bottoms of their habitat looking for dinner. Using their suction-like mouth to find their food.
Suckers breed in the spring months and like to breed in shallow waters. When its time to spawn, male suckers develop pearls on their snouts and tails. The female presses up against these organs, and eggs are shed together.
What do Sucker fish look like? How do they act?
What do you need to know about them?
What do they look like?
Suckers are rather dull in color. They may be practically invisible, depending on their surroundings. They are usually very ordinary in color, ranging from browns to greens. Their undersides are typically silver. The tails on suckers are deeply forked, and the head normally has few, if any, scales, which is unusual for fish. The scales on their bodies, however, are generally larger than average. They have teeth, but they're not visible by humans. Their teeth are in their throats and are used to devour shell-bearing prey.
How do they behave?
Suckers are generally quiet fish. They usually keep to themselves and try to stay away from any fears or dangers in their own world.
The sucker is named after its sucker of a mouth. It has a suction cup for a mouth and has distinguished protruding lips on the bottom of their heads. The mouths on these fish act as a vacuum cleaner of sorts. It is used to eat small animals and insect larvae. Suckers generally prefer to eat worms and vegetation from the bottom of their habitat.
What else do you need to know about them?
Suckers generally find their food based on their ability to taste and touch. They like to comb the bottoms of their habitat looking for dinner. Using their suction-like mouth to find their food.
Suckers breed in the spring months and like to breed in shallow waters. When its time to spawn, male suckers develop pearls on their snouts and tails. The female presses up against these organs, and eggs are shed together.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
How To Set Up A Fish Aquarium
How To Set Up A Fish Aquarium
Setting up a fish aquarium in your home?
Here is a brief description of what you need. A fish aquarium makes a wonderful addition to your home. I feel that they change the appearance of your home and are fun to have. There are a few things you need to know to set up your aquarium properly. Here is a list of things you will need when you begin to set up your aquarium.
1. First you need to decide what size tank you are going to use. There are many different styles to choose from, and many sizes.
2. A filter large enough for the aquarium you plan to use.
3. Gravel for the bottom of the tank.
4. Decoration for the aquarium that gives the fish something to hide and play in.
5. Check with your local pet store to see what types of treatment for your water they recommend.
These are basically all you will need to get an aquarium set up in your home. It is very simple to finish. Set your tank where you plan to keep it. Go ahead and put the gravel and decoration in place where you want them. Put the filter on the tank and turn it on. Pour your water in slowly and treat it at the same time.
I recommend you let the tank sit for about two weeks before you add fish. This gives the filter and medication time to do their job.
Setting up a fish aquarium in your home?
Here is a brief description of what you need. A fish aquarium makes a wonderful addition to your home. I feel that they change the appearance of your home and are fun to have. There are a few things you need to know to set up your aquarium properly. Here is a list of things you will need when you begin to set up your aquarium.
1. First you need to decide what size tank you are going to use. There are many different styles to choose from, and many sizes.
2. A filter large enough for the aquarium you plan to use.
3. Gravel for the bottom of the tank.
4. Decoration for the aquarium that gives the fish something to hide and play in.
5. Check with your local pet store to see what types of treatment for your water they recommend.
These are basically all you will need to get an aquarium set up in your home. It is very simple to finish. Set your tank where you plan to keep it. Go ahead and put the gravel and decoration in place where you want them. Put the filter on the tank and turn it on. Pour your water in slowly and treat it at the same time.
I recommend you let the tank sit for about two weeks before you add fish. This gives the filter and medication time to do their job.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Aquarium Cleaning Tips
Aquarium Cleaning Tips
Aquarium cleaning tips: your freshwater aquarium needs regular care to maintain a healthy environment for your tropical fish. Proper cleaning will keep your aquarium in top condition.
Maintaining and regularly cleaning your freshwater aquarium is necessary to keep it looking attractive. A regular cleaning will also help prolong the life of your tropical fish. Cleaning your aquarium is a fairly simple routine that needs to be done approximately every two weeks.
The first step is to take out any artificial plants, the filter stem, and any decorative items. These may be soaked in a mild solution of bleach and water to remove any algae. Be sure to thoroughly rinse and soak these items in clear water for the same length of time they were in the bleach solution. This will ensure that all of the bleach is gone. If the filter is not very dirty, it can be rinsed in hot water to remove any waste particles. If rinsing does not remove the debris, then it will be necessary to change it.
Next, you will need to remove twenty percent of the water in your aquarium. This is best achieved with a gravel cleaning siphon. This handy tool will take out waste particles from the gravel and keep the nitrogen cycle of your aquarium functioning correctly. If your aquarium has an underground filter, it will also help to improve its operation.
While the water is at a lower level, you can use a dish scrubbing pad to clean the inside of the glass. Never use soaps or chemicals inside your aquarium. They are toxic to your fish. There are additives you can purchase that will significantly inhibit algae growth. A higher wattage bulb will promote algae growth, so be sure your tank has a low wattage bulb made especially for aquarium use. Limiting the length of time the light is on will also help.
Before replacing the water in your aquarium, put the filter stem back in place, filter, plants, and any other items. Using chlorine-free tap water, fill the aquarium back to the proper level. If your tap water is not chlorine-free, you will need to add a chemical that neutralizes the chlorine. Another option would be to run the water you intend on using forty-eight hours in advance. The chlorine will evaporate, and the water will be safe for fish.
Aquarium cleaning tips: your freshwater aquarium needs regular care to maintain a healthy environment for your tropical fish. Proper cleaning will keep your aquarium in top condition.
Maintaining and regularly cleaning your freshwater aquarium is necessary to keep it looking attractive. A regular cleaning will also help prolong the life of your tropical fish. Cleaning your aquarium is a fairly simple routine that needs to be done approximately every two weeks.
The first step is to take out any artificial plants, the filter stem, and any decorative items. These may be soaked in a mild solution of bleach and water to remove any algae. Be sure to thoroughly rinse and soak these items in clear water for the same length of time they were in the bleach solution. This will ensure that all of the bleach is gone. If the filter is not very dirty, it can be rinsed in hot water to remove any waste particles. If rinsing does not remove the debris, then it will be necessary to change it.
Next, you will need to remove twenty percent of the water in your aquarium. This is best achieved with a gravel cleaning siphon. This handy tool will take out waste particles from the gravel and keep the nitrogen cycle of your aquarium functioning correctly. If your aquarium has an underground filter, it will also help to improve its operation.
While the water is at a lower level, you can use a dish scrubbing pad to clean the inside of the glass. Never use soaps or chemicals inside your aquarium. They are toxic to your fish. There are additives you can purchase that will significantly inhibit algae growth. A higher wattage bulb will promote algae growth, so be sure your tank has a low wattage bulb made especially for aquarium use. Limiting the length of time the light is on will also help.
Before replacing the water in your aquarium, put the filter stem back in place, filter, plants, and any other items. Using chlorine-free tap water, fill the aquarium back to the proper level. If your tap water is not chlorine-free, you will need to add a chemical that neutralizes the chlorine. Another option would be to run the water you intend on using forty-eight hours in advance. The chlorine will evaporate, and the water will be safe for fish.
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