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.
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