Hiding Places for Your Desktop Aquarium Fish

ByJim May

Have you given some thought about what kind of ornaments you'd like to have in your desktop aquarium? Your fish and invertebrates need hiding places to live a happy and healthy life so its vital that you provide them with this. Hiding places serve an important function as you fish will exhibit lower levels of stress if they're allowed their natural behaviors as in the wild. These hiding places becomes a protective area or shelter for them. But of course aquarium ornaments are also your decor. With a little bit of thought and careful placement, these ornaments can literally transform your desktop aquarium.

Plants

One of the more common is a bunch of hardy plants that can provide refuge for your fish, from newly born fry to adults. Among some of the more popular includes the Java moss, Anacharis, Hornwort, Java fern, guppy grass, and water sprite. With plants, you'll need to provide the correct exposure of light to ensure they stay alive. These mentioned are quite hardy, and require moderate to low levels of light. The Java moss or Java fern does well in low light, but the rest as mentioned here will need about 2 or more watts of light per gallon of water. Usually these require not much They also don't require supplemental carbon dioxide, so maintenance is very easy once you setup the correct amount of light.

Driftwood

Driftwood are excellent ornaments as they provide lots of hiding places for your fish and add a very natural and textured look to your fish tank. Not only that, they serve as anchors for your plants if you have them. You can buy driftwood that are meant for aquariums, or collect your own. But bear in mind if you do try to collect your own, there are risks involved. People who collect their own driftwood usually boil it thoroughly first as there could be parasites, predators, or pathogens. These can pollute your desktop aquarium and the water, potentially harming your fish.

Rocks

You can purchase rocks that are aquarium-safe. Again they add a great natural look and provide plenty of hiding places for your fish. However, some rocks may contain calcium, heavy metals or other minerals that can affect your water chemistry, so make sure you purchase your aquarium-safe rocks from reputable sources. If your own bigger-sized aquariums with big and heavy rocks, you'll need to make sure your arrangement of rocks are stable and wont topple easily from external vibration or movement.

Aquarium Ornaments

If you're more adventurous, there are no shortages of decorative ornaments you can buy to recreate a specific aquascape. Sunken ships, Roman columns, fake miniature reefs, and plenty more provide excellent hiding places for your fish. As long as they're sold for aquarium use, they're safe and won't leach harmful chemicals into your fish tank's water. You do need to be careful to make sure that there are no sharp edges by filing away the edge with a nail filer until it's smooth. A suprising best seller on Amazon these days are the SpongeBob SquarePants series of desktop aquarium ornaments.

You can visit my site at Desktop Aquarium to read more great articles about smaller sized aquariums such as the Fluval Edge and Chi reviews.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert

Ideas for Stocking a 10 Gallon Desktop Aquarium

ByJim May

With around 10 gallons as your desktop aquarium, your options in terms of stocking fish increases. When you have less than 5 gallons, it is better to keep your fish tank limited to either a single feature fish like a betta, or a very limited number of small schooling fish like guppies or their cousin the endler's livebearers. But when you go 10 gallons and above, you'll be able to add in a few more to give your desktop aquarium some diversity (companions!). Stocking fish isn't an exact science so depending on who you talk to there are going to be a difference of opinion whether it is overstocked or not. The issue is not the fish, but the proper environment you can maintain for the fish to be healthy.

In order to keep your tank environment clean and healthy for your fish, be sure to have proper filtration, heating, cleaning, and periodic water changes depending on your selection of fish. With small sized tanks such as these, they are all vital components of your desktop aquarium as the water chemistry is more sensitive to little changes either made by your fish or the room the tank is in. So given a 10 gallon and above desktop aquarium, here are some ideas on how to stock your tank.

Small community fish tank

When you have at least a 10 gallon tank, you can keep a small community tank. Less than this, then you're better off keeping a single feature fish with a few invertebrates. The uniqueness of desktop aquariums is that they're meant to be a small so you feature them in places that a medium or big fish tank just can't. So it is impractical to create elaborate or complex aquascapes filled with dozens of different fish. For beginners it is still a better idea to stick to having a centrepiece fish along with some companions as a small community tank. A betta is always a great feature fish (and arguably the more popular fish among aquaria enthusiasts) but a great alternative is the dwarf gourami. But don't be tempted to put them both in the same tank as they can get aggressive towards each other.

Dwarf Gourami is a great feature fish

Dwarf gouramis (Colisa lalia) are great beginner's fish, as long as you keep them with other small and peaceful species. They are often spectacularly hued, with iridescent bars and orange-red feelers, which makes them a great centrepiece fish. They grow to a maximum of 2-3 inches, perfect for a desktop-sized aquarium. They are hardy fish just like the betta, and prefers a heavily planted tank for hiding places.

Neon tetras or harlequin rasboras

Alongside the dwarf gourami, you can keep 6 neon tetras (Paracheirodon innesi). One of the more popular tetras, neon tetras are also quite hardy fish and suitable for beginners. They are schooling fish so keep a minimum six of them to give you a great shoaling effect when they swim around the tank. As their name suggests, they are great to look at and grows to about 1 inch.

An alternative to the neon tetras are the harlequin rasboras (Trigonostigma heteromorpha). They are also schooling fish so you can keep a minimum of 6 or more depending on the size of your desktop aquarium. A unique little fish, they have a distinctive black triangle mark on their side, a bit like the costume of a Harlequin. They grow to about 1 to 2 inches.

Ghost shrimps and snails

With a dwarf gourami, if you decide on the 6 neon tetras you could include a few (up to 12) ghost shrimps (Palaemonetes) into your tank. Otherwise limit it to 6 ghost shrimps for the harlequin rasboras. They're almost transparent in the water, hence the name "ghost". They walk along the bottom of the tank to collect small food particles to eat, so essentially they're helping you to clean up any excess food. They're also very interesting to look at, that more people are dedicating entire tanks to shrimps alone. Give them some vegetation or plants as hiding spots.

Consider including an apple snail, as they dine on a diet of decomposing plants, algae, and dead animals. They are highly dedicated cleaners that will keep your water quality up and reduce algae levels.

Shape of your fish tank matters

One extra detail you don't want to overlook when deciding what and how many fish to stock is the shape of your desktop aquarium. Rectangle shaped tanks give more horizontal space for your fish to swim, while boxed or hex shaped tanks works great with long and tall plants. Consider reducing the number of fish or invertebrates if you have these boxed or hex shaped tanks to give your bigger feature fish more space and privacy.

If you have a smaller desktop aquarium, you can read my article about stocking a 5 gallon fish tank, or you can visit my site Desktop Aquarium for more informative articles.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert

Freshwater Aquarium Setup Tips

Nothing can match the beauty of well-maintained fish aquariums. Setting up a freshwater aquarium can be fairly easy when you follow the correct steps for doing so. If you would like to have an aquarium in your home or office, you can start by thinking of the kind of fish you would like to have.

Selecting the fish you want will determine a few things about the tank you choose. One is the size and another is the type of plants you may want to add. Many beginners choose to use fake plants to avoid trying to care live plants while mastering the care of fish and aquariums first. Some fish only grow to be a couple of inches long while others can grow to be as large as your hand. Make sure you know how big the fish will get when choosing tank size.

Getting together all the items needed for set up is important. You do not want to get started and realize you have forgotten a vital item back at the pet shop. Making a list is best to avoid this happening. In addition to an aquarium, you will need gravel, a filter and replacement filter media, heater, thermometer, water test kit, and a pasta strainer for washing gravel before putting it into the tank.

Other important items needed include a special vacuum just for aquariums, fish food for the kind of fish you want, a small fish net, and a scrubber made for the walls of active aquariums. Keep in mind caring for aquariums and fish is a great responsibility. Water changes must be performed regularly and you will need to stay on top of any changes you see taking place with your fish and with the water for preventing disease or death.

Select an area in your home or office for placement of your tank. Be sure to choose a spot that is out of direct sunlight. Do not put the tank near drafty areas or too close to heat or air conditioning units. When buying your tank, make sure to get the right aquarium heater for the size of tank you are taking home. Maintaining a certain temperature is vital to a healthy environment for fish to thrive happily in. Place your thermometer away from the heater on the other side of the tank so you will get the correct readings.

Everything you choose to put into your tank will need to be washed in mild soap. Rinsing well is an important part of preventing chemicals from contaminating the water in the tank. Making sure you rinse away all soap residues to prevent this from happening. Wash gravel by putting it into a pasta strainer and turning it over and over under running water. Fake plants can be easily washed and rinsed in the kitchen sink as well.

Pour gravel into the aquarium you have wiped clean of dust and small debris. Some people rinse the tank out and wipe it dry with a lint free, clean cloth. This can be done depending on the size tank you select due to the weight involved in some larger versions. Be sure to never use soap of any kind inside your tank. Add gravel before placing plants or other decorations.

Place a small bowl or saucer plate in the middle of the gravel before pouring water into it. In this way, you avoid disturbing the placement of your gravel and other decorations from the force of the pouring water. Pour half way so you can arrange plants and decorations a final time before filling to the top about an inch from rim.

The cycling step of setting up your aquarium is vital for fish to thrive healthily. This process might take anywhere from two weeks to a couple of months. Cycling is a process that occurs naturally in water that allows balancing of nitrates, nitrites, ammonium, and ammonia. This is the time you will need to use your water test kit to measure for proper levels of each one. Ammonia and nitrate both are harmful to fish while ammonium and nitrates are beneficial. Follow specific testing instructions that come with your test kit for making sure tank water is completely safe for adding fish.

You might think about not using fish to start the cycling process when setting up a freshwater aquarium to prevent their death. Start your cycling by adding a few flakes of food to the tank each day. When the food begins to decompose, you will have the release of ammonia to start the process. Keep putting a little in each day until your test readings are perfect for safely adding fish.

Once you have your tank setup, one of the most important things is maintaining the eco system of your freshwater aquarium. You can find out more about that and get other tips on keeping healthy, vibrant fish at http://www.fish-tank-guide.com

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert

Facts About Fish Tank Accessories

ByPaul De Vizard

If you are thinking of designing your own aquarium for the first time, you will be glad to know there is a huge selection of fish tank accessories available. However, due to the wide choices available it can be a daunting task to make the right selection. Here are a few ideas that will help you in the right direction.

Water Filters

First, you need to decide on the filtration system for your aquarium. You will want to consider the types of fish you would like to keep, and the volume (in gallons of water) that will be required for your tank. You will need to use the appropriate tools according to the rating of the filtration system.

Oxygen Plants

There is a large selection of aquarium plants available in different designs and styles. For instance, you could go for actual living plants, but you need to know their requirements, as each of them needs a certain amount of substrates and light to survive. Some fish might tear apart certain plants, and the debris will need to be cleaned and removed.

Types of Fish

Selection of fish breeds will require quite a bit of online research, as not all fishes are compatible with each other. Certain fish are quite expensive, and it is not wise to waste money on them until you have some experience about proper maintenance of your aquarium. In the beginning, simply stock the tank with beautiful fish that are reasonably priced. People, who buy expensive fish without much experience, usually have to watch them perish because of an unknown disease or illness.

Internal Ornaments

Aquarium ornaments are available in a wide variety of designs and styles. Certain types of ornaments can be installed with the air pump, and you can observe them moving when every time the air is pumped. The selection is so huge that you can easily find items, which suit your taste, and the way in which you want to decorate your tank.

Having an aquarium tank is definitely an amazing experience and it can give a fascinating new look to your home and living space. Just as you find a huge selection of tanks, you can also find a wide range of fish tank accessories. You only need to base your choice according to the fishes you have chosen, and the type of tank you have. Once you are clear on this point, setting up a beautiful aquarium is easy and fun.

Paul de Vizard is a writer on many different subjects. This includes all manner of marketing, ideas and complex theories. He also likes to learn about Hobbies that interest him. To read more on his hobbies check out his article on How to chose a Fish Tank Stand and where to find the best Fish Tank Decorations from FishTankstands.org

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert

What Is Dropsy?

Dropsy is a terrible illness in goldfish care that is nearly always fatal to any fish that contracts it. While there are measures you can take to provide your goldfish the very best possibility of getting healed of this ailment. All things considered, delivering excellent water quality in your aquarium is a great way to ensure that your goldfish will not be infected with dropsy.

Precisely

Firstly, dropsy is not a disease. As stated by Wikipedia, it is the concentration of liquid in the body tissues and cavities that leads to the fish's abdomen becoming inflated and gives it a bloated look. For that reason dropsy is only the visible symptom of the real illness or infection. This condition is normally the observable outcome of a bacterial infection which often attacks the kidneys and other key organs of the goldfish creating renal failure. Lack of kidney activities produces the inability of the goldfish to appropriately adjust the quantity of liquids inside their bodies. Equivalent health conditions of fluid retention can be observed in men and women who have problems with kidney failure.

Symptoms

The conditions which are commonly linked to dropsy are actually the last phases of an advanced internal bacterial infection. Consequently dropsy, as it is commonly known is almost always deadly when observed in fish. For that reason I urge goldfish keepers to seek out the symptoms of internal bacterial infection which happens to be more difficult to determine. Nonetheless, exposing the symptoms early will drastically increase your odds of avoiding the final, observable stage of dropsy. A few signs of an internal parasite or bacterial infection that may be noticed ahead of time include goldfish gasping constantly at the top of the water for air, clear or white stringy waste and goldfish experiencing swim bladder issues after feeding which can be confused with constipation in goldfish. The more advance stage of dropsy is made obvious by 'pine coning'. In this state the water retained inside the goldfish has induced so much discomfort that their scales start to stick out similar to a pine cone. This could be better spotted from the top view of the fish than taking a look at a goldfish sideways. A goldfish with this malady will become lethargic and their brilliant hue fades making the goldfish look pale. This could be followed by a disinterest in food and reduction their ability to swim in an upright manner.

Goldfish Treatments for Dropsy

One of the very frustrating activities for me when I started goldfish care was waiting on remedies to work. There are several tips I have learned from this past experience.

1. The same thing that worked for somebody else might not necessarily meet your needs.
2. Giving fish excess medication is certainly not an appropriate idea; go over guidelines on remedies attentively and use only as instructed.
3. The most crucial thing I learned is that good water condition can resolve a lot of goldfish ailments.

For dropsy specifically, there are various medications that can be used to fight internal parasites and or bacteria that may be useful in fighting the root reason behind dropsy. Various salt therapies have also been suggested and improving the overall quality of your aquarium water will be key.

Learn more about different types of goldfish. Smart Goldfish Care is a site dedicated to helping everyone begin and enjoy the hobby of goldfish keeping. Goldfish Care the smart way!

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert

How To Keep a Pond Clean

Keeping a pond clean, whether it is a garden pond or fish pond, is a problem that almost every pond owner will consider to make the pond an attractive part of the landscape. There are many reasons to keep a pond clean.

Fish need a clean place to live and the water should be clear to make it easier to see the fish. The more fish we have, the greater the need to keep the water clean. Otherwise, it is just another small body of water with stuff in it that detracts from the value of your property. So it is important to consider and determine the best and most cost effective way to keep it clean.

There are several options:

1. Leave it alone and let Mother Nature take its course. This is what most of us pond owners do. It is easiest, can be effective and the water is usually kept clean enough for fish to live in and sometimes it can be used for recreation. Not a bad choice if the pond is large enough and does not have too many fish in it.

2. If you are considering building a pond or have a small pond, the easiest way to keep it clean is to make the pond as natural as possible. That means having enough water flow so that wastes can be naturally filtered out and debris will not collect on the surface.

Most of us have smallish ponds not big enough to be "natural", and none of us are going to dredge the pond, so we need some other way to clean the pond or modify it to take care of itself. Now that is what I am talking about.

3. Add some filtration systems. There are many systems on the market that will take wastes out of the water, kill algae and add oxygen that is beneficial to your fish. I use a sand filter and have had no problems with it and I use the backwash feature to control the water level.

4. Build some water treatments such as a waterfall or fountain to circulate the water and help put oxygen in the water. This will also make the pond more attractive and inviting. This, of course, will require some planning and out of pocket money, but the end result will be well worth the effort.

Clean water is vitally important to having healthy fish and an attractive addition to your home. I prefer to have water treatments that clean the water, add oxygen and be attention getting. If you have a pond, consider adding a waterfall to your pond. You will be able to enjoy the relaxing sound of running water and have an addition that people can enjoy year round.

Learning is absolutely necessary to get the most enjoyment out of it and to preserve the value it adds to your home. People enjoy it more and your fish and plants will be healthier. CLICK HERE and get more information about how to keep your pond clean and attractive.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert

Types Of Freshwater Aquarium Fish For Your Fish Tank

The addition of an aquarium to your home is indeed a great one. Watching fish can provide hours of entertainment and relaxation as well. The most beautiful tanks, however, are those best cared for. Choosing the right species means a lot in how healthy the entire aquarium community thrives. Follow these tips for learning the types of freshwater aquarium fish that live together peacefully.

Bettas are popular species and while they have an infamous reputation for being aggressive, beginners should know they are usually only like that towards their own kind. In most cases, two male bettas will fight until one is dead. In community tanks, with the right choices of other species, these beautiful aquatic creatures reside just fine with others. Keep in mind the lone betta should remain in a tank of about six and one half gallons. Heat and oxygen flow should be monitored regularly to provide optimal health.

Adding species that are uniquely colored and different is a great way to enhance the beauty of an aquarium. The Archerfish is a good choice for not only adding beauty, but also interesting personality. Beware, however, because these unusual silver and black fish are terrific jumpers. Take care to only place in aquariums with hoods fitted securely on top of them.

Gouramis are other kinds of colorful choices that can add a lot of flavor to your tank. However, some of them can be aggressive towards one another, especially in the case of the Kissing Gourami. This fish will pester smaller Kissing Gouramis and cause them to be stressed. Placing one Gourami in a tank is the best way to add this species to a community.

Slow moving species can add a peaceful aura to aquariums. One great choice for this effect is the African Butterfly. This is beautiful species whose fins appear to like butterfly wings when you look at it from above. They prefer slow current, spending a lot of their time floating slowly around in the water. You may want to make sure smaller species are not in the community with the African Butterfly because they may get eaten.

The tank with smaller species is a perfect environment for the Ghost Shrimp. These are tiny, unique invertebrates that can add a unique appeal to your tank. Other small species of invertebrates like the Red Cherry Shrimp add a gorgeous splash of color while the Inca Golden Snail does as well. These snails also add the benefit of being an algae cleaning service.

Platies are an excellent choice for beginners. These fish come in many colors and are hardy livebearers. You can choose from a salt and pepper color or even one that is dubbed the Mickey Mouse. These are docile creatures and do well in the community of other gentle species. Platies are some of the most popular choices sold for the freshwater tank.

Most everyone has heard about the infamous and popular Guppy. These are great for adding comical personality to your community tank as well as color and uniqueness. These are some of the reasons these fish are one of the most popular choices. Guppies are easy to care for. However, they are livebearers and have many small fry at a time. Make plans to separate the young fry or they will be eaten by not only their parents, but by other tank inhabitants as well.

Choosing to add an algae eater to your tank carries great benefits. One good choice is the Clown Pleco for not only its love of eating unwanted algae, but for its unique and unusual appearance. These peaceful, non-aggressive fish mostly stay on the bottom and take their time in making in their way around the tank. Another bottom feeder you might consider is the Striped Raphael Catfish. These are indeed beautiful and grow to be up to nine inches long, so you might consider this species for a larger tank. The Raphael Catfish makes an unusual sound while eating that is similar to croaking, making this species a certain conversational point for when you have guests over to your home.

Making your choices from the many types of freshwater aquarium fish can be challenging when they all are so colorful and unusual. Each species has been given its own special look and nature made sure to include many of them. The tank with these fish is certainly one you will be proud of and want to show off. Always remember the care you will need to provide makes all the difference in the world at how awesome your aquarium looks.

Next, find out more about tropical freshwater aquarium fish like freshwater aquarium sharks that can add interest to your fish tank as well as how to setup and maintain your freshwater aquarium.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert

Feeding Your Freshwater Puffer Goldfish Is a Death Sentence Waiting to Happen

While some puffers are truly piscivorous (fish eaters), the majority of freshwater pufferfish are not. Most of the commonly purchased puffers eat a diet rich in crustaceans, like shrimp, mollusks and snails. All puffers require hard foods so that their beaks don't overgrow - similar to the teeth of a pet hamster. Unfortunately, the soft flesh of a feeder fish is not going to do anything when it comes to filing down such a hard surface. However, the softness of the common feeder goldfish is not where the harm really lies.

Live Feeder Fish Transmit Disease to Freshwater Pufferfish

The live feeders that you see at your local pet store are not ordered or kept so that they can be sold as pets. While some people may purchase the common comet goldfish as a pond fish, most use them as a live feeder for another animal. And as such, they are typically housed in overcrowded, disease-ridden conditions - it's nearly impossible to keep more than a thousand fish healthy in such a small space. This means that without proper quarantine procedures, live feeder fish have the potential to wreak all kinds of fish problems on your puffer fish tank - like fungus and different types of parasites.

Feeder Goldfish aren't Nutritious for Freshwater Pufferfish

Aside from carrying a high risk for disease and parasitic infestation, feeder goldfish do not contain the right mix of fats, proteins, and other essential minerals and vitamins that your puffer needs. In fact, they're primarily composed of fatty tissue, which is definitely not healthy for any type of predatory fish on a long term basis - including Oscar's and other cichlid fish.

Live Alternatives to Feed Freshwater Pufferfish

There are plenty of other live feeders that you can use for your puffer, like crabs, snails, and shrimp. In fact, I even throw in a few feeder insects every once in a while to keep my puffers diet varied and interesting for them - I've found that most of my puffs seem to enjoy the second larval stage of the darkling beetle. However, I would still recommend quarantining any type of live aquarium residents before you offer them to your fish - you never know what kinds of pathogens you could transmit, even with something as innocent as a snail. This is especially important to do with live feeder shrimp because they are often housed with unhealthy feeder fish.

If you do need to buy your feeders from a pet store, then you will need to learn how to quarantine and treat them for parasites properly. One of only a few books specifically about keeping pufferfish, the Beginner's Guide to Keeping Freshwater Puffers, is an excellent resource for any budding hobbyist, and it includes a chapter teaching you about all the ins and outs of feeding puffers the right way.

You can check it out for completely free at http://www.freshwaterpufferfish.org

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert

How to Breed Diamond Tetra Fish

The Diamond Tetra fish, better known to aquarium lovers as the Moenkhausia pittieri, is a member of the family Characidae and was originally found living in the Venezuelan Lake Valencia and a few select Venezuelan rivers. Male species of the fish may grow between two to 12 inches, but females are usually smaller. Though not a brightly colored fish, the Diamond Tetra is a silver color with greenish-colored highlights, and it stands out due to its beautiful reflective scales. In baby Diamond Tetras, the shimmering effect of its scales hasn't developed yet, but it will become evident as it ages.

Aquarium Environment

In terms of aquarium environment, the Moenkhausia pittieri should always be part of a school with a minimum of six fish. These should include others of their own species, and fish of others species should be around the same size. Within this school, one male will always be the dominant one. This male tolerates the others, but is always in control. Diamond Tetras have an ideal pH range of 6.6 to 7.0 and temperature preference of 74-82 degrees Fahrenheit (26-28 degrees Celsius), and if kept outside of this range, might take on a different appearance. Also, these fish like having lots of plants in their aquarium, and are luckily not very picky when it comes to feeding time. Moenkhaussia pittieri will love you for offering living food, but can eat anything from flakes to frozen food. Having learned a bit about this type of fish and its basic requirements, steps towards breeding it can now be taken.

Breeding Diamond Tetra Fish

The most difficult process of breeding Diamond Tetra fish is getting the right pairs together. Mature males have longer fins than females, especially when it comes to dorsal fins. Though females will most likely be smaller than the males, females that are ready for breeding often appear to be of a stockier shape. After selection of a pair of Diamond Tetras is complete, they should be separated and conditioned with good food. During the conditioning phase, they should be fed their preferred live food and also some frozen food. This should last for around 10 days.

While conditioning is going on, a separate spawning tank should be prepared. It doesn't have to a very large tank, but needs to include lots of plants, especially those with dense leaves. The conditions in this tank should be similar to the tank that the other Diamond Tetras live in, though at first, there should be no light in the spawning tank. Soft water should always be used over hard water. Gravel is not required, but some netting should be included towards the bottom of the tank. It should be far down enough to give the breeding pair enough space to swim. The holes in the netting also need to be large enough for the eggs to fall through to the bottom of the tank. The spawning tank should also be placed in a quiet area of the home where there can be no disturbances to the fish.

After the allotted time for conditioning has expired, the selected pair should be placed in the spawning tank in the evening when it is dark, and again, no lights should be used in the vicinity of the tank. In the event that the pair of Diamond Tetras is compatible, spawning might take place immediately upon the fish being placed in the spawning tank or might not take place until a day or two afterwards. Sometimes the lighting that is present in the environment where the tank is situated will help speed up the process. Though the male may spend most of his time following the female, when the time has come for spawning, the female will release the eggs at the same time as the male releases the sperm. The eggs must then become fertilized, in which case it is helpful to have soft water in the tank. The netting is very important here, because Moenkhaussia pittieri tend to eat their eggs, and in order to prevent this, the eggs must fall through the netting, separating the eggs from their parents. After spawning has taken place, the male and female fish should be removed from the spawning tank and returned to their regular aquarium.

Though the eggs may see movement within 36 hours, it can take up to a week before the baby fish are capable of swimming around their spawning tank. The fry will be very hungry, but in an aquarium with lots of plants, will find things to eat in their first few days. After that, fry food is acceptable, and once they are large enough, appropriately sized live food is good for them. Keeping the spawning tank clean while the fry are developing is very important. Because they grow so quickly during their first few weeks, baby Diamond Tetras soon look like the adults, though smaller. Their coloring will be plain at first, with their breathtaking shimmering scales being fully developed around the time the fish are 9 months old. Once they have reached a size that wont put them in danger, they can be moved into the adult tank and the spawning tank can be utizilized again with a new pair of adult fish.

Breeding Diamond Tetras can be a challenge, mainly because it may take several tries to find a compatible pair of male and female fish. It is important to keep the adult Diamond Tetra environment healthy so as not to adversely impact their well-being and ability to spawn at a later time. Likewise, the spawning tank should be kept clean and the temperature, pH, and softness should be checked regularly. Enough time and resources should be spent on the conditioning portion of the breeding process, as it is of great importance. Keep different types of food, including fry food, on hand at all times, even if you are doubtful that spawning could occur. Within several weeks or months, you will be rewarded in all your efforts as you watch the eggs hatch and can see your fry growing up and gaining those beautiful shimmering scales the Diamond Tetra are known for.

Having had fish tanks for over ten years, enjoying freshwater tropical fish, I now decided to write about my experiences on FreshwaterTropicalFish.org.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert

5 Reasons to Have a Fish As a Pet

Having a pet is awesome. It makes you smile, laugh, move around, and relax knowing you have company. But sometimes domesticating an animal can be a hassle. You can to feed it, give it a bath, walk it, and even clean after it. Most common pets people have are dogs and cats. There has been allergic reactions reported all because patients have these creatures living with them. They can even be rabid enough and could cause life-threatening harm than good. That's why having a pet fish if far more well than having a four-legged creature roaming around your living space.

1. Take note that hairy animals like dogs and cat leave of fur around the house that can cause allergic reactions to those with sensitive respiratory system. You'll be regretting you had these kinds of pets. Plus the fact that they have the tendency to chew or scratch off any fabric they come across. They'll be doing more harm than good if that's the case. A pet fish, on the other hand, doesn't possess any harmful threats at all. It just swims gracefully around it's tank, making makes that makes kids and kids at heart smile and stare at its beauty.

2. A pet fish is far more practical compared to having a dog or cat. You don't have to walk it, clean after it, or even give it bath. All you have to do is feed it twice a day and clean its tank twice a month. While having a dog or cat takes a lot of effort and time to take care of. Plus it even gets rabid when not taken care properly. This is not advisable especially those who want to start a family. Kids have sensitive lungs and exposure to common allergen such as these kinds of pets is never advisable.

3. Dogs and cats often makes disturbing noises since this is the only they can communicate. Sometimes they bark or howl for no apparent reason. Maybe because they can heighten senses but this disrupts the peace and serenity. A pet fish doesn't make any noise, on the other hand. Although some air pumps or filters may cause vibrating sounds, this could easily be taken care of.

4. Another reason why you should have a fish is they are "holiday friendly". Whenever you are planning to go vacation, you may easily leave your fish behind and install a automatic or slow-release feeder. You also might want to ask a friend to stop by to check the filter, heater, and of course, you fish if it's doing O.K. Having a feline or canine can be hassle since you have to leave it with a sitter or have a boarding kennel.

5. Having a pet fish is extremely cheap. You don't have to spend much to buy one or two. With just a few dollars, you can have the most gorgeous, graceful, and attractive fish you can ever have. Although setting up an aquarium might cost a little, but the expense doesn't still level off compared buying a dog with a good pedigree.

Bernard Yao invites you to http://www.petsinfoplace.com dedicated to sharing useful information on raising happy and healthy home pets for the online community. Come on by for more great updates on fish and fish care.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert

Some Freshwater Aquarium Information You Need to Know

ByColin Barton

A lot of individuals enjoy keeping aquariums, and you can buy them at many places along with learning the freshwater aquarium information to care for them.

The term aquarium originates with the Latin word "aqua" which means water and the Latin word "rium" which has the meaning building or place. So the term basically means water building!

There are actually thousands of various styles for aquariums you will find to buy today, and trying to explain them all would not just be lengthy it would be downright ridiculous.

For some freshwater aquarium information on the styles, you can find the plain little fish bowls that we all had as kids up to the highly advanced systems with a filtration for the water, large number of fish, living plants growing up special-made plastic.

History of an Aquarium

Today's types of aquariums started evolving during the 1850s; these do echo the history behind them. When the Sumerians kept wild fish they did so in ponds until it was time to cook them for meals.

Koi and goldfish both have been in existence since the 1st century at least with the Chinese breeding them, and in the Song dynasty the goldfish lived in ceramic bowls even. This is a lengthy history with many details.

Even the Egyptian art from ancient times depicted an early aquarium; the fish of that time lived in temple pools of rectangular shape, this is very interesting freshwater aquarium information to learn that most do not even imagine about aquariums.

Having fish for a hobby started big after World War 1 was over which was in the mid to late 1800s. While the aquariums could be viewed at the museums and other special places, the modern filtration and lighting setups allowed people to have fish at home.

As keeping fish became to be more popular in the modern age, companies rapidly came up with new unique and fascinating items for people to add to their tanks, along with coming up with the best way to keep the water clean and the fish healthier.

This is why today that we have such a large number of choices available for people who own aquariums. You can select from the lost of numerous items and total into the thousands to complete your setup and make it fun, interesting and even unique.

Real Big Aquarium

One of the largest and most fascinating aquariums is not located in the USA, it is in Japan. This Osaka aquarium has a volume of 5,400 cubic meters and holds more than 580 different species! How's that for freshwater aquarium information?

Colin Barton has been a lifelong lover of freshwater aquarium information. He have already set up tons of fresh water aquariums and been caring for fish for over 10 years now. To learn more about the proper caring of fresh water aquarium please visit his website at http://www.freshwateraquariumscare.com/

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert

How to Choose Plants Compatible With Betta Fish

Betta fish are a species of hardy, elegant and easy to care for freshwater fish. They have a labyrinth organ that acts as a set of lungs allowing the fish to breathe air at the surface, as well as a set of gills for filtering air through water. The aggressive males can only be kept alone; gill displays shown by them are beautiful but they are also a warning of their hostility to other males. Most betta lovers keep the male betta, whose long flowing fins and bright colors are much prettier than the short finned, mutely colored female. Females flare their fins as well, but they lack the flowing elegance of the male. Because of the solitary nature of the male betta, a great deal of creativity can go into decorating his tank. Some people will place a clear plastic divider in the middle of a tank and put a betta on each side of it. The resulting displays between the two males is quite beautiful behind the safety of the divider.

Bettas in the wild are not as beautiful as those loved by the betta collector. They resemble the females moreso than the well known males who are bred for their beautiful fins and markings. Betta fish are found in the rice paddies of Thailand, Cambodia and Malaysia and do not require much room; they do not roam as other fish do. Because of this, they do can do quite well in smaller bowls in a warm room of the house.

One popular betta fish display involves an aquatic plant placed on top of the water in a display called a betta vase. This isn't without its problems because the plant could die and poison the water. Because of this, be sure the plant you are using is truly aquatic; some pet stores will try to sell terrestrial plants for the vases. When the leaves of these plants remain submerged in water, they will die and become toxic. The betta will not eat the roots of the plant as some believe, so he still must be fed, and the roots will not clean the water so the bowl still must be cleaned. Popular plants for a betta vase are the chinese evergreen, peace lilly, ludwigia, annubias nani and various types of philodendron. Great care must be excercised that the plant does not become large enough to keep the betta from being able to grab a bit of air at the surface or keep him from getting to his food; the upturned mouth of a betta makes him a surface feeder. It has been suggested that putting some straws through the plant can help the betta receive a good supply of air. Male bettas form bubble nests at the surface of the water, and will attach these nests to the floating plants. A betta vase is a beautiful display, and can be maintained with a sharp eye on the health and size of the plant, removing any dead or dying leaves promptly.

Live rooted plants are another option, but they do require a substrate at the bottom of the tank. Live plants provide oxygenation and filtration for the tank. Bettas do not require heat while some tropical aquatic plants do, so be sure to check the compatibility of your plants with your tank set up. Eelgrass is a good selection for the betta tank, as are cripts, water sprites, hygro and java ferns. Vallis, hornwort, foxtail and the amazon sword are also popular for betta tanks. These plants generally do not need excessive lighting, do well at room temperature and do not require circulated water to thrive.

While bettas can be kept at room temperature, their ideal water temperature is 75 to 85 degrees farenheit. It is at these temperatures that the true beauty of the betta can really shine. Adding a heater and mild lighting can expand your choices of plant life for the betta. Be very careful choosing a heater if you are housing a betta in a small tank, as too large a heater can overheat the water very quickly. Creeping jennies, java moss red leaf ludwigia, riccia fluitans, and banana plants are choices popular for betta tanks. Shy by nature, the betta seeks vegetation that it can hide in, around and under, so consider broad leafed plants in his tank. Multiple plants in the tank can be beneficial and creative, but always keep in mind the betta will need room to swim and get to the surface for air.

Artificial plants are a popular choice for the betta fish tank. Obviously these need no heat or light, but maintenance is required to keep algae off of them. Simply rinsing them off when you change the water is sufficient. Artificial plants are usually plastic or silk and come in an endless assortment of colors and styles. There are websites that give instructions on making artificial plants to save money and personalize the tank.Finding a plant that shows off a betta's color is a great way to add impact to his tank, and when added to a colored background and substrate, the effect can be stunning. While artificial plants cannot die and cause toxicity, they don't provide oxygen as a living plant does. Choosing a small, low powered aerator stone is a good way to ensure the betta is getting enough oxygen in his water. An artificial plant should still be chosen with the reticent nature of the betta in mind, and broad leafed plants are preferable.

You can house your betta fish with other tropical fish such a gouramis and mollies. He will do well with peaceful community fish, but keep an eye out for any bullying. Some fish species cannot resist nibbling on the betta's long fins, so plants are very important if he is in a community tank.

Plants in the tank or bowl provide many benefits to the long term health of your betta. With so many plant options, betta tanks can be created to suit any liking.

Having had fish tanks for over ten years, enjoying freshwater tropical fish, I now decided to write about my experiences on FreshwaterTropicalFish.org.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert