How To Prepare Water for Betta Fish

Fish experts always seem to be talking about how the water for a Betta fish has a profound effect on their overall health. Poor water conditions are the most often cited culprit of Betta health problems, and it makes good sense. This is where they live 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Changing the water on a regular basis is of the utmost importance. If you are keeping your Betta fish in a small bowl, the water will have to be changed at least twice a week, or fish waste and uneaten fish food could accumulate and cause health problems. Besides "how often" you change the water, it is just as important to know "how" to clean and change the water.

Always adjust the new water that your Betta will be living in BEFORE you add the fish to the water. Otherwise you will run the risk of harming your pet with the chemicals you will be adding to get the water just right.

This is especially true when you are preparing tap water for your Betta. Since the pH level of tap water is usually higher than 7.0 - 7.5, you will normally add pH Down to the water to get it in that range. By adjusting the pH levels of the water, you will be neutralizing the chlorine in the water. If you do this with the fish in the water, and you add too much pH Down, it could easily kill it (since just one or two drops could be too much).

Changing the water in a Betta fish bowl or aquarium is easy if you get a pH test kit. All you have to do is use regular tap water, then adjust the pH level of the water to get it as close to 7.0 (neutral) as you can. Betta fish can survive in lower pH levels of at least 6.5, but it can burn their skin, so it is better for the pH to be a little higher than 7.0 (up to 7.5 maximum) if you can't get it perfect. This will take careful monitoring at first, but after a week or two it will be much easier for you to gauge.

Other important additives to add to the water before it is ready for your Betta to live in are Novaqua, Amquel, and aquarium salt. Always ask someone with experience keeping fish how much of each is right for your fish bowl/tank, and never use table salt.

Another important thing to keep in mind is to allow the tap water to warm up to room temperature, or it may cause your Betta to go into shock, and it may not survive.

To learn all of the little known secrets about how to prepare water for betta fish, be sure to visit http://thebettafishbowl.com/ to keep your Betta healthy and happy.

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Fish Tank Decoration Ideas That Can Transform Any Aquarium

ByPaul De Vizard

Many people get creative with fish tank decoration ideas when they want to turn an ordinary aquarium into something they are proud to show off. Adding artificial or live plants and colored sand can liven up a tank but there are other unique ways to make an underwater environment even more interesting.

Adding mirrors is an effective way to make the environment appear larger than it is. The fish swim around and watch their own reflections. The mirrors add more movement to the tank without overcrowding it with fish. You can attach a mirror to the back pane of glass or one mirror on each end. If mounted on the inside, make sure you smooth off any rough edges to reduce the risk of injury to the fish.

Rock formations offer the fish great places to swim through and hang out in. Any local pet store that sells tank supplies will have rocks of all shapes, sizes and colors for sale. If you want to use rocks that you find outside, they must be cleaned well before you introduce them to your tank.

Many decorations just sit on the tank floor but you can make your tank more visually interesting by adding small mobiles. Tie small seashells, plastic sea creatures, crystals and other objects to pieces of fish line and hang them from the tank lid. The items will bob around and provide additional motion.

A decorative background allows the tank owner to create any environment. Consumers can choose from a variety of printed backgrounds available for sale but making one is less expensive. Carefully measure the tank's dimensions and print out whatever scene you want on a laser printer. Tape the print to the outside with the printed side facing in. You can choose any design but something unexpected like a snow covered forest scene or open meadow with wildflowers makes for an interesting conversation piece.

Do not feel pressured to decorate the whole tank at one time. Your perfect aquarium can be a work in progress that you add to a little bit at a time. This gives you the opportunity to scour garage sales, flea markets and other resources for the perfect decorations. Always make sure your decorations will not harm the fish or alter the environment in a way that affects pH levels in the water. Wood is one material that can alter the pH level. Some items can corrode in saltwater. Add your own personal touch to your tank and it will be like no other anyone has ever seen.

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

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The Differences Between Glass and Plastic Fish Tanks

ByPaul De Vizard

Aquariums are wonderful in the home, but they can be extremely costly. However, plastic fish tanks can be a great alternative, making for a wonderful gift for a child who also gets a new pet. When purchasing such a tank, however, ensure its size will be able to accommodate all the accessories and the type of fish purchased.

Just as glass aquariums can be decorated with greenery, rocks, and such, so too can these types of tanks. One bonus of the latter is that they are light and easy to transport, unlike real glass aquariums which are extremely heavy. Making the choice for the plastic option is best if it is going to be kept in the child's room.

Your children would be thrilled to show off their new pet to other friends or anyone who visits the home. When making the small investment, opt for one that is in keeping with the existing decor of the child's room. From there, the child can decorate the interior as they wish, possibly tying it in more with the look of their room. You can also avoid the responsibility of live fish by choosing little plastic fish instead. This way, your child will not be disappointed in any way, and the fish will be just as colorful as the decor.

A good many people do not see a huge difference between the plastic and glass tanks. However, the type of fish and accessories you choose to put inside will have some bearing on your decision. Some consumers prefer glass because of the clarity factor. However, most will provide a great view of the various fish. Most of the time, it is a matter of cleaning the tank properly in order to have a better view. Proper maintenance is important to maintain good health with your fish, keeping the water looking clean, and avoiding any algae from growing. An unkempt aquarium will simply look unattractive, so be sure that the water is not murky at any time.

On the other hand, just as it can be placed in a child's room, the same tank can also be placed in the living room or any other room of the home. They can look just as great in the bathroom or your own bedroom, providing natural color and serenity to any space. If there is one thing that can make a room more serene, it is a lighted tank.

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

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7 Steps to Help You Choose a Healthy Goldfish

A lot of goldfish diseases can be completely prevented if you take the time to pick out healthy stock in the first place. However, that can be a difficult task in itself if you haven't been keeping Goldies for very long - especially if you're trying to sort through a tank that has a couple dozen Oranda Goldfish in it. There's a lot more to check than simply making sure it's swimming!

Here's a quick breakdown of what I look for before I commit to buying any type of Goldfish.

1. Examine the overall appearance of the Goldfish. When I do this I'm looking primarily at the color - is it dull? Does it appear sickly or malnourished? If the color is very pale compared to the rest of the fish the one in question is probably suffering from some kind of stress or illness. You also want to pay very close attention to the belly - a fish with a very sunken appearance to its stomach is likely carrying internal parasites. I also like to take a quick look at the shape of the body - in general, I avoid Goldfish that have a very distorted, deep body because I don't want to deal with buoyancy problems later on.

2. Observe the way the Goldfish is swimming. This should only take you a few minutes - all you are doing is watching the way the Goldfish swims in comparison to the rest of the Goldies in the tank. You should avoid purchasing a Goldfish that is bottom sitting or scratching against objects. Likewise, I don't recommend purchasing a fish that is already showing signs that is has difficulty maintaining buoyancy. For instance, avoid the ones that have an apparent tilt or occasionally stop to float on one side.

3. Examine the fins on the Goldfish and its tank mates. This is a very easy step because there really isn't a lot that you need to look for. However, the condition of the fins can tell you a lot about the health of a fish. For instance, you do not want to purchase a Goldfish that has any red streaking or white cottony growths along the edges of the fin. If the fins have a very shredded appearance or look like they are being eaten away by something do not purchase anything from that tank!

4. Examine the feces if possible. You are ideally looking for a Goldfish that has solid strands of poop, not one that has clear or very stringy poop. However, many Goldfish at the pet store are already suffering from a mild case of constipation because they are only offered flake food, so I would not be terribly concerned with a bubbly or clear strand of poo - instead, I would just fast the fish once I got it home and then offer it organic whole peas for a few days.

While you are observing the feces, make sure you also take a quick look at the vent (where the poo is coming from). You do not want to purchase a Goldfish that has a bloody or very swollen, irritated vent. The vent area of a Goldie should gently slop upwards toward the tail.

5. Look the Goldfish over to see if it is missing any scales. The scales on a Goldfish act like a layer of armor in respect to its immune system - these are the first things that any bacteria or parasite come in contact with. If the barrier is compromised in any way, like a patch of missing scales, the fish is left very vulnerable to infection and disease. Generally, a Goldie that has patches of missing scales will also show other signs of being unhealthy as well. However, occasionally I overlook a missing scale or two because it's very apparent that they are being picked on by the other fish which isn't a rare occurrence in an already overcrowded sales tank.

6. Look for any growths, lesions or fuzzy patches on all of the Goldfish in the tank. This one is pretty self-explanatory - you do not want to purchase a Goldfish that has any open wounds, ulcer-like markings, or fuzzy patches on its body/fins. You should also be on the lookout for fish that look like they have been sprinkled with salt - if any fish have this appearance do not buy anything from the tank.

7. Observe the other Goldfish in the tank. After you have taken the time to examine the Goldie you want to buy, take a couple minutes to look at all of the other fish in the tank. You ideally want to find a tank that doesn't have any dead Goldfish floating around.

However, please keep in mind that it will be almost impossible to find a tank that meets that criterion if you are shopping in a large chain pet store. The tanks at these stores are grossly overstocked which makes dead fish an inevitable reality. Instead, make sure that the other Goldfish do not have any visible external parasites, growths or signs of fish ick.

The goal of the above check list is to help you pick out a healthy Goldfish; however it is not implying that you should be rigorously examining the fish to make sure it fits show quality standards. For instance, if the fish you like has a minor flaw, like a bent fin, but otherwise appears healthy then go for it!

The health of the fish is the most important consideration. Just make sure that the new Goldfish will be compatible with your other Goldies. For more goldfish keeping tips, check out Fish Problems.com, where you'll learn about how to keep your goldfish healthy, happy and growing!

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Aquaponics Farming Made Simple

ByHanna Kang

Aquaponics farming provides an easy way to plant your crops as opposed to the traditional method of planting on the ground. The only thing that you have to do is place your seeds on a netting pot and voila! You will just have to wait for your plants to germinate and grow. The only crucial part that you have to take into consideration is, planting the seeds at the right time.

It is common practice for most people to buy the fish, put them inside the tank and place the seeds in the pots simultaneously. However, this method is one of the worst things that you can do. The seeds may develop up to some extent but they will predictably die in a short period of time. This is because they have consumed their own supply for growth but there are no further available nutrients in the water for them to utilize.

Knowing this, the ideal time to put the seeds in the pots is when the waste of the fish have been converted to nutrients. The process by which nutrients can be used up by the plants is fairly simple. After placing the fish in the tank, they will naturally release their wastes into the water. These excretions contain ammonia which can have a toxic effect on the fish. However, there are certain types of bacteria that convert ammonia into nitrites and then to nitrates. Nitrates are the essential nutrients that your plants need in order to develop and grow. By the time that these nitrates are available, you can now set your plants in the pots.

The whole process by which ammonia is transformed to nitrate, needs about three months or so to complete. Though you have the option to add nitrates to the water before the process of ammonia-nitrate conversion completes, so you can hasten the entire process. Most people do not prefer this because it is not the way that nature works. But whatever method you prefer, keep in mind to always monitor the amount of ammonia, nitrites and nitrate in the water. This serves as quality control, making sure that your water is ideal for both your fish and plants.

To sum everything up, timing is an important factor in aquaponics farming. Plant the seeds at the right time and keep track of nutrient content in the water before and after planting. This is one of the best ways to produce quality crops through aquaponics farming.

Know more about aquaponics system spend to visit: http://www.aquaponicscenter.org

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Planting at the Right Time in Aquaponics Farming

ByHanna Kang

Aquaponics farming is not really difficult to begin with. It will come as quite a breeze for those who have tried the hydroponics system especially. Still, people are quite doubtful about the sustainability of an aquaponics system. If you belong to this group, then it is about time to learn a few things. Who knows, this knowledge may change your life for good.

First and foremost, this method does not involve modifying the plants in any way. There are no substances involved to speed up growth and development, and no human manipulation necessary to enable early development as compared to traditional ground cultivation. Aquaponics farming essentially substitutes soil with water that is filled with natural nutrients obtained from fish. If you are looking for a way to harvest crops in as short as two weeks, then you should consider using this method.

The aquaponics system makes use of natural methods to enable growth and development of organisms. It allows the plant to undergo its usual stages of development as if it is planted on the ground. For you to have a more or less reliable estimate on the plant's growth, check the information on your seed's packaging since that is also the exact time that you can harvest your plant by implementing this method.

If you wish to begin with your aquaponics garden now, you need to wait for about three months from the date indicated on the package. The reason behind this is, you have to make sure that the ammonia present in the fish excrement have been converted to nitrate. Nitrates are the nutrients that your plants will need to grow and develop. And the process by which ammonia is converted to nitrite then to nitrate takes about three months. A certain type of bacteria present in the water is responsible for the conversion. If you do not want to wait this long, you can add nitrates to the water after placing the fish in the tank.

Plants that are grown and nourished through aquaponics garden require as much time as those plants cultivated in the ground. This guarantees that the crops you eat are essentially the same, healthy and nutritious. Now that you have understood the dynamics by which this system operates, there should be no room for doubt. You can now set up your very own aquaponics farm and start harvesting your crops in no time.

To sum everything up, timing is an important factor in aquaponics farming. Plant the seeds at the right time and keep track of nutrient content in the water before and after planting. This is one of the best ways to produce quality crops through aquaponics farming.

Know more about aquaponics system spend to visit: http://www.aquaponicscenter.org

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Freshwater Aquarium Setup - Tips For Choosing Your Fish Tank

A freshwater aquarium setup can bring you a great deal of enjoyment and long hours of pleasure observing the fish interact with one another. However, before setting up an aquarium you need to make some choices. The first one will about your choice of fish tank.

There are many factors that may influence which type of tank you will choose.

Material Type

Aquarium tanks are made in either glass or acrylic.

Acrylic tanks are more costly and will not remain as clear as glass after a period of time as they tend to become slightly yellow especially if they receive direct light. It is also very easy to unintentionally scratch an acrylic tank. However, acrylic tanks will not break or shatter except under extreme force. You will also find that an acrylic tank requires more effort to clean. The weight of your tank is another factor you will need to bear in mind and this is where a glass tank has the disadvantage as it is very much heavier. Consider all these factors as you go about your freshwater aquarium setup.

Location

Give some thought as to where in your home you will place the tank. You will need to think about the weight of it and make sure that the supporting structures can take that weight! You need to consider also the position in your home, as the tank should not be bumped, and be placed away from direct light which can cause algal growth and temperature fluctuations.

Size of Tank

Purchase the biggest tank you can afford as it is easier to maintain the water quality with a bigger tank. Avoid buying a vertical column type of tank as this has a small surface area to volume of water ratio where the gases will be exchanged. You will not be able to stock many fish in a tank like this. In addition there is less space for the fish to swim in a horizontal direction. Less swimming space can stress your fish and in turn cause disease.

Type of Fish

The type of fish that you want to keep will also influence your choice of tank. If you are going to keep tropical fish then you will require heating, lighting and a filtration system. Which type of heating, lighting and filtration system you choose will depend on the size and tank type as well.

As you can see there are a myriad of factors which will influence your freshwater aquarium setup, and it will benefit you in the long run to do some research before you make a purchase. Read up as much as you can and ask the experts for more advice so that you can make the best choice for your situation.

Discover further information and advice on setting up an aquarium by visiting Freshwater Aquarium Setup

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What The Average Betta Fish Life Span Is, and How To Maximize It

There are a few things about bettas you should know if you want to keep them at home, and hopefully this information will help you to maximize your betta fish life span.

The average life span in the United States is considerably shorter than in other parts of the world, where they normally live about twice as long.

The first thing to realize is that if you got your betta from a pet store, chances are that it may already be 6 months or a year old. Most people do not realize this, and think that their new pet is just a couple weeks or a month old. This just isn't the case.

The next thing to be aware of is that the male fish do not usually live as long as the females. I have had bettas for over 16 years, and most of the time the females outlive the males by 6 months to a year.

How the fish was raised during the first few months is a big factor in determining how long it will live. If you buy a betta fish from a professional breeder, you will probably wind up having a healthy fish that will live a year or two longer than the average. Breeders usually know what the perfect water conditions and food are for a betta, and this nutrition and access to fish medication usually results in a healthier fish.

Since bettas live to be about 2 or 3 years old in the United States, you should consider trying to provide the proper nutrition, water conditions, and care for your fish. In East Asia, they typically live to be about 5 or 6 years old, and the main reasons why are because the people there make changing their water frequently and not over feeding their betta fish a priority.

Another important factor is increasing the life of your betta is to try to give it space to move around. The benefit of having a larger fish tank greatly outweighs having your fish in a small cup or bowl, and requires less frequent water changes.

This is because in a smaller, confined space, the water tends to accumulate fish waste and ammonia rapidly, which can reduce the fish's life span by making it harder for them to breathe. By having a larger tank, the water will not get murky and harder for your betta to live in.

To find out all of the mistakes people make when caring for their betta and how to maximize your betta fish life span, be sure to visit http://thebettafishbowl.com/

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What Betta Fish Eat Will Determine If They Get Sick Or Not

What is the best way to figure out what betta fish eat? Feed them! I am just kidding here, but you can not feed your fish whatever you feel like or whatever he will devour. When I got my first betta fish, I was giving him the wrong food - but he devoured it in a minute! I should not have owned a fish or had an aquarium at the time - I just didn't understand that they need to be properly cared for and that they could not eat just anything - like I can.

As you can imagine, I ended up learning the hard way, and sure enough he got sick. The first thing I noticed was that he got really swollen, I mean, he looked like someone attached a bicycle pump and pumped up his tiny belly full of air. I was scared for my poor pet, I really thought he was going to kick the bucket, and it was all my fault. The pain that I experienced when my poor helpless pet looked that way drove me to learn all that I could about what his problem might be, and how to prevent it from ever happening again in the future.

If you have never had a sick fish, it is not a fun experience, so please pay attention and learn from my mistakes. I have been caring for and successfully breeding bettas for nearly 16 years, and they live nearly 2 years longer than the average in the United States.

That being said, it is not uncommon for betta fish to be picky at times, especially if they get used to eating certain types of food. What you decide to feed your fish will have a huge and lasting effect on their overall health, and if you give them the right things each day, they can live up to twice as long.

You are probably wondering what it is that I gave my first betta that got him sick by now. I had no idea what I was doing, and gave him flake fish food. To make matters worse, I also gave him live worms, and both of these are examples of how to get your betta sick in a matter of days. Whatever you do, do not feed these to your fish. The water will get murky and the health of your fish will rapidly deteriorate.

To play it safe, feed your fish either "betta food" or "betta bits" from your pet store. You will be much happier and your pet will be much happier that you did.

If you are still wondering what do betta fish eat, or you want to find out some other wonderful treats for your fish, be sure to visit http://www.thebettafishbowl.com/ for more information.

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Tetra Fish - A Great Choice For Your Aquarium Collection

Let's talk about what attracted me to a tetra fish - the size of course! Tetras can grow to as much as two inches and can live up to five to ten years. Personally it is one of my top choices for a fresh water tank fish because most fishes grow so big that they don't fit in your aquarium anymore after some time. Thus, you will have no choice but to transfer the big ones to a different tank. That is way too much work especially if you are a busy person and hey! I love to admire the little variety of these little ones, packed with other tropical fresh water rascals. Watching them glide after a long, tiring day is just heaven. All of you fish lovers out there surely understand what I mean!

Different Tetra Breeds

Moving on, there are many different species of tetras. I have seen about 26 of them. They come in different color, shape and size. They are also distinguished by their minuscule adipose fins, found between the dorsal and caudal fin. To keep it simple as ABC, the fins are very recognizable. My favorite is the bleeding heart tetra. There is something about the pinkish color and its bulky nature that makes it look attractive. It's price starts around $4. A tetra in general costs between $1 to $10 depending on its specie. Some will need a lot of care and supervision, while others don't. A few others might need a certain special care or else they die in poor water conditions. So far, the most expensive one is the splashing tetra, diamond head neon and congo tetra. The neon-orange color from the tail going up of the diamond head is simply amazing if you have seen one! I guess that's why the price is so much more compared to regular one. Say for example the glow light or the head and tail light tetra, where the color is a simple shade of silvery hues. But to tell you the truth, the splashing tetra astounds me. It's pretty pricey for a silver colored tetra. Nothing fancy about it! Could be the ability to jump makes it more expensive? I am baffled.

Neon Tetra

Nonetheless, I am pretty sure you're more familiar with the neon tetra who is very famous of their kind. It has bluish and redish combination found in both black and clear waters of Brazil, Colombia and Peru. Funny thing is, they also need to be kept in a group. Maybe a school of 10 neon tetra is ideal, otherwise, they would feel stressed alone. Another appealing tetra specie is the serpae tetra. They come in vivid red to brownish red tint. It has a variety of names - jewel, red serpa or blood characin, something that pertains to the red color. Another sweetheart is the penguin tetra. It's stripe color gives it a bit more of an advantage in attracting tetra lovers. It doesn't have the strong alluring shade, but the distinct black line in the center probably makes it very beautiful to look at.

Food For Tetra Fish

There are a number of food source for this type. They range from enhancing the color of your puny friends, high-protein formula, high vegetable content, energy booster, maximum nutrition, or simply nutritious ingredients for your tetras. The question is, why do you need to give the best food for your tetras? Feeding them with good quality food extends the life of your pleasurable experience watching your tropical fish frolic in your aquarium. Proper nutrition also keeps the water in your tank clean, clear and easier to care for. Not to mention, it keeps your fish healthy, very colorful and at the same time minimize the waste production.

Tetra Fish Tanks

Now for your tetra fish tanks, there are a couple of equipments to keep in mind in setting up your aquarium. The essential items and accessory you need are: stands, hood and lighting, aquarium gravel, your decoration like rocks and plants, filtration and aeration, heater, thermometer, power strip, cleaning accessories, water test kit, water conditioner and net. If you do not have any idea as to how to set it up, you can actually get professional advice to make sure that you are doing the right thing. You can also do a couple of research and visit forums so you know real-life situations that may help you with your tetra tank.

Taking Care Of Your Tetra Fish

Some effective tips in caring for your tetras is that make sure you get the right tank. Acquire the aquarium kit because everything you need to know and implement is found in the kit. As I have mentioned initially, food is one of the key factors in keeping them dainty and healthy, so have your choices ready according to your tetra needs. 6 - 7.5 Ph of water has to be taken into consideration because they are from warmer climates. Higher ph makes them prone to ailment. Keep temperature to 23C-28C. Bright lights is also bad for tetras. Keep up a dusk habitat for them. They are also top feeders, so it is better to give them food several times a day to avoid food being uneaten which becomes rotten, therefore poses a risk to their health. There has to uniform distribution of nitrogen and ammonia too. This is quite technical so just obtain the correction instructions.

Anyway, there are tetras that are hard to maintain such as the serpae, bleeding heart, lemon, black skirt, white skirt and red eye tetra. If you can't give them proper care and you don't have time to really find the best procedure and research on what to do, stick for the easier to manage specie, like bloodfin tetra. They are suitable for beginners. However, the general rule of thumb is to choose for the ones with bigger, circular-shaped bodies. Thin, cigar-shaped tetras like the neon are not appropriate for beginners tank. If you consider yourself a genuine fish lover and you don't have qualms in looking for the best care of your fishes then there is no reason why you won't enjoy looking after your tiny friends. These are just the many important points to consider before you decide on the tetra fish that you want.

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

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Koi Fish Meaning - Understanding Their Symbolic Values

ByAdam Boyle

What do symbols mean? Basically they mean whatever the owner wants them to mean. Symbols are given power by the people who have them. From the swastika to the Koi fish meaning, the symbolism will vary from owner to owner. There are those that truly believe that symbols hold power. If you take the time to study history, it will become obvious that runes had unknown magical meanings but no power. Runes gave power because they had the impression of meanings that were magical.

Symbols get power from the person. They will mean anything you want them to mean. Different animal symbols have different meanings. The meaning of Koi fish may seem unknown to many, but there are significant meanings. If you have ever met someone who has a tattoo of a Koi or is a keeper of Koi, they will be eager to tell you the Koi fish meaning.

In Japan the Koi fish meaning is that of luck and good fortune. Add that to strength of purpose and perseverance in adversity and you have the symbol of courage.

There are several Japanese legends associated with the Koi fish. One states that if the Koi could succeed in climbing the Dragon Gate falls on the yellow river it would become a dragon. This legend leads to the symbol becoming that of advancement and worldly aspiration. Another states that if they are caught, they would face death bravely on the cutting board, much like a samurai. The Koi meaning is symbolic in the culture because that regardless of conditions, the fish would swim upstream.

When referring to the status in a family, the black Koi is the father, red is mother, pink and red for a girl and blue and white for the boys.

The platinum colored Koi, Ogon Koi, indicates the fulfillment of business success.

The gold Koi, Yamabuki Koi, is wealth, prosperity and gold.

Originally bred in China, they were later bred in Japan and Korea where they are a symbol of friendship and love.

One of the oldest of the Koi is the Asagi. It has been useful in helping the creation of many varieties. Although they are a blue/gray color, there are those who have a red belly. The red is sometimes extended along the sides and cheeks of the Koi. The scales on the back give highlight to each scale with a darker gray edging. In contrast to the gray on the back scales, the tail fin, gill plates and the base of the pectoral fin are a red color or a deep orange. The back is enhanced by a reticulated pattern of navy, indigo and pale blue. The shusui version of the Asagi is scaleless and has large mirrored scales along the sides or on the sides of the dorsal fin.

Tancho is the Koi that you may see with a red head patch. Although they are not a form within themselves, they can be bred from the Kohauk, Taisho Sankshoku or Showa Sanshoku.

The resurging popularity of tattoos has created a resurgence of Koi tattoos as well. There are specific tattoos designed for men and others for women. Often the men's will be much brighter in color signifying the strength and perseverance that exemplify the Koi fish meaning. The women's tend to be daintier in design.

The Koi fish meaning are those most often taken from the symbolism of Japan. The Japanese culture is well known for giving meaning to different animals. They base the Koi fish meaning on the fish behavior. They consider the Koi to be the most energetic of all fish. The Koi are constantly in motion and will churn the water in which they are living. There are countries that are trying to limit the Koi population. This is due to the stirring up of substrate due to the motion.

There are two ways that this can be interpreted. One is that the Koi means you are a non-conformist. The Koi swims upstream and is symbolic of being a non-conformist. It signifies independence and the person may or may not perform tasks in the manner they are expected. It can also mean the that person marches to the tune of their own drummer and is not easily influenced by the actions or suggestions of others.

The Koi fish meaning also symbolizes strength in adversity. Simply stated, "when the going gets tough, the tough get going" would identify the attitude of the Koi.

Adam Boyle is a Koi Fish enthusiast and enjoys helping others taking care of these wonderful fish. For more great information on Koi Fish Meaning, visit http://www.koifishinformation.org.

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Koi Pond Filters - Finding The Right Filter Is Crucial

ByAdam Boyle

Koi fishponds are great hobbies, but it takes more than a pretty look to make it rewarding. You will need the right equipment to keep the pond attractive and to keep the fish healthy. One of the things you will need is the right filter. The variety of Koi pond filters can be confusing to the novice. It is important to consult with the experts before you make the investment.

The correct Koi pond filters will maintain the proper balance in the pond. Without the natural currents of the water in nature, something must be done to maintain the proper balance in the environment of the Koi fish. The proper Koi filters can perform this function.

Water flow and gravity are mechanical functions of the Koi pond filters. The larger particles are easily removed by the owner. The filter must be kept clean to function properly. The biological filtration of the Koi filters converts the toxic ammonia and pH by the use of bacteria. They are transformed into smaller particles of nitrates. A low pH is tolerable in a Koi pond. A High pH will cause illness or death of the fish.

Biological filters will ensure that the water remains clear, clean and free of high levels of ammonia and nitrite. Ammonia and nitrite result from rotting fish food, metabolic fish waste and falling leaves. It is always best to place your pond far enough from trees to limit the amount of foliage that falls into the water. A screen over the pond will help if there is no way to avoid falling leaves.

Along with Koi filters, adequate pumps must be in place. As a rule, filters are not strong enough to circulate the water adequately. The pump will circulate all of the water in the pond.

Additional water features will add beauty and functionality to your Koi pond. A waterfall or fountain is a plus in aesthetic value and oxygenation as well. Keeping the water aerated will be done by the agitation of the water by the fountain or the waterfall. Pond features add to your pond and provide a better environment for your fish.

If, after installing your Koi pond pump and filter, you still have excessive algae and/or badly colored water, you may want to put a UV light to use. It will kill the algae and the dead algae will be trapped by the pump and filter. Planting mint along the sides of the pond will also help keep the pond clean as the roots spread into the pond.

Keep track of the chemical balance in your pond. There are a couple of options that can be used to keep the balance as it should be. There are home testing kits that can be purchased and used. Pet stores can check the water for proper balance if you do not have a home kit. This should be done weekly. The balance of the pond must be maintained to ensure a healthy environment for the fish and assure they will have a long life.

Upkeep is vital. The right Koi filters will make that job a lot easier.

Hobbyists do not require the same equipment that professional Koi farmers need. Pressurized bead Koi pond filters are one of the biofiltration tools used by professionals. They will handle larger volumes of water containing waste, both solid and liquid and are still easy to maintain and providing superior performance.

Gravity discharge Koi pond filters are another choice. They are combination filters that provide both a biological filter and a UV filter that sterilizes the water. Always purchase the best you can afford. You cannot cut corners on price and expect good results.

Pressurized bio-filters are great for the majority of water gardens. They usually incorporate a UV light. The pressurized operation will assist the water to pump to the top of the waterfall or fountain. One big advantage to the pressurized bio Koi pond filters is the ability to place them farther from the pond. This can make maintenance easier for the owner. A flick of a switch or turning of a handle can clean the filter.

Whatever choice is made, the most important point is proper maintenance. The Koi pond filters must be kept clean and the water in the pond needs to be clear. You will not have healthy Koi in a dirty pond.

Adam Boyle is a Koi Fish enthusiast and enjoys helping others taking care of these wonderful fish. For more great information on Koi Pond Filters, visit http://www.koifishinformation.org.

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Koi Colors - Why Am I Confused?

Koi colors. This appears to be the only way ornamental koi fish are classified. Just trying to understand all the colors can be almost overwhelming for a beginner, but with a little patience and study it all begins to make sense.

Koi is simply the Japanese word for carp. It doesn't matter if the fish is the grey colored variety used for food or a brightly colored ornamental fish gracing a landscaped and meticulously maintained backyard pond. They are both 'koi' in Japan. The only difference is of course, the color. And koi colors are what have made this fish become of great interest to collectors and breeders and a hugely profitable industry.

In English, the word 'koi" refers only to the ornamental fish. In Japan, koi are symbols of love and friendship and this fish has become prized all over the world for its bright, vibrant colors. This type of fish is regarded as a symbol of friendship and love. As such, it has become extremely popular on everything from jewelry to tattoos.

Koi colors are beautiful and original. No two individual fish are exactly the same. This uniqueness is what gives the koi fish the ability to impart calmness and serenity to people owners and people who just like to watch them. Different varieties are distinguished by color, patterns and scales. Every breeder seems to be actively looking for a new variety to develop. The sheer number of varieties (all based on color) can make it difficult to keep up.

It has been suggested that for a beginner to fully appreciate the beauty of koi, one needs to have an understanding of the Japanese terminology that describes the koi colors. For a novice, like myself, this can be a little overwhelming. After all, wikipedia lists more than twenty varieties and I have seen lists that had more than forty varieties. So I need a list to refer to. If I have a reference, then I don't need to worry about terminology right away.

What I have noticed about Japanese terminology for koi colors is that there is often two or more words for the same color. One may refer to the basic skin color of the fish, and another to same color markings on a different color skin. For example, a koi with red skin can be called "aka" and red markings on a different color skin will be called "hi" or simply "hee". Very confusing.

The beautiful and vibrant color is probably the reason most people become ornamental koi fish owners in the first place. After all, if the fish were not gorgeous, why would we want them in our pond. It is only later, after we have had koi for awhile that we begin to appreciate other attributes such as hardiness, size and longevity and of course, their individual personalities.

If you are interested in owning a koi of any color, my suggestion is to forget about the terminology, find a color you like and buy your koi. You will get hooked (no pun intended) and enjoy it for many years. Click Here to clear up the confusion about colors and get all the information you need to raise happy, healthy fish.

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