The Fundamentals of Aquarium Products for Your Fish Tank

ByGideon Melville

Starting a proper fish tank may sound like child's play when in fact, it is not. There are numerous purchases to be made and lots of preparation necessary. The aquarium products that you will be needed to buy are many. Failure to buy any of these may result in unnecessary complications. Take for example, aquarium heaters. What are they and why does your aquarium need them?

Aquarium heaters are basically heating systems that are installed in an aquarium in order to ensure that the fish are provided with the right kind of temperature which is crucial to their survival. Fish are creatures that are dependent on their environment as far as their temperature is concerned; which means that if the water temperature in the aquarium is too low, the fish will suffer and even die. It is therefore important that aquarium heaters be purchased and installed in the aquariums so that survival of the fish can be ensured.

The other aquarium products that you will need for your aquarium are UV sterilizers. UV sterilizers are used in the fish tank to destroy bacteria, viruses and algae. All these are a hindrance to the good health of the fish if not properly checked. The ultraviolet light works by destroying the cells of these microorganisms. This also ensures that the water remains clear and this is very vital especially in the cases of public aquariums. Apart from the aquarium heaters, the other aquarium supplies that you will need are aquarium filters. Aquarium filters are needed to ensure that unnecessary materials are filtered from the water that will in most cases be from the tap. If not filtered, these materials in the water may clog the fish tank and lead to the death of the fish. Also, cleaning a clogged fish tank may prove very unpleasant and inconvenient.

Aquarium lighting is also very important. Without sufficient light in the fish tank, the fish will become stressed and this stress may lead to death. Keeping a fish is a serious commitment especially if you hope to keep the fish alive for more than a few weeks. However, it does not mean than you cannot have fun with it. Part of the aquarium products should also include some decorative supplies designed to make the aquarium seem lively. Remember, in as much as you are keeping the fish as a pet, an aquarium is also a great item in the home décor. It will not look so great unless you decide to put some color to the aquarium. There are numerous stores where you can buy these decorative aquarium supplies at very affordable price.

A key item to remember in your list of aquarium products is the fish food. Remember it is a fish tank and not a river where the fish can dive and get the food whenever it wants to. Put the fish food up there on the list together with the aquarium heaters and the UV sterilizers. You may provide sufficient heating with the aquarium heaters, and even kill all the harmful microorganisms using the UV sterilizers, but if you do not feed the fish, you can be certain that they will not live long.

Gideon Melville is the author of this article on Aquarium Products.

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Butterfly Koi - A Beauty Or A Beast?

ByAdam Boyle

Nishikigoi have many different standards that determine their popularity and their value. While the butterfly carp is beautiful in its own way it is not popular among all breeders and keepers. The typical standards of color, size, coloration and scalation are not the same with the Butterfly Koi. The availability of the colorful Koi are very popular. You will not find that variety in the production and exhibition of the Butterfly Koi. you will also find that they are not as valuable as many of the other varieties. If you are a hobbyist, you will probably want to include a few in your pond in order to enjoy the beauty of these magnificent fish.

Longfin Koi, Dragon Carp, Butterfly Koi are all the same fish. They are an ornamental fish that gets their name from the longer fins. As with other Koi, they are a type of common carp. They first made their appearance in the mid 1990's. The breed is a result of the attempt to increase hardiness of the traditional Koi. They resulted from interbreeding traditional types of Koi with the Longfin river carp from Indonesia. The result was a fish that had the longer fins, pompom nostrils, longer barbells and were hardier than the traditional Koi. In Japan they became known as "onagaoi" or "hire naga Koi." This translated to long tail Koi. The name Butterfly Koi is the result of a noted Koi breeder stating that the fish looked like a butterfly.

These fish are not popular in Japan or Europe. They are very popular in the United States where they are readily available.

Judging the Butterfly Koi is different from other Koi. They are not suitable for traditional Koi competition. There are several reasons for this.

An ideal Koi is oval and large. The Butterfly fish is thinner. It does not meet the criteria for the larger, more traditional Koi. When judging traditional Koi, there is a lot of emphasis placed on the ratio of the fins to the body. The standards that are set for nishikigoi competition is exceeded by a great percentages. It can be up to 1000 percent longer than is acceptable. This gives the Butterfly Koi an appearance of slenderness as opposed to the chunky appearance of the other Koi in the competitions.

Although there has been great energy towards developing the perfect Butterfly fish with traditional Koi patterns, it has not yet happened. The Butterfly Koi has patterns that are different from the Kohaku, Sanke, Showa, Utsuri and Ogon Koi.

Feelings about the Butterfly Koi range from enthusiasm by Koi fish enthusiasts in the United States to the dislike of keepers of traditional Koi in other parts of the world. The most famous and prestigious Koi keepers in Japan will not consider raising Butterfly Koi. They are considered inferior to the standard. Keepers in the United States are keen on collecting them and can readily finding them at breeders in the country or in larger fish pet shops. Hobbyists with backyard Koi ponds are the people who will usually incorporate them into their population.

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

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Planting Your Freshwater Aquarium

ByDedi Walker

You can plant the freshwater aquarium as soon as there is substrate in it, but the advantage of planting when it is almost full of water is that the plants instantly take up their natural positions, as opposed to just flopping over on the substrate, and you can then see the immediate result (or not!) of your aquascaping skills. The reason for not filling the tank completely before planting, if you haven't already guessed, is simple - you put your arms in the tank to plant, and displaced water spills out of the tank!

It is debatable whether you should switch on the heater to warm up the water before planting but, it has to be said, it's a lot more comfortable working in warm water than plunging your hands into cold water.

Just like fish, plants look better in groups: plant six or so plants of the same species in a clump for a more realistic look. When planting, do not bury the junction between any 'stem' and the root system otherwise the plant may rot away quite quickly. Avoid damaging any roots when putting them into the substrate.

Plants may come from the supplier in different presentations. Often, rooted plants are offered for sale in miniature plastic pots with the plant's roots contained in a nutrient rich rockwool wrapping. Others, typically those that are offered as 'cuttings' may be just bundled together with a thin strip of lead around the stems.

There is a divided opinion about what to do with those potted specimens with respect to the rockwool. Some advocate burying everything and letting the plant use up the nutrients whilst others say that the rockwool eventually gets dislodged by foraging fish and bits of it continually float around the aquarium. It is not difficult to unwrap the rockwool, just unroll it, and root the plant in the substrate as normal.

With the lead-wrapped specimens, discard the lead strip from those plants which have established roots and again plant normally; lead-weighted 'cutting' can be left in the tank until new rootlets have formed on the plant stems and then the cutting can be re-rooted as usual.

This planting plan shows how to hide the back and sides of the tank (tall grass-type plants are ideal for this) whilst more bushy species fill out other spaces. Low foreground plants help add an illusion of 'front-to-back' depth in the tank.

Try to offset the planting plan so that the tank has a more natural look rather than a symmetrical design. Avoid centrally-placed specimen plants too. A plain background color to the back of the aquarium also helps to add a receding 'distance' effect.

With one or two pieces of bogwood or rockwork, the glass box effect has been disguised.

Apart from growths of algae which is some cases can be permitted for the benefit of herbivorous fishes, the only living 'green' decoration you could introduce into the marine aquarium would be macro-algae mainly of the genus Caulerpa. This family of 'mini-seaweeds' seems to have a dual personality - it grows splendidly but then may suddenly die off and fill the aquarium with bright green water. If you are prepared to take the risk or find the trick of restricting its suicidal tendencies then Caulerpa does add that missing 'plant' dimension to the marine aquarium.

Dedi Walker is a writer and fish enthusiast. She shares additional information in sites such as Tilapia Species of Fish and Fish Aquarium Tank.

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Are the Koi in Your Waterfall Pond Healthy?

Most people know when their children aren't feeling well. The reason we know they are sick is because we know how they normally look and act. A flushed face, an inactive child, a runny nose or any other visible signs are what we look for. Your Koi are no different. They can't talk to us but they can communicate when something is wrong. Since they can't talk you must understand and know exactly what it means to have a healthy Koi.

Swimming Behavior - When Koi are healthy they will swim around the pond in a group. Normally one Koi won't swim by itself. The group of fish will swim up and down, from one end of the pond to the other or hang out under a plant for a while. Healthy fish will not lie at the bottom of the pond (except during cold hibernation months) or swim upside down. Swimming upside down or jumping out of the water is not a good sign.

Fins and Gills - In a healthy Koi the fins will be held out straight. The fins will not be torn, jagged or uneven. Their gill movements should be relaxed. Gray gills or tissue that seems to be burned away is not the sign of a healthy fish. A Koi in good health will never have red lines in their gills. If they do then they are under stress and need immediate care.

Eyes - A Koi's eyes will be bright and clear when healthy. If their eyes seem to be a cloudy white or bug out then there is a problem. A Koi's defense mechanism against disease is to produce mucous, which is what actually causes the cloudy white that you may see.

Body - The Koi's scales should appear smooth and even. Sometimes when they are sick they rub against the pond and this causes sores, tears or places where the scales are torn away from their body.

Other behavior - Your Koi will become familiar with you and won't swim away when you approach. Should they become skittish it may not mean they are sick but that a predator has been approaching the pond. You will want to take precautions before the predators take your Koi.

You are probably wondering how you are going to get to know your Koi well enough to know all these things. This is when you should be hand feeding your fish. Not only is it fun but you can check the fish over for any problems. If you are not hand feeding your Koi then you need to work toward that goal. Begin by standing by the water while feeding them. Next sit by the water and watch while they eat. Eventually you will be able to lower your hand in the water and they will eat out of it. You owe it to your fish to do this so you quickly can see when they are sick.

In summary, your Koi are healthy if they are swimming around your waterfall pond in a group, have clear bright eyes, fins that are held straight out and have smooth body without tears or missing scales. Hand feed your Koi as much as possible so that they can be treated as soon as they become sick. The sooner you notice a problem, the sooner you can take steps to have healthy Koi again.

Vickie Talley
Knight Enterprises LLC

http://www.pondfiltersandmore.com

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Breeding Platys, Swordtails, Mollies and Guppies

ByDedi Walker

Platys, Swordtails, Mollies and Guppies -- these four popular livebearing fishes pose only one problem when it comes to breeding - where are you going to put all the baby fish? Bear in mind that the record for a Swordtail is around 300 fish, and this could be repeated within a month without the female having recourse to a male Swordtail either, then you can visualize just what could happen once you start breeding fish. But let's follow the course of events.

By now you will have become very familiar with the male livebearer's constant chasing and showing off to the female of his choice (or any other female member of his species that just happens to be passing! You have to be very observant and almost in the right place at the right time to see the actual moment when fertilization occurs, it's that quick.

Soon, the female fish begins to show the effect of the male's brief visitation; her belly begins to swell and often a dark area appears just around the area of her vent. In some cases, the skin of her body becomes stretched so thinly by the number of young fish developing inside her that you can actually see their eyes showing through.

Like all ladies in a 'certain condition' life can become stressful for the female, who may still be pestered by the attentions of male fish. Hopefully, it may be that the aquarium has sufficient aquatic plant life for her to be able to hide away for some respite and this same plant covering may well act as a sanctuary for any young fry once they emerge from their mother's body.

The female delivers the young fish after about 30 days. Naturally you will want to save as many of them as possible from being instant food for the other fish in the aquarium - or even their own parents. How to do this can be solved in two ways. One method is to place the female (now referred to as being gravid, rather than 'pregnant') in a small confining tank floated inside a bigger tank. Her tank has small slots in it so that the young fish can swim out into the larger water space and escape any tendency she may have to eat them. This is fine in theory but in practice things can go wrong, especially if you move the female into these small quarters at the wrong time, i.e. too near to the end of her 'confinement' period.

Stress of the move may well cause her to abort the youngsters prematurely and they will not survive. There is no point either in floating the 'breeding trap' tank, as it is called, in the community aquarium itself for all that will happen, even if the female goes to full term, is that all the other fish will queue up under the trap for a continuous supply of live food.

As you need a separate tank to use the breeding trap correctly, the best plan would be to use this smaller tank as a nursery tank. Don't forget, you've hopefully still got that quarantine/hospital tank somewhere that would do admirably. The quarantine/hospital tank need not be spacious, anything above 25 cm (10") long will suffice.

The best scenario for our expectant lady will be in a well-planted tank. The 'well-planted' description does not necessarily mean artistically planted as might be the case in the main aquarium. All that is needed is enough shelter for the baby fish, there will be no hiding places required for mum as she will be the only adult fish in the tank. A certain number of tall plants around the tank in clumps together with some bushy types and a good covering of a floating species (Riccia is fine) or Indian Fern, Ceratopteris thalictroides, with its tangle of roots tangling down into the water will give the youngsters the safety areas they require.

You should keep an eye on the female to check that she is progressing well; you can transfer her into the 'delivery tank' as soon as you see that she is gravid - the earlier the better.

You will know when she has delivered her young as she will lose her fatness in the belly region. Now, it is up to you to decide how long you will leave her to recuperate in the quiet nursery tank before returning her to the main aquarium. Of course, you won't want her seeking out her offspring so feed her in the usual way. Should she take an interest in looking for the baby fish then you have no alternative but to return her to the main aquarium.

Livebearer fry are more capable than most new fishkeepers realize. There is no need to feed them microscopic particles of food; they will attack flake food quite voraciously, although crumbling up the larger flakes might help them out a little.

'Fry food' and 'growth food' are usually higher in protein than the normal flake food and are specifically formulated for the feeding of young fish. You should supplement this with live food if at all possible. Newly-hatched Brine Shrimp is excellent, as is the use of Grindal-worm and White-worm.

From now on, it's a case of growing on the young fish. Frequent partial water changes will help keep them healthy, active and growing. Splitting up the numbers may be necessary if the nursery tank becomes too small (or you want to use it for another purpose). Some quality control may need to be done with any weak or malformed fish being discarded; you may, if so inclined, or if the color strain of the fish is to be preserved (or improved), segregate those of suitable coloration for future breeding, isolating them from any color strain which would otherwise weaken the quality of the strain you are trying to develop.

For those fascinated by permutations, the Mendelian Laws of Heredity can make interesting reading. To give but a taste: breeding a female Guppy of wild coloration with a male Gold Guppy will produce a first generation of Guppies all with wild coloration because of the dominance of the wild coloration gene. However, moving on to breed between these offspring the results for the next generation will be 25 per cent wild coloration (pure), 50 per cent wild-type coloration (through dominance) and 25 per cent Gold (pure).

You can see that attempting to produce a 'new' color strain is not just a case of blue and yellow will equal green but probably all the shades in between. Add to this the extra complications that arise should you also wish to develop, say, finnage refinements and body shape modifications as well as color then you're in for a very long haul. Time to reach for the calculator and order all those extra tanks!

Dedi Walker is a writer and fish enthusiast. She shares additional information in sites such as Growing Tilapia Fish and Corner Aquarium Tank.

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Discover The Correct Betta Fish Water Temperature

Here is the question of the day for you betta lovers. What do you think your betta fish water temperature should be in their tank? 70 degrees? after all, they are tough fighting fish. 75 degrees? that's where we keep the temperature of our houses. How about 80 degrees? Well, if you guessed 80 degrees, your were correct and your betta loves you for it.

Does it surprise you that your betta should have water temperature at 80 degrees? Think about it for a second, they are tropical fish, tropical fish live where the temperatures are almost always above 80 degrees. If the temperature drops below 80, the water they are in, holds the higher temperature until the sun comes out and it warms up again.

The urban legend of a little betta living in mud puddles and jumping from one to the other, is just that, an urban legend. These fish live in rice paddies, rivers and ponds that usually maintain a fairly high temperature.

Thinking of your betta as a fish that needs no special treatment or care is pretty much going to doom your betta to an early grave or whatever.

My wife and I got a beautiful blue betta for our anniversary about 4 years ago. For two years we were at home most of the time and the house stayed at 75 degrees. During the summer we set the temperature at 80 degrees. We noticed a marked increase in activity from our betta when the house was at 80 degrees as opposed to 73 or 75 degrees. It never dawned on us that this was due to the difference in temperatures. We just figured he was lazy one day and not the other.

During the winter we took a week long trip and had one of our neighbors look in and feed our fish. We set the house temperature at 65 degrees.

When we returned from the trip, our beautiful little betta was on the floor of his tank and appeared to be dead. The house temperature was 66 degrees. We both thought the little guy was a goner. We left him until we unpacked and the house warmed up. After about an hour he began to swim around and when the house temperature reached 75 degrees, he was swimming around in his normal manner.

It was at this point that the light came on for my wife and I. Maybe betta fish should not be in cold water. Remember, tropical fish!

My wife jumped on the internet and started doing some research. Sure enough, almost all the sights made it clear that bettas should be kept in tanks that were heated and kept around 80 degrees. I wonder how many poor little bettas have died from hypothemia when the waters in their tanks got very cold.

So what's the answer to this problem? and why don't the employees in the fish depratment at the pet store tell us about this? It's as simple as buying a tank heater for your betta's tank. Could it be any simplier than that! How many people have had their fish die and wonder what the cause might have been. A few words at the pet store would have taken care of the problem.

Many aquariums and fish tanks come equipped with tank heaters or can easily have one installed in the tank.

The SIZE of the heater will depend on the SIZE of your betta tank.

In my view, the smallest size for a betta should be a 2 gallon tank, which would require about a 10 watt heater.

It is best to get one that is fully submersible and is safe even if run while dry. A heater this size can raise the water temperature by approximately 5 degrees. Cost for one this size would be around $13.

As you get into the larger tanks, such as a 5 gallon, a 40 to 50 watt heater would be required. Price on one such as this would be about $25.

Now that you have decided to get a heater, the next question is, where do you get one? How about the pet store where you bought your fish. Most pet stores carry a variety of fish tanks and heaters. Many tanks come with heaters made especially for that size aquarium. If not, just go by the previous guidelines, ask the Department Manager for help and read the information on the heater packaging.

Don't forget that thing called the World Wide Web. There are hundreds of sites where you can purchase a betta tank heater.

One other thing you should consider getting, is a thermometer to test the temperature of the water. This is the only accurate way of knowing the actual temperature of your bettas water. The cost of a thermometer will be under $10.

Your betta fish will live a happy, healthy life (about 5 years) if you make a little effort to help it. One of the best things you can do, is to make certain that the water in their tank is kept at the correct temperature. A tank heater and a thermometer will make this a very easy task for you.

If you are a betta fish lover, who wants to keep their fish happy and healthy, then Robert D Schroeder, would like to invite you to join him at http://myhealthybetta.info Learn the correct water temperature, how to improve tank conditions, how to handle betta diseases and many more secrets to improve the lifespan of your betta.

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How To Go About Buying A Fish Tank

ByJeff Suzuki

Fishes are a beautiful gift of nature and will grace the presence of any home or office. Fish tanks allow for feelings of peace and serenity and it is said that fish bring luck. There are tons of fish tanks for sale on the internet and at excellent rates too. If you want to get an aquarium of your own, there are certain things you must consider.

Space constraints
Figure out where in your home or office you want your aquarium to be and be sure to measure out the space in that area you have available. According to the amount of space at your disposal, you must pick a tank that suites you best. Remember, an aquarium will be heavy and may need a stand. If you want to place it on a surface in your home, make sure it is strong enough to hold the weight. If you have never had a fish tank before, it makes sense to start smaller so that you can get the feel of how it is to have one at home. If you choose a smaller tank, pick one that is wider so that there is adequate surface area for oxygen to be absorbed.

Material
These days aquariums come in a variety of transparent materials. Glass and acrylic are the most popular and have their pros and cons. Acrylic is lighter than glass and gives a clearer undistorted view of the fish inside. When looking at fish tanks for sale make sure you check the material they are made of.

Cost factor
When you are considering the purchase of a fish tank, a lot of research will be required to get what you need for a bargain price. The internet is a good place to start when looking for fish tanks for sale. Some distributors provide free accessories with aquariums. Make the right choice by picking quality over quantity. Free accessories does not always mean good quality accessories. Look on the net for good bargains for fish tanks for sale and other accessories you may need like filters and lights.

Type of fish
One of the most important things to do after you have bought and set up your aquarium is to get information regarding different breeds of fish. If you are going to have only one type of fish, that is fine but if you want a colorful aquarium, make sure you find out what breeds of fish can live together. There are certain breeds that simply cannot live in the same environment. Information like this can be obtained from sites which have fish tanks for sale. If you have a friend or a family member who has some know how you can ask them for help as well.

Buying a fish tank is like bringing a pet into the house. You have to maintain it and take care of the fish inside. It is relatively hassle free compared to most other pets and can give the owner a great sense of fulfillment to watch fish grow.

Thanks for reading my article! It's my hope that you find it helpful in all your fish tanks endeavors. I have been around fishes ever since my dad had a pretty sizable and complicated fish pond when I was young. I've picked up knowledge of all most everything about maintaining and raising all kinds of fishes. My online store is a culmination of everything I know about this hobby. Visit http://fishtanksforsaleshop.com today to make sure you pick up everything you need for your fish tank. Fish Tanks For Sale Shop is there to help keep your fishes happy and growing for years to come!

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What You Should Think About When Looking For Fish Tanks For Sale

ByJeff Suzuki

Any person who is in the market for an aquarium will be on the lookout for ads that read, fish tanks for sale. Getting a tank is a big decision and you must take some time to learn about this exciting hobby before you race out a buy an aquarium that will not live up to your expectations.

There are a number of key factors that you will have to take into your decision making process. The price of the tank is obviously going to play a major part in your selection, but it certainly should not be the only one. You should also consider tank placement, size and the intended occupants.

If you are like most people, you will not have unlimited funds at your disposal. Before you buy a tank, you have to work out a budget. Many individuals think that they will have everything covered if they buy a kit. Sadly, this is not the case. There are a number of mandatory items that are not going to be in the majority of packages.

Decorations will certainly not be included. This is actually one of the most important parts of maintaining a healthy tank. The items that you place in the tank should closely resemble a fish's natural environment. You have to consider the kinds of fish that you want to place in the tank when you are selecting plants, substrate (gravel) and rocks.

Take a look around your home and determine where you want to put the tank. If you want to place the tank in a corner, you might want to think about an aquarium that is specifically designed for this. When you intend to set-up a tank in a corner, you have to think about where the filter is going to be placed. If you have an underground system, this will not present much of a problem. However, if you are considering a filter that is designed to go on the outside of the tank, you will want to make a mental note of this. Most people do not want the filter at the front of the aquarium.

If you are renting your home, you may want to take a good look at your rental agreement. Numerous apartment complexes have weight restrictions. There may be a clause in your lease, which states that you cannot have a tank that is over a certain size. You may have to restrict your fish tanks for sale choices to those under a certain weight. Other factors that should be taken into account are outside doors and windows. An aquarium should never be kept near an outside door or window. Either one of these can cause the temperature to fluctuate.

Your tank should suit the fish that you want to purchase. Before you select your tank, choose your fish or at least have a good idea of what you want buy. If you are planning to set up a community tank, you will need to know how many of each kind of fish to get. Some fish should be kept in pairs, whereas others will want to school. If you are planning to purchase schooling fish you need to know the optimal number to buy and how big they will grow.

There are numerous ads that read fish tanks for sale. However, before you are lured into buying a model that will be completely inappropriate for you and your home, learn about the hobby.

Thanks for reading my article! It's my hope that you find it helpful in all your fish tanks endeavors. I have been around fishes ever since my dad had a pretty sizable and complicated fish pond when I was young. I've picked up knowledge of all most everything about maintaining and raising all kinds of fishes. My online store is a culmination of everything I know about this hobby. Visit http://fishtanksforsaleshop.com today to make sure you pick up everything you need for your fish tank. Fish Tanks For Sale Shop is there to help keep your fishes happy and growing for years to come!

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All About Fish and Fish Tanks

ByMyung Jin Kim

Having a fish tank in your home is a beautiful addition, and there are many popular aquarium fish that will make your home look beautiful and add some life and warmth to it. Choosing the right fish has a great deal to do with the success of your fish tank, as you will need to choose from among the many popular aquarium fish according to the amount of time that you can invest in caring for the fish. Certain fish require more care, while others can be left alone for longer periods of time. The fish you choose for your aquarium will depend entirely on you.

Each type of fish will have a different nutritional requirement that will need to be met, and you will need to purchase food according to the fish you keep. Larger fish tend to require more protein for growth, while the smaller fish will often sustain themselves on plant and vegetable matter. It is vital that you study up on the diet of your fish, as you will need to provide them with foods that will help them to grow and thrive in their environment.

One thing to remember is that you should only keep fish of similar sizes in the tank. Large ones are bound to eat smaller ones, as fish will gobble down anything that they can put in their mouths. The best thing to do will be to keep only fish of similar sizes and species in the same tank, and you will find that there are many popular aquarium fish of like sizes that will be perfect to populate your tank.

Make sure that you do sufficient research into the type of fish that you are going to purchase. The more you understand about it, the better care you will be able to provide. Each one will behave differently in the aquarium environment, which is why it is important to learn as much as you can about it.

Most of the fish in the tanks at your pet store will actually be very young, as the pet store needs to stock many fish in the same tank. You will need to purchase a tank of the right size for the fish you are purchasing, and you should be certain not to overload your tank with too many fish. Too many fish in a small tank will not be able to survive, as they will grow and occupy more space and pollute the environment faster.

Many people find that their fish tank looks empty for the first few months, and they purchase a few more fish to fill the empty space. What they don't remember is that the fish they purchased originally are going to grow and fill the space, and buying extra fish will simply make the tank crowded. Leave the space empty and give the fish room to grow and swim around in.

More helps on fish and fist tanks go to http://theaquariumhelp.com. I will be there waiting you.

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The Ecosystem of a Freshwater Aquarium

There is nothing more balanced than an ecosystem. Mother Nature put together the best of the best when nature was created. Of course, that we create may not be all that great. This is why we must perfect it and maintain it as needed.

Normally the hardest part of maintaining a freshwater aquarium is at the very beginning when everything is new. Each part of the system has to go through a cycle and once the cycle is complete, then there shouldn't be any other issues unless there is a major upset within the ecosystem. The water, the fish and the filter system, even the decorations and plants, all contribute to .

As just noted, when you first start a freshwater aquarium, it must go through a cycle. The cycle lasts about a month and when looking at it you may think that you have done something wrong. The water be become very cloudy and you may not be able to see through to the back of the tank. Do not be discouraged, as this is normal.

When the water becomes cloudy, everything is trying to make their way through the storm. The level of phosphates, carbon dioxide and nitrogen as well as other chemicals and toxins in the water are battling with each other while the filter system and live plants are trying to break up the fight. You can add a dH or a pH additive to help reduce certain levels of chemicals within the tank. Sometimes a quality pet store will check your aquarium water for you so you know exactly where the ecosystem stands.

It can be a difficult balance to maintain between the chemicals in water when it's replaced or even in reducing the ammonia from fish waste if there are too many fish in the tank or it's been awhile since the tank was cleaned. can go out of sync when new fish are introduced or even new plants. If you decide to start over with all new equipment and decorations, be fully prepared to spend about a month for the aquarium to cycle.

In reviewing your current aquarium ecosystem, is everything working as it is supposed to? Is the water clean and the temperature is within reason? Is the filter working and the disposable cartridges clean? Is there a sufficient amount of oxygen being added to the water? Are all of your fish alive and healthy? If you have live plants, are they healthy? If your plants are synthetic, are they clean and is the substrate and decorations clean? If you don't clean these, they eventually have a slimy film covering them and this film does nothing to help balance .

The newness will eventually wear off, but the care you take to ensure that in your home stays must not waiver. Your aquarium holds a small part of our world that cycles itself every day. Keeping the balance is easy if everything works together.

David Grayson, has been captivated with Freshwater Aquariums for many years. If you want a free resource to get more Freshwater Aquarium information plus understand and get the most out of a freshwater aquarium Checkout my website.

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Facts About the Arabian Angelfish

The Arabian Angelfish is considered one of the most brightly coloured fish in the world. They are very sought after, they are quite expensive and because of that they are a rare sight in a tank. So, therefore, they are truly a visual delight in any aquarium.

Description
Also known as the Asfur Angelfish or Crescent Angelfish, the Arabian Angelfish as a juvenile is colored blue with light blue and white stripes. As an adult fish it is blue/purple in it's body, with a black head, and yellow markings on its dorsal and caudal fin. They have streamer-like extensions of the soft dorsal and anal fins.They have small mouths. The adults can grow to 40cm (16 inches) in length. Their genus is Pomacanthus.

Origins
These angelfish are found on protected reefs in the Western Indian Ocean from the Red Sea to Zanzibar. Like most Red sea fish it is hardy and has a long life expectancy under ideal conditions in a tank. They live at a depth of 3-30 meters. Because of the shallowness that they can be viewed, they are a glorious site for divers.

Breeding
Arabian Angelfish are very difficult to breed in aquariums. They are hermaphrodites, so it's very hard to distinguish between the male and female. This is why they are left to breed in the wild. This is the reason why they are so expensive to buy.

Temperament
They are shy fish and like all large angelfish they have a tendency to be aggressive towards other large fish their size. The Arabian Angelfish should not be kept with other Asfur Angelfish as they will not tolerate them. They can be mixed with other smaller Angelfish successfully.

Aquarium Requirements
Smaller Angelfish require a tank of a minimum of 55 gallons. With larger Angelfish the tank should be a minimum size of 100 gallons. There should also be lots of hiding places for this fish because it is shy. They also require live grazing. The water temperature needs to be between 75 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit for them. They are not reef safe which means corals are not safe in the same tank with them.They nip at soft and stony corals (sessile invertebrates) so it would be best to keep them with small polyped stony corals. This is generally why they are found in fish only tanks.

Food
The Arabian Angelfish are omnivores (eat both plants and animals). They require a varied reef diet. Chunks of meat, vegetables, prepared angelfish sponge products, mussels, clams, krill and shrimp. In the wild they graze on algae, polyps and smaller crustaceans. Your local pet fish and aquarium supplier will have sponge products for purchase.

If you're lucky enough to find an Arabian Angelfish for your tank and you adhere to a few simple guidelines pointed out in this article, you will have many hours of viewing pleasure.

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5 Tips For Buying A Betta Fish Tank And Accessories

You would think that buying a betta fish tank, should be as easy as walking into a pet store, grabbing one off the shelf and heading back home.

It can almost be that easy if you take into consideration how many fish you are going to have, the size of the tank, where you are going to place it, what type of fish toys you are going to have and will you be traveling with your fish.

Tip 1 Size

If you are going to have just one fish in your tank, I would suggest getting a 2 gallon tank. You can expect this type of tank to be about 10 inches long, 7 inches wide and 9 inches tall. Of course you could get a 2 gallon betta fish bowl, a 2 gallon wine glass shaped aquarium or some other shaped tank.

If you are going to have many fish, such as 5 female bettas, in your tank, you will need to consider a 25 to 30 gallon tank (5 gallons per fish). The size of that aquarium would be around 15 inches long x 12 inches wide x 10 inches tall.

Once again, there are many types of tanks available in many different sizes, but this will give you some idea of a 5 gallon tank size.

A good rule of thumb for numerous fish in a tank is get 5 gallons per fish.

Tip 2 Placement of the Aquarium

Bettas are tropical fish and the area of the world they come from is sunny and hot.

But, bettas do not do well when their tank is placed in an area that will have direct sunlight all day.

Sunshine all day could raise the temperature of their water to a point where it would be unhealthy for the fish. The constant movement of the water and the sun glare seems to make bettas disoriented and they either stop swimming or swim in crazy patterns.

The best place for your betta tank would be on an inside wall, where there would be plenty of indirect sunlight.

Don't place your tank on a wall with mirrors. A male betta will think he has another male in the tank and will spend most of his time trying to kill the other male betta.

This will cause him to constanly be in motion to the point that he will die of exhaustion; or he will be attacking the sides of the tank, which could easily cause him harm.

Tape a magazine picture of flowers or trees on the back of the aquarium to give him a colorful background to look at.

Tip 3 Tanks For Traveling

If you are going to be traveling with your betta, in a car, truck or RV, a smaller, plastic aquarium is what I would suggest.

When we traveled with our betta, we used a small portable tank that measured 7 inches long X 5 inches wide X 6 inches tall. This was not the ideal size for him, but he traveled for 3 years in it and survived all the trips. I would not recommend traveling with more than one fish in a tank that size.

Tip 4 Tank Toys For Your Betta

A betta in a tank that has only water in it, is a very sad thing to see. Can you imagine being in a bowl all day with nothing to hide under, nothing colorful to see for stimulation and nothing else moving.

Your betta tank should include some things that will make life more enjoyable for your fish. A few river rocks placed on top of each other will provide a nice hidy-hole, where he can get away from it all. Colored gravel on the bottom will provide more stimulation and a few betta plants will add interest for your fish.

Tip 5 Water Conditioner

In most areas, water that comes from your tap, will not be suitable for your betta to live in. There are usually chemicals like chlorine and ammonia that need to be taken out or neutralized before it is safe for a fish.

A good first step is to fill a water container and leave it overnight to get rid of the chlorine, then a good quality water conditioner should go into the water before adding it to your tank.

Most of the stress of buying a betta fish tank can be eliminated if you just give consideration to a few things, how many fish you are going to have, the size of the tank, where you are going to place it, what type of fish toys you are going to have and if you will be traveling with your fish. You will enjoy your lovely new betta for years to come, in the perfect aquarium you have selected, if you just give it a little thought ahead of time.

If you are a betta fish lover, who wants to purchase the correct betta tank for your fish and want to keep it in perfect condition, then Robert D Schroeder, would like to invite you to join him at http://myhealthybetta.info Learn how to improve tank conditions, how to make the water safe for your betta and how this will extend your bettas life to its full potential of 5 years.

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Aquarium Filtration for Beginners: Keeping Your Fish Tank Clean

ByCarly K McGregor

Different filtration systems for freshwater aquariums

There are many types of filtration systems out there available to help you maintain a cleaner fish tank. They can be categorized into three main types. Bio-filters, Mechanical filters, and Chemical filters. Although there are many more out there, we will focus on some of our favorites that fall under these categories

Types of Filtration

Sponge filtration: sponge filtration uses a pump that draws air from outside the tank to push the tank water through a sponge which cleans the water of unwanted waste and debris by trapping it in the sponge. It is an excellent choice as the sponge allows for a healthy amount of bacteria growth that is essential for the break down of fish waste. It is an optimal type of filtration for tanks that are being used as quarantine for sick fish as they do not usually contain charcoal that can break down any medication that your fish may need. Sponge filters are also a great choice if you are breeding, as the sponge poses no danger of small fry being sucked into the filter. At the same time, the micro-organisms that grow on the sponge provide excellent nourishment for your fry. They are also easy to maintain and very inexpensive.

Under Gravel Filtration: Under gravel filtration is an excellent bio-filtration system that uses two tubes on each side of the tank. These tubes are attached to power heads or something similar to suck the water the water from the bottom of the tank up and then push it back down to bottom again causing the water to circulate in the tank from top to bottom then back to the top again. At the bottom of the tank lies a plate, grate or sponge. Gravel or similar substrate is then placed over the grate or sponge. When the water is pushed through the substrate, it filters the water trapping the debris in the gravel. Then you will vacuum the gravel to get rid of the unwanted waste. These filters are highly efficient and very inexpensive. However, they are not always the best choice alone for larger tanks but can be paired up with a hang on back filter.

Canister Filtration: a canister filter is a closed filtration system that typically sits beside or beneath your fish tank. Water is pushed through the canister leaving the solid waste and debris in the canister. Canister filters are your best option if you are dealing with larger debris. However this type of filtration requires more frequent cleaning. Typically every 2-4 weeks. You can significantly improve your filtration by placing a wet dry wheel at the outflow of the canister filter.

Power Filters: These are available as internal or external filtration systems. This means that the internal is in the tank and the external hangs on the outside of the tank. Because power filters use motorized pumps, the water flows at a much faster rate. Faster flow rates will dramatically improve the filtration of your tank. Internal power filters can be unsightly and hard to clean as you have to take them out of the tank where as the external power filters are easily accessed as they hang on the outside of the tank.

Activated Carbon: Activated carbon is a type of chemical filtration that you will want to use if you use if you are looking to get rid of foul odors or unwanted color in your tank water. Activated carbon is used to combat pollutants that biological and mechanical filtering can not as the pollutants are too small and easily slip through filters. These tank pollutants often come from fish medication, pollutants in the air as well waste produced by different biological processes. Activated carbon effectively absorbs unwanted chemicals and waste as well as detoxifying harmful gases. Use caution when using this type of filtration system as it will also absorb nutrients needed to sustain plant and invertebrate life.

As there are many options for your tank filtration, it is important that you do your research and choose the system that will be best for your tanks inhabitants.

My name is Carly McGregor and my goal is to provide helpful tips and information on how to easily maintain beautiful freshwater aquariums that will bring you years of enjoyment and relaxation. If you want to learn more about setting up and maintaining a beautiful freshwater aquarium visit us at http://www.completefreshwateraquariums.com

Happy Fishin'

Carly McGregor

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