Monday, 30 April 2012

Cichlid Fish

are incredibly popular for aquarists due to how easy they are to take care of. Cichlid adapt quite well in the aquarium despite the fact that they come from Asian countries. There are hundreds of cichlid types with most of them brightly colored and therefore, incredibly entertaining when inside the aquarium. These fishes are classified into three types namely the Central and North American cichlids, African cichlids and South American cichlids.

Characteristics

As mentioned before, are among the brightest freshwater fishes today. In most cases, however, it is the male that are garbed in the most colorful scales in an effort to attract a mater. Alpha fishes or those that are dominant in the group also have brighter colors while, in contrast, the submissive cichlid carries less bright colors. What is important to note is that cichlids can be extremely aggressive fishes, especially to those that do not belong in their group. In some cases, they may even attack a fellow cichlid if it enters their territory. This fish group can grow from 2.5 centimeters to 1 meter in length depending on the specific specie.

Taking Care of a Cichlid

As mentioned, this fish type is highly adaptable and is, therefore, easy to take care of. It is important to note though that since they are territorial, it would be a good idea not to combine them with other fish types at first. Choosing cichlids that are roughly the same size would also help temper their need to establish who the most dominant fish is.

Basically, the temperature in the tank should be around 74 degrees Fahrenheit to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Experienced aquarists know that it is important to keep a heater with the fish to ensure that the water remains at a specific temperature. In some cases, even a thermometer is placed with the aquarium for constant monitoring. Cooler temperatures tend to make the fish less aggressive, therefore ensuring that none of them will start killing each other.

The next consideration should be the pH level in the tank. Specifically, it should be alkaline as this is the original level in their natural habitat. Make sure that the pH stays within 7.5 to 8.5. The substrate or flooring used in the tank will also have an impact on the pH level of the water. Some of the most popular materials used include gravel, sand and stones.

Lighting and tank maintenance should also be kept in check. The good news is that cichlid are not very picky when it comes to lighting and are quite happy with a fluorescent light to imitate their natural habitat. As for maintenance, a pump and filtration device are often enough to prevent the tank from getting dirty. Note that the pump bought depends on the size of the tank.

Of course, those aren't the only considerations when taking care of cichlids. Breeders need to take more factors in mind to ensure that their stay healthy. Knowing the specific cichlid specie is also crucial when determining their diet. This is because some of these fishes are carnivorous and would require a combination of flake and live foods in their diet.

To learn more about , go to the Lifestyles100 web site or pick up the Kindle book, "Cichlid Care Secrets" at Amazon.com or the Nook book at Barns and Noble.

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

Friday, 27 April 2012

Jellyfish As Pets

A Jellyfish is a soft-shelled marine creature with a body like an umbrella and trailing tentacles. Not a creature you would consider keeping as a pet. Almost certainly, that was once the case. There were not many people or institutions that had the knowledge or the know-how to even consider keeping , not to mention the finances.

Nowadays, you can purchase the necessary equipment to keep jellyfish at almost any pet care store or on-line. However, these are not the easiest of creatures to keep as a pet. Specialized equipment, care and attention are required along with the correct food for the species you are keeping.

Really, the first requirement is research. Check out the type of jellyfish you want to keep. Find out where to safely buy it from. Look at its dietary requirements, water temperature required for the species, any special habitat requirements. Jellyfish are extremely delicate creatures and cannot be treated with anything less than the most careful of handling; attention to detail is crucial.

Once you have done your research, the next step is to purchase the correct equipment to provide your new pet with a satisfactory and safe environment. Try to use specialized stores for this as they will have everything you need. It is essential that you have the correct type of aquarium and filtration system; anything less will be detrimental to the health of the jellyfish and may even cause premature death.

The most important part of keeping a jellyfish as a pet is the tank set-up. If this is not correct, or you introduce the fish to the water too quickly it will almost certainly mean instant death. Being delicate creatures and easily damaged, their new environment must mimic exactly the conditions they thrive in the wild. Again, research is vital to this part of your project. The type of aquarium and filtration system is important, along with following the instructions for setting up this equipment properly. Water condition is of utmost importance. The temperature must be correct, along with the water itself. Don't forget that jellyfish are marine creatures and must have salt water. You can make your own but it is best to purchase the water from your supplier as it will already contain the correct salinity levels.

Your aquarium will need to be running for at least a week before you introduce your jellyfish. This is to ensure that all the components of the aquarium are working properly. Now is the time to start adding what is known as helpful bacteria to your tank. Jellyfish waste is full of ammonia and, without the bacteria to break it down will quickly poison and kill the fish. There are a couple of ways to do this. One is to have a live fish in the tank. This kick-starts the bacteria growing in the tank but must be removed before your jelly is added. Some shops supply starter kits to enable this process without using a live fish and some jellyfish suppliers will now supply live rock with the fish which contains the helpful bacteria.

Now is the time to be looking at lighting for the aquarium. A light set-up for a marine tank is ideal as they do not give out much heat and the light is florescent. Jellyfish are at their best in the dark - remember, they live in the sea, normally in the deeper parts where it is dark. A good fluorescent light will enable your jellyfish to glow spectacularly, especially if the tank is located in a dark area of the room.

Congratulations. You are now ready to introduce your jellyfish to its new home. If the setup of the aquarium has been done correctly and the right diet for your fish obtained, you will find keeping a very rewarding hobby.

To learn more about how to keep jellyfish, go to the Lifestyles100 web site where you will find more articles and information.

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

Wednesday, 25 April 2012

Some Important Pointers in Breeding Discus Fish

ByTom D Rollins

Contrary to some beliefs that breeding discus fish does not require much attention unlike some pets, we have to understand that choosing to have fish as pets would also entail some challenges. For example, a person cannot simply just choose any kind of water type, size of the fish tank and the kind of food that you will provide them, especially the part where in you are faced with questions on how breeding discus fish works.

Exotic Fish and How They Must Be Handled

The first thing to make sure of when breeding discus fish are the habits of the exotic fish. They will not react like other domesticated fish. Discus have the habit of choosing their partner alone and because of this they can cost more than what you might expect.

After that, they will choose a breeding ground that is vertical for their mating process and the area would have to be cleaned before they will lay their eggs. They at times would spawn at the side of the tank and after lying of the eggs the parents would be extremely protective of their young. The good thing here is that they will not be aggressive to other fish inhabitants except if the others would attempt to go near the eggs. You would want to provide them with plants or corals where they can hide.

In breeding discus fish, add a small bag of peat moss in the power filter for it is like recreating the natural water conditions of the discus fish likened to the Amazon River where it originally came from.

You have to make sure that the fish take contains no pollutants and the acid levels are just at 6.5 pH. The water condition should also be soft and with a warm temperature of 77-84°F (25-29°C. It would also be best to place them in larger tanks especially during the breeding process to take them away from possible predators. The recommended minimum tanks must have at least 55 gallons: the bigger the better.

In breeding discus fish, you have to make sure that the bare bottom is without any gravel but make sure is that you still provide them with hiding places like floating plants, driftwood, aquascape that is fully planted and some WaterSprite floating plants in order to diffuse the light. You have to make sure that all of these are being followed in order for a successful breeding process.

Tom Rollins a Discus Fish expert. If you want to learn more about breeding discus fish, visit www.discusfishpro.com

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

Monday, 23 April 2012

6 Important Notes When Feeding Discus Fish

ByTom D Rollins

Just like humans, a discus fish thrives best on a diet that is varied. Back in the day, the fish breeders used to rely on just live food, sans flakes and/or pellets. Nowadays though, feeding discus fish has changed with dried foods becoming a lot more nutritious without the risks of bacteria as well as disease that only live food could have.

Feeding Discus Fish: Factors to Consider

Take note that young fish can become very greedy in addition to very hungry. They will go for whatever food that is given to them, so you should resist the urge to overfeed them. When the fish get older, they have a tendency to eat at a much slower pace, kind of like what cattle do whenever they graze.

Another factor to understand when it comes to feeding discus fish is to understand that the fish like to feed at mid-water level or somewhere near the bottom. Rather than jumping to the water's surface, your fish might wait until the food goes down to a suitable depth in order for them to feed.

When it comes to feeding discus fish, the following are some of the food items that you could use, making sure that they stay healthy and are given the ample amount of vitamins, minerals and nutrients that yours needs:

Feeding Discus Fish: Flakes

Research the best fish flakes that are available in or near your area. You can do this by talking to pet store crews or other aquarium enthusiasts who you know. Better brands might be more expensive but they're more nutritious.

Feeding Discus Fish: Pellets

When it comes to pellets, go for the quality brands. A danger of the low quality brands is that they might absorb water, thus expanding, and this can make your fish constipated.

Feeding Discus Fish: Brine shrimp

Your discus fish will love these and these may be fed to them live or frozen. A great thing about feeding these to your fish is that it can enhance your fish's colors because of the carotene content in the shrimp. Before feeding brine shrimp to your fish though, make sure that you defrost then rinse them first.

Feeding Discus Fish: Bloodworms

When it comes to "gourmet" food for discus fish, this takes prime rib and they're available both live and/or frozen. Feeding your fish frozen bloodworms each day is going to keep your fish happy, especially when you're introducing them to a new tank.

Feeding Discus Fish: Beef Heart

While the fish really dig this, chances are that it can mess up the aquarium, especially when too much is put in. It is suggested to not try this until you're used to keeping discus fish.

Discus fry have to be fed frequently, like once for every four hours at least. A mature discus will be fine when fed twice a day, giving it bloodworms once per day plus dry food for other feeding times.

What other people don't know is that feeding discus fish food could also keep discus fish looking more colorful, which can make for a very pleasant sight for owners and their visitors. Just remember to feed them well and feed them right.

Tom Rollins a Discus Fish expert. If you want to learn more about feeding discus fish, visit http://www.discusfishpro.com/.

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

Friday, 20 April 2012

Discus Fish Care Basics

ByTom D Rollins

There are several aspects that you would have to take note of when you decide to take care of discus fish. Discus fish care is more than just the pH level of the water. It is also about where you will locate the aquarium, when you will feed the fish, how to treat younger discus fish from older ones, learning how to make the discus fish habitat as realistic as possible.

In truth, it would be better to use realistic plants because they are safer than plastic and they would provide shelter and vegetation for the fish rather than plastic ones. But you can also add some plastic designs if you want the aquarium to look more aesthetically pleasing.

Discus fish care has a lot to do with the type of habitat that you will provide for them. Remember that they would be residing inside it for the rest of their lives and you would want to make sure that the fish remain interested.

Discus fish are very intelligent. So you would want to place decors like rocks and driftwood, but before placing the rocks make sure that they do not contain ores or contaminants and that you keep rocks that have the same color and texture. Avoid using the colorful ones. Aside from that, you can also place sunken ships that they can play with and other decors that serve a purpose.

Moreover, you need to make sure that they have good filtration. The quality of the water needs to be checked every now and then and you should need a good filtration system to ensure that the fish would be in a healthy condition.

The 3 stages of water filtration must be fulfilled like the mechanical stage where in the water will be rid of floating debris and sediments. The next step would be biological where it would get rid of bacteria inside the water in order to make sure of an efficient discus fish care and the third process which is to make use of the chemical process where in the water can be filled with carbon in order to remove the impurities and keep the balanced state of the water.

The kind of filter that you will use will depend on the type of tank that you have. You can try using the display tanks. Use canister filters in order to make sure that the water will be clear and not nasty to look at. But if it will be a breeding tank, you would want to make use of an internal power filter as this has been proven to be good for them.

Tom Rollins a Discus Fish expert. If you want to learn more about discus fish care, visit www.discusfishpro.com/

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

Wednesday, 18 April 2012

Building a Pond - A Simple How To Guide

Why have backyard fishponds become so popular with homeowners over the past decade or so?

It is a question I have been asking myself lately and I think I have come up with the number one reason people want to have a fishpond.

Aesthetics

It is purely the aesthetics and wow factor of having a water feature that is attractive, awe inspiring and gets a lot of favorable comments from visitors. Aesthetics. It just looks good, especially if it has colorful koi or large gold fish swimming in it. And everyone wants his home to look good. If you stock it with a few koi fish, it becomes a high class koi pond. Otherwise, it is just another garden pond.

Even though a pond is one of the most popular backyard additions, a project of this magnitude can be a path to frustration, a lot of expense and aggravation to an unwary or uninformed homeowner. A satisfactory project can be a reality, but it requires a lot of forethought and planning. A popular myth is that it can only be achieved in sprawling or huge yards that have walkways and large empty areas.

If you are ready to have your own fishpond and you do not have a large back yard to put it in, there are many design ideas that can be used to build your pond without having it overpower the rest of your yard. Your imagination is the key. The sky is the limit when you are designing a water feature for your yard. There are so many construction techniques and materials available that anyone can have a beautiful water garden or fishpond without breaking the bank.

The aesthetic value depends on several things:

Consider the following simple guidelines:

Location

Aesthetically, the pond has to serve as the focal point of your back yard. It probably should be placed near the center of the yard or in a corner if the yard is smaller. It has to be appealing enough to make people want to walk around it. Take into consideration the proximity of fences, trees and shrubbery when planning the location of your new pond.

No matter where you put the pond in your yard, it should be higher than the surrounding ground level. This serves two purposes:

1. The fish will come as a surprise to first time visitors. And,
2. This will keep rain water from washing fertilizers and pesticides into the pond.

Consider the climate in your area when deciding on the location of the pond. Warmer climates have the advantage of the sun almost all year round and some water plants need sun exposure to grow. Colder climates require deeper ponds to allow the fish and plants to live through the winter. If the pond is not deep enough, it will need protection from freezing. It may be necessary to transfer your fish to an indoor tank if the pond will freeze solid.

Types of Fish You Put in Your Pond

There are literally dozens of fish types that you can stock your pond with. Just make sure that the fish you select are hardy, colorful and lively enough to attract attention. Koi fish, fantails and pond comets are good choices for a pond, but the comets and koi are more aggressive than fantails. It might not be a good idea to mix fantails with more aggressive fish.

Consider what kind of fish can survive in your outdoor fishpond. Goldfish are compatible with most ponds, but they might not live as long or be as colorful as koi in an outdoor pond.

If you want to make your pond more appealing, landscape it or place plants around it to attract frogs and birds. This will increase the natural feeling the pond gives and make it a more relaxing place to hang out and provide another food source for your fish.

How Well You Maintain Your Pond

Outdoor fishponds always require a certain amount of maintenance to keep healthy and vibrant fish and plants. Building it can depend on your preferences, but ease of maintenance should be put into the design. If you find that maintaining an indoor aquarium is difficult enough, consider how much more effort a much larger outdoor pond will require. Filtering systems, bacteria control and aerating will be necessary to reduce the level of maintenance needed.

In Conclusion

There is relaxation and therapeutic value in watching fish swim in a pond or aquarium. Think about how often you see aquariums in medical offices. They are there to do more than just take up space.

A backyard fish pond tells people how much energy, time, and money you are willing to devote to make your home be more attractive. No matter how large or small your pond is, it shows that you appreciate beautiful things that bring a luxurious and relaxing feeling to your home. You will not only impress a lot of people but you will get all the benefits of pond ownership as well.

But, building a backyard fish pond is not an easy project but it can be a rewarding accomplishment for a do it yourselfer. Get all the information you can. Then consult your local pond professionals and zoning board before building a pond yourself. Make a list of material you need and do not hesitate to ask questions to avoid making costly mistakes.

A pond can be a beautiful addition to your yard, but you have to maintain it to preserve its beauty over the long haul. CLICK HERE and get all the information you need about building a fish pond and stocking it with fish that are hardy and colorful enough to attract people to it.

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

Sunday, 15 April 2012

Cichlid Behavior

is mostly aggressive considering how territorial this particular specie is. They can be very hostile towards other fish types and even to fellow cichlids, especially if one of them is invading the space of the other.

Cichlid Temperament during Breeding

If possible, cichlids become even more aggressive during breeding in an effort to protect their young. There are basically two types of cichlid breeders. The first one is open-breeders and would lay their eggs on the substrate, rocks, plants or sands. The second tends to opt for more secure locations like caves, the inside of their mouth or even create holes in the sand to lay the eggs in. Some breeders choose place their cichlid in separate tanks during breeding to prevent violent confrontations with other fishes. What is interesting is that the cichlid color changes when they are ready to mate. Specifically, the males develop darker colors during breeding time.

Social Interaction

As mentioned, cichlids are mostly aggressive, even to their own kind. Alpha males tend to fight other fishes for territory and would not hesitate in swimming after others and biting them in different body parts. This is why some breeders usually heavily stock their tanks with different cichlid types. The technique makes it harder for cichlids to maintain dominance and therefore lessen the aggression within the school.

How to Deal with Aggressive

In order to deal with the aggressive side of cichlids, individuals must first consider exactly what is causing them to behave badly. If it is a territorial war, the most ideal method would be to rearrange the tank designs. This is because the fish use the designs as boundaries to their territory and by rearranging the area; they will become confused and therefore not be too aggressive.

Also, correctly choosing cichlids before buying them would also lessen the possibility of violent behavior. This is because cichlids also operate on an alpha-beta manner. This means that the biggest fish would usually be the school's alpha while the others will be dominated and usually hide in their caves. In order to avoid this, try choosing cichlids that are roughly the same size.

Paying Attention to Your Cichlid

If there is any evidence of bullying in the tank, it would be a good idea to separate the fish that is being bullied, especially if they are starting to look weak. Adding more hiding places in the tank would also be helpful as the dominated cichlids can simply hide whenever the aggressor approaches.

Aggression can be easily pinpointed through frayed fins or fish that are inactive and always close to the substrate. Their colors also change depending on their mood. For example, stressed out cichlids display fainter colors and should therefore given special attention until they become happy in the tank again.

Despite their small size, cichlids are very interesting fishes with very active temperaments. When left on their own, there's a strong chance that the dominant one will eventually kill or injure the others. This is why every good aquarist takes note of and performs precautionary measures should it be necessary.

To learn more about cichlid fish, go to the Lifestyles100 web site or pick up the Kindle book, Cichlid Care Secrets" at Amazon.com or the Nook book at Barns and Noble.

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

Friday, 13 April 2012

The Jellyfish Aquarium

Jellyfish are 95% water, coated in a thin membrane. Because of this they are extremely delicate creatures and, to keep them in captivity requires specialised equipment. is a specific type of tank required to create a safe environment for your new pet.

A jellyfish aquarium must not be square or rectangular, like an ordinary fish tank. The ideal shape is cylindrical, capable of holding at least eight to ten gallons of water. Because of the soft make-up of a jellyfish there must not be any sharp edges or corners for them to get stuck in. Once the soft membrane coating the body is punctured the jellyfish will liquefy and die.

The idea of was first thought of back in 1969 by a German marine Biologist, Dr Greve. Since then the concept has come along in leaps and bounds and now we are faced with a multitude of shapes and sizes, stand-alone tanks or complete kits. You could even make your own aquarium if you so desired.

The cylindrical shape is ideal, not just for the safety of the creature but because it is the ideal shape within which to mimic the natural environment of a jellyfish. As well as shape and size, in order to create this environment the correct filtration and circulation system is also required. Almost all different types of aquarium are based upon this shape.

The environment within the aquarium needs to be as near as possible to the jelly fish' natural environment. Bear in mind that these creatures are sea dwellers; plenty of space and moving water. To keep them in captivity requires a similar setup on a much smaller scale.

Some aquariums are sold as complete kits, including the filtration and circulation system. Water filtration is important; the ammonia in jellyfish waste will very quickly poison the water and your pet will die. Water circulation is as important. The water in an aquarium must swirl gently around the outside edge in order to keep the jellyfish suspended in the center of the tank.

The ideal type of aquarium, although not the cheapest is called a Kreisel. These have separate inlet and outlets for water, instead of just one performing both jobs. The water has to be pushed into the tank gently, producing a light surf-like motion. It also has to be pulled out of the tank gently so as not to pull the jellyfish against the filters. Think of a gentle wash-cycle in your washing machine. The water goes in gently and goes out gently without sucking the clothes against the drum. Conversely, the water in the tank should not be still as a jellyfish relies in the movement, or current, to get around and to feed.

Another type of aquarium is the jellyquarium. This a complete system setup and includes all the filtration, circulation, thermostats, water cleaning system and chilling system required for the correct care of jellyfish in captivity. Again, not the cheapest outfit but probably by far the most suitable. These are specifically designed only for jellyfish and will produce the most lifelike scenario and conditions for the survival of the creature.

As you can see, this is not an easy hobby and you will be faced with a monumental choice of designs and types of aquarium and systems. Choosing the right one will be a difficult decision and will require a great deal of research into the breed of jellyfish you will be keeping, their environment and the cost of running such a system as a hobby. Choosing the wrong type of jellyfish aquarium will result in almost certain death for the jellyfish.

To learn more about how to keep jellyfish, go to the Lifestyles100 web site where you will find more articles and information. You can also pick up the new book, "Jellyfish As Pets - A Beginner's Guide" for the Kindle at Amazon.com or the Nook book at Barns and Noble.

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

Wednesday, 11 April 2012

3 Main Fish Pond Accessories You Need to Build a Fish Pond

ByMick Day

When looking to buy fish pond accessories to start and build your own garden fish pond, there are three main items you should have at the very top of your list.

The first item to look for is fish pond liners these can come in a few different styles and materials, one of the more popular styles are the EPDM liners. These are one of the more cost effective ways of lining your pond, they are very easy to buy you just have to work out the size of the hole you have prepared and allow for some over hang. (roughly two feet all around should do)

You should then look for good quality pond filters, it is really important you get the right one as this keeps the water clear and fresh for a healthy environment for your fish. These can be reasonably expensive so do some research and find one that can do the job but also fit in with your budget, it is a good idea to get one slightly bigger than what you need if you want to add more fish later.

The quality of the filter is something you should concentrate on before anything else, to make sure you get the best quality for your money then do some research online and check out sites that allow customers to leave reviews like Amazon. This is a great way of understanding how good the particular filter would be for your pond, the best way of learning about particular fish pond equipment would be to listen to people who have already had experience with it.

Another important item is the pond pumps, these keep the water moving around in your pond to provide oxygen in the water for your fish. These can also be reasonably expensive but once you know the right size you can check out some of the different makes available to find one within your budget, these three items you should spend the maximum you can and more importantly make sure they are of good quality.

So when looking to buy fish pond accessories these are the main ones you should concentrate on, the others like skimmers, pond plants, pond nets, fish pond covers, can all wait until you have established the basic set up of your fish pond. When buying fish pond accessories you should always have in mind the health of the pond, not how great the pond will look with certain accessories but how healthy the environment is going to be for your fish.

Just by getting these three simple things right you are 75% of the way to establishing a healthy environment for your fish, so remember buy what you can afford and always try to make sure you get the best quality items you can.

If you are looking for more information on how to build a fish pond then visit us at http://fishpondaccessories.org here you can also find information on pond liners, pond pumps, pond plants and much more.

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

Sunday, 8 April 2012

How to Care for Discus Fish - 10 Steps

ByTom D Rollins

There are different kinds of tropical fish and one has to be able to understand how to properly take care of them. Some make the mistake of buying a fish that they do not even understand. Having an aquarium is a serious responsibility and is considered to be rewarding and fulfilling once done correctly. The way a fish has to be taken care of varies and one has to know more in order to do more.

How to Care for Discus Fish: Passion and Responsibility in Fish Care

The discus is a well-loved aquarium pet due to the fact that the fish intelligent, loving and interactive with their owners. For this reason, many would like to understand how to care for discus fish, how to prolong their life and how to create the connection.

Caring for fish does not have to be seen as complex rather a challenge that once completed is a monumental achievement. It is the ability of the hobbyist to combine. Harmonize and make the lives of the fish thrives in order to get a sense of satisfaction.

Here are steps on how to care for discus fish:

1. Never underestimate the power of a book. Although online suggestions are good and contain helpful hints, nothing is better than taking the time to go and research on the real informative ways to care for the discus, learn the variety of the fish, how they came about and what makes them thrive.

2. Check the quality of water. Do not just use any tap-water. Make sure to remove the chlorine and other chemicals and to use soft water to maintain the pH of the water.

3. Use warm water never a cold one to maintain the needed water temperature by the discus. pH 7 - Gh 15 - Kh 8 - conductivity 800ms - temp 30C

4. Sign up for fish practical fishing magazines in order to get more helpful hints on how to care for discus fish.

5. It would be best to care for an older discus fish and they tend to be stable. Choose 12cm and over so that you can be definite regarding the color and the shape that you will be getting.

6. Never buy only one discus fish. It has to be able to interact with 5 or more discus in order to thrive and never alone.

7. Make sure that the water is clean and changed every now and then, it would be best not to place gravel in order for an easier maintenance.

8. Never use a carbon filter as this could affect the quality of life of the fish.

9. It would be best to keep the design of the tank minimal. You can include some plants and a few stones and wood but less is better in order to make the maintenance faster. It would be best to give the discus fish swimming space.

10. It would be good to use a grolux tube for discus for lighting.

Knowing how to care for discus fish is the key in prolonging their life.

Tom Rollins a discus fish expert. If you want to learn more about how to care for discus fish, visit http://www.discusfishpro.com

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

Friday, 6 April 2012

Discus Fish Information Breeders Should Be Mindful Of

ByTom D Rollins

The popularity of the discus fish has started early in the 1920s it has been considered as the king and queen of the ocean for so long and is well-loved due to the shape and bright patterns and colors. Aside from that, it is an interactive fish that really connects with the owners if treated properly.

There is a need to know more discus fish information if you are deciding to breed it. Remember that even though they have been domesticated for so long, these are still exotic fishes once and they will require care and attention in order to thrive. Since the discus is sociable you would need to keep them in groups, you cannot possibly choose to just take care of one because this will make them lonely and their healthy could suffer because of that due to stress.

In truth, any kind of fish would be hard to keep if you are not dedicated to providing them with quality care. Pets will demand attention even if they just live in a tank. They would need to be fed the proper amount and type of food and the water conditions has to be tolerable. The water should be clean.

The discus need to live in a large tank. They need to frolic and be able to move to and fro to and cover more distance. The tank should be big and wide enough and must be located where they cannot be disturbed by noises and other possible predators. They also must be kept away from too much sunlight and heat and the tank must have its own filter to rid the tank of bacteria and impurities that might cause diseases.

Provide discus with the right amount of meals. Fishes do not really die due to hunger but they have a higher chance of dying from over feeding. Give them small amount of food and one large meal once a day.

Once you get hooked you can try breeding the discus fish, it could either be for profit or something that could fulfill you, a new hobby you can turn into something profitable. You would need to invest your time, patience and love in order to make them thrive. Learn how to mate the discus fish with another. Since the sex of the discus is hard to detect, you would need to place at least 7 discus fish together and let them find their pair naturally but make sure to pair them with a different stock for better breeding and to avoid genetic disorders.

Once they have mated the discus fish that are involved would start becoming territorial towards other fish in the tank and you would want to provide them with more driftwood, rock or plant where they can hide their young. They are more likely to spawn in vertical surfaces.

Tom Rollins a Discus Fish expert. If you want to learn more about discus fish information, visit http://www.discusfishpro.com/

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

Tuesday, 3 April 2012

Vital Discus Information You Should Know to Be Successful in Discus Care

ByTom D Rollins

There are different species of discus fish: the wild ones that have originally come from Arizona and the ones that have been domesticated since the 1920s. However, due the domestication process, some have become more sensitive to disease and would require more attention because of the inbreeding that has occurred. This is why discus information shows that it would be best to breed discus using different stocks from another pet shop to avoid the genetic disorders.

There are several discus information pointers that have to be considered before taking care of the discus fish like making sure that the aquarium size is large enough to provide movement for the fish. The water temperature must also be blended well and it must contain a water filtration system that contains the 3 stages of purification like the biological, mechanical and chemical stage to make sure that the water inside the tank is f.ree of impurities like algae that can cause diseases to the discus fish. If you ever decide to put another variety of fish in the tank make sure that they are compatible with the discus fish.

Discus Information during the Breeding Stage

It is hard to get to know or check the sex of the discus just by holding them. This is why during the breeding stage, you would want to give them choices of 8 pairs of partners and let them select on their own naturally. Once they get paired up, they will breed and be territorial. You need to make sure that they have driftwood, rocks and plants in which they can hide their eggs.

During breeding, provide ample food and make sure that there would be less competition inside the aquarium tank. Be careful in changing the water condition. Make sure that the water is soft and has the right temperature. Check for recommended temperature in your local pet shop and make sure to use water that is safe from contaminants and chemicals.

Discus information shows that these pets are well-loved by owners because they are an interesting variety. You can teach them to feed in your hands and they are highly observant and interactive species that is sure to bring color and life into any space. Aside from providing many hours of fun, it also helps the owner reduce stress levels by simply viewing them. They have a magnetic personality to them and can boost the aesthetic capacity of a place where they are located.

Tom Rollins a Discus Fish expert. If you want to learn more about discus care, visit http://www.discusfishpro.com/

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

Sunday, 1 April 2012

3 Discus Fish Tank Pointers

ByTom D Rollins

The discus fish tank should be given attention and care. This is where the discus would thrive. There are many factors that have to be improved in order to make sure that the tank will be at its best and would be able to support the life of the fish. The habitat of the fish has to be complete and comfortable in order for them to live longer.

The larger the discus tank, the better. The discus grows extremely fast and this will cause unnecessary stress. The minimum size should be 55 gallons.

The discus tank should also be located in a quiet and peaceful environment, away from direct sunlight and heat in order to avoid the chances of forming unsightly algae. Remember that the discus fish are highly sensitive and that you would want to avoid them from feeling threatened inside the tank in order to reduce the stress.

Aside from the discus tank, owners right also need to consider the types of food that you will give the discus. By providing them the meal for the fish, you can help them prevent diseases like brine shrimp, tubifex worm, bloodworm, beef heart burger, dry food or pellets for young ones and from adult discus. Make sure to clean the tank regularly and to change it every now and then.

Discus Fish Tank Filter Types

Filters are needed in the discus tank. The power filters in the tank can remove the impurities and will undergo 3 processes like the biological, mechanical and chemical in order to make sure that the process would be effective.

Remember that this process is needed because fish produce waste from excrement and respiration. Moreover, the uneaten food or plants that have died need to be removed so that the fish would avoid contamination from the decomposing organic matter in the tank. The bigger the discus tank and the higher the number of the fish, the higher the need to make sure that a filter exists.

The discus would live longer in the right conditions and can turn out to be a very profitable habit. Many love the discus fish and by providing them with the right living space we can extend.

The possibility of increasing the number of the young that will survive will increase due to impressive discus fish tank conditions. It is does imperative to keep the discus fish tank in optimum condition.

Tom Rollins a discus fish expert. If you want to learn more about discus fish tank, visit http://www.discusfishpro.com

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