Prolong Your Fish's Life by Using Air Pumps

ByChristian J Sparks

If you are a person who is concerned of the well being of your pet fishes then you might want to take some time are read about the benefits of having air pumps on your aquarium. A lot of people have their own choice of pets like birds, dogs, cats, iguanas, turtles, tarantulas or fishes. People like to take care of pets because it's what keeps them company. Dogs are called "man's best friend" because they are thought to be the most loyal pet of all. Cats are being taken cared as pets because they are easy to feed and are fun to play with. Some people take care of birds because they like to hear them sing every morning. There are also people who like to take care of fishes just because they are fun to watch. Many people desire to have fishes as pets but there's something that's stopping them from doing so and that is the maintenance of the aquarium itself. Many people are reluctant of having a fish as pet because of the painstaking time that one could give when maintaining them. Not only that it's hard to maintain but it's also very pricy. Thanks to the air pumps, you would not have to worry about cleaning up the aquarium every now and then thus it would save you not only a ton of money but time as well.

What are the benefits of using air pumps in your aquarium? As stated earlier, it generally cleans the aquarium for you. It also introduces oxygen for the fish to breathe so you would not to worry about your fishes dying because of lack of air. What really happens is that when it pumps air in the form of bubbles, the carbon dioxide that is being stored in the water gets released while having the oxygen taking its place. The increased oxygen not only gives benefit to fishes but also every organism that are living inside the aquarium like bacteria's and plants. Because of this, the fishes would have more available food since the bacteria's and plants are being nurtured with the help of the increased oxygen. Using it on your aquarium also inhibits water circulation for a natural stream like effect. Because of this, the fishes won't die because it actually mimics the environment in which it once lived in.

All in all, using air pumps would not only benefit you because you would not have to maintain the aquarium often but also the fishes because it generally prolongs the fish's life. You can also use the pumps for added decoration on your aquarium. If you are already using air pumps on your aquarium then you might become interested and check out water pumps.

The author writes for http://www.pumpsolutions.com.au/ which provides information regarding Pumps.

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Aquaponics Information

ByPhil D Watson

Aquaponics systems are very sustainable and enthusiasts all over the world have had great success producing very tasty organic fruit and/ or vegetables and fresh fish at the same time.

The very common disadvantages of well known fruit and veg patches also known as the vegy garden gets eliminated by aquaponics whilst improving your closed fresh water system, the nutrients that a plant needs will be produced and your fish in this fresh water system will thrive.

Aquaponics for those who adore their fish and get an extra benefit of tasty fruit and veg is the most loved way to produce both fresh and tasty fruit and veg and enjoy a sustainably clean system which in return will give happier and healthier fresh water fish which is why this type of system is becoming more popular all over the world.

The waste that is produced from the fresh water fish gives the fruit and/or vegetables plants great benefits as they are cleaned and filtered whilst the nutritious soup in the system from the fish waste also could be used as plant food as it is very good for plants.

Aquaponics is divined as a hybrid of two methods: aquaculture and hydroponics.

Hydroponics uses water alone and does not use soil to produce fresh fruit and/ or vegetables aquaculture is a way of raising more fresh water fish in a closed system. When both of the older systems are combined together you get aquaponics.

Depending on the needs of production aquaponics is very flexible in terms of scale. You can scale up or down any time you want. You can produce up to 50 kilograms of fresh fish with a small system every six months with fish such as tilapia and the 100 kilograms of fruit and/or vegetable harvest.

If you decided that you want to sell your bunch of fruit and/or vegetables you can expand your at any time to a much higher harvest. You would need a more powerful water pump and some more space obviously.

Once you have expanded your aquaponics system you should not have any more problems. All that you need to do now is maintain your system to make sure all of your fish and fruit and/or vegetables grow. A mass harvest means that enough day to day attention has been given and the aquaponics system is clean and healthy.

Aquaponics is for anyone from the amateur who want to make a living from aquaponics systems to diy enthusiasts who love to just watch their fish and enjoy fresh fruit and/or vegetables at the same time. the most important thing is to strike a balance so not only do you have fresh fruit and/or vegetables and clean healthy fish but clean liveable water for the fish to thrive in. age is not a problem whether your young or old, you too can have a sustainable aquaponic system if you use the correct technique from the outset you can become an aquaponic system enthusiast with a sustainable aquaponic system time and time again.

For more in depth information on aquaponic systems visit http://uniqueaquaponicsystems.com.

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How To Set Up A Marine Fish Aquarium If You're A Beginner

Setting up an aquarium can be fun, exciting and satisfying. However, several decisions will have to be made as to whether it will be freshwater or saltwater, the kinds of accessories you may want, the size of the tank and which location the tank will be placed in.

In general, it is easier to begin with a freshwater tank if you are a beginner. Freshwater tanks are much easier to maintain and the fish are inexpensive also. Setting up a saltwater tank isn't impossible for a beginner, it's just that the maintenance of the proper water conditions may be a little more involved.

If you're contemplating what size your aquarium should be, it would be best to purchase the largest you can afford, keeping in mind that you will also need space for that size tank.The aquarium itself has environmental issues surrounding it which includes careful regulation of water flow, temperature, light, food, oxygen, removal of injurious debris and attention to the special requirements of the individual species. Aquariums of a larger size are also better because they have a larger surface area for the interchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen and the waste matter from the fish will be more widely scattered in a more massive body of water than a smaller one. As far as temperature fluctuations, wider tanks are less likely to have them more than smaller ones.Twenty to thirty gallon tanks at least are best, although you can successfully keep fish in smaller one, such as a ten gallon tank. Of course you can keep more fish in a larger tank than you can in a ten gallon or smaller tank and the water quality is easier to maintain with a larger tank.

Should your tank be glass or acrylic and does the shape of the tank really matter? The opinions differ on which is best, so it may be a matter of personal taste. In past years, only glass tanks were available.Today, it seems harder to find glass tanks and the acrylic tanks are more readily available. These tanks are lightweight and are leak-proof because the corners are seamless, but are more prone to scratching than glass tanks.We've been talking about how aquariums of a larger size have a larger surface area. So, that would suggest that tanks of a rectangular shape would be the best shape for your aquarium and not those that are tall because, again the surface area is small for the volume of water at the top of the tank. My first tanks were acrylic and are still working well today.

Now, where are we going to place your masterpiece? Keep in mind that once the tank is filled with water, it will be heavy, so you want to be sure it is placed in a permanent and secure spot. Also, you don't want it in a high traffic area or one that has direct sunlight. This will of course heat the water temperature causing it to be uncomfortable for the fish as well as cause unsightly growth of algae. Place your tank near an electrical outlet to plug it and all of the accessories into.Be extremely careful that water doesn't come into contact with the wiring. When you make your purchase, ask for any accessories that will help prevent any water that may leak from the tank from getting into the electrical outlet. Tanks will do well placed on a stand designed specifically for aquariums. These can also be purchased at the pet store. Placing the tank on flat surfaces of furniture is not recommended because of the weight of the tank and the furniture may not be able to support it. I have always used aquarium stands and have never had any problems with them.

Other accessories you will need are green aquatic plants( live ones provide oxygen- the plastic ones just look pretty) and gravel or coral which comes in an array of beautiful colors. Both should be washed untill the water is clear before putting it into the tank. If not, it tends to cloud the tank which may not be cleared up by the filter system. Your filter system should be adequate for the tank. I have found it best to fill the tank, add a few drops of chlorine remover and let it run for a few hours before introducing the fish to the tank. Letting it sit overnight works extremely well also but, twenty-four hours would be best. Your fish will survive overnight in a bowl in the water that you purchased them in. You want to make sure you put a covering over the bowl (a couple of mine jumped out overnight). Of course there can always be a second trip to the pet store if you want to buy your fish last. If you're keeping tropical fish, look into an aquarium heater and a thermostat. Your last accessories will be the aquarium hood, light, fish food (pellets or flakes) and of course, your fish.

Once you have your tank set up (accessories and all), let everything run for twenty-four hours(best timing) before introducing the fish.Your aquarium's biological filtration system can be boosted by adding some nitrifying bacteria. The bacteria in these products help to convert toxic ammonia and nitrite levels from fish waste to nitrate, which is used by aquarium plants as food. Overtime, after your fish have been added, these bacteria will be present anyway, but using one of these products will boost the tank's biological system.

Keeping an aquarium is a fun,exciting and relaxing hobby. Be sure to fully understand the information you learn when undertaking this hobby and go at it step by step. Once you're knowledgable, the more enjoyment you will receive from this hobby and the happier your fish will be.

Best of Luck To You...

Tryphena Thelmon is a Finance Office Manager who lives in Philadelphia, PA and an internet marketer who enjoys marine aquariums as a hobby. For more information on starting your marine aquarium GET YOUR MARINE AQUARIUM GUIDE NOW and start your aquarium TODAY!!

Visit us at http://www.estyle227online.com

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Where Cichlids Come From

You may wonder why successful cichlid owners know these seemingly trivial facts. As you watch your Oscar or Angelfish lazily swim or vigorously protect its territory, you contend you don't care where this beautiful fish comes from.

But if you know where these fish originated from then you'll be able to better understand why they have the requirements of food, water and general care that they do - and you'll be a much more successful owner for it!

While you can find them in aquariums across the world, there are only a limited number of geographical locations a cichlid would call a home. A few species are found as far north as the state of Texas in the U.S. From there if you travel south, you'll see them down through to Argentina.

Cichlids can also be spotted throughout all of Africa as well as certain areas in the Middle East. Cichlids, for example, are found off the island of Madagascar as well in the waters surrounding Sri Lanka and along the southern coast of India.

In fact, there are few areas where native cichlids aren't found.

They aren't found naturally in the Far East. They aren't found naturally in Australia. And you can't find any living as natives in North America north of the state of Texas.

That's not to say, that you won't find them living in parts of the world that is not their natural home. These fish have been transplanted to just about all areas of the globe. Even though they aren't a native species, you can find them living in many of the waters of southern Florida.

As you can probably imagine with so many species, the cichlid family is a lesson in diversity. They come in just about every imaginable color and size. What's more, the various species cover a range of behaviors and are found in an array of environments.

That, in turn, makes them a challenge to characterize and sometimes, just a challenge to recognize! A true cichlid lover, though, seems to be able to identify that "cichlid look". And yes, if you continue on with this hobby, so will you.

What you probably haven't realized is that you've no doubt seen cichlids before but just didn't know they were a part of the cichlid family. Have you ever admired an angelfish? Yep, it's a cichlid.

How about the tropical fish, Oscar? No, it's not his first name, it's his species. Yes, he's a cichlid, too. Surprised?

By now, you may be wondering if there are any freshwater tropical fish that don't belong to the cichlid family. There are! Quite a few of them, in fact! You may be fooled because countless marine fish resemble the cichlids.

What makes a cichlid a cichlid? Quite a few characteristics, starting with being freshwater fish as previously mentioned. Sure, there is an occasional exception, but for the most part, you can safely say that being a freshwater fish is a unifying trait of all family members.

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

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There Is a Fish for Everyone?

ByVince Pettit

Options Abound - Proceed With Caution

There are so many superbly awesome fish out there. The options for an aquarium hobbyist are endless. My focus is primarily on freshwater fish which makes the decisions a little easier to pick your favorite fishy friends. All those cool salt water fish are taken off the radar. Freshwater tropical fish still have so much to offer. Anything that could get you excited about a fish is available for your freshwater aquarium; big fish, brightly colored fish, schooling fish, solitary fish and any other kind of fish you could imagine. It can be difficult when starting out, to compile a bunch of cool fish with enough foresight to know if those fish will be able to grow and live in harmony for a very long time. My issues early on were rebellious in nature. I had been on the aquarium keeper websites and knew about fish compatibility. I thought that through experimentation and practice I could come up with some pretty exotic arrangements of impressive fish. The problem as I shortly learned was that when you are dealing with less than 120 gallons of water, the term aggressive or even semi-aggressive in a community of fish will inevitably lead to disaster.

Two Strikes

My original attempt at owning an aquarium ended in disaster. I tripped up on an over addition of way too toxic a mixture of chemicals intended to improve my water quality. After a day or two all 20 of my fishy friends were no more. Lesson learned: like anything else, chemicals are usually a bad thing. My second attempt was slightly less disastrous yet equally as disappointing. I had clean water but chose a bunch of little fish that I knew got bigger, but fish size was the least of my worries. Equipped with fins and in some cases fangs, fish can get mean with each other, with your aquarium decor, and even with your hands and fingers. After about the 3 month mark my tank with several large South American fish, still babies by most standards I started to see issues. Territory lines were being drawn and the violence ensued. Scared fish, scarred and in some cases missing fins and even floating skeletons of what used to be my aquatic buddy began to be a daily occurrence. It became apparent that I needed to start getting bigger tanks or more tanks. The problem was I lived in an apartment and my wife wasn't all that appreciative of all of our real estate being occupied by fish tanks.

A Helping Hand

I could have avoided so many problems, saved cash and spared the lives of many innocent fish. If I would have been taught about the possible perils that were ahead. My motivation in writing for the public is to allow people to prevail with their ultimate aquarium goals. Owning aquariums is enjoyable and rewarding, but without a bit of shared knowledge it can be a potentially costly endeavor or worse.

Written by Vince Pettit
To further explore an adventure in keeping wet pets visit http://www.beginwithgold.net where you will find more about setting up your first aquarium.

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Learn More About Fly Fishing Equipment

Whether you are a seasoned veteran or just starting a new hobby, knowing which fly fishing equipment you need is an important aspect of your success. There are many things to consider, including whether you are in fresh or salt water, what type of fish you want to catch and what your level of expertise is.

Fly fishing refers to a specific method of catching fish using an artificial 'fly.' A special weighted line is used and the flies are hand-tied to resemble natural lures; the hope is that these lures will cause the fish to strike.

There are many accessories as well that you will need to add to your 'toolbox' as you gain more experience and increase your skill. There are a wide variety of Fishing boots, fly fishing reels, fly fishing lines and Fishing knives that you will definitely want to purchase at some point.

Fly fishing is done all over the globe, and can be done in almost any climate or territory. You'll want to do some thorough research before you choose your next fly fishing vacation destination to make sure that you bring the proper Fishing equipment along.

The method of fly fishing is most popular for catching salmon and trout, but it can also be used to catch a wide variety of other species including bass, pike and carp. With the recent advancements of technology, stronger reels and rods have been developed, thus allowing for larger fish to be caught such as tuna, marlin and even some sharks.

In order to make the most of your experience, there are a number of tools, equipment, items of clothing and accessories you will need. A quality Fishing vest has plenty of pockets and is made is breathable material that wicks away moisture, yet is comfortable and practical. Of course, a matching hat will protect you from the harmful UV rays.

Fly fishing boots that keep your feet warm and dry are another must have. Waders are perfect for those excursions in the water and protect your clothing. You will need a select number of knives, as each one will serve a different purpose and each is specially made for certain species of fish.

Of course, you can't go Fishing without your lines, reels and flies! There are many different styles and brands to choose from. If you're not sure which style is best for you, do some research on the internet to get an idea of what you need and what would work best. There are many consumer reviews on various products that you can read in order to make a more informed decision.

The various fly fishing equipment can be overwhelming at first, especially if you are new to the sport. Thanks to the internet, making informed decisions are easy. With just a few clicks of your mouse, you can order everything you need and have it delivered right to your door. The only thing the internet can't do for you is catch the fish - you'll have to do that yourself!

Learn how to get started with fly fishing and find out what kind of fly fishing equipment you will need.

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Breeding Cichlid Fish

is not as hard as it seems. It may require practice on the part of the breeder as well as the presence of various tools, but the end result is almost always worth it. It is important to note however that cichlid breeding is not something that should be done on a whim. Like humans, breeders should take careful note of the species they breed to ensure that the resulting fry will be healthy. That being said, following are some of the requirements for breeding cichlid.

Tank

There are different types of cichlid fish in term of breeding. There are the open-breeders that refer to cichlid that lay their eggs out in the open, either on plants, sand or perhaps on the rocks. The eggs usually clump together and can easily be spotted by an experienced breeder.

Another type is the sheltered breeder. These are the cichlids that find safe locations to breed their young, either in caves or inside their mouth. There are also situations when the cichlid burrows on the sand and lays the eggs there. Ideally, breeders should be able to pinpoint exactly what type of breeder their cichlid is and arrange their tank accordingly. This means providing more caves for the shelter-breeders and more plants for the open-breeders.

Water

The water's pH level as well as rate of flow is crucial, especially for open breeders. This is because there's a strong chance that the flowing motion of the water will drag away the eggs, effectively cutting off the breeding process. Ideally, water changes in the tank should be done about once a week to maintain quality. As for the pH level, it should be mostly alkaline, ranging from 7.5 to 8.5 depending on the specie of the fish.

Temperature

successfully require specific temperature ranging from 76 degrees Celsius to 78 degrees Celsius. The temperature not only helps with hatching the eggs but also help the fry grow faster and better. Note that any lower will render the breeding process useless so it is crucial to invest in a high-quality heater. Note that in order to induce mating between cichlids, the temperature in the tank must also be higher than usual.

Diet

Now more than ever, cichlid feeding must be closely monitored while they are breeding. Some fish types are carnivores while others prefer plants. Hence, it is important to combine either of those two together with a regular diet of pellets and flakes.

Behavior

Cichlids are naturally but become even more so during the breeding period. It is likely that the will attack other fish types that go near their fry. This is why in some cases; breeders opt to keep a separate tank just for their breeding needs. This also makes it easier to maintain a specific environment without disturbing the other cichlids.

is almost an art form and requires constant practice. Hence, don't expect a successful breed the first time as the females are still getting used to the idea. Be patient and soon enough, a healthy batch of fry will result.

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.

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Fish Aquarium Tanks Add Life to Your Game Room Decor

Fish Aquarium Tanks make a beautiful enhancement to the décor of any room, and especially brings life and color to a game room. Game rooms are areas where family and guests relax, let their hair down and have some fun. Having an aquarium full of lively, colorful fish enlivens the décor. Watching fish swim in a tank is proven to enhance relaxation and adds hours of enjoyment while winding down after a hard day at work.

Fish Aquarium Tanks are enjoyable, but they are expensive to start up and maintain. Several hours a week must be devoted to maintenance and cannot be ignored. Those that do not have the time to devote may have to employ a service resulting in a substantial monthly fee. Aquariums are worth all the trouble and money once they become established. A well maintained aquarium needs less maintenance and fish last longer to provide many hours of enjoyment.

Place fish aquarium tanks in an area that is easily viewed, yet out of the way of general traffic. Keep it away from furnishings that are damaged by splashing water. Make sure there is enough room all around the tank so that maintenance will be trouble free. Many aquariums come with a base that holds the weight of the tank. Water weighs a little over 8 pounds per gallon, so a 20 gallon tank would weigh approximately 180 pounds. The floors in most homes will support 75 gallons or less without having to add extra bracing. Never place fish aquarium tanks in front of a window or near a heat source that may cause fluctuating temperatures within the tank. Placing an aquarium near an electrical outlet makes for easy connection for the heater and filter, which are run by electricity.

Match the color of gravel for the bottom of the tank with the décor of the room. Gravel comes in a wide range of colors from natural, black and neon colors. Include either live or plastic plants to make a nice environment for the fish. Lighting also comes in different colors to match the room décor. Many different decorations enhance the appearance of fish aquarium tanks. Choose from a variety of statues including sunken pirate ships to driftwood or rocks that provide a place for fish to hide and rest. Choose colorful fish of all sizes to enhance the appeal of the aquarium. Consult a professional to see compatible types of fish suitable for the aquarium.

Fish aquarium tanks come in a variety of sizes and shapes. There are those that are plain rectangles, but they also come in many other shapes. Tanks with flat fronts give the best view of the fish because the view is not distorted by connecting glass. Tanks are custom made to any size and shape. They are affixed to a wall, used as a divider between rooms, placed inside a fireplace instead of having a fire or imbedded in the floor or ceiling. There are so many good choices and in a game room, anything goes.

To learn more about fish aquarium tanks, visit our website at MyReviewsNow.net.

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2 Critical Factors In Discus Care

ByTom D Rollins

Having an aquarium is a hobby that is worthwhile, but it would also need knowledge, dedication and passion in order to be able to come out with a thriving aquarium community. There are different varieties of aquamarine life and one has to study them thoroughly in order to know what to do. It is important to understand discus care aquarium and setup.

Discus Care Management Skills and Organization

It starts by proper organization and planning. This is all about finding a way to let the discus fish recognize the owner and interact with you. The discus fish is unique because it does not only swim, eat or hide. They are fun to have because they can also watch a person across the room. They are aware of what is going around the room and it is easy to learn to love them due to their personality. In order to win the affection of this fish, one must learn discus care to be able to train the fish to greet you when you are near and for them to eat their food out of your hand. This fish is very interactive, which makes it interesting and lovable to have.

Understanding Discus Care Feeding Patterns

It would be important to understand the feeding patterns of a young discus fish from a mature discus fish. One must understand that fish would normally die not out of hunger but out of excessive eating, which is why it is best to learn the proper eating proportions in order to avoid overfeeding them.

The younger ones would need more and would tend to be active during feeding time. But as they grow older, the need for eating would decrease. This type of fish in intelligent and would require attention and c are in order to win. The parents of the discus fish would raise their young together.

In order to be good at discus care, one has to be able to understand what they need for breeding, feeding, daily needs and plan a way to meet these goals without overshadowing other goals. A starting hobbyist does not have to worry about the costs because they can plan methods to make it affordable. What is important is to check the parameters of local tap water and to check if the pH is suitable for the discus. If this is the case, it would be good to use soft water and combine it with tap water in order to create desirable water condition for the fish.

Remember that some local water tap in the US are not good for the discus care due to the chloramines being used to disinfect it. It would be better to have the water filtrated and dechlorinated. Remember to keep the school of discus fish in groups and exclude different varieties of fish. For discus care to be effective, there should be at least 5 or more discus fishes in a water tank because one discus fish cannot stand alone.

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

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