Freshwater Aquarium - Things I Learned About My Freshwater Aquarium

Introduction

When you do something new you will always learn something. When I developed my 75-gallon freshwater aquarium for the first time,I learned a bunch. Here is what I learned.

Maintenance

I initially thought that it would be very time-consuming to keep up. Surprisingly a freshwater aquarium is very easy to keep. It takes me less than an hour a week to do a 10% water replacement and to clean the debris.

I do not count feeding of the fish in this task because this is a chore I really enjoy.

Nitrogen Cycle

I initially thought you poured water in a tank, put some filters and an aerator in and then added your fish. How wrong could I have been? You have to make sure you have a bacteria colony established before you even add your first fish.

Most of the work performed in keeping a freshwater aquarium falls to the bacteria colony you have developed. I did not know that to keep the water clean and to keep toxic chemicals out, such as ammonia and nitrites, the bacteria colony you have to develop performs this work.

You can use fish to develop your bacteria colony, but you have to make sure they are tolerant of ammonia and nitrites and they are the fish you want. The fastest and easiest way to develop this bacteria colony is to buy your bacteria culture at your local pet store.

Adding Fish

Once you spent the time developing your bacteria colony, you cannot just dump your fish in the aquarium. Because I have a 75-gallon aquarium, and using the one-inch of mature fish for every gallon of water, I calculated I could put 15 fishes of the type I wanted in my aquarium.

I found out I should put just three fish of the same species in my tank every week. This is to prevent stressing the fish. Who would have thought?

I did violate this rule at the end when I added my Tiger Barbs. Since Tiger Barbs are schooling fish, they live in groups of six or more, anything less and they will become stressed.

So on the fourth week, after I had added nine fish already, I added my six Tiger Barbs with no problems to any of the fish.

Fertilizer

When I started replacing 10% of the water weekly, I found that this water was full of nitrates, phosphates and fish "poop". I had ready plant fertilizer.

I started pouring it on my houseplants and did they take off.

If you want more information on how to keep an aquarium, download a free eBook, titled "15 Tips On Building And Maintaining An Aquarium", at http://www.squidoo.com/homefreshwateraquariums or at Your Home Freshwater Aquarium.

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All You Need to Know About Betta Fish Medication

Planning to set up a betta fish tank? If so by know you've probably done enough homework about what you should do and what materials you should buy to set up just the perfect betta fish tank. One any self-respecting betta can't help but love.

Still no matter how perfectly your tank has been built, it doesn't warrant you the possibility of your betta catching dreaded diseases. Especially if you're not really that religious in maintaining an optimum betta tank environment. And where in such case when you can't even commit to taking good care of your betta, then you shouldn't keep a tank in the first place. Still, if you are so firm about keeping one, then at least you should equip yourself with the knowledge about betta fish medication.

Now you might wonder why learn about medication when your betta is not sick in the first place. Besides you can just as easily run into any pet store once something seems amiss, can't you? Or better yet, order them online. Right? Wrong. You see no matter how hard you try to keep the tank system at its best, you'll never know what can happen next. And the sad thing is a lot of betta fish owners only learn that their fish are sick when it's already too late for them to be cured. Worse is they misdiagnose the disease or overmedicate at times. So wouldn't it be better to be proactive and vigilant so you come prepared for whatever illness that may occur?

Okay so first things first. Along with completing the set up of your tank, you also have to secure yourself a betta fish first aid kit. So what should be found in a well-equipped fish medicine cabinet.

For starters, antibiotics like tetracycline, ampicillin, and kanamycin for bacterial infections.

Then you might want to have some Maracin 1 and Maracin 2 for fungal and bacterial infections handy.

Jungle fungus eliminator is good for fungal infections.

Plus maybe some anti-parasite pellets for those pesky parasitic infections that show up from time to time.

Still, what good would these medications do if you can't even tell whether your fish is sick or not? So you have to be very vigilant in looking for these signs telling you that your betta could be sick:

- Acts lethargic.
- Has white spots on their body.
- Displays a bloated tummy.
- One or both eyes are swollen.
- Has raised scales.
- Shows a dull or pale color.
- Has tattered fins or tail, brown spots on the fins or tail.
- Swims abnormally.
- Seems to have fallen in love with the bottom of the tank.

Any or some of these could be raising a red flag the betta is sick. So the next challenge is to correctly diagnose the disease the fish is suffering from. Which is just common sense so you'd know what type of medication should be given then, right?Unfortunately we'll have to save that diagnosis discussion for another time perhaps.

This is just an overview of what you're getting yourself into when taking care of a betta fish should some disease strike. Still this is not something you should fear as long as you know what medication should be given and when to your ailing pet. And so long as you make sure you read the instructions carefully to avoid overmedicating your betta which in the end could do more harm than good.

For a comprehensive look at the expected betta fish life span, why not visit http://www.better-bettas.com? There you can get answers to your questions about keeping these lovely pets. Don't be stuck with betta envy. Visit Better-Bettas.com today.

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The Controversy About Betta Fish and Vases

Ever notice that many modern stylish homes are into betta fish keeping? And who wouldn't be impressed by seeing such a trendy decorating element? Which if done right can make for a stunning display of living color that's a great compliment to any decor.

Only problem is some of these would be betta keepers put the diminutive Siamese fighting fish in peace lily vases. What's not to like? The elegant peace lily plant, the splashy betta fish, and the glittering gems on the bottom of the vase - you could say it must be the perfect combination. Or is it?

Now this idea of suitability is something worth exploring because we tend to get mixed reviews on whether betta fish and vases are a good match. Without taking sides we'll lay out four issues that jump out at you and then it's for you to decide as to whether this is suitable for fish like this or not.

Issue #1: Confining spaces or is that all there is?
As you know, when it comes to bettas the larger the tank the better. Vases and bowls are too small for most to swim around happily. Not that you can actually see them smiling but you will notice that they become surprisingly active when placed in a larger tank. Does small space stress them out? Perhaps. Especially when some would insist that the ideal tank size for a healthy betta fish set up is a 5 gallon tank at the least. Now if you could secure a vase with such capacity then you might be able to pull it off successfully. Otherwise, it might be a bit iffy.

Issue #2: The water's fine - or is it?
When you really push the issue of placing bettas in vases, well you should at least be prepared for the worst possible scenario in terms of its water condition. Two come to mind. Number 1 is temperature. These guys thrive in warm temperatures which is why installing a heater in any tank housing them is a must. Unfortunately, it is impossible to install a heater in a tiny bowl much less a narrow necked vase. Number 2 is toxins. When you have a small container, pretty much there will be a quicker buildup of ammonia and other toxins in the water there inside the vase. So don't be surprised if your betta gets sick out of the blue due in large part to questionable water conditions.

Issue #3: What's left to breathe?
Bettas are endowed with specialized breathing organs that allow them to breathe atmospheric air, basically the same air which we humans breathe. Now allowing them to breathe such air is very important for them to thrive. Otherwise, why would they be having such body part in the first place? And seeing a peace lily plant being inserted into the vase, how then is this really optimal when it comes to air for them to breathe?

Issue #4: What's for dinner?
The guy at the pet store selling you on the idea of a betta in a vase would most likely say it's okay not to give any food directly since the roots of the peace lily plant are enough to satisfy their appetite. Baloney! Fighting fish are carnivores. They eat meat. And the last time I checked, the roots of plant are still not found under the category of "meat."

However, despite these issues there are still some who insist that keeping bettas in a vase may in fact be feasible. Some have devised a way to punch a hole through the planting tray to allow air to pass through to supply more surface oxygen. Others would just lift the plant whenever they feed them betta pellets and live food as well as during water changes. But come on. Who is willing to commit to going through this much hassle when you can easily get a low maintenance set up?

Taking a look at these issues, certainly any sensible person could say that vases are far from ideal for bettas. Basically if you want your pet to achieve a lifespan that can last for years, then you would have to provide them with enough space to roam around, complete with adequate nutrition as well as the best water quality they can get. But like was said. It's up to you to decide if something less than that is the humane thing to do or not.

For answers to questions about keeping female or male bettas you might want to visit http://www.better-bettas.com. Many find that site to be laden with helpful advice and tips useful for both novice and intermediate betta keepers alike.

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Three Questions You Should Ask About Java Ferns

Okay so picking the right plants for your betta tank doesn't have to be done with the same care you would give say picking a brain surgeon - or like your life depended on it. But this is still a decision worthy of a bit of brain sweat. Okay maybe just a little. Because the answer may lie in a plant you may never have heard of before. Java Ferns

That's right. The java fern could just be the best aquarium plant you have never heard of. It's an even better betta fish plant, if I'm allowed to so designate one. Plus it's a low maintenance bit of vegetation that should do just fine in your tank and bring with it several benefits.

Having been sold on the idea, as with all things betta, there are some questions you might wish to ask about this planted tank adventure that you might not think of so let me suggest a few. These are extracted from the list of less than obvious questions about java ferns you may not have thought of but should have.

Question #1: So why is this a good plant for bettas?

It's simple. Plants help to keep nitrate levels down. And low nitrate levels equate to better water quality which equates to healthier fish. Aside from that these ferns provide shelter or just a place for a betta to take a break. You may see your fish just resting on one of the leaves. Plus they add to the overall beauty of the tank you've got going there.

Question #2: Sounds good, then how do I get started with these?

Success with java ferns begins with cured driftwood. Given these plants are rhizome based, meaning the leaves and roots develop from one, you'll want to simply tie your plant to the driftwood with fishing line until its roots take hold. After a few weeks you can snip off the line as the plant should be firmly attached by then. The roots will spread across the face of the wood from there.

The big idea here is to avoid burying the rhizome in the gravel or substrate. That will doom your plant to a fairly quick death.

Question #3: Will I need to provide any kind of fertilization?

Good question with a short answer. It depends. That and everyone has their favorite one be it something like Leaf Zone or some other commercial aquarium plant food. Plus there are no hard and fast rules for feeding.

Here's the deal with the fertilizer. The amount your plants will need to thrive depends on how much light they get. To put it simply the more light the plants get the hungrier they'll be. So more light equates to higher fertilizer or food requirements. The trick is too much of this stuff and you'll only be encouraging unwanted algae growth. Too little and your plants may be stymied. Much like Goldilocks, the amount to use needs to be just right. Which you can only determine from firsthand experience.

Still the nice thing about java ferns is they'll make do with the light you provide. Taking anything from bright to low light and making the best of it.

Anyway those are three lesser, yet good to know questions about java fern that you might not have thought of asking off the top of your head. So now you know.

And should you want help with male or female betta fish a visit to http://www.better-bettas.com is just a click away. Many find it to be worthwhile to read all the helpful advice and tips about Siamese fighting fish that awaits novice and intermediate betta keepers alike.

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Worried About Your Aging Betta?

You may not realize it but your prized betta is aging right before your very eyes. Well, okay not exactly. But close enough. And given they don't come with a birth certificate you really have no idea how old they are when you first lay eyes on them. Some Petco bettas might only be about six months old. Others on display at Walmart may be 15 months old. Or visa-versa. Or anything in between. Which is to say unless you are buying from a breeder who knows the age of the spawn that produced your veil tailed beauty you have no way of knowing how old the fish is when you bring him or her home.

So the pace of decline as your fish ages may be faster or slower depending on that unknown starting point. But given they may live four or five years under the best of circumstances the speed at which they age is still going to be fairly rapid. So much so you'll sooner or later recognize they aren't the fish they once were. Having slipped from robust enthusiasm to a more staid lifestyle more befitting middle age and then the golden senior years.

So do you suspect you have noticed signs that your betta is aging? If you answered not yet maybe you want to what are they and what should you look for? To help with that let's compare the reality then and the reality now so you'll know how to recognize what's going on with your betta fish's ticking biological clock.

Bubble nesting

Reality Then: When you first brought your finny friend home they probably displayed real nest building zeal. They may not have been blowing bubbles nonstop but some days is sure seemed like it, am I right? But back then they were likely in their breeding prime. And one never knows when a female may happen by who is ready, willing, and able to make a love connection, if you would. Your boy had no idea odds of that happening in their five gallon world were slim to none. Hence a bubble nest building we do go just in case.

Reality Now: Bubble nest? What's that? Okay so it not like someone flips a switch and the nest building activity ceases. But the fervor with which the process proceeds does tend to diminish over time. Which is only natural. As bettas age the urge to prepare to mate naturally diminishes too.

Flaring

Reality Then: Anything that could be a threat was flare worthy what with machismo bred into these fish. It might be your finger. It might be his image in a mirror. It might be the cory in his tank that dared dart off the bottom. Besides when you're young and viral there's territory to defend. And a physical verbal cue used to do that in a betta's world is by flaring.

Reality Now: Flaring? Not so much. Rather than dash to rise to the occasion your betta might glide over to investigate first. Because constant flaring takes energy. It can wear a boy out. Over time your pet may find better ways to expend their energy than by flaring at anything that might be a threat.

Colors on Display

Reality Then: The finned one initially put on quite a display without even trying. In some cases the colors of their body and fins might rival a 4th of July fireworks display.

Reality Now: Like it or not, just as human males lose their hair, betta males experience a subtle dulling of their colors over time. Not that they go pallid gray on you. But some of the eye catching brightness these boys display naturally is going to diminish over time.

But relax. None of this is to suggest your fish is ready to cash in their chips any time soon. But as we age our ability to maintain the vigor of youth passes. The key is to enjoy your betta fish as they change. Sure they may not dance like a whirling dervish at the sight of you like they did before. But that's not to say you still can't enjoy their more sedate behavior which now more rarely rises to the occasion than previously.

And for more info on what to feed betta fish maybe you should visit http://www.better-bettas.com. Better-Bettas is a popular site providing proven tips and advice for caring for Siamese fighting fish.

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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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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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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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Facts About Fish Tank Accessories

ByPaul De Vizard

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

Water Filters

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

Oxygen Plants

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

Types of Fish

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

Internal Ornaments

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

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

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

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All About the Angelfish

Angelfish are one of the most popular freshwater fish for aquarium owners. They have an elegant appearance, have a mild disposition. Other interesting information on Angelfish is that they swim up to the glass when being observed by people. They are easy to keep due to their hardiness and can withstand a wide range of water conditions and are able to feed on a range of foods.

Species and Strains

Freshwater Angelfish come from the Cichlidae family named Pterophyllum ("winged leaf"). There are three species in this family, the P. Altum, P. Leopoli and P. Scalare. The P. Scalare is the most popular and is what you will see in most aquariums. Even though it is referred to as P. Scalare, it is in fact the culmination of generations of selective breeding and cross breeding and mutations that now give us such fish as Silver, Gold, Zebra, Black Lace, Zebra Lace, Smokey, Chocolate, Halfblack, Koi, Leopard, Blue Blushing, Silver Gold Marble, Ghost and more.

History

Talked about in 1824 by Lichtenstein, then later bred in captivity in the 1920s and 1930s in the United States. They originate from the Amazon River, Orinoco River and Essequibo River in South America.

Description

Described as a "silver angel" the Angelfish is not like other cichlids, they have a flat body with a triangular shaped dorsal and anal fin. Angelfish in the sea will often have stripes to help camouflage it. Angelfish will grow to 4 inches in length and up to 8 inches in height.

Aquarium Requirements

Angelfish like to be kept in warm aquariums around 80F (27C). You should not put more than 8 breeding size angelfish in a 50 gallon tank. When a breeding pair has been established they can have a 20 gallon tank of their own. Angelfish should not be kept with aggressive fish because they are mild natured and tend to get their fins nipped.

Diet
Angelfish do well on a mixture of flakes, frozen and live food. Be careful to not overfeed them though because they will not stop feeding and this may cause their death. Their favorite foods are blood worms, white worms, tubifex worms and brine shrimp. They can still thrive if not given live foods.

Breeding

Angelfish like to select their own mates and because of this are unlike other chiclids. It is best to introduce around 6 juveniles into a tank and let them grow up together. Just before a year old they will force other fish away from their section of the tank. At this stage it is best to give them their own tank.

Diseases

Regularly maintaining your tank is a good way to prevent sickness with your Angelfish. The common diseases with Angelfish are bacterial and parasitic. Bacterial diseases are cotton wool disease, dropsy, bleeding or red streaks on skin and fish TB. Parasitic diseases are hexamita, ich or white spot disease and velvet disease.

With this information on Angelfish you can't go wrong when introducing these popular chiclids to your fresh water aquarium.

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What the Pet Store Won't Tell You About Betta Fish

Many pet stores offer betta fish routinely to new aquarists because they are considered a beginner fish species - the stunning colors and splendid fin arrangements of the Betta fish have gained them quite the following in the aquarium hobby. Although, despite the reputation betta fish have acquired, there are many mistakes new Betta fish keepers make as a result of incorrect and misguided information. The most frequent have to do with water changes and diet.

Even though bettas are capable of getting air from the surface of the water, they still benefit from being kept in a well aerated, filtered tank. When you keep bettas in tiny fish tanks, it's difficult to keep the water quality good. Due to the fact that it is nearly impossible to keep the water clean in a tiny fish tank, you should try to change out the water at least every other day.

However, daily water changes are better for your fish if you are keeping it in a little aquarium. Regular water changes allow betta fish to build an enhanced immune system, exhibit better coloration and they prevent the water quality from becoming foul.

Siamese fighting fish aren't incredibly active pets, and as such, they don't require frequent feedings. This is especially true if you are housing your betta in a tank less than 5 gallons of water because they are not able to move around very well. Regardless, some of the commonly available Siamese fighting fish food bottles advise aquarists to overfeed their Siamese fighting fish.

A Siamese fighting fish's stomach isn't big enough to accommodate large quantities of food, and leaving excess food floating in the water will cause the water quality to deteriorate - this will raise the ammonia concentration in the fish tank and harm your betta fish, possibly killing it.

Before jumping into feeding your fish multiple times per day, or even every day, take the time to learn how much he will eat at a time - offer Siamese fighting fish a couple pellets at a time, and leave it at that. Feeding your betta like this will stop you from overfeeding them and causing fish problems.

Besides from the obvious water quality issues, an overfed betta will become fat, which will severely shorten the time that you have with them. You can also offer your betta a treat a few times per week, like halved peas, brine shrimp or flightless fruit flies. Your betta will be healthier and more vibrant looking if they are offered a varied diet.

AJ Houston has been keeping freshwater and brackish aquarium fish for over 6 years, and is on an ongoing quest to learn more about topical fish keeping everyday. AJ has personal experience with treating fish ick naturally, getting rid of algae and fixing cloudy aquarium water.

For more help with figuring out how to solve your fish problems please visit: http://www.fishproblems.com

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