Choosing The Right Tropical Fish

BySteve Royle

When you fist start planning for your new aquarium the choice of fish and options of equipment can be a little overwhelming. Firstly there is the tank, what size? Where will I locate it? Then comes the question of what type of equipment should I choose, this is before you think about the type of species you are going to keep.

The first decision you should make is what type of Tropical Fish are you going to keep there are plenty of options, Community (Neon Tetras, Corydora etc), African cichlids, South American Cichlids, Biotope (an aquarium perfectly matching a species requirements). If you are going to keep large species then a large aquarium with good filtration is a must but if you're only keeping small species perhaps a community aquarium then a smaller aquarium will be fine.

You should ask yourself the following questions before deciding on a species:

-How large will the fish be once fully grown
-Once fully grown will the fish attack smaller fish in my aquarium
-Is the fish territorial
-What water parameters does the fish require (ph, hardness) and can I provide these
-Will it eat my plants
-Will it dig up the substrate in my tank
-Is the lighting suitable for the given species (too bright or too dim)
-What does the fish eat some fish are very fussy and will only take live foods
-Is the fish happy living alone or does it need a group of its own in the aquarium

Now you have decided on the type of fish you are going to keep you need to choose a location for the tank, avoid direct sunlight, loud noises and ensure the floor it is going to be placed upon will handle the load (a square meter of water weighs 1 ton!).

Now that you have chosen the type of fish you are going to keep and chosen a location it is time to think about decoration. The choices here are endless however you should match the natural habitat fish you intend to keep also do some research in to the species if you intend to plant your aquarium, Cichlids and some other species will destroy plants in a matter of days.

As a rule Community aquarium should have a gravel or sand substrate with places for the fish to take refuge and plants (presuming the kept species will allow) African Cichlids if you intend to keep mbuna (rock dwellers) then the aquarium should be full of rock with lots of places to hide. Some Africans are open water swimmers so need plenty of free open water.

There is a mass of products for decorating the aquarium on the market, some are novelty the traditional bubbling diver with his treasure chest for example. There are also some very realistic artificial bog woods which give your aquarium a very natural feel. The other advantage is you are making your fish feel at home and fish that feel comfortable in their surroundings are more likely to show good colouration as well as being more likely to breed.

When selecting new tropical fish for your aquarium, its important you are well informed if new to it, and have a good selection of healthy fish to choose from.

View a great selection of the Finest Tropical Fish online.

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

Choosing The Best Filter For Your Freshwater Aquarium

There are filters being sold right now that will KILL countless fish over time! This is a bold however a true statement. The fish-killing filters are missing a key component. Let's look at the most popular types available along with the key elements that will ensure complete filtration.

There are several types of filters that can be used with freshwater fish. The most common are hang-on-the-back or power filters, canister and wet-dry or trickle filters. Most new fish hobbyists start with hang-on types because they are inexpensive and most will work in both salt and freshwater. A power filter hangs on the back of an aquarium; a small pump pulls water up through an intake (siphon) tube and into a plastic box where it is then directed through a cartridge, sponge or special media and finally spills back into the aquarium.

In this case, size does matter: the aquarium size dictates what size filter to use. Choose one with a flow rate of 6 to 8 times the number of gallons of the aquarium.

It is critical that the water creates ripples on the surface water as it is returned to the aquarium because the top 1/16" is where gas exchange takes place. So, for the water to get oxygenated and CO2 to be released there needs to be surface movement (this is true unless oxygenation takes place in the filter.)

Before looking at other types of filters let's look at the three types of filtration: mechanical, biological, and chemical. Mechanical filtration is made up of a floss cartridge, pad or sponge. Mechanical media traps large particulate matter. The biological portion is made of ceramic rings, plastic bio balls, sponges, or fiber wheels. Biological media provides surfaces for good bacteria growth. These bacteria break down fish waste and other organic nutrients. Chemical filtration can be achieved through a good grade of activated carbon which adsorbs dissolved organics to reduce odors and removes yellow color from the water.

When choosing a filter you will find several manufacturers which do not offer biological media. Good bacteria (which break down the fish waste) will grow on any surface area where there is water, food and oxygen. The challenge is this: surface areas such as artificial plants and decorations are removed and cleaned when water is change, killing life-preserving bacteria. There must be a place provided where a huge colony of good bacteria can live, grow, and are not removed each time the tank is cleaned. Adding biological media to handle a well stocked tank is a must. So many hobbyists unknowingly sign a death sentence for their fish just by purchasing a filter that does not contain biological media.

Canister filters come in a variety of different sizes and are sold according to their flow rates. A canister generally sits in a stand below an aquarium and allows aquariums to sit closer to a wall. (Hang-on filters normally space the aquarium and stand several inches away from the wall.) Canisters are also designed to hold more media than hang-on styles. Square or cylindrical in shape, a canister will have two flexible tubes attached to its lid. One tube takes water from the aquarium, the other piece of tubing channels water back into the aquarium.

Each manufacturer makes canister filters a little differently, but they all work basically the same way. Once the water enters the plastic filtering tank, it is channeled through a series of trays or containers which hold various types of media. After the water passes through the media and is pumped back to the tank through the return tube. The clean water is either forced through a spray bar or a return with a deflector. Canister filters are extremely quiet.

A wet/dry or trickle filter provides mechanical and biological with the option to add chemical filtration. A Wet/Dry can be constructed out of glass or plastic and is generally placed in a stand under the aquarium. There are many different designs but they all work on basically the same principle. Water from the aquarium goes through the mechanical filter media and then falls onto a tray with holes. These holes spread the water out evenly, allowing for a shower effect below as the water drops onto the bio media. Bio-media is kept above the few inches of clean water using a grate. Once the water flows over the bio-media it is collected in the bottom area known as the sump. Keeping the bio media chamber above the water level provides an environment high in oxygen that is extremely beneficial to good bacteria and enables the filter to efficiently remove biological wastes.

The sump is where water is stored and used to keep the aquarium full. If the sump is large enough it can house a heater and a return pump. Most wet/dry filters also have compartments where chemical adsorbing media such as carbon can be placed.

The key to becoming a successful hobbyist is to choose a filter that provides plenty of water flow to create a never ending supply of oxygen for the fish. It also MUST provide all three types of filtration: mechanical, biological, and chemical.

For more expert tips and advice on selecting equipment for setting up an aquarium, choosing healthy fish, keeping and maintaining a freshwater aquarium, and much more, click here http://thenewfreshwateraquarium.com/

Laurren Schmoyer owned one of the largest aquarium stores on the East Coast for over 25 years. He also owned an aquarium service company for over 28 years. He has spent many years teaching and training customers the experts' way to keep all types of aquariums healthy and thriving for years.

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

Freshwater Aquarium Setup - Tips For Choosing Your Fish Tank

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

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

Material Type

Aquarium tanks are made in either glass or acrylic.

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

Location

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

Size of Tank

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

Type of Fish

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

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

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

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

A Buyers Guide to Choosing the Right Lighting for Your Saltwater Aquarium

Lighting for saltwater aquariums is probably one of the most important decisions you will have to make when creating a tank. What good is creating a visual effect under water when you can't see it properly?

The type of fish that will be kept in a saltwater aquarium will have come from warm shallow seas with a lot of light shining on them. So recreating that original setting is a must for your tank to flourish.

Types Of Tanks

Before you buy the lighting you need to consider first what type of aquarium you will have. Whether it be a fish only tank, fish only with live rock, or a reef tank.

Depending on what you decide will affect the choice of what lighting you will use for your saltwater aquarium. You don't want to underlight it and you don't want to overlight it causing the water to overheat.

Types Of Fish

The next thing to consider before you buy your lighting is what type of fish you will have in your tank. You also need to think about what species can be put together in the same tank and what their needs are. Some species require higher levels of lighting. Also you need to research what the requirements are in a reef tank particularly. Some organisms don't work well together.

What Lighting To Use

For fish only tanks use fluorescent lighting as these aquariums don't require a lot of lighting. Fluorescent lighting is cool in temperature, inexpensive and is evenly spread throughout the tank. This is the lighting you see in offices. The bulbs have a long life. The rule of thumb for lighting with fluorescent lighting is 1W per gallon.

For fish with live rock tanks you might consider power compact fluorescent lighting. This is put basically fluorescent lighting bent in half. They are available in spectrums of Daylight, Actinic Blue and 50/50. This type of lighting will help with coralline algae growth. If you're not too concerned with this algae growth then you can just use fluorescent lighting.

For a reef tank it might be best to consider a more complicated sort of lighting. It may require something with a very high output, (VHO) but the water temperature has to be considered. You may have to think about buying fans and chillers. You can also use metal halide lighting. Halides are usually used for invertebrates and photosynthetic corals. Be sure that comes with an ultra violet filter. Or you could combine with mercury vapour types, they may have to come with reflective mechanisms to direct the light rays. Halide lighting isn't as strong and so it creates a shadow effect on the reef making for a more dramatic appearance.

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

Choosing The Best Algae Eater For Your Freshwater Aquarium

An aquarium is a very delicately balanced ecosystem that requires special attention when an imbalance occurs in order to keep the residents alive and healthy. The environmental issues could range from pH complications to an overproduction of algae. With the health of the occupants in mind, the best algae eater for freshwater aquarium is a natural source rather than using harsh chemicals.

Snails are a fun way to rid the tank of algae and are a favorite among children. A great choice is the Ramshorn snail which has a voracious appetite and requires little space. They come in a wide selection of colors which can be matched to the scheme of your tank. There are two points against the snail however, they will eat any plants in the tank and can reproduce very rapidly.

There are also several species of fish which can accomplish your control needs. The right choice of fish can add beauty and diversity to your tank. You must consider your current fish community and size of tank before making a choice of an algae eating fish to prevent aggressive behavior, and possible loss.

The Butterfly Goodeid has an adult size between 3 and 5 inches, with a big appetite. This fish can be aggressive to other fish so an enthusiast should carefully consider the tank community before adding them to the tank, or keeping them in a species only aquarium. The Goodeid fish require a well filtered environment due to a strong sensitivity to poor water conditions.

The American Flag fish is a favorite with brilliant coloring and an easy manner. With an adult size of approximately 2 inches, they do not need a large tank to thrive. Another great choice is the Otocinclus catfish which also has a small demand for space and will not harm plants.

A common pleco is well loved by observers with large fins and an easy behavior. This fish will grow very large and has a tendency to jump from the tank making many owners reluctant to keep them. They require ample space and a lid to maintain them.

A good algae eater is the Bristlenose catfish. These are very commonly seen in pet shops. They are very hearty, and perfect for smaller tanks, this makes them a favorite for those new to the care of an aquarium or have little time to devote to the tank.

If you are looking to diversify your tank consider adding s few shrimp to your community. Amano and Cherry shrimp are both great eaters, they are peaceful and will not damage plants. Shrimp can be sensitive to the condition of the water in the tank so it is best to have an established environment before attempting to introduce them.

Knowing that your aquarium is a delicately balanced system, it is important to find the best algae eater for freshwater aquarium. Many chemicals can damage the quality of the water as a result have an impact on the health of your inhabitants. Natural means to manage the problem work in nature, why not use the same techniques to add diversity and beauty to your tank.

Next, find out more about keeping small freshwater aquariums and find out what the best freshwater aquarium filter is to help keep your tank crystal clear.

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

Choosing a Fish Tank - Budget, Size, Livestock, Type

Aquariums come in many shapes and sizes and there are a number of categories that have to be looked at when making the decision of what aquarium to buy. Four considerations that have to be made are:

Budget, Size, Livestock, and Appearance.

I tried putting these categories in order of importance but depending on your response to some of them the latter questions may have more importance for some people.

Budget
Aquariums come in all shapes and sizes but the before you look at sizes and types of aquarium at the least get a general idea of the your budget for the aquarium? There are a number of standard tanks that are affordable, but there is a chance that you are on the other end of the spectrum and can start looking at unique, or bigger aquariums? In whatever situation you are in you can probably find an aquarium that can fit your budget. Just keep in mind that the more "custom" you go with a tank the more expensive it will be. Please also consider that buying the fish tank is only the beginning of your journey. Most of the time that is only the "tip of the iceberg" when you consider all of the lighting, filters, and fish (and possibly coral!) that you will be purchasing for your aquarium as well!

Size
As mentioned earlier there are an unlimited number of possibilities when it comes to fish tank sizes. First try to understand exactly where you are putting your fish aquarium and stand, and get a feel for how much room you have in that location. Measure it out keeping in mind that you still want to give people room to get by the aquarium! After figure out how much room you have in your place for your aquarium search for an aquarium dimensions chart on the internet. Then find a standard aquarium size looks suitable to your situation and to your tastes. After finding the size and shape of the aquarium that you want then you have to find it in a store or online. You can usually either go straight to the manufacturer's website to see who distributes their aquariums or you can head to one of the bigger pet stores to find a similar size. Or you can call around and see what the local pet stores have in your area!

Saltwater or Freshwater, Fish Only or Reef Tank
After you have established the aquarium size you need to decide what you are going to put into it. The first option is to choose between a freshwater or a saltwater aquarium, because that will dictate the type of equipment (filtration system, lighting, decor, and substrate) that you will be able to put into your system. The biggest difference between freshwater and saltwater is that you typically need higher output lights and a higher quality filtration system when you go to a "full" reef tanks (with fish and corals) because corals have a lot more sensitive needs than fish. A saltwater tank with fish only (no corals) will still be more expensive than a freshwater tank but not as much as what you really need to grow corals successfully. Finally, please keep the health of your fish in mind because a lot of fish (i.e. tangs) will not be happy in a smaller size tank because they need a lot of room to swim so please talk with your pet store or with an expert before picking out fish to confirm the aquarium you choose is appropriate.

Type of Aquarium
The type of aquarium and what the tank looks like is really the last item you have to consider and it's more of a personal preference than anything. After you have decided on your budget, size, and what is going inside it's really up to you to pick the type of aquarium. Even the glass framed tanks have a few different finishes to them such as a black frame or oak style frame, and beyond that you can choose glass or acrylic, framed/frameless, circular or rectangle, and height and width. You can choose your aquarium to fit your lifestyle and to fit into your overall decorative scheme of your home.

The author has maintained saltwater reef tanks and freshwater tanks for nearly his entire life and he runs http://www.aquariumdimensions.com an informative website containing aquarium size information and brand reviews. He thinks he has learned a lot about the hobby and is hoping that others can learn from his mistakes!

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

Choosing the Finest Crawfish Traps

ByJannatul Ferdous Shumi

Seafood is a favorite meal for many people throughout the world. Crabs, lobsters and prawns are a number of the most commonly used forms of fish there is. Crayfish is also very fashionable when it comes to its taste. Present in freshwater lakes all around the world, crayfish is caught after which sold by native fishermen. Catching the crayfish is considerably completely different from what you could be used to. Crawfish traps are simple to make use of and efficient in catching the crayfish too. Although there are various designs and types that provide the crawfish traps, there are mainly solely two kinds of traps: Cylindrical and mesh traps.

Cylindrical crawfish traps are very effective method of catching crayfish. The innovative design of the trap permits crayfish to enter by solely two miniature holes on the edges of the trap and then makes the fish stay contained in the trap. Bait can fairly simply be placed inside. The more fish that enter the trap, the tougher it turns into for them to get out of it. Once the fish is caught, the trap is taken out of the water and the catch is obtained.

Mesh crawfish traps work slightly bit differently. The fish simply pushes in opposition to the trap to be able to eat the bait and in this approach, they enter the trap. Different crawfish often do the same factor and start cramming up contained in the trap. Once the variety of the crawfish inside the trap increase, it turns into tough for the fish to leave the mesh by exerting the identical amount of force as before. In this way, the trap is lifted out of the water and then opened to acquire the catch.

Crawfish traps might be made up of different materials. The most generally used supplies embrace plastic, mesh and steel. The vast majority of people have a tendency to use plastic and mesh more often for catching crayfish. It's because these materials are usually extra durable than any other material and are straightforward to hold and use too. Professional fishermen, however, tend to make use of the metal made traps more often as they are more durable and are efficient as a way to catch a large amount of crayfish. Plastic and mesh made traps are easier to use, they will simply be opened to position the bait and once the crayfish is caught, they're very easy to open and might then be taken out with equal ease. However, the steel traps are considerably troublesome to make use of as the steel must be worked with a purpose to receive the catch.

Folks catching crawfish for enjoyable and not for business purposes should definitely go for the plastic and mesh crawfish traps as they're very simple to hold and then use to catch the crawfish. Such traps are also cheap and may easily be bought off local stores and likewise off the internet. Their light-weight and sturdiness give them a significant lead over the metal crawfish traps. The mesh and plastic usually take years earlier than they break and start to develop into defunct.

Crawfish Traps
How to make crawfish traps

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