Tropical Fish Tanks Temperature Guide

ByCharlie Knowles

For people who own a freshwater aquarium, there are lots of things that you should monitor closely. For one, chemistry plays a big role in the growth of tropical fishes. In addition to that, there is also a required temperature range for your fish. With this in mind, it is a must that you ensure that your tropical fish tank is within proper temperature range. By doing so, your fish will not only be the ones to benefit from these, the plants in the fish tank will be benefited as well. In order to have a thriving freshwater fish tank, you must always check if the tank temperature is within range.

What Is The Desired Temperature Range of A Freshwater Tank?

The desired temperature range of fishes would be 72- 79 degrees. However, most freshwater tank owners think that it is best to maintain their fish tanks at a temperature of 77 degrees. You may or may not follow this standard. For better results, you can try asking the sales representative in the fish store. Different breeds of fishes have their own preferred temperature. By asking the store representative, you will be able to know what is the perfect temperature for the fish that you want to take care of.

There are actually some fishes which prefer lower temperature range. For instance, Goldfishes can best thrive on a temperature range of 52 to 65 degrees. Because of this, Goldfishes and tropical fishes cannot live together in one tank.

By ensuring that your is at its required temperature, you will be taking care of a strong and healthy fish. If the temperature in your tank is lower than the required range, your fishes will be stressed out and they will be more susceptible to diseases. On the other hand, exposing them to higher temperatures will deprive them of their oxygen requirement.

However, there are instances that will call for higher tank temperature. For one, fish breeding requires high temperature, preferably a couple of degrees to 79. Another instance that you may need to raise the temperature of your tank is when your fishes develop a certain disease called Ick. This disease usually is due to the different conditions of your tank. It may also be due to the stress that your fishes are experiencing. When treating such diseases, raising your tank temperature to 80 degrees would be a big help.

How To Raise The Temperature of Your Tank?

Any changes in the temperature should be introduced slowly. In the event that you need the temperature should be elevated to 80 degrees, you should allot two days to do so.

Changing the water requires careful process too. If you wish to change out the water, the best thing to do is to out in hot water first then allow it to sit overnight. The next morning, add the new water, little by little. By doing so, the replacement water will be maintained within room temperature.

These are some things you should take note of in maintaining your freshwater fish tank's temperature. For more information about Tropical Fish, please visit our website.

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Building a Pond - A Simple How To Guide

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

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

Aesthetics

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

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

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

The aesthetic value depends on several things:

Consider the following simple guidelines:

Location

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

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

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

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

Types of Fish You Put in Your Pond

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

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

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

How Well You Maintain Your Pond

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

In Conclusion

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

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

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

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

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A Freshwater Aquarium Guide

Are you interested in establishing your own freshwater aquarium? There are so many different things to learn and know about aquariums before you buy them, so consider first, reading . Such things as which tank to buy, which substrate and decorations to use, and how to introduce fish to their new home should all be thought about.

A large majority of children grew up having a small fish bowl with their favorite pet fish, but any good freshwater aquarium guide will advise that you start off with a sturdy medium-sized aquarium because they are actually easier to care for. It is suggested that you do not go smaller than a ten gallon size aquarium. You must also consider where you are going to place the aquarium in your home. The size and style of the tank must coordinate and fit nicely with where you ultimately decide to place it. Aquariums may also be made with either glass or acrylic. Acrylic is usually better for children because it does not break as easily as glass, so any small accidents with a stray ball in the house will not end up with your pet fish swimming on the floor! Glass is not as expensive as acrylic and is usually the best option for households without small children.

Next, you should decide on the different substrate and decorations to use. The most common substrate used is sand or colored gravel. You should also decide if you want to use fake or real water plants. Fake plants can add a colorful pop that never die and require no attention, but real plants have numerous benefits such as providing a more natural environment and filtering carbon dioxide while giving off oxygen. Consult for different ideas on decorations.

After setting up your new aquarium you should let it cycle for a few weeks. Fishless cycling is always recommended because it is more humane. A basic understanding of the nitrogen cycle is essential, and it will save a few fish lives. After your tank has cycled, it will harbor the beneficial bacteria necessary to break down the fish waste.

The final and most enjoyable step is to head to a reputable fish store to purchase some new additions to your aquarium. Doing research beforehand and having handy should aid you in picking out the appropriate fish. For first time aquarium owners, it is recommended that you purchase just a few hardy starter fish--aggressive or difficult to care for fish should be avoided. Make sure to only add a few fish at a time to the aquarium and do not overcrowd the tank because that could result in illness, stress, and ultimately death for the fish.

If you are interested in establishing a freshwater aquarium doing some research can greatly help you with deciding what you want and need for a healthy, thriving aquarium. With a few simple points in mind, and a trusty freshwater aquarium guide, you can be the proud new owner of an amazing freshwater aquarium.

David Grayson, has been captivated with Freshwaton Aquariums for many years and offers for free to help you understand and get the most out of a freshwater aquarium. Checkout my website.

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Koi Types - Your Guide To Koi Varieties

ByAdam Boyle

The word "Koi" means "carp" and originates from the Japanese language. The nomenclature indicates both the brightly colored Koi types and the dull gray fish. In Japan the fish are called nishikigoi. The literal translation of nishikigoi is "brocaded carp". Koi in Japan means love or affection. Koi in Japan are symbols of love and affection. They have also become a popular subject for tattoos.

The common carp was grown for a food fish in China as far back at the fifth century. It has been concluded through scientific study that there are a minimum of two different subspecies of carp. One is from east Asia and another from Eurasia. Through continuous cross breeding, the various varieties have evolved. Through the study of mitochondrial DNA, it has been learned that Koi are descendents of a variety of hybridized species.

The characteristics that distinguish the Koi are scalation, patterning and coloration. The primary colors of Koi are black, white, yellow, red, blue and cream. The color combinations are unlimited. Breeders have taken it upon themselves to identify certain color combinations. The most popular of the Koi varieties are the Gasanke which consists of the Taisho Sanshoku, the Showa Sanshoku and the Kohaku varieties.

The crossbreeding has continued. As recently as the 1980's, Ghost Koi was developed in the UK. They are a cross between the wild Koi and the Ogon Koi. Their metallic scales are what distinguish them from other Koi. The dragon carp, which is also known as the Longfin Koi or the Butterfly Koi have long flowing fins which distinguish them from the other varieties. There are those breeders that do not consider the butterfly Koi and ghost Koi to be true Nishikigoi. The development of Koi types continue and the variety of choices increases. There are some who feel that the original Koi types are the only true Koi.

The Various Koi Types

Kohaku: This popular white Koi has red markings on the top of its body. the name Kohaku means red and white. This original Koi developed in the 19th century.

Taisho Sanshoku are also known as Taisho Sanke. In 1914, breeders introduced these types of Koi. They are similar to the Kohaku, but have additional black markings. These small black markings are called sumi. In the United States, they are frequently called Sanke. The kanji can be read as Sanshoku or sanke.

Showa Sanshoku is a black Koi. It has red and white markings. These types of Koi was first shown in 1927 during the Showa empire. The amount of shiroji, white markings, has increased over the years. In the United States the name has been abbreviated to Showa.

Tancho Koi are distinguished by the single red patch that you see on the head of the Koi. The Koi in this category can be either Tancho Showa, Tancho Sanke or Tancho Goshiki. This Koi was named for the Japanese crane. The crane has a red spot on its head also.

Chagoi are tea-colored Koi. The color covers a wide spectrum of colors from a very pale olive drab green to a copper or bonze hue. Recently some have appeared in shades of orange. These particular Koi types are friendly, docile and very large. Keepers like to keep them in their pond with other Koi varieties as they feel they are a sign of good luck.

Asagi Koi is usually red, yellow or cream below the lateral lines of the fish and on its cheeks. The rest of the fish is a beautiful light blue. The name means pale greenish-blue in Japanese and also spring onion or indigo.

Utsurimono Koi are black and have either white, red or yellow markings. The original is the black and white markings, called the zebra color. The red and white are Hi Utsuri and Shiro Utsuri. Utsuri means to print. The black markings are very similar to ink markings. These types of Koi are genetically the same as Showa but without the white or red pigment.

Bekko is a yellow, white or red skinned Koi that has distinctive black markings. The name translates to "tortoise shell". The white, red and yellow Koi varieties are Shiro Bekko, Aka Bekko and Ki Bekko. Occasionally they are confused with Utsuri.

Shusui translates to "autumn green". The Shusui appeared in 1910. It is a cross between the German mirror carp and the Japanese Asagi. These particular Koi types have one line of large scales that extend from its head to its tail.

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

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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.

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