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Starting Your Aquarium Hobby
2010-02-23 06:01:00
Once you have allowed your new freshwater aquarium to run for several weeks without any fish in it to allow the beneficial bacteria to grow and to allow the water in your tank to cycle, it's time to start thinking about adding fish. The worst mistake you can make at this point is to run down to a fish shop and buy a bunch of pretty, shiney fish and throw them into your tank. It is very important for the health and well-being of your aquatic pets for you to think through the world you are creating.Here are some important things to consider:Add your fish a few at a time.It is important not to overwhelm your tank environment by adding a bunch of fish at once. Buy 2 or 3 fish and allow your tank to recover before you add more.Goldfish are never a good idea.Unless you are creating a goldfish tank, goldfish are not a great addition. Contrary to some popular theories, they are not even a good idea to use to cycle your tank. Goldfish are coldwater creatures and they will not do well at a t...
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Starting A Fresh Water Aquarium Hobby
2010-02-23 05:53:00
The first fish for your freshwater aquarium should be tolerant of a variety of water conditions.  It is not unusual for water conditions to fluctuate during the introduction of fish, and you want your aquatic pets to have the best chance of survival as you get the hang of getting and keeping your water conditions under control.Your first fish also need to be easy to feed and accept a variety of foods.  Don't buy a finicky variety of fish that will only eat certain foods. Make sure that you are not buying fish that will outgrow your tank or outgrow their tankmates.  Some varieties of fish are fine as long as everyone is the same size, but if they become larger than their tankmates, they will eat them. The level of agression in the fish is important as well.  Some fish only become aggressive if there aren't enough of them in the tank.  Others just don't play well with others.  Agression will cause the fish to nip at each other, and the result...
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Compatibility for Tropical Fish of Freshwater Aquariums
2010-01-18 08:38:00
When setting up a freshwater aquarium, you want to make sure that you understand which fish will get along. The last thing that you want to do is have your tank proper set up and acclimated, and then a few weeks, or even days, after adding a your initial fish, one or two start to nip and bully the others. This will severely stress out the other fish.You want to make sure that you keep community fish with community fish, semi-aggressive with semi-aggressive, and aggressive fish with aggressive fish. But, in terms of aggressive and semi-aggressive fish, you want to make sure that you keep similarly sized fish in the tank. With aggressive fish, you want to keep one species per tank, as well.
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Keeping the Silver Arowana
2010-01-12 07:49:00
The complete how-to guide to caring for the silver arowana, Osteoglossum bicirrhosum, as an aquarium fish. What size tank do you need? What kind of filtration? What do you feed it? How fast will your arowana grow? What are these magnificent fish like as pets? What are the common problems you might encounter, and how do you handle them? Everything you need to know from an experienced silver arowana guardian. Abundantly illustrated with color photographs.
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How to Cycle A New Aquarium
2009-09-07 07:57:00
One important factor of success in keeping an aquarium is noticing the nitrogen cycle in your aquarium. Basically a nitrogen cycle is powered by beneficial bacterias that will process the waste ammonia from your fish and convert it into nitrites and then into relatively harmless nitrates.If you add fish to an uncycled tank, then sometimes the fish result in fin rot, ick and other common fish diseases. Fish can be seen gasping at the top of the aquarium. That is probably because of excessive ammonia in the water that cause fish stress.The only way to over come this is to wait until there are sufficient numbers of bacteria to convert the ammonia into nitrates. There are a few things that can be done to encourage the growth of the bacteria.The traditional method to cycle a new aquarium is to add a few ?hardy? fish that will produce ammonia wastes to encourage bacteria growth. This method of cycling is very stressful for the fish. Many become stressed, damaged or simply die during the ...
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Neon Tetra
2009-09-05 01:08:00
Neon tetras are favorite fish among aquarists. The fish are playful and active and they look splendid if you keep a school of neon tetras.These little red-blue tetras can be found originally in the waters of South America, namely the rivers Amazon (Rio Solimoes), Napo and Tiger. These are rivers with acidic, soft water at temperatures of 68-80 degrees Fahrenheit (20-26 degrees Celsius). It likes both clear and somewhat opaque water. Neon tetras have been populated into some waters of Singapore recently.The neon tetra is a small fish with a maximum length of about 1.2 inches (3 centimeters) and the typical tetra body shape. The main characteristics of the fish are an iridescent blue horizontal line from its nose to the base of the adipose fin, and an iridescent red line that goes from the middle of the body to the base of the caudal fin.The back of the fish is greyish, while the abdominal regions are silvery white.The fish changes the brightness of its colors according to the time of...
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Cherry Barbs Fish
2009-09-05 00:58:00
Cherry barbs are popular freshwater aquarium fish and is quite easy to care for. The Cherry barbs are peaceful fish. They are best kept in groups of five or more, with a ratio of two females to every one male. How do you differ a male cherry barb from a female one? Well male cherry barbs are much redder than the female. Males will become a very deep red when breeding. Female cherry barbs have yellowish fins and are a lighter color than the male. Both have a brownish black to deep blue black horizontal strip that extends from the snout, passing through the eye and extending to the base of the caudal fin. The sides and belly of the fish have silver highlights. They are fawn colored on top and have a slight green sheen.Cherry barbs are native to Sri Lanka, and can be found in heavily shaded, shallow calm tropical waters. Your cherry barbs will respond best to a heavily planted tank that also has a clear area for swimming. They perfer temperatures of 73 to 80.5 degress F, with a ...
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How To Care the Common Pleco
2009-08-12 02:55:00
The common plecostomus, or common pleco, is a fish known as an algae eater. The common plecos are of great interest because they could be kept in either a tropical or cold water tank. These fish also do well at outdoor ponds. Common plecos generally reach an adult size of about 8-12", though they can get larger. The common pleco is a type of catfish and is a "slime sucker", he will try to "clean" his tank mates if given a chance. This means that larger, slow-moving fish with thick slime coats should never be kept with a common pleco as the latter may accidentally kill the fish. Namely, they should never be kept with goldfish of any kind and they have been known to cause problems with Angelfish, Oscars, Silver Dollars and more.Next, since these fish are marketed as an algae eater many people get the false impression that algae is all they need. On the contrary, common plecos are voracious eaters and need quite a variety of food in adequate quantities to stay healthy. Aside from ta...
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Caring your Fresh Water Fish
2009-07-19 02:03:00
Source from http://animal-world.com/encyclo/fresh/inf ormation/fresh-water-fish-care.phpFresh water fish vary from the hardy to the delicate depending on the type. The water they swim in needs special care to keep them happy and healthy.It is important to keep a consistent and well maintained water environment for your fish. Chemical toxins as well as fluctuations in pH or temperature can do serious harm to your fresh water fish.Water changes and other treatments will keep ammonia levels from becoming toxic. Because tap water may have chemicals, like chlorine and chloramines, that can kill your fresh water fish, it is important that you treat the water. A tap water conditioner for freshwater aquariums will neutralize both chemicals.Other things you can do to better your fresh water fish care include monitoring the water temperature and the pH levels. Make sure to always keep the water temperature stable. Changing water temperature will cause unnecessary stress on your fish.You can ad...
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What Fish? A Buyer's Guide to Reef Fish
2009-07-09 04:44:00
This buyer?s guide to reef fishes presents fact-filled, color-illustrated profiles of 180 specimens that marine aquarium hobbyists can select to stock a truly fascinating and beautiful tank. Author Phil Hunt, an expert on reef aquariums, tells how to set up and maintain a reef aquarium, and guides his readers with detailed advice on coping with common problems. The fishes profiled in this book range from those suitable for virtually every reef aquarium to others that should be kept with a restricted selection of corals. The fishes shown and described include:Damselfishes and Clownfishes * Tangs and Surgeonfishes * Angelfishes * Hawkfishes * Wrasses * Basslets * Dartfishes * Tilefishes * Blennies * Butterflyfishes * Gobies * Triggerfishes, and many othersEach profile includes details on what the fish eats, its compatibility with other fish and invertebrates, its hardiness, its needs in relation to the tank environment, and a general guide to its retail price. Approximately 250 color ...
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The Essential Book of Koi: A Complete Guide to Keeping and Care
2009-05-19 07:01:00
The Essential Book of Koi combines research from leading international authorities on koi with the captive-care techniques of experienced aquarists to yield the most up-to-date and extensive book available on the science, care, and breeding of these large ornamental fishes. This cutting-edge guide discusses topics that are imperative for sustaining a thriving family of koi, including how to create and maintain the best water quality, how different filtration systems work, the biology of koi and how to keep them in good health, and detailed information on feeding, buying, and showing. It also provides important details on the breeding of koi, a serious and rewarding pastime for many aquarists, and explains how koi are bred commercially as well as getting started at home. The fact-filled text is complemented by vivid, brand new photographs that detail the seemingly endless color variations of koi.Whether you are a hobbyist looking to show or breed koi in your pond, or you simply want ...
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Reef Secrets: Starting Right, Selecting Fishes & Invertebrates, Advanced Bi
2009-05-19 06:58:00
This is a beautiful book. There are lots of great pictures. The book is an excellent resource for those who are starting a reef tank. There are thorough and informative chapters on issues such as set-up, live rock, lighting, fitration, feeding, etc. The sections on selection & care of corals, other invertebrates, fishes, and algae are excellent. Issues of care, compatibility and conservation are addressed for all species.I did notice a couple of incorrect pictures, but this is a very minor problem.Overall, this is an excellent beginner/intermediate book by a pair of recognized and respected authorities in the field. Their superb 4-volume series is beyond the budget of most at a per-volume list price of around $90. Most of what the average new reefer needs is here in this book. It is an excellent value for the price.
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JBJ 28 Gallon Nano-Cube Aquarium with 105 Watt Quad Compact Fluorescent Lig
2009-05-19 06:28:00
The JBJ 28 Gallon Nano -Cube Aquarium 105 Watt Quad Compact Fluorescent Lighting incorporates many high-tech features not commonly found in "All-In-One" systems. The new concept behind the 28 Gallon Nano-Cube was inspired by hundreds of reef hobbyists who requested higher powered lighting, increased water circulation, a more simplified filter, and designated water level columns in the rear chambers for heaters, refugiums and protein skimmers (heater, protein skimmers & refugium not included).

All-Glass Aquarium Mini-Bow 2.5 Gallon Acrylic Aquarium Kit
2009-05-14 08:14:00
Everything you need to start a great aquarium for your goldfish or betta. Its undergravel filtration keeps the water crystal clear and makes it an ideal step up from your goldfish or betta bowl.2 1/2 gallon acrylic tank with base that conceals air pump and lighted hood with handy feeding door.Air pump and 24" airline tubing.Undergravel filter with base and clear lift tube.Clear betta divider that makes room for two bettas.15 watt incandescent light bulb.Goldfish and tropical fish food.Water conditioner.Perfect starter aquarium for a new fish hobbyist or as a tranquil addition for your desk or family room.
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A Guide to the Selection, Care & Breeding of Corals for the Mini-Reef Aquar
2009-05-14 08:11:00
Dr. Herbert Axelrod continues to pass on his aquatic prowess in this book for coral enthusiasts. Novice reefkeepers should definitely invest in this book as it is very easy to read and understand. Experienced reefkeepers would even profit from having this book in their aquatic library for reference at any time, as it is thorough in all the typically kept hard and soft corals. Each coral is given its own color-coded review for difficulty of keeping and put into one of three catagories, green for beginners, yellow for experienced keepers of corals, and red for those who consider themselves experts. On the whole this is a great reference for anyone who is considering keeping corals, either for the first time or continuing to keep them after years of experience.
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biOrb Aquarium Kit with Light Fixture
2009-04-17 04:45:00
The Baby biOrb is a sophisticated aquarium that bestows the soothing sensation of swimming fish at home or at the office. It requires very little maintenance, and all supplies, including a halogen light and a comprehensive instruction guide, are provided. The unique, built-in 5-stage filtration system combines biological, chemical, and mechanical filtration to keep the water healthy and crystal-clear for months between simple filter changes. The filter cartridge conveniently lasts up to 8 weeks, so cleaning the BiOrb is quite easy. Since the filter is barely visible at the bottom of the globe, it causes no obstruction of the underwater view when the biOrb is filled. The durable, bowl-shaped Plexiglass allows a perfect 360-degree viewing angle, and the built-in halogen light provides full observation of the swimming fish any time of day. The compact size and silver trim allow it to blend into any desk, counter, table, shelf, or mantel. The Baby biOrb measures 13 x 13 x 13 inches and ...
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The Simple Guide to Freshwater Aquariums
2009-04-16 05:51:00
First published in 2001, The Simple Guide to Freshwater Aquariums has become the bestselling reference in its category, offering an easy-to-understand look at setting up and maintaining a successful first freshwater aquarium.Now in a completely revised second edition, The Simple Guide to Freshwater Aquariums offers comprehensive and authoritative information that will guide new hobbyists to guaranteed success. Written by a renowned aquarium hobby expert, this indispensable guide contains many ideas for tank setups and stocking schemes?with brand new text that makes the subject material even easier to access and understand for the beginner hobbyist. An all-new preface reflects changes in the hobby since the first edition, while two brand new chapters discuss the benefits of routine large water changes as well as what to expect when progressing further into aquarium keeping. The book also adds mention of all new species that are especially recommended for beginners, plus over 150 full...

Mini-Aquariums
2009-04-07 06:21:00
Fishkeeping can be a relaxing and enjoyable hobby. But what if you don't have room for a 75-gallon tank? Or even a 40-gallon tank?The popularity of mini-aquariums (defined as water features that contain less than 40 gallons of water) is on the rise. These systems can be freshwater or saltwater, can be filled with a wide variety of species, and generally take up a very small amount of space. Mini -Aquariums offers detailed information on all aspects of setting up and maintaining a mini aquarium. It includes sections on fish health and water quality management, explains the differences between aqua-terrariums, terrariums and vivariums, details how to use common species of terrestrial plants in container ponds, and provides extensive information on many other topics.If you live in a small apartment, want to set up a mini-pond at the office, or just prefer the look of a tiny tank, a mini aquarium may be the perfect choice for you!

JBJ 12 Gallon Nano Cube Deluxe Aquarium with (2) Nite-Vu LED Moonlights
2009-04-07 06:18:00
The Ultimate Reef Ready Biotope!The newly redesigned Nano Cube is now offered in a Deluxe version to meet the needs of the serious reef enthusiast. The New Nano Cube Deluxe offers double the light output of the original model, giving your corals and invertebrates 48 total watts of intense JBJ compact fluorescent illumination. All models come standard with (2) built-in cooling fans to dissipate excess heat, a new highly efficient (Fulham, UL Approved) remote electronic ballast with disconnect cable, and return nozzle for directional flow output.Advanced Features:12 Gallon Glass CubeOffers Panoramic viewing with smooth rounded corners. The Nano Cube Deluxe offers the ideal dimensions for a mini-reef tank that requires depth for proper rock stacking.Built-in 3-Stage FiltrationNewly redesigned filtration system allows for better surface skimming and more room in the rear for larger pumps for DIY customers. The filtration compartment is hidden in the rear and provides maximum space for t...
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The Simple Guide To Mini-reef Aquariums
2009-04-07 06:15:00
Many hobbyists strive to eventually be able to care for a successful reef aquarium. A mini-reef aquarium is the ideal solution, providing the challenge of a larger setup with the reward of cultivating a mini-ecosystem in your own home. The Simple Guide to Mini -Reef Aquariums includes easy-to-understand information on: -The most common and easiest-to-care-for species of reef inhabitants. -How and where to set up your tank. -Routine and special-needs maintenance. -Identifying and solving problems. -How to nurture, sustain, and grow your mini-reef.

The Nano-Reef Handbook
2009-04-07 06:11:00
Any reef aquarium that contains less than 15 gallons of water is considered a nano-reef aquarium. These tiny ecosystems are almost as popular in the fishkeeping community as full-size marine aquarium setups, and with the proper information and tools, they can be set up and maintained by aquarists at any level of the hobby.The wide range of topics covered in this guide include the importance of water quality and tips on maintaining stable water parameters; components of a nano-reef and how to choose the appropriate aquarium, lighting, and accessories for a tank; which fish and invertebrates are best for these types of tanks; and much, much more.For a reef enthusiast looking for a new challenge or any up-and-coming fish hobbyist, nano-reef aquarium are a stunningly beautiful option. The Nano -Reef Handbook contains all the information necessary to get started.

Starting A Marine Aquarium - the Very First Considerations
2009-04-01 07:19:00
Starting a Marine Aquarium - the Very First ConsiderationsAuthor: Peter CunninghamSeeing pictures of a healthy marine fish only or reef aquarium in books or on the internet, or even better, in reality at a public aquarium will cause just about anyone to appreciate the beauty and general fascination of them. Some people will wonder if they could have one, and the thought will shortly disappear. Others, however, will not forget so easily and will want to delve further into the possibility of having their own home aquarium.If the potential aquarist knows a friend who already has a healthy marine aquarium, then there is a source of advice available already. The friend will already have been through all the research and considerations. Often, however, the potential aquarist will want to find out for him/herself. That is very good, as the aquarium system will be understood thoroughly. Then there may not be a known marine aquarist available, so what is the first move? Dashing to the local ...

Tips For Choosing An Aquarium
2009-02-16 03:51:00
Tips For Choosing An Aquarium Author: Janet AshbyThere is a wide range of sizes and shapes of aquariums as well as a choice of glass or acrylic aquariums, so how do you choose the best aquarium for your home and for the fish you intend to keep? We have put together a guide to help you to choose the perfect aquarium.Where to Locate Your AquariumThe first thing to decide before you make a purchase is the location for your new aquarium. You must take account of the final weight of the aquarium when filled with water if you intend to place it on a shelf or table. A twenty gallon tank, once filled, will weigh about two hundred pounds! Do you need a stand or a specially designed cabinet?Aquarium SizeAquariums for the home come in a huge range of sizes from tiny glass bowls to huge five hundred gallon tanks. You will want an aquarium that is the right size for your home and for your fish. The first thing to consider is the location you intend for the aquarium. Measure the area to ensure the...
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How to Keep Fancy Guppies
2009-02-11 04:05:00
1. When starting out, only acquire one or two trios of the same line. To maintain a single strain and keeping it pure, you will need about 8 to 10 tanks. It is better to use smaller 5 gal tanks for breeders and fry. Guppies can live in a wide range of water conditions. The ideal water chemistry is a pH of 7.2 and moderate hardness but they will adapt to water that is between 6.4 to 8.6 if acclimated properly. The first thing to do is place your newly acquired breeding stock into a clean (do not use soap) container that is large enough to hold each trio, plus large enough so you can add an equal amount of water from their new tank. DO NOT FLOAT UNOPENED BAGS. After placing your trio into this container, let them settle down for a short time. After a short time (app. 15 minutes) start adding about 3 - 4 ounces of water slowly into the container. Do this slowly over a period of about one hour, until you have almost doubled the volume of water. Do not rush this important acclimation pro...

Aquarium Fish Compatibility
2008-03-04 16:03:00
Of all the factors that determine which fish will be compatible in a community aquarium, relative size should be about the most obvious. After all, who would dream of putting a minnow with a bass? - or a mouse with a snake? - or a peanut butter cup with a dieter? The natural relationship between predator and prey is simply not to be denied! Although the behavior of predatory fish cannot really be called aggression (we'll talk more about aggression in a future installment), the result is pretty much the same from the eatee's point of view. It's important, then, to be able to determine which fish are likely to make a meal of one another.Nearly all fish are predatory if given the opportunity to consume their victims whole. Furthermore, they seem to operate on the principle: "If anything fits into my mouth, it goes into my mouth." Thus we can determine who eats whom not by comparing the size of each fish, but by mentally trying to insert the smaller fish into the larger fish's mouth...
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about artemia, an important larvae feed
2008-02-14 08:37:00
The common brine shrimp (artemia) is in the phylum Arthropoda, class Crustacea. Artemia are closely related to zooplankton like Copepods and Daphnia, which are also used for live food in the aquarium. The artemia life cycle begins by the hatching of dormant cysts which are encased embryos that are metabolically inactive. The cysts can remain dormant for many years as long as they are kept dry. When the cysts are placed back into salt water they are re-hydrated and resume their development. Artemia cysts are best stored in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry environment. The refrigerator is usually best. After 15 to 20 hours at 25 degrees C (77 degrees F) the cyst bursts and the embryo leaves the shell. For the first few hours, the embryo hangs beneath the cyst shell, still enclosed in a hatching membrane. This is called the Umbrella stage, during this stage the nauplius completes its development and emerges as a free swimming nauplii. In the first larval stage, the nauplii is ...
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White Spot Disease and How To Cure Your Fish
2008-02-08 12:27:00
The bad experience about fishkeeping is having death of fish due to aquarium disease. For some people the presence of disease is frustrating leading to the sometimes quitting the hobby.Fish disease has a solution and in many cases could be avoided. A main reason is the presence of parasites (internal and external types). To know whether your fish is infected by parasites is important. You can do observation, 3 times a day to see their behavior and also the physical appearance of the fish. After you detected parasites, you can proceed to a treatment preparation.Look out for the following White Spot disease behavioral symptoms in your fish.- Constant lying on the bottom or hanging at the surface.- Rubbing of the body against rocks- Gasping at the water surface- No response to feeding- General dullness and lethargy- Hovering in a corner- Fish swimming with clamps upThe most common of the visible signs is the development of the pin head-size while spots on the body or fins. This ailment...
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Aquatic Plants - Complete the Beauty of Your Aquarium
2008-01-30 10:47:00
An aquarium without aquatic plants seems less lively. An aquarium should be more fascinating if planted with live aquatic plants. With a high sense of artistic touch, the layout of aquatic plants could even raise higher your aquarium performance.Plants itself is important for fish because it serve as hiding places for the fish. For small fry, it could provide sheltering for their source of food, the infusoria (an important food for fish in early stages).Aquarium Plants: The Practical GuidePurchase at Amazon.comWhat you have to know about these plants are the photosynthetic cycle. If the the aquarium is lit, plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen as they photosynthesize. In the dark, respiration accounts for the absorption of oxygen and the release of carbon dioxide. For good plant growth, it will be important to provide lighting for twelve to fourteen hours a day (like in the nature).An interesting fact is that plants clean the water of some of the waste materials from fish...
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Tips on How to Select an Aquarium Pump
2008-01-24 15:02:00
If your new to the aquarium hobby you will probably get confused when you have to select a pump for an aquarium application. If you choose a size that is too small or too big, it will certainly cause trouble and might not do the job. Bigger pumps could generate overheating in the water. Below are some important factors to think about when you select an aquarium water pump:ApplicationWhat will you use the pump for? You have to consider on which kind of system you want it to aplly on. Generally there are three categories which are "closed systems," "open systems," and "re-circulation systems."Closed (or "static") systems are those where the water is being forced through closed filter canisters or modules. In a closed system, the entire system is sealed tight except for the intake of the pump and the return line leading back to the aquarium or reservoir. Both intake and return lines are attached to the same body of water. Closed systems typically require more powerful pumps that genera...
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Knowing the pH factor
2008-01-22 10:23:00
pH is one of the parameter of the water quality and we should know more about it in order to successfully keep our fish healthy.What is pH? pH is a logarithmic scale of the proportion of H+(Hydrogen) and OH-(Hydroxyl) ions ranging from 0-14, with a neutral value of 7. When the H+ ion concentration is higher, water is said to be acidic; when OH- concentration is higher it is said to be alkaline. In other words if the concentration of dissolved minerals is high then pH is high and vice versa. pH is also dependent on various factors like water hardness, dissolved minerals, oxygen level and many more.Milwaukee pH meter. Click here for full details at amazon.com The smallest change of pH is said to have a stressful effect on the fish. Naturally in the wild pH occasionally change like during day and night or season related. Whenever there are more rains then there will be more oxygen dissolved, hence raising the pH. In an aquarium system the pH is affected by de...
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