Tropical Fish Tanks

Should You Place Goldfish and Koi Together

2009-02-17T19:52:00.001-06:00

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Are you installing a koi pond and considering placing koi and goldfish together?

Perhaps you have already built your backyard pond and have included both koi and goldfish in your newly installed koi pond. If you have yet to build that pond, you are really doing yourself a favor by learning the pitfalls that only experienced pond builders learn, after the fact, not before. There are so many problems that you can avoid if you take the time to learn from others mistakes and experiences, both good and bad..

Goldfish are very good at making babies. Some people even compare them to rabbits or gerbils. The problem with this is that the babies are vulnerable to becoming both koi and goldfish food. One possible solution is to make sure there are plenty of places for the tiny fishes to hide from the larger snack loving koi. Sometimes you’ll find that these babies, at least some of them will survive to grow big enough to no longer resemble a snack for your koi or goldfish. And the reality is that you may not be able to control their life and death at all.

Many people simply adore koi fish in their ponds. They are very colorful and add a great deal of fun to a pond. However, goldfish can be just as wonderful to feed and nurture. Koi can be very pricey compared to goldfish and they can grow quite large as well. If you do place koi and goldfish together, you need to consider the size of the goldfish and the type of goldfish too. It just so happens that koi enjoy snacking on the bubble eyed goldfish just as much as those little baby fishes.

If you would like a worry free fish environment. One where all the fish are going to get along, the easy answer is to choose between koi and goldfish. There are pros and cons to each species. If that solution is just not good enough and you are bound and determined to try having both in the same pond, keep the following ideas in your head. Do not buy the species of goldfish that have big eyeballs as the koi will probably eat them. And lastly, consider any babies born as feeder fish and part of the circle of life. It happens, get over it. You can also keep them apart by placing some type of barrier between the two species.

Many people enjoy having both koi and goldfish together in the same pond. To each his own, so they say. You'll find more EZ Pond Ideas and tips at our EZ Pond Ideas website.

Should You Start Out With a Saltwater or Freshwater Fish Tank?

2009-01-10T18:03:00.001-06:00

There are a number of reasons to choose a freshwater tank over saltwater for your first tank. A saltwater tank has more options for interesting kinds of fish, but the care and maintenance of saltwater aquariums is more difficult than a freshwater tank. It can take several months to gain the knowledge and skill necessary to keep a saltwater tank going, as you learn over this time all that is required for success. You can, of course, opt to begin with a saltwater tank if you are ready for the challenge.

One reason is the ease in set up and maintenance of a freshwater over a saltwater tank. It is also less expensive to purchase the equipment you need. In addition, marine fish that live in a saltwater tank will cost you more than freshwater fish. Live rock will also most likely be used in a saltwater tank.

Live rock is a section of live coral reef including marine wildlife like worms, sponges, sea urchins and algae to help provide a natural ecosystem for your saltwater fish. This environment helps waste products to be reduced. In essence, you have to create a natural environment for your fish where food, oxygen and cleaning are part of the natural ecological processes. You'll also need a protein skimmer for a saltwater tank, however; this will keep organic waste out of the water.

A saltwater tank also requires a more expensive lighting system than a freshwater one. It is important to get the light balanced right so you keep the growth and behavior natural for all of the tank's inhabitants. Through photosynthesis, your lighting will also be essential in helping proper oxygenation.

Unlike a freshwater tank, you have to create a complete, working ecosystem for your fish with a saltwater tank. To ensure the survival of all of the organisms in the tank, all of the elements are important and depend on one another to stay in balance. To create a healthy environment for your fish, you'll need the right plants and animals; if you prefer live fish to dead ones that is!

If you are new to keeping an aquarium, you might want to think long and hard about that saltwater tank – there are a lot of costs involved and the maintenance is much more complicated; by comparison, freshwater aquariums are great for beginners. Taking care of your freshwater tank will increase your skills and knowledge and prepare you to ultimately take on the responsibility of a saltwater tank.

Life-Like Living With Aquarium Plants

2008-08-31T18:35:00.002-05:00

When it comes to a home aquarium, most owners focus on the fish. Whether it is a salt-water or fresh-water tank, the fish succinctly become the pride and joy. Trips to the store to select a new lively friend, research on which fish can and cannot live together, fish food and filtration and all of the other necessary life-sustaining aquarium products. One way to really liven up your tank is through the addition of some aquarium plants. Sure, they may be green and rather stringy, more like seaweed than any charming outdoor flower. They may even give the appearance of dirtying the water. Many owners focused on the cuteness of their fish overlook the plants. But in the end, the fish rely on aquarium plants as much as they rely on food and a nimble, nourishing aquarium tank requires a good variety of life-giving plants.

A Plant For Every Need

Live plants help to ensure the proper balance of water, chemicals and elements in any aquarium tank. A properly chosen, planted and cared for variety of plants beautifies the aquarium, increases the health of the fish and even gives joy to the owner. Selecting aquarium plants and arranging them can be as enjoyable as purchasing new fish. Plants come in a variety of shapes, textures and sizes, and while there are limits based on the size of the tank and the pre-existing plants, most owners can greatly experiment with aquarium plants and discover the perfect arrangement.

But in the end, aquarium plants exist foremost for the fish not the owners. Happy fish are fish that feel at home, and in an aquarium only plants are going to give the appearance of nature. Plants help the aquarium mimic the ocean floor and they help filter light and filter water, giving fish places to conceal and helping them to believe they're swimming through the various ocean levels. Aquarium plants also provide natural filtration, as they eliminate the need for many fish care products and external chemicals, including pH adjustments and ammonia absorption resins.

Oxygenators specifically are some of the most important aquarium plants. Growing totally under water, these plants release oxygen fixedly into the water. They also offer numerous other benefits such as helping to balance the chemistry of the water by softening it, and help to maintain proper pH balance, a required cooperation for the survival of fish. Elodea is one of the most popular oxygenating aquarium plants. Dark green leaves, arranged around a narrow stem, help to indicate the quality of the water in the tank. The leaves will become covered in calcium deposits if the water is too hard.

What The Heck Is An Aquarium Overflow Box?

2008-08-30T17:03:00.002-05:00

Also known as siphon boxes or prefilters, an aquarium overflow box helps keep your air pump and filters working by making sure they won't be damaged by any power outages. If you have a goldfish aquarium of fewer than 40 gallons or if your tank has been thriving for years AND you have working spare filters and air pumps, then you don’t have to worry about adding on an aquarium overflow box.

Mainly For Salt Water Wet Pets

Aquarium overflow boxes are used mostly by professional aquariums and hard-core aquarium hobbyists as insurance for their expensive and vital equipment. If the power goes out, then water can back up to short circuit the air pump or the filtration unit. Some people make their own aquarium overflow boxes but there are also ready made ones.

Power outages can also lead to your tank suddenly overflowing. If your tank is not on the ground floor level of your home and it is more than ten gallons, then you should really consider some softhearted of aquarium overflow box. A filled tank with gravel or sand and ornaments weights hundreds of pounds.

How To Tell If You Really Need One

Most salt water tanks will have some gentle of sump pump that are far stronger than for a freshwater tank. When it's on, the water is kept level because it's moving around all of the time. But when the power goes out, the water has nowhere to go except into the tank and onto your floor unless you have an aquarium overflow box.

Get a lot of old towels and newspapers around the floor of your tank, because things might get wet. Get a bucket and a coffee can to bail if need be. If you can, arrange for a friend to turn the power on and off while you're there at the tank. Turn off the power. If the water level suddenly rises more than one inch -- or if you have a suddenly saturated floor -- then you know you need an aquarium overflow box.

Going Shopping

Aquarium overflow boxes are available at many pet stores and aquarium forte stores and their online equivalents. There are ones specially made for large freshwater aquariums, so be sure you have one for fresh or salt water for whatever tank you have. They vary in prices (like everything else) from under $50 (US) to $200 (US). Most work with a gravity flow system so you don’t need to break out a drill.

Clearing Up Cloudy Aquarium Water

2008-08-29T14:51:00.002-05:00

Having an aquarium full of tropical fish is a great pastime and it is a great addition to any home. However, once in a while you will have cloudy aquarium water. There are several reasons why one would have cloudy aquarium water in their tank. One of the best ways to clear up this murky water is to understand why it is cloudy. Knowing the reason will help one clear up the cloudy aquarium water.

The Forecast Calls For Cloudy Aquarium Water

There are several reasons why an aquarium would get murky water. When this happens, one has to look compactly at the cloudy water to determine the cause of it. If the water is a green cloud, this means that there is too much algae in the tank. This usually occurs because of overfeed and overuse of the light. To eliminate the green cloud, one should clean the gravel and filter more repeatedly, then lower the amount of food the fish is given on a day by day basis and turn off the light for awhile.

White tinted cloudy aquarium water indicates the growth of bacteria in the tank. This can occur when you first set up the tank, or when you add new fish or decorations. The most excellent way to clean this type of cloud is to filter the gravel many times over, rinse the decorations and change the filter. The white cloudy aquarium water should clear up soon.

Adding The Additives

If none of the above suggestions work, then you can go to the local pet store and buy a special additive that you can add to the water to clear up the murky aquarium water. Sometimes these chemicals work, and other times they don’t. It all depends on what is making your water cloudy. If you do not removed the source of the cloudiness from the water the cloudy aquarium water will purely return over and over again. Therefore, make sure you know what is causing your cloudy aquarium water before deciding to add the additives.

Understand what is making your aquarium water cloudy is the first step in understanding how to clean it up. If you try these steps and the cloudiness still doesn't clear up, you may want to seek advice from a fish expert at your local pet store. Cloudiness may not be dire to your fish in the beginning. However, if it is left untreated it could possible grow into a mortal problem.

Add Personality To Your Aquarium With Snails

2008-08-28T14:51:00.002-05:00

Have you ever seen the giant aquarium at the Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas? Go deep into the mall past the Red Piano gift shop, past the Coliseum where Elton John, Celine Dion, Bette Midler and Cher perform. Keep going, past the slot machines, the blackjack tables and the poker room.

Deep under the ground, where the interior lights grow dim, you will start to notice a spectacular, enormous aquarium. Thousands of lively fish draw the eye. And if you look very precisely on the floor of the aquarium, or perhaps climbing on one of the rocks or walls, you will see the aquarium snails, working their way through the environment, cleaning up dead plants and animals as they go.

Spot The Snail

Playing spot the snail is a fun game whenever you visit a home or mall where there is an aquarium, like at Caesar's Palace. Snails like to conceal, so they again and again place themselves in the shadows or behind rocks. Their shells provide camouflage, making them even harder to spot than ever.

The head of the snail is easy to spot because of its two eyebrow-like tentacles. The tentacles can extend and retreat, and the eyes are located at the base of each one. Snails have tongues that they use to eat the dead matter that forms the basis of their diet.

Gilled Aquarium Snails Prosobranchs

The softhearted of snail most generally found in an aquarium is a gilled snail. These snails reproduce publicly, and they will briefly populate an empty aquarium. Snails with gills are hermaphroditic, which makes it easy for them to reproduce. Some species of aquarium snail change sex to reproduce; others fertilize their own eggs, and other cross-fertilize. Gelatin masses filled with eggs lie under submerged rocks and plants until they hatch.

Red ramshorn aquarium snails are also popularly found. Red shells are the most highly desired. Brown ones aren't rare at all.

Population Control

Overpopulation of aquarium snails can be a problem. Snails are good when they're keeping the aquarium gravel clean, but they can before long overpopulate and become a problem in the aquarium.

The easiest way to keep the tank free of unwanted aquarium snails is to use Botias, also known as loaches. These fish will feast on the gilled snails, and your overpopulation problem will soon be over. If you have other fish, don't give in to the temptation use water dogs to clear out snails. The water dogs will eat the fish in no time.

Using Aquarium Air Pumps

2008-08-27T14:34:00.009-05:00

Aquarium Pump Demonstration

When setting up a home aquarium, it is important that you properly set up the aquarium air pump. Without the aquarium air pump, the fish will not be able to breath and most would eventually die. Here are some of the essential things you should know about setting up an aquarium air pump.

The Need For An Aquarium Air Pump

Almost all aquariums will need an aquarium air pump. In most cases, the air pump pumps air through the tubes, into the water and through the filter. They provide the needed oxygen that most tropical, saltwater and freshwater fish need for survival. There are different types of air pumps. The type of aquarium you have and the number of fish you have in your tank will determine what type of aquarium air pump you should purchase.

Air Stones And Bubble Wands

One of the easiest and most common aquarium air pumps are air stones and the bubble wands. These are ideal for lesser aquariums and tanks. With this system, one end is attached to tubing and air circulates through the tubing and into the water through the stone. This type of air pump circulates air while creating bubbles in the water.

Under Gravel Aquarium Air Pumps

The under gravel aquarium air pumps are those systems that are place under the gravel in the bottom of the tank. The air is pumped through tube and then up through the underwater gravel. This type air pump is greater suited for larger aquariums or tanks. The under gravel air pump is nice because it is easy to hide inside of the aquarium and it gives it a more natural look.

How To Use An Aquarium Air Pump

The use of an aquarium air pump is really easy. You simply follow the instructions that come with your air pump. Basically, you take out the air pump from the box, put it into the aquarium and start it. If the air pump attached to a filter, then you have to clean it repeatedly, because it gets very dirty. Make sure you read the directions trimly when you have a new air pump. That is best way to learn to use it properly. If you have any product specific questions, most air pumps have a toll free number on their box that you can call, or you can simply ask your questions to the local pet store employee.

Aquarium Angelfish Species

2008-08-27T14:34:00.008-05:00

No aquarium is confirm without at smallest amount of one Angelfish. There are more than twenty varieties of aquarium Angelfish species. Any one of them will add color and drama to your home or office aquarium.

Varieties of Angelfish

One of the most popular aquarium fish species is the dwarf Angelfish. Because of its petite size, the dwarf Angelfish is perfect for a tiny home aquarium. The Coral loveliness Angelfish has a red body with bluish-black and orange fins. It will grow to a maximum size of four inches, and is easy to care for. The Eibli Angelfish grows to a length of six inches. It has a tan body with vertical brown-colored stripes and very distinctive black blotches that cover the entirety of the back of the fish. The Flame Angelfish can carefully live in a reef tank. This dwarf aquarium Angelfish species is six inches long and has an orange-red body with black strips running from top to bottom.

The Orange-black Angelfish is an alternative desirable aquarium fish species. This three-inch long, dark blue fish has a golden blaze that runs from the face down the dorsal fin. The half-black Angelfish is a difficult aquarium fish species to care for. This fish comes in colors of grayscale, except for its eye, which has a vibrant orange accent.

Herald's Angelfish is four inches long and is a buttery lemon yellow, with a brown accent at the eye. The Lemonpeel Angelfish is another difficult fish to raise and care for. Like Herald's Angelfish, the Lemonpeel Angelfish is bright yellow with a dark semicircle near the eye.

Barred Angelfish is only four inches long, with black and white vertical strips extending from head to tail. The Barred Angelfish is also difficult to care for. Potter's Angelfish is yet an alternative difficult aquarium fish species to own. It is a refined fish, with a blue body and rosy fins.

The Pygmy, or Cherub, Angelfish is slightly easier to keep. This blue-bodied fish has an orange yellow head and grows to a length of three inches. And the Rusty Angelfish lives easily among coral reefs. Four inches long, it has a tan body with dark spots and red near the rear.

Omnivorous Fish Species

All dwarf Angelfish are omnivores, eating both animals and vegetables. Macro-algae are their vegetable matter of selection. Other than the Flame Angelfish, Dwarf Angelfish aren't considered safe around reefs. Add them at your own risk if you have a reef tank. However, if you have an mundane aquarium fish tank, Dwarf Angelfish will thrive in their environment and provide you with many enjoyable hours of fish watching.

Tank Décor And Aquarium Driftwood

2008-08-27T14:34:00.006-05:00

Decorating your fish tank is purely as important as any other aspect of aquarium life. To find the right things to decorate your tank with, take into consideration the décor of your room including the types of fish you will be housing. A piece of aquarium driftwood will make you tank shine and add depth to the whole setting.

Choosing Driftwood

Aquarium driftwood is not for all tanks. Aquarium driftwood is mainly for freshwater tanks. Some types of freshwater fish even like to have a snack on aquarium driftwood once in awhile. Aquarium driftwood is not for saltwater tanks or for reptiles. If you try to use it in a reptile tank, it could harm your pet.

You can easily find aquarium driftwood at your local pet store. As long as they sell aquarium supplies, they'll usually sell aquarium driftwood. The next thing you will have to think about is the shape of aquarium driftwood that you require to buy. Driftwood comes in all shapes and sizes. What you need to consider when choosing driftwood is the size of the tank and the size of your fish. If you have smaller fish, you can buy a piece of driftwood with holes in it so they can swim through or conceal if they feel like it. You can also get aquarium driftwood without holes for larger fish to swim around.

Other shapes that driftwood can come in are as skinny as branches to as thick as tiny logs. It all depends on how you want to decorate your tank. Make sure that if you choose a big piece that you will limit other plants and decorations. Overcrowding a tank with a lot of decorations will not make for cheerful fish. Make sure you fish will have enough room to swim, stash and be glad.

Warning

If you require to get aquarium driftwood, make sure you buy it from a store that sells if specifically for fish tanks and aquariums. These pieces are treated with chemicals that will make it withstand your tank. Do not ever use real driftwood that you find outdoors for your fish tank. This softhearted of driftwood will rot in your tank and could be harmful for your fish.

If you think that your tank will benefit from a great piece of aquarium driftwood, check out your local pet dealer to find great pieces of the driftwood that aren't only feasible, but nimble as well.

Why Choose An Acrylic Aquarium For Your Fish

2008-08-27T14:33:00.002-05:00

Having an aquarium in your home is a nice addition. It brings aquatic cuteness to any room in your house. From the fewest fish bowls to the most elaborate saltwater fish aquariums, aquariums are one of the best attention getters when you have visitors over for any occasion. Fish help you to relax and they teach us many things about the underwater world. One of the best types of aquariums to have in the home is the acrylic aquarium. Here are some reasons why you should consider an acrylic aquarium for your home.

The Difference Is Noticeable

There are many diverse types of aquariums on the market. However, the acrylic aquarium is one of the unsurpassed because it is the clearest, lightest and strongest aquariums available. The acrylic aquariums have hopefully rounded corners and they do not have silicone holding them together like a regular fish aquarium does. You and your guest will have a superior view of your underwater beauties with an acrylic aquarium.

Acrylic Aquariums Are Ideal For Saltwater Fish

If you're considering a saltwater aquarium, then you should tangibly consider an acrylic aquarium. Saltwater fish and their accessories are very lively and bright. So you will want to display their vivid loveliness. Their colors will stand out more in an acrylic aquarium because the view is much clearer than glass tanks. These aquariums are also stronger and will stand up to the wear and tear of the saltwater. Therefore, if you are considering a saltwater aquarium, then an acrylic aquarium is a necessity.

Versatility And Shape

Most regular fish tanks only come in typical square forms. This is because their corners are bound by silicone and it is very hard to shape glass. However, acrylic aquariums can come in all shapes and size. This makes them very versatile in any home. Acrylic is very flexible and can be formed into any shape or size. Therefore, if you require a very unique fish aquarium, then you should consider an acrylic aquarium.

Strength And Insulation

Acrylic aquariums are unsurpassed known for their strength and insulation. A glass fish tank is made with silicone in its corners. However, the acrylic tank is a molecular weld and this will make for a better insulation. They are very strong and are fewer likely to break or leak water. They are at smallest amount of ten times stronger than a regular fish tank. Therefore, if you are looking for a strong fish aquarium, then acrylic is the greatest option.

Salt Water Fishes

2008-08-26T13:29:00.002-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ya5nUbzIdPo

Repeat Buyer Program

Saltwaterfish.com is very pleased to offer a Repeat Buyer Program! We would like to thank the tens of thousands of you that constantly make repeat purchases from our company. So many of you continue to purchase from us again and again, many of whom have passed the 50 order mark, and we wanted to offer you something in return for your loyalty. We have designed a Repeat Buyer Program that entitles you to free fish, corals, or inverts for each of your repeat purchases.

The way the program works is each live goods purchase places you into a corresponding "Level". Each Level (1,2,3, etc.) will offer you a choice of different free items each time you order. Our system will recognize you once you've logged into the shopping cart and notify you of the level you've reached, along with your choice of free items. The free items will change from time to time. Please remember that the free item may occasionally be substituted if we run out of stock on that item, and the free item is not part of the guarantee program.

We're dedicated to bringing you the best possible live fish, corals, and invertebrates from around the world and we want to thank you for recognizing that with your repeated purchases from our company. We look forward to continuing to serve you in the future.

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Types Of Small Aquarium Sharks - Two Of The Most Popular

2008-08-25T13:15:00.002-05:00

When setting up an aquarium people quickly find out that there are many tropical fish to select from. There are school fish such as Guarmis and Tetras and there are aggressive fish such as Oscars and Cichlids. But a fish that has recently become more popular for the small home aquarium is the small aquarium sharks. If you want to take care of your new shark here is some information on how to maintain them in your home aquarium.

The Epaulette Shark

The Eqaulette shark is one of the more ideal small sharks for a small aquarium as they like to live in small confined areas. They are usually white with brown spots all over their body. Unlike most sharks they do not swim around the tank but prefer to swim on the tank floor all day looking for food. At times they look like eels with their slender bodies, their bodies allow them to slip around the rocks and other aquarium decorations.

Although they are not the smallest of the aquarium sharks, they are also not the largest. Eqaulette sharks can grow quite large, an adult can grow up to eleven inches long. So when selecting one ensure that your tank is large enough for them to move around when they grow.

The Epaulette shark eats mainly on small crabs and worms. They may even eat shrimp and other small fishes. They have very small teeth, so larger pieces of food should be avoided. They can bite and chew, but their teeth are not designed to cut the food. So, keep their food pieces small at all times.

The Red Tail Shark

One of the most popular small aquarium sharks is the red tail shark. This small shark is semi-aggressive fish its unique beauty is a definite plus in any aquarium. They have a solid black body with red tip tail which is easy to identify. These sharks are not very social so it is recommended that you only keep one per tank.

Red tails love hiding as it provides them with a sense of safely and security, so provide them with nice little hiding places. As they are an aggressive fish and will pick on other fish you need a tank that is large enough to accommodate all the fish

Like the Eqaulette Shark Red tails like to search the bottom of the tank for food. They will eat most fish flakes, live food or other food that ends up at the bottom of the tank. They like to eat at least once per day.

There is a large variety of sharks at the pet shop to choose from but two of the most popular are the Epaulette shark and the Red Tail shark for small aquariums. Do some research if looking to buy one for your own tank as they are not like other fish, they do require specialized attention. Even so they are a wonderful addition to any aquarium.

Caring for a 100 Gallon Fish Tank

2008-06-24T13:08:00.002-05:00

A 100 gallon fish tank is quite a tank. The nice thing about larger tanks is that you can add larger fish. A tank this size also gives you choices as far as having saltwater or freshwater fish. A 100 gallon fish tank can be a bit tougher to care for than a smaller tank, but once it is established the maintenance is not really as difficult as it seems. The following can help you maintain the tank:

Once you’ve purchased your 100 gallon fish tank, what are you going to fill it with? Will you use freshwater or saltwater? This is going to be your first and most important decision in the construction of your fish tank, and there are a couple of things to consider. Freshwater tanks are generally cheaper in terms of money and time. Saltwater aquariums demand more attention to pH and other chemical balances. When deciding whether or not to make your 100 gallon fish tank a freshwater aquarium or a saltwater aquarium, keep all of these factors in mind.

Choosing A Saltwater Fish Tank

But first you'll need to purchase your tank. The selection process can be Supergirl consuming and confusing because the range of tanks available is large. The best advice is usually to purchase the largest tank you can afford and that ...

The kinds of fish you choose to go into your 100 gallon fish tank are going to depend on how you answered the question above: freshwater or saltwater. Freshwater fish, for example, include catfish and oscars. Saltwater or marine organisms include a variety of puffer fish, lionfish, moray eels, and sea horses. Pay careful attention to what types of fish, eels, anemones, etc that you put together. Discuss with your pet store the different species that work well together and compliment each other.

With Thousands Of Types Of Tropical Fish Available - How To Choose?

I love tropical fish. They are very beautiful creatures. A properly maintained tank can provide hours Hippies relaxation and entertainment provided you choose the correct types of tropical fish that are available. ...

The accessories that you will place in your 100 gallon fish tank are also going to depend on whether or not you want a freshwater or saltwater tank.

Using The Right Fish Tank Equipment

Are you new to the fine art of owning fish? Having your own fish aquarium is an exciting hobby that will teach you a lot about nature, but the key to proper fish care is using the right fish tank equipment. In order to keep fish alive ...

Do you wish to place artificial or real plant-life in your tank? What types of decorations will be best for the species that you are placing in your aquarium? In addition, you will want to investigate the different filtration options and combinations that can keep your aquarium running, including mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration combinations.

Cleaning Your 30 Gallon Fish Tank

2008-06-16T09:48:00.002-05:00

Having a 30 gallon fish tank is a great way to start enjoying the growing hobby of aquariums, and because of their small size, they are fairly easy to keep and maintain. In fact many children begin a life-long affair with their fish and aquarium. Despite its seemingly simple set up, though, there are a number of things that must be done to keep the 30 gallon fish tank operating in a healthy way.

Perhaps on of the easiest and most overlooked items of routine maintenance for your 30 gallon fish tank is that the water needs to be changed on a regular basis. This simple act will reduce the amount of algae growth, contaminates from fish waste, and make sure that the water chemistry is ideal for the fish. This blogger has had trouble with algae before:

Fish Tank Woes

The Fish of Death has visited the tank in my office. This tank, which I have had for a few months now, has fish in it that I’ve had for years. Previous tanks (that held the same fish) had horrible problems with algae. ...

Another routine maintenance tip to think about is to make sure that your lighting system is in working order. If you think about it, this is the only light source for your fish and other aquatic life, so it's best if it is in proper working order and offer the best steady light source so that they can survive.

Another piece of equipment that must be maintained in your 30 gallon fish tank is the filtration system. If this is not cleaned on a regular basis, the water in your tank can become toxic to your fish. In turn, this can lead to fewer fish and fewer hours of enjoyment to you. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions on cleaning and maintaining this important part of the tank system.

Perhaps one of the most overlooked, but important pieces of maintenance for your 30 gallon fish tank is to clean the decorations and gravel of the fish tank. You would be surprised what types of contamination and dirt can exist in the cracks and crevices between the rocks and sunken ships of your child's first tank. The best thing to do is to make sure your son or daughter knows to clean and rinse every piece of gravel treasure chest, or decoration that has been in the 30 gallon fish tank on a monthly basis. Doing so will add years of life to the tank.

By following these few maintenance tips for your 30 gallon fish tank, as well as others recommended by your neighborhood pet store, you're bound to have a number of years of enjoyment for both you and your fish.

Cleaning a Fish Tank

2008-05-12T15:29:00.002-05:00

Is there anything worse than cleaning a fish tank? Yes, I guess there is. But this chore sure is a pain in the butt. I used to work as a yard boy for this doctor and his wife. Basically keeping the yard looking nice, cutting grass, weeding, caring for the pool, etc. But I also had to help with the two maids they had whenever they needed the fish tank cleaned out. They had a huge 100+ gallon tank that we would have to pump out and clean and whatever. It was quite a chore. I was reading some blogs over the weekend and ran across this person's chore at getting their tank cleaned out and moved. No envy here.

Relocating the fish tank

So I've been obsessing over the state of the fish tank lately for some reason and over the last few days, considered getting a smaller tank, taking the fish back to the store and dismantling the whole thing, or prettifying the one we've ...

Having a fish tank is a nice addition to a room. It's pretty to look at. But when you get ready to move or clean it you begin to wonder what exactly you were thinking.

Choosing The Best Fish Tank Light

2008-04-30T15:38:00.000-05:00

There are a variety of different types of fish tank light options available for the aquarium enthusiast, and each one has its own uses, bulb life, and yes, even limitations. Choosing the correct lighting system can go a long way to helping to make your tank look great.

A common fish tank light that may be a great choice for your tank is an incandescent light. This bulb type has an average wattage of seven to twenty-five watts and can last between two and four months. Some of the advantages of this type of fish tank light is that it is truly inexpensive, and can come in multiple colors, making it a great fit for just about any spectrum situation that may be necessary for your tank. An incandescent light is often use for small fish only, or a beginner's start up kit. Its limitations include a high amount of heat output, and a narrow spectrum light.

Another fish tank light that is becoming more and more popular is that of the standard fluorescent light. This type of bulb has a lower wattage amount than the incandescent light, and also has a wide range of colors, sizes, making it an easy aesthetic choice. In addition it is perhaps one of the most cost effective choices out there. The typical use of a standard florescent bulb includes both freshwater and saltwater communities, and even mini or micro reef. This fish tank light is perhaps the one most often used in the aquarium community.

Another variation on the standard fluorescent fish tank light is the T-5 HO Fluorescent light. Its wattage is comparable to the standard light, but it can last much longer, as much as two years total shine time. Needless to say if you don't want to change your bulbs frequently, and your reef tank is less than twenty four inches deep, this choice could very well be the best one for you.

If your fish tank or reef tank is deeper than 24 inches, perhaps the easiest and best choice for a fish tank light available to you is that of a metal halide light. The wattage is one of the highest available, mainly between 70 and 1000 watts, and can last a surprising six to eighteen months if used correctly. A fish tank light this powerful though, does have a few drawbacks that should be considered. It can, and often does produce a higher overall heat and can require a chiller to keep the temperature of your tank at an optimal level. In addition, the amount of UV radiation emitted by the light is definitely something any good aquarium enthusiast should consider.

No matter which fish tank light you choose make sure it's one that will fit your tank and you needs best. Be sure to weigh all your options, and talk with the professionals at the aquarium store.

Wholesale Fish Tank Market For Cheap Equipment

2008-04-07T09:34:00.002-05:00

The wholesale fish tank market is well worth checking out if your are into this hobby. Fish tanks are not cheap so any break in the cost of the hobby is welcome. The hobby is awesome but organizing and planning your aquarium takes time, effort and some money. The planning will include the shape, size, style of the fish tank, how many fish you would like to house, what type of plants, and what is the equipment necessary to keep the fish healthy and so on.

But the money is the one that many of us do not have a lot of. So I have found, the best place to shop for the aquarium materials is in the wholesale fish tank market. Here, you not only get the best possible choices, you will get them at a lower price than the retail shops. However, in order to make the best from your trip to the wholesale fish tank market, you will need to make a list of what you need.

1. Make a list of what species of fish you would like to have in your tank; if you are not sure, then visit a few shops till you learn to identify the fish that you would like to have in your tank; before you decide you will need to find out the compatibility of each fish with the other.
2. Make a list of the equipments you will require, such as oxygen pump, filters, and natural filters such as reefs; of course you can have an aquarium filled with other animals of living things, such as reefs, frogs, lizards, mice tortoises and so on.
3. Find out the requirement of water for your aquarium – the rule is that one gallon should be calculated for every fish and about two gallons per reef for reef aquariums. When you plan the space, do not over populate your tank; actually you should leave a little extra space because the fish will grow pretty fast.
4. Make a list of what decoration you would like to put in the tank, counting the plants, the gravel, the lighting and any other decorative item which will make the tank attractive.
5. Lastly, you should decide on the shape and material of the tank. Whether you want it made of glass or Plexiglas or acrylic sheets, you should research and decide before hand.

Once you have the list ready, your visit to the wholesale fish tank market will be fruitful because you will be able to shop for the exact things without loosing any time. The prices that you will get these items in the wholesale fish tank market will be at least 20 percent less than the outside retail markets. Hence, it is a good thing to organize yourself a little and buy all you need from the wholesale fish tank market instead of regular pet shops.

Is Fish Tank Care Really As Bad As It Seems?

2008-03-26T08:47:00.004-05:00

Fish tank care is one of those things that people think is really difficult in having an aquarium. It sure seems like caring for an aquarium would be a big deal. But the facts are fish tank care is not that difficult. Like anything else you need the right tools. You need to stay on top of the maintenance and not get behind.

There are many myths surrounding the setting up and maintaining of the fish tank care. Let us look into some of them:

* Myth – you need to remove the fish from the aquarium before washing it or changing the water. Truth – the fish are actually stressed terribly when displaced from their environment, specifically after being chased and caught in nets.

* Myth – Changing the gravel is the best way of having it cleaned or washing it under the tap water. Truth – changing of gravel will actually harm the fish, as with time the gravel will house friendly bacteria that help in clearing the fish waste, which in the long run will actually poison your fish.

* Myth – you need to wash the tank as often as you can; Truth – you should actually wash as rarely as possible, because the longer you leave the system by itself, the better the system works. You should have good filters attached to it and ensure that the water is oxygenated well.

* Myth – you should replace all the water from the tank and replace it fully with new water every time you wash the tank; Truth – you should actually replace only 20-25% of the water, otherwise you will create an imbalance in the system and harm your fish.

* Myth – you should abundantly feed your fish if you will be missing for a few days from the house; Truth – you should never overfeed your fish; this will not only cloud and pollute the water it will tempt the fish to overeat and kill them.

Actually, fish tank care is something you learn with practice. The aquarium will become a proper self-sustaining system, which will need to be nurtured to stay so; in this case, fish tank care will not involve cleaning, as much as maintaining the right balance of this system. At some point if you are keeping up with the care of your fish tank, it will pretty much take care of itself.

Do You Need a Big Fish Tank?

2008-03-12T10:52:00.002-05:00

Having a big fish tank can be very enjoyable. There are many people who would never be satisfied with tiny, miniature aquariums or the small fish that swim inside. A big fish tank is better able to show more diverse fish and other aquatic life. Maintaining a big fish tank is of course more work, but the beauty that can be found in thee larger tanks can make it worth it.

There are many times where small is beautiful but having a big fish tank may be the exception. A big fish tank is always better than a small one because it can show much more diversity and also hold larger size species of fish that are far more interesting than the small ones.

A big fish tank comes with its pre-requisites such as an extra-large pump for oxygen, extra thickness of glass, and good filters. You need to keep in mind when you plan your big fish tank that for marine fish you will need two gallons of water per inch of fish (not including the tail). It is always good to have a little extra place in the aquarium rather than packing it to its capacity.

The Impact That a Big Fish Tank Can Have

The beauty of a big fish tank is definitely something you cannot overlook or ignore. Just imagine for a moment a wall-sized fish tank mounted to make one side of the bedroom or drawing room a live wall. Stunning! That is all that would come to your mind seeing such a thing – and that would be correct.

Besides the sheer size, the decorations that you can stuff in it, as well as the fish varieties that it can house, can leave one awe-struck. Hence, if you can afford it, you should definitely go for a big fish tank – it will add exceptional glamour to any room or place.

Let us see the downside, as well. The big fish tank is beautiful true, but the maintenance is a nightmare; so is the monitoring of the fish since these fish are large and many are not fish that like to be trifled with. The filtration of water can be aided by natural recycling of the water; however, the oxygenation can cause major risks if the pump fails to produce the required oxygen for the fish.

Whether you choose to have a small aquarium or a big one will depend on your likings, budget, and of course capacity to care for the tank and the fish.

A Corner Fish Tank is Perfect for Challenging Living Spaces

2008-03-06T10:08:00.002-06:00

A corner fish tank can be a great aquarium to set up in one of the most unused areas of your home. Most people have empty space around the corners of a room, so why not add a corner fish tank for viewing the fish.

Corner fish tank setups come in all sizes, from small 5 gallon versions to larger 30-50 gallon setups. So the design of any room, no matter how big or small, can accommodate a corner fish tank setup, and the size of your tank will determine how many fish you want to keep. Because of their shape, most corner fish tank aquariums are made of acrylic, which is susceptible to scratching but allows for the true beauty and color of the fish to shine through.

Before you decide on a tank, you need to choosethe fish. Most, if not all, corner fish tank systems are designed for either salt or freshwater fish, but the types of filtration devices and chemicals you need will vary slightly. One type of fish is not necessarily better than the other; however, saltwater and tropical fish tend to allow for more colorful options.

Most corner fish tank setups include air and water filtration, which will fit into the tank and also can be tucked out of sight. The type of filtration system will be determined by the size of the tank, and most retailers will include the filtration system and other items in the overall sale and delivery.

One of the most important features of your corner fish tank is the stand on which you place it. There are several varieties of corner fish tank stands available today, and they come in a variety of styles – from wood to modern, stands are available to fit the decorations and design theme of any room. The stand will also usually include cabinets so you can store the necessary supplies like food and chemicals underneath and out of sight. As with any aquarium, you will need to properly feed your fish, and clean the tank every two to three weeks by removing at least 20-25% of the water.

As a finishing touch, make sure to select the right lighting, coral or plant add-ons, and gravel beds to capture the look you want. Gravel comes in a variety of colors, and there are a host of different add-ons you can choose from to compliment the look and feel of your decor. While many corner fish tank setups come with roof-mounted tank lighting, complimentary lighting from the bottom can create a unique effect inside the tank and provide a warm glow in the room.

55 Gallon Fish Tank Set Up

2008-02-25T12:33:00.003-06:00

A 55 gallon fish tank is about the same volume as a large rectangular cooler. Not huge, but it can still be a lot to care for. Fortunately since it is a standard size, it is easier to find pumps, filters, and advice for a 55 gallon fish tank. This size fish tank is a god size tank but is not terribly difficult to maintain.

When a 55 gallon fish tank is filled with water, gravel, and filter equipment, it ends up weighing about 625 pounds. This is not exactly lightweight. You'll have to consider where you are going to place the fish tank. Not any old table will do.

When you are planning a tank set-up, realize that you will need to put the pumps and equipment somewhere within easy reach for maintenance. You will also need a little clearance between the wall and the tank.

Considering a 55 gallon fish tank is so heavy, it’s probably best to acquire a dedicated aquarium stand. A stand will have a solid, strong bottom with space for all the equipment in a cabinet underneath.

The Hardware

In any fish tank, the water should turn over, that is, run through the filter, six to 15 times per hour. So select a pump or pumps with an appropriate gallons per hour (gph) rating. If you find a used one without markings, try pumping test water from a full bucket to an empty one. See how long it takes to fill up a one gallon bucket and plan accordingly.

As far as supplying fishes a tank this size can support “one inch” of fish for every gallon of water. Therefore, a 55 gallon fish tank should support 55 one-inch long fish, or 11 five-inch long fish and so on.

However, experienced aquarium owners suggest that rule squeezes too many fish into a tank. For example, both a goldfish and an angelfish may be two inches long, but the goldfish has a much bigger mass.

It’s a better idea to take into account the mass of the fish, its metabolism, and how fast the water changes pH. If pH fluctuation means you are changing water very often, you have too many fish. Start small and keep an eye on pH.

A 20 Gallon Fish Tank is Perfect for Beginners

2008-02-24T14:07:00.003-06:00

You do not have to be intimidated by owning an fish tank. A 20 gallon fish tank is perfect if you want set up your first aquarium. You seriously do not want to start with a simple bubble fish tank. Get yourself a 20 gallon fish tank so you can better understand how the plants and animals will live and survive in that aquarium.

A 20 Gallon Fish Tank is Well-suited for the Newbie

If you are a beginner, it is best to choose a tank which is small enough to be installed easily and big enough to develop its own aqua-system in the shortest time possible. The 20 gallon fish tank is perfect for this because it is beautiful enough to motivate you and at the same time it does not require huge amounts of time with maintenance.

When you are a beginner, the most important thing is that you ensure that your fish do not die. Nothing can be more heart breaking than to see your pets dying for apparently no reason and despite your best efforts. Many people stop keeping an aquarium after they have such incidents because they cannot bear it.

In the 20 gallon fish tank you can have quite few diverse fish. Most people mix small fish with big fish in the 20 gallon fish tank; however, this may not be advisable since the bigger fish have a tendency to eat up the food of the smaller fish . It might be best to simply get the same size of fish that can grow together. In case you have a new addition you should take care that you gradually introduce the fish to the tank. You can lower it in a smaller and transparent container so the fish becomes acquainted to other fish without being traumatized by them.

A 20 gallon fish tank is the right size for the beginner. They will learn how to care for the fish tank and will not be overwhelmed with the maintenance.