Successful Aquariums » pets

Beginners Guide To Fish Care

Sandra Bing — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 18:57:58 +0000

If you own fish and aquariums, you should have already researched to know how to take care of your fish and aquarium. If you have not, then it is important that you research, asked questions, read materials, etc, which will help you provide proper care to your fish and tank.

If you plan to purchase non-marine and marine fish combined, you will need to consider a variety of details. The one thing you want to avoid is inserting aggressive and non-aggressive fish into the same tank. Unless you want to lose money, this is the best recommendation anyone can offer you. Damsels are aggressive fish, which the fish are typically starter fish. Fish owners tend to start with damsels, since the fish are inexpensive and require less maintenance and attention. It is recommended that you only put two of the same or similar fish in a single aquarium.

In addition to fish, you will need to purchase with your aquarium test kits, buffers, filters, gravel, floss, and so on. It is important to keep fish water fresh. If you have, saltwater fish you will need to add salt every two weeks. In addition, you can purchase fish that will adapt well to saltwater, especially if you have primarily saltwater fish in your tank.

How to maintain freshwater fish?

Common freshwater fish will adapt to nearly any type of tank. Saltwater fish tend to do well in reef tanks. Since freshwater fish will adapt to a variety of tanks, it is easier to take care of the fish. In fact, freshwater fish is recommended for beginners. In the category of freshwater fish are the tropical fish and the Coldwater fish. To help you get started we can consider aquariums.

Considering aquariums

The first thing you want to consider is the area you will place the aquarium. You want to make sure you have sufficient space at your home to spot the tank. You should never put fish aquariums near open Windows, or windows in general. The sunlight will cause photosynthetic organisms (Algae) to grow quicker. You will need to avoid spotting the tank near heaters, or doorways. It is important that you maintain room temperature when caring for fish. You can purchase dehumidifiers and humidifiers, which can help you, maintain room temperature. In addition, when you purchase your aquarium, make sure that you consider filters, floss, gravel, medicines, food, water, etc. You want to make sure that your plug sockets can handle the level of electricity required of fish aquariums.

How to choose filters?

Filters are categorized as chemical, biological, and mechanical. You can purchase external, internal, and under-gravel filtration systems to support your fish aquarium. If you are just starting out in fish care and aquarium care, avoid the under-gravel filters since it will require excessive maintenance, as well as the filters do not produce quality power. However, you can use under-gravel filters in conjunction with mechanical, biological, or chemical filters. It is recommended to learn the actions performed by each filtering system before joining under-gravel filters with another filtration system.

One of the most popular filters utilized is the internal filters. The internal filters include foam cartridge(s) and a diminutive box. The filters work to draw liquid from grills. The liquids are then filtered by the foam cartridge, which exits through the nozzles found at the top of the filters. Beginners could benefit from using the internal filters, since indicators will alert you when to clean or replace the filters. Valves work to produce oxygen, which adds to the advantages of using internal filters. The internal filters also have filtering pads, which remove chemicals while using polyester and/or carbon pads. The strong synthetic fabrics produce low moisture, which absorbs the chemicals. The filters are hardwearing, which means you will not have to replace the filters as often. You will need proper filtration for all fishes, including Tetra.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/beginners-guide-to-fish-care-817423.html

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Fish & Tank Care : Fish Tank Set Up

Sandra Bing — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 22:06:56 +0000

Watch as a seasoned professional demonstrates how to set up a fish tank in thisfree online video about exotic pets. Expert: Christie Ownes Bio: She has been taking care of fish professional for over 15 years. She is an expert in Fresh Water, and Salt Water Fish. Filmmaker: ricky burchell

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Unique Aquariums: Popular Styles

Sandra Bing — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 17:59:04 +0000

Are you looking to update your aquarium? If you are, you may be thinking about purchasing a traditional acrylic aquarium, one that is in a rectangular shape, but you may also be interested in thinking outside of the box. What you may not know, when it comes to buying an aquarium, is that you literally have an unlimited number of choices. In fact, if you are looking for something unique, you should be able to find it, as a many fish tank suppliers carry a large selection of unique aquariums. Just a few of those aquariums are outlined below.

One of the most popular, yet unique types of aquariums are known as table aquariums. As the name implies, these unique aquariums serve as tables. When it comes to purchasing a unique table aquarium, you will also find that you have a number of options. For instance, there are numerous aquariums styles that are used for coffee tables, end tables, or even dining room tables. As you likely already known, unique aquariums, like table aquariums, can be fairly expensive, especially if they are large in size. While the prices that you will find will vary, it is not uncommon to see unique coffee table aquariums selling for five hundred to seven hundred dollars. Large dining room table aquariums can sell for much more money, but they tend to start retailing at around seven or eight hundred dollars.

In conjunction with the above table aquariums, there are also a number of other unique aquariums that can come in the form of other furniture pieces. In addition to traditional table-like structures, like coffee tables or dining room tables, furniture aquariums can also come in the form of headboards or wall units. If you are looking to spice up your bedroom, a unique aquarium headboard may be just what you are looking for. Unique wall unit aquariums are perfect for both homes and businesses. As with table aquariums, most unique aquarium pieces are expensive in price. Whether you are looking to purchase an aquarium headboard or an aquarium wall unit, you should be prepared to spend a couple of thousand dollars, if not more.

Another unique type of aquarium that is unique, but still highly sought after is aquariums that are in the shape of columns. Column aquariums are often thin in width, but tall in height. For instance, it is not uncommon to find unique column aquariums that are six or seven feet tall! It is also not uncommon to find column aquariums that have built in clocks towards the top of the aquarium. For this reason, column aquariums are highly sought after by business owners or by office decorators. Due to their beauty and their compact size, these unique column aquariums, however, can also be found inside many homes. Since column aquarium come in all different sizes, you should be prepared to spend anywhere from five hundred dollars to one thousands dollars.

If you have purchased an aquarium in the past, or at least researched all of your options, you are likely familiar with BiOrbs. BiOrbs are small, compact acrylic aquariums that are ideal for homes and offices; just about any place that is limited on space. If you enjoy the compact design and the beauty of most BiOrbs, you are also urged to examine SeaVision Orbs. SeaVision Orbs are unique aquariums that are rapidly increasing in popularity. One of the reasons for that is due to their design. While SeaVision Orbs are similar to BiOrbs, there is a small difference. That difference is a large bubble shape. That bubble shape actually acts as if it was a magnifying glass! What does that mean for you? It means that it is much easier to see the contents of your aquarium! How unique is that?

If you are interested in owning one of the above mentioned unique aquariums, you are urged to contact a reputable and well-known fish tank supplier, like FishTanksDirect.com. By visiting FishTanksDirect.com, you can examine a large selection of aquariums, including the previously summarized ones.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/unique-aquariums-popular-styles-110192.html

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Bettas – The Most Exotic Fish For Freshwater Aquariums

Sandra Bing — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 12:52:56 +0000

If you compare the difference between the salt water or marine fish and freshwater fish, you know that the fish for freshwater aquariums can be a bit dull and boring compared to salt water fish. However, there is one fish for freshwater fish tanks that is so beautiful and exotic it can rival any of the marine fish.

This fish is the Betta or Japanese fighting fish. You’ve probably seen them sitting In tiny round bowls at your pet store. These are the beautifully colored fish with long flowing fins that come in a range of red, purple’s and aqua’s.

These fish exhibit a grace and beauty that compares to none other and you might just one of the lucky fish tank with a dozen of them. However, this wouldn’t be very good idea since male Bettas – the ones with the long fins – a very territorial and will fight to the death.

When buying Bettas for your fish tank you need to make sure that you only have one male aquarium. You can have more than one female, but the females are not as beautiful as the males having much shorter fins and in fact, the females can also fight but are not as aggressive as the males.

in addition to being beautiful, the Betta is also one of the few freshwater fish that can survive in water that has little in as they can actually take the oxygen from the air itself. But just because they can survive in a little tiny bowls doesn’t mean you should subject him to such a boring life. just like with any fish the bigger the aquarium and the better the water quality and healthier you fish will be.

If you do decide to keep your Betta are in a small fish bowl you’ll need to spend a lot of time doing water changes in making sure that the water quality is good enough for your fish to size. The water in a small bowl will soon become toxic due to decaying food and wastes and there is not enough room in a small bowl for enough bacteria to build up for sufficient biological filtration. You should probably change out half the water to three times a week in order to keep the ammonia nitrate levels at bay. Also be sure that your fish gets the appropriate heat and light necessary to survive.

Feeding your Betta the appropriate food will help keep him healthy and colorful. Bettas are carnivores and will need a meat-based feed food. They like food such as prime time, freeze dried blood worms and you can also buy food specifically formulated for the Betta fish. If you’re feeding him frozen brine shrimp, thaw it out so that your Betta can digest it properly. Don’t overfeed refresh, simply given up what he can eat in a minute or two as you want to avoid having food rot on the bottom of your tank which will reduce the water quality.

Bettas like a water temperature that is around 78 to 80°F and it is good to keep this temperature consistent. keep your tank away from windows so that algae does not build up and also keep it out of drafts or sunlight is the sunlight can heat the water up to much. Adding live plants suitable or aquarium can help filter the water and keep the quality at peak levels.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/bettas-the-most-exotic-fish-for-freshwater-aquariums-71288.html

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Perth Pet Stores take on the World

Sandra Bing — Thu, 19 May 2011 01:15:07 +0000

Perth Pet Shops discover the Internet

With 2 new pet stores opening in 2010 this brings the total up to 8 stores across WAwe are now putting more focus on bringing our pet shops to the internet said Andrew McMullen who is responsible for the online expansion.

The aim is to have our entire pet product catalog online by June 2011 and in the meantime to build a solid supportive site for our customers. In the meantime we are adding new pet products all of the time.

Pet Popularity

Pets are more popular than ever and in fact even with the economic turmoil of the past few years new pet purchases and livestock adoptions have shown continued growth from year to year. Unfortunatly the popularity of pets and particularly the more exotic kind such as parrots and reptiles also often results in people owning pets who are not properly aware or trained being entrusted with the care of an animal which they do not entirely understand or know how to look after properly. At Pet City we feel we have an obligation to help educate our customers by providing material and resources for learning so that they are able to take the best care possible of their pets

The WWW will help us better serve our customers and offer additional services and assistance we simply cannot do without the internet. For those customers who are looking for a new pet we have email subscriptions available like our puppy notifier which will keep customers looking for their next puppy updated by email of the new puppies we have in our stores. These services are designed to help customers searching for the right puppy or other pet that suits them since they can quickly browse the animals available in stores and then visit the store where the puppy is located saving time and helping their efforts to find just the right pet for them. The subscriptions extend to more than just puppies with Newsletters catering also to kittens and those looking for particular breeds of birds, fish, reptiles and small animals.

Improved Pet Support

We also have a range of newsletters to help new pet owners get to know their pets and how to take the best care of them.Our newsletters feature articles and information on pet care, training bonding and more to help ensure our customers have all the tools and knowledge required to correctly care for their pets and provide them with long life and the loving, happy and safe environment which all pets deserve.

On top of the additional services we can offer we also hope to drive new sales from our online catalog which in theory will open us up to the rest of Australia and the world so we are looking forward and excited about the development of the upcoming new Pet City WA online shopping catalog and being able to offer our extended pet related services to new customers from all corners of the globe.

This is a new era for Pet City WA who have been a market leader in the West AustralianPet Industry and have continued to grow each year. People will always love animals and now Pet City is spreading its wings and challenging Australia and the rest of the world to be responsible for their pets and use our resources to self educate ensuring that our customers having everything at their fingertips to be the best pet owners they can be.

The new Pet City WA website can be found at http://petcitywa.com.au

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/shopping-articles/perth-pet-stores-take-on-the-world-3727447.html

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Information about Aquariums and Tropical Fish

Sandra Bing — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 14:13:09 +0000

The hobby of aquarium keeping and tropic fish as pets is fairly recent in the Western World, and took a while to catch on. The keeping of fish in small indoor tanks was only seriously considered in the middle of the last century, when both in Britain and the rest of Europe a considerable interest in the subject developed…At the beginning of the 1900′s aquarists around the world began to keep tropical fishes, and it was the “trend” of so doing that started a new wave of popular fish culture (keeping fish as pets)…The older aquarists were obsessed with copying nature in their tanks-or rather with the attempt to try and copy nature-whereas the keepers of warm-water fishes had to experiment and create suitable environments for them…Often they started only with the knowledge that the fish must be kept warm, and this in itself raised problems, including the death of favorite weeds and water snails at higher temperatures…So the aquarium gradually came to be regarded as most of ussee it today, as a beautiful display, not a mirror held up to nature…However, until the keeping of tropical fish, it seems that aquarists in general thought that the proper aim of an aquarium keeper was to reproduce a segment of nature…They now realize that their task is the maintenance of a highly artificial and restricted community of animals and plants, with a balance that can easily topple with disastrous results to at least some of the members. At the same time, aquariums can generally be easily maintained as long as a few fundamental facts are recognized and applied with commonsense to the problems that arise…So lets talk now about some of the characteristics of aquariums and tropical fish…The old fashioned fish bowl has almost completelyreplaced for serious fish-keeping by the rectangular glass tank, either made wholly of glass or with a metal frame and glass sides and a bottom of glass, slate, or other rigid material…Except when used for spawning, for exhibition purposes, or as a hospital tank for the treatment of disease, the tank contains growing, rooted plants; these are set in a sand or gravel layer 1 or 2 inches thick. There may be decorative rocks, but the chief decoration is usually the plants themselves, which contribute more to the attractive appearance of a well set-up tank than do the fishes…Rectangular tanks are usually between 5 and 25 gallons in capacity; a 15-gallon tank measures 24 X 12 X 12 inches and is a favorite size. Smaller tanks than these cannot house many fish or allow proper development of the plants…Larger tanks are very attractive and give scope for beautiful planting arrangements and for fine growth of the fishes, but they are expensive and not likely to become generally popular. Most fish lovers therefore prefer a range of medium tanks rather than one or two very large ones, but it must be emphasized that fine fishes can be grown in large tanks…In general, tropical fishes can be housed in smaller tanks than cold-water fishes. This is because they are usually smaller and are also better able to withstand a relative deficiency of oxygen in the water…Size for size, most tropical fishes can be crowded a good deal more than the common goldfish and very much more than fancy varieties of goldfish. A 15-gallon tank might comfortably contain a dozen 3-inch rosy barbs, four or five 3-inch common goldfish at the most, and not more than a pair of Orandas of the same size…Fish consume solid food and excrete solid faeces. They breathe oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide, and therefore they tend to deplete their environment of oxygen and to pollute it with carbon dioxide and excrement…Plants also breathe oxygen, but in sufficiently bright light they manufacture sugars, etc., from carbon dioxide taken from their surroundings, whether air or water, and they release oxygen. This is done in the green leaf…Plants also absorb dissolved salts and use these together with carbon dioxide in building up complex organic compounds. Very few higher plants can utilize solid or very complex substances, and before animal excrement (usually known as “mulm” in the fish tank) is available to them it must be broken down by fungi or bacteria and made soluble…So plants, in adequate light, tend to restore oxygen to the environment and to remove the waste products of animals. In poor light or in darkness they deplete the water or air of oxygen just as animals do. It is only in the daytime, or under bright artificial light, that they perform the complementary function to animals…From these facts grew the concept of a balanced aquarium, with the waste products of the fishes absorbed by the plants, and the oxygen necessary for the fishes provided by the action of the plants in light…The moral of the story? A well-planted tank with adequate illumination will usually stay clear and sweet for months or years with little attention…Hopefully this article has given you a great insight into tropical fish as pets and the healthy keeping of aquariums.

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Golden Fish Aquarium

Sandra Bing — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 01:01:28 +0000

All types of golden fishes in this small aquarium

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Getting Information on Fish and Aquarium

Sandra Bing — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 09:44:46 +0000

Over the internet and at local pet shops, you will find a wide assortment of helpful information related to freshwater fish and saltwater fish. Freshwater fish include the tropical and coldwater fish. Saltwater fish are also listed under Marine fish. Aquarium fish estimate at more than 22,000 species. The species include damsels, goldfish, reedfish, killifish, kingfish, catfish, loach, minnows, blind cavefish, long fin characin, and so on. Freshwater fish differ from the saltwater fish, in that the saltwater fish require different water conditions, feed, water temperatures, pH levels, and so on. In addition to saltwater fish and freshwater fish are choice amphibians, and reptiles. Some people, especially expert aquarists tend to blend a selection of fish. In fact, experts might even add Cushion Stars or Wartlet Anemones to their tanks. The cushion star is classified as the Phylum Echinodermata. The fish is commonly found in the Adriatic areas and the Mediterranean. The starfish grows about one ½-inch, to 2 inches in size and has short star shaped arms. The fish’s upper region is green, while the lower area is yellow. The resilient fish feels at home in coastal waters, since in the waters he has a surplus of stones to conceal itself. Cushion Star Fish tend to enjoy warm water, which the temperature must be set at 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Starfish tend to eat off organic matters. Wartlets are classed in a selection of categories, including subcategories. The fish originated from the Mediterranean, yet it lives in various sea areas. The fish feeds living plankton and animal food. The fish tends to enjoy rocky areas where it can hide. Thus, the water temperature should remain at 71 degrees Fahrenheit. This fish grows around 2 ½, to 2 ¾ inches in size. Red-tailed Black Shark fish: The Thailand grown fish grows 4 ½ inches in size. Red-Tailed Black Shark Fish has a torpedo shaped figure and a dorsal that resembles a flag. The fish comes in velvety black, yet it has a red tinted tail. Red-Tailed Black Shark fish has a friendly nature, which makes him a good communal aquarium fish. The Black shark is called sucker by many, since his mouth forms in the shape of a sucker. The fish enjoys glass, plants, and clean water. Expert aquarists also choose the Helmet Shell fish. The fish are distributed from various seas, including the Mediterranean. The water temperature recommended is 71 degrees Fahrenheit, since this creature lives at the bottom of waters in mud and sand. The Helmet Shell is a carnivorous predator. He will take delight in mollusks, especially the smaller breeds. His nature is nocturnal, which means he arises during night hours. The Cerianthus Membranaceus dwells in the Mediterranean areas, as well as surrounding seas. The creature has a double crown on brown or white narrowed tentacles. The fish has a worm shaped body. This creature grows up to 12 inches in size. Water temperature should be set at 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and/or 71 degrees Fahrenheit. Cerianthus Membranaceus choice foods are plankton. The aquarium fish can also feast on dried animal foodstuff, yet it will not take kindly if you do not feed it plankton. This creature is nice to look at, yet he withdraws often into solitary confinement. Sea squirts are one of the experts’ favorites. Sea squirts are reddish-orange colored unusual creatures. The sea squirts dwell in dark cavities, and will tolerate water temperatures set between 68 degrees or 71 degrees Fahrenheit. Some of the nice aquarium creatures include the tubeworms. These creatures produce a firework caption when erected. In conclusion, to learn more about fish care and aquariums visit your local library, or the Internet.

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Freshwater Fish Tanks Vs Saltwater Fish Tanks – Which Is Right For You?

Sandra Bing — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 21:29:22 +0000

When one is considering setting up an aquarium, the question comes to mind whether you should set up a freshwater or saltwater fish tank. while a saltwater aquarium will allow you to have it interesting variety of colorful fish, the novice aquarist might consider getting his feet wet with the freshwater fish tank as this will allow you to gain experience before you delve into the very expensive world of saltwater fish.

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Maintaining A Freshwater Aquarium

Sandra Bing — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 17:16:34 +0000

Some freshwater fish are easier to keep than other species. Angelfish, Killifish, Clown Loach, Hatchetfish, etc, are few choice fish that you want to consider. However, you will need a bit of experience to handle few of the fish listed. Holacanthus Trimaculatus includes the family to the Trimaculatus group, which includes the Angelfish. These fish have some of the most attractive colors. The tropical fish have dark blue lips, which counterbalance the fish’s golden-yellowish frame. Three-spot Angelfish is a selection of the many Angelfish. The fish come from the West Pacific oceans, as well as the Indian oceans. Three-Spotted Angels have a shape comparable to the butterfly fish. Three-Spotted Angelfish throat has a dark blue as well. The fish vary in color, which you can purchase orange-yellow, gold, etc. Few Angelfish have dark patches around the facial area, which the edges have fill flaps that are covered. Angelfishes are one of my favorites, since this fish provides an attractive view. The outer edges of the Angelfishes fins are spotted, which sometimes the spots are black. White contrasts the black, which is located at the inner area of the fish. Angelfish grows up to 10 inches in size. In addition, Angelfish tend to feed from plants, larvae, small creatures, etc. Angelfish are recommended to live with their own kin, although the fish are peaceful. If you are starting out, I will give you a direction to follow in fish care and aquariums. We can start with aquariums. Aquariums: Tank Preferred: You want to consider the fish type before considering the preferred tank. It makes no sense to purchase a tank and find out the fish type demand a different style. Principles of balance: pH is the basic principle of balance, as well as temperature, water condition, etc. In addition to preferred tanks, and principles however you want to consider plant mediums, water, stonework, heaters, filtration, diseases, feed, lighting, fish choice, tank plants: (Floating plants, submerged plants) Furthermore, you will need to consider maintenance, quiddities, and so on. In food supplies, you will have the choice of live food, dried foods, vegetables, and so on. Fish Group: The fish groups include the: Polypteridae, Osteoglossidae, Doradidae, Pantodontidae, Notopteridae, Rhamphichthyidae, Mormyridae,Gymnotidae, Umbridae, Cyprinidae, Characidae, Anostomidae, Bagridae, Siluridae, and so on. Prepare to consider more than 20,000 aquarium fish. Ugly fish: If you like ugly fish, check out the fascinating Frogfish. Frogfish come from the Antennariuus Group and the family of Anennaridae. Frogfish tend to rest in warm saltwater, or seawater. The frogfish has a territorial behavior pattern, which requires well-matched companionship. Starters should consider another type of fish, yet the frogfish is ideal for those desiring the ugly and fascinating creatures. Frogfish are kin prefer to live in peaceable environments and in areas where their kind rest. Concluding Frogfish, I want to say that this fish is notorious for hunting, trapping, and feasting on all sized fish, including larger fish. Continuing, one of the all-time favorite fish is the famous goldfish. The goldfish come from the Carassius Auratus group and is family to the Cyprinidae. Goldfish are little critters and come in or shapes, colors, and size. Goldfish can grow up to 1 inch, or six inches in size. Goldfish are found in most pet shops, and are one of the easier freshwater fish to maintain. Many goldfish are omnivorous, which means the fish will eat about anything you toss their way, such as dried foods, live bait, vegetable materials, and animal materials. Provide these fellers plenty of plants and the goldfish will be your friend for life.

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