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• Published: August 13, 2006, 5:48 am
• Displayed: 6976 times
• Preview: 10 tips for a successful Betta splendens reproduction Sponsored links Betta splendens is one of the most wanted fish in everyone`s aquarium. Breeding Bettas is not hard, though you might face problems at spawning them. They are oviparous fish, the male builds a nest in which the eggs/fry are kept for few days under the strict care of the Betta male. If you follow the next advices, you have big chances to get nice results of your Betta fish spawning. 1. Reproduction tank equipment: volume of 15-20 liters, a heater, a thermometer and air pomp connected to an air rock which will spread small bubbles. You need small bubbles because the fry are very sensitive to water movements and you don`t want them to suffer. 2. The aquarium water must have a temperature of 28-29° C, a higher temperature will hurry the eggs hatching and the fry won`t be fully developed. Keep the temperature constant using the heater and check it with the thermometer to make sure it is at the right level. 3. The water depth mustn`t excel 10-15 cm because the Betta eggs are denser than water and they...

• Published: March 10, 2006, 6:39 am
• Displayed: 2724 times
• Preview: A Few Bits & Pieces on the Fairy Cichlid Neolamprologus brichardiBy David Marshall From the July 2004 Ryedale Reporter, Ryedale Aquarist Society, England Aquarticles (this article was taken from aquarticles.com - free aquarium articles) Sponsored links The Fairy Cichlid is known to science as Neolamprologus brichardi. English aquarists christened this particular fish the Fairy Cichlid as they believed the fish to have a strong ethereal appearance. These fish grow to a size of 3.4" (8.5cm). Neolamprologus brichardi Photo copyright Mrs Jackie Goulder These fish are endemic to Lake Tanganyika in the African Rift Valley. The fish in my care are several generations on from original stock, which came to me from two local aquarium retail outlets. Although there have been times when as many as four tanks in my fish house have held Fairy Cichlids, in various stages of growth, I am currently down to around 25 young individuals who occupy a 36"x12"x12" tank. This tank has various slate formations and small mounds of coal as décor. T...

• Published: October 19, 2006, 6:07 am
• Displayed: 21296 times
• Preview: A guide to the tropical fishkeeping Sponsored links Before you start an aquarium, you should know many things about fish, plants, tanks, biotopes, lighting, filters and other details. Otherwise, your effort will result in diseases, unhappy fish and a dirty tank. Basically, it doesn’t matter if you want to start a species or community tank, it also doesn’t matter if you’re about to start a Cichlid tank or a tank with Guppies, Bettas, Gouramis or Catfish. There are very simple principles which apply to all tanks. Take aquariums very wisely and you’ll be happy with the result. The right place and size for an aquarium Before you buy anything, be sure you’ve chosen the right place for your future tank. The basic rules say that the place shouldn’t be very sunny or cold. Very good are the wall mounted aquariums, since they look nice and they also look like a natural part of the wall. Nowdays, the aquarium stands and backgrounds make it easy to create a beautiful scenery. Personally, I also like the corner aquariums very much; Rounded glass make them very attractive. For the...

• Published: October 30, 2008, 9:52 pm
• Displayed: 119 times
• Preview: About Aquarium Lighting Sponsored links In order to answer more and more questions of Aqua-Fish.Net`s visitors, this article is devoted to information about aquarium lighting. All questions have been compiled from previous statistics. If you`re looking for answer that isn`t answered here (or on this website), feel free to contact us. Which lighting is suitable (best) for a freshwater aquarium? For plants I recommend AquaGlo bulbs (I have had very good experience with these). In past I recommended 0.625 Watt per 1 litre for very fast growth. However, nowadays I am using 0.308 Watt per 1 litre. It is enough to grow plants such as Vallisneria Gigantea, Vallisneria Spiralis, Anubias Nana. Some plants (especially the floating ones) can do better under ordinary sunlight than under special aquarium lighting. Pistia Stratiotes is a nice example of such a plant. Never buy bulbs which heat the tank too much. In Summer this can cause serious overheating. How long should a bulb be? If the fish tank is 100cm long, I recommend to use a 90 cm long bulb (or less, but not les...

• Published: March 24, 2009, 8:22 pm
• Displayed: 54 times
• Preview: About fish pond filters Sponsored links For every pond that has been set up there has to be a filtration system incorporated into the design to keep the water fresh and free from harmful contaminants. There are many too choose from on the market and all different sizes to suit different ponds. Indeed, many pond keepers have become skilled enough to make their own filters. Hopefully by answering the following questions, it should be clear which filters are required and why they are necessary. Do I need a pond filter and what methods does it use? The answer to this question is “yes” if you are planning to keep fish you need a filter with no exceptions to run a successful pond. If you are looking at a natural wildlife pond, then sometimes it is not required. The plant life in the pond will soak up any nitrates present in the water. As well as filtering the water mechanically (particles are removed as they pass through a set of sponges), it also converts any ammonia that is created by fish waste and rotting vegetation into nitrates by hosting beneficial bacteria that do ...

• Published: September 23, 2006, 1:26 pm
• Displayed: 4012 times
• Preview: Activated Carbon Sponsored links For many years, carbon has been used as an agent to remove impurities from air and water. Activated carbon is one of the most effective absorbents currently used. Activated carbon is carbon which has a positive charge added to it, which makes it much more effective at absorbing impurities and chemicals. An activated carbon filter works by the law of attraction. When water passes over the positively charged carbon, the impurities in the water which have a negative charge will be locked into the activated carbon filter. Usually activated carbon filters use either granular activated carbon or powdered block carbon. Both types of filters are effective, however the powdered block carbon filters do tend to remove more impurities than its counterpart. The efficiency of activated carbon filters are dependant on two factors. First, the amount of activated carbon which is contained in the filter and second, the amount of time the impurities stay in contact with the carbon. Of course the more carbon there is in the filter, the better it will do its jo...

• Published: September 8, 2006, 2:19 am
• Displayed: 6222 times
• Preview: Adding a Fish Pond to Your Garden Landscape Sponsored links Advertisement: Get a 10% discount on pond products (except for pond liners) at graystonecreations.com! Enter Aquafish10% in the coupon code section of the order form when you check out! Many homeowners take pride in designing and maintaining their own landscapes and gardens. There is a lot of hard work involved and a lot of money spent, but owners definitely reap great benefit as well. Adding a fish pond, or water garden to your property will not only make it more appealing to the eye, it will also increase the value and equity of your home. Not to mention the enjoyment and relaxation you will get from the addition. Once the decision has been made to incorporate a fish pond into your landscape design, the next step is to determine the exact placement of your garden pond. It’s important to place it where you’ll always be able to see it from inside the house, or other areas of the garden. You should take into consideration the lay of the land, so you don’t have to worry about possible contamination from runof...

• Published: February 20, 2008, 12:43 pm
• Displayed: 895 times
• Preview: Adjustment of pH in the aquarium Sponsored links For an experienced aquarium hobbyist, adjusting and controlling the levels of phosphate (pH) in the tank is an undertaking that is understood needs a combination of time and experience. And for someone new to the hobby, it can be a really daunting experience. Experts state that more than half of the problems encountered in controlling a fish tank and taking ware of the well being of its occupants is keeping on top of the levels of pH in the tank. The problem often lies in an inexperienced beginner’s ability to trust that the levels of pH found in simple tap water is sufficient and their need to constantly adjust the level, causing a rise in the levels of pH bringing with it the possibility of damaging the fish’s health. A general rule of thumb and one that is worth remembering fro aquarists, whether they have been at a for a long time or are “newbies” is less is enough when it comes to pH adjustment, What is most important is to remember routine maintenance is the key to maintaining your fish in perfect health. For this reas...

• Published: May 7, 2006, 3:45 am
• Displayed: 5511 times
• Preview: African Cichlids Sponsored links African Cichlids come from three of Africa`s great lakes - Malawi, Tanganyika, and Victoria. In these lakes there are more species of fish than in any other lakes in the world. We don`t know the exact number of species and new ones are being continually discovered in all the lakes, so you can understand how difficult it is to count them. Cichlid fishes in these lakes often have extraordinary opportunities to instigate speciation, an evolutionary process that leads to differences. That is why they are the most spectacular examples of speciation and adaptive radiation within any vertebrate family. The process is what makes Africa`s great lakes, and the cichlids that inhabit them, so interesting. African cichlids are beautifully coloured freshwater aquarium fish. They have amazing social behaviour, display extroverted personalities, and are intelligent too. It is easy to care for cichlids, and they will bring a great deal of pleasure to the aquarium enthusiast if you take good care of them. This fish is territorial and it can be hostile to...

• Published: June 17, 2008, 10:58 pm
• Displayed: 249 times
• Preview: AFRICAN DWARF FROGS Sponsored links African dwarf frogs (Hymenochirus Boettgeri) are a very popular choice of aquarium addition as they are so easy to keep, no more difficult than keeping a goldfish. One of the biggest problems with these is when you actually go to purchase them from the pet stores. Some of clawed frogs may be labelled as dwarfs but they are not. Clawed frogs will grow quite large in comparison and are not so hardy. Two ways of spotting the difference are, if they are albino then they are not a dwarf species, also the dwarfs will have smaller eyes compared to the clawed frogs. They originally came from the Congo region in Africa, but unfortunately due to land clearing and the change in the eco system it is thought that they may have become extinct in the wild. Most of the frogs sold in the pet stores were originally bred in India where it was quite a large concern; large amounts were bred purely to be sold into the pet trade. This proved to be a valuable move as it has prevented this species from being extinct altogether. The dwarf species will grow to 1...

• Published: October 24, 2007, 9:01 am
• Displayed: 1127 times
• Preview: Air pumps Sponsored links They not only offer pleasing effects but also essential oxygenation and current to the aquarium. Not all aquarists use them though. It is possible to have an aquarium without one, but it poses challenges sooner or later. What do they do? An air pump can be used for filtration using foam, box or under-gravel filters, airation of the water by bubblestones, wands, or bubble tubes, and they can also power ornaments and create movement in the aquarium. Filtration: This is very often the first use of air pumps. Most aquarists buy air pumps for this reason initially. Filtration is an essential part of any aquarium and not all can be filtered by other methods. The principle advantage of air filtration is that it is gentle and safe for delicate and small fish. Many electrically powered filters are too powerful for small fish and fry to cope with, creating strong currents in the tank and tiring them out. They also create strong intake currents and can pull small fish into the intakes. Air filtration is much less dangerous for these fish. Beca...

• Published: March 20, 2007, 8:31 am
• Displayed: 20237 times
• Preview: Algae eaters Sponsored links If you notice small or large green spots, or even some hair algae in your freshwater tropical aquarium, you usually try to remove them manually. After careful removal or cutting sick plants for weeks you`ll find that it`s almost impossible to displace all the algae which grow, grow and grow all the time. An ordinary aquarist may consider introducing algae eaters into the tank at this point. Fish shops like this kind of customer since it`s easy to persuade a hopeless fishkeeper that some fish will fix the problem in a short time. Moreover, a skillful merchant recommends more than 1 or 2 fish in order to remove algae from your fish tank as soon as possible. This way people buy from 5 to 10 fish no matter that they don`t know anything about their demands, habits, etc. In order to avoid weedy aquariums you need to understand what algae is, what helps it`s growth and what to do if it gets out of control. What helps algae growing 1. Too little/much lighting, 2. Inappropriate feeding which leaves food to decompose, 3. Bad filtration and aeration, ...

• Published: June 1, 2009, 8:42 pm
• Displayed: 28 times
• Preview: Aquarium book - All about aquariums Ready to buy? Click here! The book called "All About Aquariums" covers all topics that are: Needed to start a freshwater tropical fish tank,Needed to run a freshwater tropical aquarium properly without seeing fish suffering,Needed to understand how freshwater tropical fish behave,Needed to help you breeding your freshwater tropical fish,Needed to enjoy this hobby! In order to differentiate this book from most of others which are already available on the internet, here`s what you won`t find inside: Lack of contentMissing referencesPoor qualityImpossibility of finding answersPoor navigation within the book What`s inside 12 chapters covering all steps from factors when starting an aquarium to specialised equipment when running a fish tank seriously!A detailed guide how to set up an aquarium!Problems after setting up a new tank and solutions!What to do after your aquarium is running!Suitable fish for beginners!Information about aquarium plants that are suitable for beginners!A fish diseases chapter!Maintenance of your aquari...

• Published: October 29, 2008, 10:39 pm
• Displayed: 118 times
• Preview: Fish Pond De-icers; Questions and Links to De-Icers Sponsored links Advertisement: Get a 10% discount on pond products (except for pond liners) at graystonecreations.com! Enter Aquafish10% in the coupon code section of the order form when you check out! Each of the questions below has been asked by visitors of Aqua-Fish.Net in the past. In order to share the knowledge and experience, I decided to publish and answer them within this article. You may be also interested in visiting another article devoted to fish pond de-icers, which is here: aqua-fish.net/show.php?h=ponddeicer. What is the purpose of a pond de-icer? (or what a de-icer does) To melt the the ice in a fish pond. This helps to keep the fish healthy since dangerous gases can get out from water (these gases are a result of excrements for instance). It also helps to avoid fishes from suffocate. How do I choose a fish pond de-icer? Firstly compare a few products (you can compare products listed at the bottom of this page too) and based on your requirements, select one. The requirements are: How big...

• Published: December 27, 2006, 3:53 pm
• Displayed: 5417 times
• Preview: Caridina Japonica – Amano shrimp Sponsored links Caridina japonica is the most common shrimp present in aquariums, is also known as Amano Shrimp because Takashi Amano has been the first one to introduce them in his aquariums, noticing their habit to eat algae. Caridina japonica, native of Japan, Korea and Taiwan, is a small transparent grey shrimp with black spots covering the body and a white line from the head to the tail; the body colour can anyway change a bit due food nutrients and water quality. Aquarium life Amano shrimp can live in every aquarium, prefer neutral or lightly acid PH, temperature can fluctuate between 71°F and 82°F (22°C – 28°C), while water hardness has not to be too much soft, because being a crustacean Caridina needs calcium and other minerals to grow healthy. Being really shy, it is better to house them in large groups in the aquarium, or they would spend the most of the time hidden among plants and decorations. There is not a maximum number of Caridina you can house in your tank, overpopulation is really difficult; they live on the gro...

• Published: June 22, 2008, 10:19 pm
• Displayed: 226 times
• Preview: ANACHARIS Sponsored links Anacharis must be one of the most popular aquatic plants available on the market. There is a lot of debate as to the name of this plant; there are various common names such as Brazilian waterweed, elodea, and recently is has been classified as being Egeria Densa. This must be one of the most versatile plants available to buy on the market, and definitely one of the most popular for new fish keepers to have their first attempt at keeping live plants. However, if it is not given the right conditions, it can just as easily melt down, like all other plant life. Anacharis is native to North and South America, where it can grow abundantly, in some areas it is even classed as an invasive plant. As it is so abundant, this reflects on the price, it is one of the cheapest plants to buy, another good reason for its popularity. It grows long stems, these will reach from the substrate right up to the surface, it has even been known to reach a height of 3 feet. The colouration of the leaves can vary from light green to a rich dark green, thickly protrud...

• Published: April 3, 2008, 5:21 pm
• Displayed: 335 times
• Preview: Angelfish: Breeding Sponsored links Pterophyllum Scalare is a cichlid fish that is in high demand in the aquarium industry due to their unique beauty and unusual personalities. This fish is more commonly known as the “Angelfish” and it is known to come from rivers in Peru, Columbia, and Brazil. Angelfish are unusually shaped for cichlids because they are laterally compressed with round bodies and elongated triangular-shaped dorsal and anal fins. These egg-layers form monogamous pairs and are wonderful parents in the wild as most cichlids are. Although, it has been observed through captive breeding that angels are loosing their parenting instincts and tend not to care for their young as diligently as do the wild versions of themselves. Pairing Angelfish It is difficult to determine the sex of immature angelfish. To improve the odds of finding a suitable pair it is recommended to start with about 6 or more juvenile angelfish. Be sure to choose quality, hardy specimens with good color and finnage. This allows the spawning pair a chance to find each other naturally. A stron...

• Published: April 16, 2008, 9:25 pm
• Displayed: 314 times
• Preview: Aquarium Accessories Sponsored links So, you`ve just got home with your new fish tank, to me that is 30 gallons or less. Aquariums are larger, at least in my mind. Since most new fish tanks and some 55 gallon models come in as a kit probably have: 1.the tank2.a hood with light3.an adequate filter4.a 4 inch net5.some tropical fish flakes6.a small amount of a chlorine remover7.a plastic/silk plant or two8.possibly some coupons It is strongly suggested, if you haven`t already, that you do a good deal of research before investing any more of your hard earned cash. Research This is the most important step in any endeavor that involves dealing with live animals. Speak with store personnel to get a recommendation for what is best suited to your application. THEN check on-line forums for the opinion of experienced users. Then commit your hard earned money. This is true of any purchase you may wish to make. Check the stores but always check the various forums that are on the internet. Researching a project, whether it is size or type of tank, what types of fish get along...

• Published: August 31, 2006, 11:57 am
• Displayed: 7528 times
• Preview: Aquarium air pump Sponsored links Aquarium air pump is a device that brings air into the aquarium and it may filtrate the water too. There are many types of air pumps like air stones. You just put the air stone into the aquarium and start the device, which is out of the aquarium. An air pump may have the form of an aquarium ornament like treasure chests, shells, divers and many more. Such aerating devices make bubbles and that is how they aerate the water. Choosing the right air pump is not so difficult. You just have to choose it according to the size of your aquarium and to amount of the plants, because they can stop the bubbles and the aquarium is not fully aerated. But when you are choosing an ornamental aerator, you are choosing it according to that, how do you like it, or which would look best in your aquarium. And if you want to have your tank really good aerated, then you can combine the aerators. The use of the air pump is really easy. You just do everything what the guide says. Mostly you just take out the air pump from the box, put it into the aquarium and start i...

• Published: February 26, 2008, 1:08 pm
• Displayed: 427 times
• Preview: Aquarium airline Sponsored links A key component in a properly constructed aquarium which may seem totally insignificant but actually plays a vital part is the aquarium airline. As aquarists take fish from rivers, lakes and oceans, and place them in an aquarium tank, part of the object is to create an environment for them that will allow the fish to thrive. It is very difficult to recreate the exact environment that the fish enjoyed when not in “captivity”. It is impossible to recreate the large, even unlimited, surface areas that the fish had to live in, but at least it should be possible to recreate most of the conditions that they enjoyed within a limited area. As we all know, fish need oxygen to be introduced into the water to survive, and they also exhale carbon dioxide which needs to be expelled from the water for the sake of the fish’s health. This means that proper circulation in the tank is highly important, and this needs to be done through the process of aeration. In addition the air that is injected into the tank has to be very evenly distributed and this can ...

• Published: August 22, 2008, 10:38 pm
• Displayed: 155 times
• Preview: Aquarium algae(types, and how to get rid of them - natural and other ways) Sponsored links Green algae There are over 7,000 species of green algae, most of them being unicellular or filamentous freshwater species. Brackish and marine species also exist, so green algae can live in such aquariums as well. Green algae are often a beneficial part of the ecosystem in the aquarium and should ideally not be vigorously eliminated. It can for instance serve as food for various inhabitants and help you keep the water quality stable by binding organic waste. There is however situations where you need to do something about the green algae, e.g. when it suddenly starts to grow much faster than normally. If you wish to control green algae growth in the aquarium, you need to control light and nutrients. Green algae carry out photosynthesis and will therefore grow much faster when provided with plenty of light. Ideally place your aquarium in a spot where it receives no direct sun-light and do not let the aquarium lighting be on for more than 12 hours per day. When it comes to nutr...

• Published: March 26, 2008, 4:38 pm
• Displayed: 437 times
• Preview: Aquarium Backgrounds Sponsored links What can you do with the back of an aquarium? There are many answers to this question, form cheap to expensive, from plain to very decorative. Let`s look at the options. Firstly, we should start with the cheapest, and very often the best. If the aquarium is against a wall, and most are, you have several options: Leave it as it is, with the wall showing through the tank;Paint the back of the tankStick on one of the many patterned backgrounds that are available in your local fish stores;Build a decorative background inside the tank;Buy a decorative background from your LFS. Let`s take them one at a time, outlining the pro`s and con`s: Leave it as it is. Very plain, but if you are aiming for a planted tank, this could be a good option. A curtain of plants at the back of the tank would leave little background showing, so it wouldn`t matter that much. But at best it is simple and cheap! Paint the back of the tank. One of my own preferred options, as it`s not expensive, very easy to do, and looks good. You can use any proprietary g...

• Published: September 8, 2006, 2:07 am
• Displayed: 48918 times
• Preview: Add Realism and Beauty by Using Aquarium Backgrounds Sponsored links Aquarium owners have the luxury of having a piece of the underwater kingdom available for their viewing pleasure twenty four hours a day. Since a well maintained and presented aquarium can represent quite an investment, the die hard fish lover wants to perfectly display and enhance the appearance of his fish. One way to do this is through the use of aquarium backgrounds. These backgrounds can be made of various fish-safe materials and can be placed inside or outside the aquarium. Aquarium backgrounds come in an almost endless array of sizes shapes and colors, so it’s quite certain that there’s a background suitable for even the pickiest fish lover. The choices in which type of aquarium background to use can depend on several factors. First the actual size of the tank must be considered. Smaller sized tanks require aquarium backgrounds which will not take up too much of the tank space. Space within these tanks is at a premium from the get go so placing items in the tank will use up space which is needed for ...

• Published: September 30, 2008, 7:05 am
• Displayed: 140 times
• Preview: Aquarium bacteria Sponsored links When an aquarium is first set up it is incapable of supporting any livestock until it has built up large enough colonies of beneficial bacteria that will convert all traces of toxic ammonia and nitrites into nitrates that are removed during water changes or consumed by plants that have been added to the tank. But what are these beneficial bacteria and how do they keep our aquariums healthy? To understand the processes that are taking place in the aquarium, we have to first learn a little about water chemistry and what it involves. We have heard the phrase “cycling the tank” but what does that mean. When we first set up an aquarium we are actually setting up an artificial ecosystem that hangs on a fragile balance. If we get everything right then the tank looks great but if the balance tips against us and the water parameters take a dive we will start losing fish. The phrase “cycling the tank” refers to the nitrogen cycle that is being created in our small ecosystem i.e. the aquarium. A new tank has just been filled with water, the ...

• Published: May 8, 2008, 1:24 pm
• Displayed: 284 times
• Preview: Aquarium Canopy Sponsored links An aquarium canopy can do so much for the aesthetics of an aquarium. The purpose of the canopy is to finish the look of the aquarium by covering the filters, lights and electrical cords. The canopy can allow an aquarium to look like a piece of furniture or a decorative centerpiece in any room of the house. A canopy needs to be able to allow the aquarist to easily and conveniently access the inside of the tank for the sake of routine maintenance. What good is a tank topper that will not allow you to get into it? Most aquarium canopies come with one or more access points to get in and out, but for those really big jobs, the canopy is removable. The aquarium canopy is different from the aquarium hood even though they serve the same purpose. They both cover the aquarium to prevent fish from jumping out and they both house the lighting fixtures over the tank. The difference is the canopy will give the aquarium a nicer, more finished look as if it is something that is meant to decorate the room. Canopies usually come as a set with the aqu...

• Published: August 8, 2008, 7:00 am
• Displayed: 195 times
• Preview: Aquarium Carbon Sponsored links Carbon is an element that is largely used in the aquarium industry for filtering chemicals out of the water making it safe for both fresh and salt water fish to live in. Materials such as charcoal, coconut shells and wood are often used for carbon filtering because of the amount of elemental carbon it contains. When these materials are introduced to high pressured steam impurities are released and the elemental carbon contained within creates pores. This forms the substance we call activated carbon which acts like a sponge that is highly effective against organic chemicals. Active carbon has millions of pores which gives it a substantially large surface area of up to 750 square feet per ounce. The tiny little pores make activated carbon a highly absorbent substance that is useful in filtering not only aquarium water, but it is also used to filter drinking water and absorbing bad smells in the air. Three-Step Process: 1. The carbon attracts negatively charged chemical particles with its own positive charge. This draws the chemicals in causi...

• Published: August 30, 2006, 1:44 pm
• Displayed: 13284 times
• Preview: Aquarium Chiller Sponsored links In this guide you can find information about aquarium chillers as well as links to the products (expensive or inexpensive, it's up to the customer), and useful tips when buying/using one. Aquarium chiller (or cooler); an unusual and unknown piece of equipment in many countries... That's how one description could be written. In my previous article, I was talking about heaters in aquariums. Unlike the winter months, warm months in summer means problems with high temperatures, which could lead to fish problems. Also, fishes will live longer if you keep them in water which is colder than 30°C (86°F). Making an aquarium a cooler place is sometimes very difficult, because no-one will keep adding ice cubes into the water each day for weeks on end. Generally, there are a few ways how to keep the water cool. These techniques include adding ice, fish tank chillers, darkening the room and so on. Firstly, make sure you need an aquarium chiller for your tank. When the temperature exceeds 30°C (86°F), you should do something about it because not all f...

• Published: August 28, 2007, 10:38 pm
• Displayed: 1647 times
• Preview: Aquarium cleaner Sponsored links Basic knowledge Aquarium cleaner is a simple and cheap tool with price about $3. It is designed for pumping the water out/into the tank while the water is moved from one container to another container. From time to time you should pump out some water from the aquarium and replace it with some new water (you shouldn`t use any water taken from the duct without leaving it 1-2 days in some bucket). Water changes I recommend you to change from about 10% up to 20% of entire water. Depending on your tank`s capacity, this number might vary from 5% (for very large aquariums) up to 40% (small fish bowls). Water changes are necessary when there are too many excrements at the bottom of the tank or if you want to simulate tropical rain for fish which originate from tropical forests. However, this process sometimes happens for no apparent reason; just because you want to clean the environment. There applies a simple principle saying “less is more” in this case because you shouldn`t do water changes everyday. Do it and your fish will be stressed. Gene...

• Published: March 26, 2008, 2:19 pm
• Displayed: 364 times
• Preview: AQUARIUM CO2 SYSTEMSby Mick Sponsored links CO2 systems are added to the aquariums to enhance lush plant growth where the plants use light energy to utilise the CO2 to promote their growth. Several aquarists have success with their planted aquariums with installing these systems but for typical “Dutch Aquariums” these certainly play a major part in their success. How many times have we looked in magazines & wondered how on earth do they get them to look like that well hopefully this article will help to explain how they work & the choices available. Basics of CO2 in the aquarium: Plants need carbon for growth as well as adequate lighting but a balance has to be reached as lighting alone will not provide ideal conditions for the plants, hence the need to bubble in CO2 as this will provide the carbon required. Too much CO2 also can cause problems as this will affect the pH of the water & this will then lead to a pH crash, also bear in mind excessive CO2 will produce carbonic acid (H2CO3) which is toxic, definitely not good so most systems ...

• Published: August 23, 2006, 7:02 am
• Displayed: 15460 times
• Preview: Aquarium decoration Sponsored links As we all know aquarium decoration nowadays, it includes items such as caves, air pumps, plastic plants, rocks, shells, pearls. However, let's go through it's history and tips how to decorate your fish tank. The first kinds of fish tanks were small ponds in the gardens. The fish kept there were goldfish and some kinds of carps. It all started in China around the 10th century and it could be, that even in the 7th century. The goldfish species came to Europe in about 17th century. The first aquariums like we know them now were built in the 19th century. Mostly, people decide to start an aquarium because an aquarium is a part of their decoration. But the fish tank is a real and quality decoration only if it looks good. These days, there are numerous styles of decorating our homes, but when you are starting a fish tank, the first thing you should bear in mind is the comfort of fishes kept there. You can also choose how your aquarium should look like and only then you`ll buy fish according to the biotope in your aquarium. For example, if y...

• Published: March 19, 2008, 9:07 pm
• Displayed: 328 times
• Preview: Aquarium Decorations Sponsored links Aquarium decorations come in many shapes and sizes and vary enormously in price. For the purpose of this guide, I will group them into several categories: Plastic and Silk Plants;Plastic/fibreglass ornamentsCeramic ornamentsNovelty ornamentsDecorative substratesNatural decorative ornamentsReal plants Plastic or Silk Plants: Most of us have bought these type of plants, usually when we first start into the hobby. This is mainly because they are quick, simple and maintenance free. They also give you a finished result immediately. Some fish can be destructive too, and real plants don`t last long in tanks with these fish. Goldfish are very well known for eating live plants and at best, uprooting them, so silk and plastic plants have their uses! As you become more knowledgeable, this type of décor tends to disappear in favour of natural plants. Plastic/fibreglass ornaments: A vast range of these are available covering everything from an ornamental bush and tree stump to castles, pillars, bridges and houses. They also come as anc...

• Published: March 19, 2008, 4:31 pm
• Displayed: 398 times
• Preview: Aquarium Design Sponsored links These days, everyone who has an aquarium has seen the vast range of ornaments, fake plants and novelty toys that can be placed into the aquarium. There is no need to detail these, as you see the every time you enter the local fish stores. I want to look at the choices we have for alternative decorations here, letting your mind create the end result. It is quick and easy to run to the store, buy a few trinkets and put them into the tank just to give some effect, but that`s not what we want or strive for. Yes, it`s great for kids with their first tank and a couple of goldfish, but most of us have aquariums for pleasure and they need to be in keeping with our homes. You take time to plan your home, the furnishings and décor, why not do the same with the aquarium? When planning any aquarium, you need to be able to see the end result before you start. This involves imagination and thought. You need to decide what you want in the end, 12 months down the road, not look for a quick-fix. There is a place for ornaments from the store in here, but t...

• Published: September 22, 2006, 11:07 am
• Displayed: 10848 times
• Preview: Landscape Your Aquarium with Aquarium Driftwood Sponsored links Much like adding aquatic plants to your aquarium, adding driftwood to your aquarium can certainly add to that eye-popping effect you are looking for. Unlike aquatic plants, driftwood sinks naturally to the bottom of your tank, eliminating the need to be anchored in place, all you need to do is place it where you want it and will stay there until you or your fish move it to a new location. Each piece of driftwood has its own unique character and appeal, and can be used to build attractive underwater caves for your fish. If your fish tend to like to stay on the bottom of the tank, adding aquarium driftwood will sometimes get them to move up to the middle and top of the tank. There are a number of varieties of aquarium driftwood that you can purchase online to add beauty and dramatic effect to your aquarium tank. You can find Asian driftwood, planted driftwood (has ferns growing on top), Caribbean driftwood (very smooth, doesn’t cause any water discoloration), and branchy and stump aquarium driftwood ...

• Published: February 18, 2008, 3:36 pm
• Displayed: 405 times
• Preview: Aquarium filter cartridges Sponsored links Every lover of keeping fish in an aquarium will know that proper filtration is one of the principal keys to success and enjoyment. Anything less than 100% efficient filtration will lead to unclear and foul smelling water, and will be detrimental to health of the fish in the tank as well as being generally unpleasant for all those in the general vicinity of the aquarium. For this reason any self respecting aquarium owner, either in a domestic or commercial application, should spend the time and the money to ensure that they have the best of filtration equipment available. The smaller and less sophisticated aquariums used a fairly primitive form of water filtration that was housed in a small container that was hung in the corner of the tank. This was the first and at one time the only form of filtration available for aquariums and is still in use today for smaller aquariums. Basically inexpensive and simple to install, the “corner filter” was basically a plastic container filled with a basic form of filtration medium whi...

• Published: February 20, 2008, 9:15 pm
• Displayed: 606 times
• Preview: Aquarium filter media Sponsored links No one has ever had the heart to stand up and say that filtration may not be essential, because no one has yet had the courage to try and operate an aquarium without filtration. And hopefully they never will. The reason being that the costs and the effort involved in operating an effective aquarium filter media system are so minimal that it is not worth the argument, except possibly in large volume aquariums populated by very few fish and a large range and number of healthy aquatic plants. Over all the aquarist’s goal should be to provide the finest environment for his fish to live and flourish in and much though must be given to find the ideal filter media to produce the best results within a realistic budget. Filter media for aquariums need not be expensive and there are many options available that can keep the cost within reasonable levels. Once the decision has been made to install a filter system for your aquarium the next question will be which one? There are a few to choose from, some of them simple and some of them fairl...

• Published: June 30, 2008, 2:17 pm
• Displayed: 191 times
• Preview: AQUARIUM FILTER PADS Sponsored links One of the most important aspects of running a successful filtration system is knowing which media to add to your filters. One component that is found in all powered filters is the filter sponge pad. As any experienced fish keeper can tell you, there are three areas that your filter has to cover. Mechanical filtration is the first step in the process; this is then followed by the biological filtration, and finally chemical filtration. Mechanical and biological filtration are a must at all times, chemical filtration is often only applied when it is required to do a specific job as in removing medications from the water, or for removing unwanted substances that have been found in the water. When the water is pulled from the tank into the filter it should be pulled through the sponges that are placed inside. The mechanical filtration will now take place. As the name suggests the sponges will sieve the water, pulling out any solid particles that are present, and them letting the water pass through to the next stage. The solid partic...

• Published: June 7, 2008, 11:31 am
• Displayed: 227 times
• Preview: AQUARIUM FILTER SYSTEMS Sponsored links To a novice fish keeper, choosing which filtration system to purchase for their tank can sometimes be a bit confusing. There are several types to choose from so which will be the most efficient for their tank. There is no point paying out for a large canister filter when running a small tank, researching what is required can save money but still maintain high water quality. The two main factors in choosing which system are, the volume of the tank, and what stock are you going to keep in it. In some cases a secondary filter may be required; if this is the case then it doesn’t always mean paying out for two identical ones, a smaller one will often be used for a back up. Planning your filtration system at the start will save a lot of time and hassle in the future. So why do I need a filter? An aquarium has closed parameters; this means that when your fish foul the water it is trapped in the tank unless pulled out by other means. In nature the seas, lakes or rivers will remove their pollutants, debris on their own, this cannot hap...

• Published: August 22, 2008, 10:47 pm
• Displayed: 153 times
• Preview: Aquarium fish diseasescommon diseases, symptoms, treatments, and prevention Sponsored links Preventing disease Quite a few aquarists routinely treat their fish against various health problems or even retort to constantly keeping the salinity level high in their freshwater aquarium just to prevent outbreaks of certain contagious diseases. The problem with such an approach is that keeping a fish in a suboptimal salinity level and exposing it to various treatments will weaken it in the long run. If you want to keep thriving fish instead of barely surviving fish, prevention is a much better solution than continuous use of salt and disorganized emergency treatments. Here are a few suggestions that can decrease the risk of disease in your aquarium. 1.)Keep your fish in an optimal environment, i.e. optimal water temperature, optimal salinity, optimal pH-value, low levels of organic waste, and so on. Always read up on all species you plan on keeping and do not combine species with dissimilar preferences.2.)Avoid stress in the aquarium by including suitable hiding spots an...

• Published: March 19, 2006, 3:41 pm
• Displayed: 2912 times
• Preview: Aquarium fish forum Sponsored links Join our aquarium fish forum at aqua-fish.net! It`s an easy way to exchange your experiences of keeping freshwater aquarium fish and plants, as well to discuss your problems related to freshwater aquariums. We have released our aquarium fish forum in late 2005 and after several updates, it is now completely ready for posting. What do you need to do if you want to join aqua-fish.net? 1) Register for free. You can find a registration form under Project->Registration. 2) Fill in the registration form. 3) When you`re registered, just click on Project->Our forums. 4) Every new post (except your own) since your last visit will be marked with a blue smiley. Of course, this smiley may vary, but you will see what`s new in our aquarium fish forum. Our website will inform you how many times each topic has been viewed and how many repliesit has had. The same smileys and information will appear in each topic and forum threads. You will see who started each thread and when. 5) Of course...

• Published: January 27, 2006, 4:58 am
• Displayed: 3722 times
• Preview: Aquarium fish needs Sponsored links I started keeping aquarium fish 4 years ago. Like every new fan of this hobby, I wasn`t able to set-up a good fish tank and I made some mistakes. In this article, I want to let you know about beginner`s mistakes. I want to buy aquarium, what should I do first? You need to know something about the aquarium fish you want to keep. Normally that people buy fish that eat each other. Your aquarium can be looking very good, but the fish won`t feel good. This is something you should keep in mind when you decide to take up this aquarium hobby: 1) Place your aquarium somewhere where it will stay for a long time. 2) Larger aquarium = Better aquarium. The conditions in a fish tank are more stable in a larger aquarium than a smaller one. 3) Buy a good filtration system. 4) Buy efficient neons that will give good light conditions for your plants to grow. 5) Buy gravel or something else for the bottom of your aquarium. You can find inspiration for your tank in our database. Just click here. The tank is finished, I want to buy ...

• Published: February 29, 2008, 11:51 am
• Displayed: 416 times
• Preview: Aquarium glass cleaner Sponsored links Anyone involved in any way in keeping fish, is well aware of the dilemma faced every few months as the amount of foreign bodies that fish and plants generate begins to mount up. The dilemma is whether to empty the tank completely, place the fish in a quarantine tank, and give the main tank a thorough cleaning inside and out. This seems like the easy way, yet an experienced aquarist will do just about everything possible to avoid doing it. Why? Not because they are lazy, but because if they do so they will more or less lose all the colonies of beneficial bacteria that has accumulated in the tank water. Another reason is that for the fish themselves, it is traumatic and cause fairly significant health problems, no matter the short their stay in their temporary accommodation. So the dedicated aquarium operator or owner every now and then, as part of an annual maintenance program, will roll up their sleeves and give the aquarium a thorough cleaning both outside and inside. Cleaning the tank on the outside, as you can imagine, is fairly str...

• Published: November 15, 2007, 12:30 pm
• Displayed: 1200 times
• Preview: Aquarium Gravel: Old fashioned, or just overlooked? Sponsored links Aquarium gravel has been the staple substrate for fish tanks and aquariums for many years, but is it still popular, still needed, or just something that we use because it’s simple? The answer to this is complex. Aquariums have become works of art in the last few years, ranging from simple ornament displays to heavily planted and beautiful aquaria. Because of the change in opinions about fish keeping and the desire to explore new avenues of design and appearance, gravel has been replaced by hi-tech substrates in many aquariums. Products like Flourite, which are enhanced with nutrients to sustain plants have become more common, sand has become a very common substrate in aquaria because of the ease with rooting plants, and substrates like marbles and glass beads have become popular because they look nice! The improvements in filtration have also helped common aquarium gravel to be pushed out, as the newer filtration systems such as HOB (Hang on Back) and Canister filters don’t need a gravel substra...

• Published: March 28, 2009, 5:39 am
• Displayed: 52 times
• Preview: Aquarium heaters Sponsored links One of the most vital pieces of equipment in an aquarium has to be the heater. This is often neglected and forgotten about when placed in the tank but it plays a vital role in the fish’s welfare. Misplacing a heater in the aquarium can often mean cold spots in the tank or the heater cannot run as efficiently as it should be doing, hopefully this article will help give everyone a good understanding of how a heart should be used. When should a heater be placed in a tank and why are there some tanks without them? Many species of fish are classed as coldwater fish. When keeping a coldwater tank, there is no need to add a heater as the fish prefer to live in cooler temperatures. Sub tropical and tropical fish come from climates that have higher water temperatures, this is the reason that these fish need to be kept at temperatures above room temperature. How does a fish tank heater work? The heaters that are used for aquariums are basically an element enclosed in glass or stainless steel and the temperature is controlled by a thermostat....

• Published: March 26, 2009, 1:11 am
• Displayed: 56 times
• Preview: Aquarium hoods (and lighting) Sponsored links Many aquariums nowadays are run open topped but there are cases where a tight fitting hood and built in lighting are necessary. Most bought aquariums will come with a hood and lighting but sometimes fish keepers will resort to making their own. This may sound complicated but it isn’t! Even the smallest of tanks come complete with a hood and some form of basic lighting. Hoods are normally made from wood, plastic or metal, deciding which one is used is purely personal preference. Why do I need a hood? Aquarium hoods serve a few purposes. They will reduce the amount of evaporation from the tank water as well as preventing contaminants entering the tank from outside sources. Hoods also act as a base for attaching the lighting equipment to and with built in flaps give access to all areas. If the aquarium is bought as a complete package, the hood will be a perfect fit and will do its job well. If making your own hood, measure carefully to ensure a tight fit. Should I choose wooden or plastic for my hood? As mentioned ab...

• Published: September 23, 2006, 1:30 pm
• Displayed: 3976 times
• Preview: Choosing an Aquarium Hood That’s Right for You Sponsored links Unless you purchased your aquarium as a pre-selected complete kit, then you’ll also need to acquire an aquarium hood. Aquarium hoods are not only an attractive topper to finish the look of your aquarium, but they also serve practical purposes as well. They add protection from foreign objects falling in the tank which could kill your fish, and they hold the upper lighting for the aquarium. Aquarium hoods also keep wayward pets such as ferrets and cats from making an afternoon munchie of your aquarium denizens. Dust, smoke, pet dander and other airborne pollutants are also held at bay, helping to keep the tank water cleaner for a longer period of time. Of course, hoods help prevent your fish from leaping out of the tank and onto the floor to their death. We can’t always be there to scoop them up immediately and return them to the tank, therefore an aquarium hood is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. You will find that aquarium hoods come in all standard sizes and that custom sizes can be found at some retailers. ...

• Published: September 25, 2008, 7:18 am
• Displayed: 142 times
• Preview: Aquarium ideas Sponsored links One of the joys of the fish keeping hobby has to be designing an eye catching and pleasing tank set up with all the décor involved. This can take many hours to get the desired effect or it may work straight away with instant success. Pre-planning your aquarium can save a lot of time when you actually get to the physical side of putting items into the tank. The planning should also involve researching which types of fish you intend to keep in your tank, this will then give you a good idea of the size of tank required and the décor that needs to be added. If the fish need hiding places, then artificial caves or pieces of driftwood will provide them, even some of the artificial ornaments will include hidey holes for the fish. It maybe that fish are not going to be the main feature of your tank, in some planted tanks, the scenery provided by the plants is the focal point of the tank, and a few fish are merely added for some movement in the scenery. This applies more in a saltwater reef tank where the reefs constructed of living rock adorned with co...

• Published: August 22, 2008, 10:54 pm
• Displayed: 145 times
• Preview: Aquarium kits(about kits which are available on markets) Sponsored links If you wish to set up and aquarium, an aquarium kit can be a convenient and sometimes cost effective way of getting what you need. The term aquarium kit is used very freely and can refer to anything from a glass tank with a lamp in the hood and a tiny filter in the corner to all-inclusive package deals that include everything from tank and equipment to fish, plants, food and a test kit for water values. In this article, we will take a look at a few things that are important to consider before purchasing an aquarium kit. Size of the tank The size of the aquarium is very important when choosing an aquarium kit. Many beginner aquarists go for small or even tiny aquariums, but the truth is that medium large aquariums are much easier to maintain. In a small aquarium, waste products emitted by the fish will quickly reach harmful levels since there is so little water to dilute them. The small water mass will also be more susceptible to rapid changes in water temperature which can be dangerous for fish. In ...

• Published: January 9, 2007, 2:24 am
• Displayed: 4993 times
• Preview: Aquarium Light Fixture Sponsored links I'm writing this article in order to give some guidance regarding aquarium light fixtures and the precise construction of the aquarium light fixtures of my social aquarium. A joiner created the case for my tank to order. The dimensions are 120 cm x 55 cm x 100 cm. The cover's dimensions are 120 cm x 55 cm x 20 cm. I chose 4x39W 850 mm T5 lighting fluorescent tubes as the lighting. All in all, it is 156 W for 220 litres of water. I like to have a planted tank and 0.7 W/l is enough in my experience. In order to boost the intensity of the aquarium lighting I attached mirror foil to it. To use T5 lighting fluorescent tubes you need to plug them into the electronic ballasts. I use two pieces of Helvar electronic ballast "El 2x39s". If you have the aquarium light fixture made of wood or any flammable material, you must embed the asbestos bearing between the ballast and fixture. The ballast has a temperature of 80 degrees Celsius when working. To connect electronic ballast with T5 tubes I used cable CY 1.5mm2. Finally, you have to c...

• Published: February 29, 2008, 8:06 am
• Displayed: 358 times
• Preview: Aquarium light timer Sponsored links Of the many reasons to maintain an aquarium in your home, the office or in a public building, the most popular reason is for therapeutic purposes. People who are easily agitated can calm down and watch fish in an aquarium swinging around in their tank for hours on end with no major worries in life. People, who have worries, and some of them serious, can forget them for just a little while as they watch these fish swirl around in their tank. For those people outside the tank looking in it is very important that the aquarium have an efficient lighting system, and for this inside the tank but not necessarily looking out it is no less important, but for different reasons. Proper lighting in an aquarium is very important for all forms of life in the tank, especially in a tropical freshwater (and reef) aquarium. Proper lighting is very important to all these life forms that are in need of proper photosynthesis to balance the equilibrium in the tank. These plants and life forms will fade gradually without access to so many hours of light every ...

• Published: September 4, 2006, 3:48 pm
• Displayed: 9503 times
• Preview: Aquarium lightinga guide to lights for freshwater aquariums Sponsored links Before you decide to buy an aquarium lighting system there are a few facts you should know. Always focus on more aspects than only price, given discount or cheap offers. It's necessary to understand the purpose of a lighting system in a fish tank, and only then one should go ahead and buy. This guide is here to help you and it has been written by experienced fish keepers for everyone who needs advice. Imagine, you are a colourful tropical fish. You swim in warm water, with lot of plants, in which you can hide and of course you know where are you swimming. Do you know how this paradise may exist? It is because of the sun. Sunshine is a perfect light. Thanks to the sun the life exists on the Earth's surface. Thanks to the sun I can write this article now. As you all know, it is because of the photosynthesis. So you see, that the light is very important. And an aquarium needs it too. That is the reason why you have to buy a specialized aquarium lighting. When you are buying an aquarium lighting, y...

• Published: March 27, 2009, 7:22 am
• Displayed: 51 times
• Preview: Aquarium lighting fixtures Sponsored links Aquarium lighting if used correctly can create an outstanding effect and show off everything in your tank. Most aquariums nowadays are supplied with the lighting already fitted but when buying a second hand tank this may not always be the case. A lighting system is not all that complicated and is very easy to fit into the hood of the aquarium. Basically there are three main components to a lighting system. BallastLighting TubesWaterproof connecters Once these three items are matched together and fitted correctly you will have a great display in your aquarium and in the case of planted tanks, the lighting will encourage the plant growth. How do I create an aquarium light? As mentioned above you will need to purchase the three main items to set up your lighting fixture. The first thing that you need to do is measure the length of your tank to ensure that you are getting the correct length of tubes for your lighting. The tubes sold will be slightly smaller than the tank length and will be rated in watts. They are attached ...

• Published: March 12, 2008, 8:51 pm
• Displayed: 417 times
• Preview: Aquarium Maintenance Sponsored links Regular aquarium maintenance keeps a tank healthy allowing its inhabitants comfort and longevity. It is a lot easier to prevent trouble rather than having to fix it. Maintaining your aquarium is easy when all of the components in the tank are in proper working order. There are specific guidelines to what works best when maintaining your aquatic environment. The most important thing to check on a daily basis is your fish. Take a good look at them for a few minutes each day and check to see that there are no diseases present such as skin irritations or fin rot. See that they are eating properly because a sick fish might not present any symptoms other than lack of appetite and diminished physique. Also be sure that there are no casualties because dead fish can cause water contamination levels to spike if not removed right away. Catching the problem early and taking swift action will help to keep maintenance down to a minimum. Be sure that your aquarium equipment is also running properly. Check daily to see that filters are filtering, ai...

• Published: February 26, 2008, 4:07 pm
• Displayed: 473 times
• Preview: Aquarium medications Sponsored links For aquarists who have invested a considerable amount of money and time in establishing an aquarium, there is nothing more daunting than seeing their fish become ill and possibly dying. Anyone who has maintains an aquarium either for work of for pleasure should take the trouble to learn what is involved in maintaining their fish’s general health, how to recognize the common diseases that can affect the fish, and more importantly, have on hand the relevant aquarium medications to apply to the water to nurse their cares back to perfect health. The first thing to understand is that healthy water means healthy fish. One of the major causes of fish becoming ill is if they are kept in overcrowded conditions where they can develop a condition known as fish stress. This problem can also develop as a result of water in the tank being less than ideal for the health of the fish. Not necessarily fatal, fish stress will cause a gradual deterioration in the health of the fish, and cause them to be more vulnerable to diseases. Therefore aquarists must b...

• Published: March 10, 2008, 4:22 pm
• Displayed: 527 times
• Preview: Aquarium Ornaments Sponsored links Interesting under water scenes are created by using the right combination of aquarium ornaments. By choosing the right décor an aquarist can create the perfect environment to raise happy and healthy fish. Sure, aquarium ornaments are wonderful to look at, but they also serve a bigger purpose. There are many pieces that also function as important survival tools for aquatic pets. When choosing ornaments for an aquarium you’ll have to assess the needs of your fish, pick features that accommodate those needs and use them to create and eye-pleasing scene. There are so many different aspects of decoration to think about when building an underwater scene. Keep in mind you are creating a whole world for your fish to live in. It is a three-dimensional space where your pets will eat, breath, sleep and hide, so where do you start? The best place to begin is at the bottom. The first thing to decide is what to put at the bottom of the aquarium. There are so many substances to choose from. Gravel is most commonly used to decorate the bottom of trop...

• Published: July 7, 2006, 2:56 am
• Displayed: 10295 times
• Preview: Aquarium plants Sponsored links Plants are a very important part of freshwater aquariums. It is worth choosing plants carefully and taking good care of them. Water plants are not only nice in aquarium, but they are good for fish too. They give shadow to fish, which like it if they are shy. Some fish use plants as a spawning nest. For plant eating fish they also serve as food. Of course in some tanks, for example with big plant eating cichlids, plants are already doomed and it will be better to choose plastic plants. Water gardening is almost the same as normal gardening. Plants require good conditions and care. They make their food themselves in strange green cells by absorbing carbon dioxide and excrete oxygen in a process called photosynthesis. For this process light is needed. Plant nutrition: As the terrestrial plants, so water plants need nutrients like nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. They usually take it from the water, but some of them take it from the roots. For some plants trace elements are more important than for others. But give it to the all plants...

• Published: June 4, 2008, 10:13 pm
• Displayed: 210 times
• Preview: AQUARIUM POWER FILTERS Sponsored links One of the most important pieces of aquarium equipment, if not “the” most important, has to be a reliable filtration system to keep the water quality at its highest. In the early days of fish keeping the choices of filters to use were basically one design, the under gravel filter (commonly referred to as a UGF). This was basically a plastic plate with holes in that sat under the substrate in the tank. It worked by air being driven into it by means of piping which created a water flow through the gravel, cleansing the water as it travelled. Those days have long gone; there is now a wide variety of powered filters on the market that gives us much more scope to choose which system we wish to use. There are basically 2 types of powered filter, an internal version, or an external one. So how do we know which one to use? A lot of the decision involves the tank size that we have, but in some set ups it can also be influenced by stocking load or even if we want to create extra current for various biotopes. The general rule i...

• Published: August 22, 2008, 11:01 pm
• Displayed: 149 times
• Preview: Aquarium problems(problems from weight, overcrowding, ... to moving) Sponsored links Aquarium weight An aquarium filled with water and substrate is really heavy and this must be taken into account when you plan your aquarium. Even small aquariums can be surprisingly heavy and must be supported by a strong enough structure. The exact weight of your filled aquarium will depend on several factors, including aquarium type and substrate. Generally speaking, an empty glass aquarium will weight twice as much as an empty acrylic aquarium. (Even a small 20 gallon glass tank can weigh over 25 lbs.) An acrylic aquarium will, despite its lower weight, call for a more supportive stand since it is more flexible and needs to be supported along the full bottom surface. A glass aquarium is heavier but only requires support along the outside edges. As you begin to fill up your aquarium with water, you will add an extra 8 lbs for each gallon of water. As mentioned above, the weight of the substrate must also be taken into account. A deep sand bed will for instance weigh more than a th...

• Published: March 26, 2008, 2:06 pm
• Displayed: 317 times
• Preview: Aquarium refugiumsby Mick Sponsored links As the name suggest a refugium is basically a refuge for macro algae, copepods, amphipods, shrimps & fish species that require quiet surroundings away from predation, bullying etc. They are normally connected to the main display tank or in close vicinity as they need to benefit from the high water quality that is maintained in a reef tank. And this can only be achieved by the water being pumped directly into them which is then allowed to drain back at a steady, constant pace. Some fish keepers keep refugiums purposely to breed their shrimps & copepods. They also provide ideal conditions for seahorses, mandarins, pipefish & all fish that require calmer water flow. SETTING UP A REFUGIUM: Any small tank can be used to create a refugium; in fact on the market nowadays it is possible to purchase a hang on variety which is just as suitable.I have used a 10 gallon tank for this purpose in the past. Now we need to supply a water supply to fill the tank. This is done by means of a small water pump or even...

• Published: April 18, 2008, 9:03 pm
• Displayed: 281 times
• Preview: AQUARIUM REVERSE OSMOSIS Sponsored links In the aquarium hobby there are many instances where reverse osmosis water is used but to most people it can be quite baffling, if they have never actually had to invest in a unit. Hopefully this article will explain its uses and also exactly what it is. It is mainly used for water softening which is ideal for discus, angelfish and in fact nearly all of the South American species, also it is now used with almost every marine or reef tank. An RO unit (reverse osmosis unit) is used as a water purifier and in fact it will reduce the pH of the water as it pulls out 99% of all total dissolves solids, leaving the closest thing to pure water that you can get. This is particularly important where water quality has to be at its highest for the more delicate species of fish and where internal or external filter cannot clean the water to reach desired levels. The water is so pure that it has to be re-mineralized before use, as it can become unstable due to the KH potentially dropping, which in turn can cause a pH crash. So how do...

• Published: June 3, 2008, 9:03 am
• Displayed: 355 times
• Preview: Aquarium Rocks Sponsored links Rocks can be used as decorative elements in an aquarium while providing hide-outs and homes for the fish that reside there. Aquarium rocks provide caves and territories, a surface to lay eggs on, and a place for algae eaters to graze upon. Rocks come in all different shapes and sizes and are made out of all sorts of different materials. Pay special attention to the type of rocks you use in your aquarium because not all rocks are safe for fish. Rocks that are good for the aquarium do not crumble, erode, or leach harmful chemicals into the water. Slate, granite, and quartz are all examples of good rocks that can be used in the aquarium without harming the inhabitants. Avoid using rocks such as lava rock and marble. Lava rock is known to have plenty of sharp, jagged edges that can scratch a fish if it swims to close to it, or the mouth of a sucker fish attempting to graze upon it. Marble will alter the chemistry of the water causing the water to become too hard for most fish to survive in. Testing water regularly is one way to be sure that the roc...

• Published: August 22, 2008, 11:07 pm
• Displayed: 166 times
• Preview: Aquarium sand Sponsored links Advantages Many fishes hail from sandy environments in the wild and will love a sandy substrate in the aquarium. For some species, sand is more or less mandatory, e.g. for bottom feeding fish with delicate barbells adapted for fine sand rather than coarse gravel. There are also many species of fish and invertebrates that likes to hide in sand and some will even dig out burrows. Examples of popular fish that will appreciate a sandy substrate are Tanganyikan featherfins, shelldwellers and sandsifters.Some species will only breed in sandy aquariums.Some species need sand to aid digestion.Sand is an ideal choice for many species of aquatic plants.Since grains of sand are smaller than gravel, there will be more surface area for beneficial bacteria to colonize. Sandy bottoms occur in the ocean as well as in brackish environments and in freshwater lakes, rivers, streams and ponds and sand is therefore used in all sorts of aquariums. Risks Fine sand is more tightly packed than coarse gravel and it is therefore easier for “dead” pockets with...

• Published: August 22, 2008, 11:11 pm
• Displayed: 153 times
• Preview: Aquarium silicone(the purpose and usage) Sponsored links Aquarium silicone is used to glue the glass together in a glass aquarium and seal the joints. Learning how to use silicone is not only necessary for those interested in building an aquarium for scratch; it is also very helpful for anyone with an older aquarium in need of some repair. It is very important to only use aquarium safe silicone, because other types of silicone can include harmful compounds that may leech into the water and harm the inhabitants of your fish tank. Silicone sold for bathroom use can for instance contain arsenic to prevent fungi growth in damp rooms. When using aquarium silicone, it is important to work on a very level surface. It is also important to keep the room well ventilated, because the fumes aren’t exactly healthy to inhale. Different aquarists use slightly different methods when applying silicone and you may have to practise and experiment a bit before you find which method that suits you best. A commonly used technique is to run a continuous 0.25 inch bead over the glass ...

• Published: April 24, 2008, 8:50 am
• Displayed: 617 times
• Preview: Aquarium Snails Sponsored links Aquarium snails are animals that are amphibious which means they can live both on land and in water. They are mollusks, meaning they are animals that have neither a skeleton nor an exoskeleton, so they have adapted another form of protection for their soft bodies. This protection comes from a single, spiral shaped shell into which they can draw themselves inward at any sign of danger. The fact that they have just one single shell classifies them as gastropods. The snail’s shell which is made of calcium carbonate grows as the snail grows. Just as humans need calcium for strong teeth and bones, snails need calcium for a strong outer shell. The operculum is the outer “trap-door” like structure that is used to close up and seal the snail’s shell to prevent harm or dehydration. A snail uses its muscular foot for mobility and movement. This foot is lubricated with mucous to reduce friction and protect the snail from being injured on sharp surfaces. Some snails are gilled and breath oxygen diffused from the water, while other snails have lungs to breathe ...

• Published: June 6, 2008, 9:02 am
• Displayed: 252 times
• Preview: AQUARIUM SPONGE FILTERS Sponsored links With the choice of powered filters available to purchase nowadays, many fish keepers seem to neglect a cheap and efficient way to filter the water in their tanks. An excellent alternative to paying a fortune on equipment is to set up your tanks with sponge filters. If used correctly they provide good mechanical and biological filtration, as well as returning oxygen back into the water. If you think about it, the sponges in powered filters are doing the same job as a simple sponge filter, but price wise are a lot more expensive. Sponge filters are ideal for breeding tanks, the fry will not get sucked up the inlet pipes and with some of the more modern sponges that are now available, they can even be used in the large display tanks. Quarantine tanks benefit from these as well; if the filter is allowed to run in another set up it can simply be transferred to the “Q” tank as and when required. Because these are so simple to set up, they are ideal for beginners and experienced fish keepers alike. Unfortunately sponge filters will not remove...

• Published: September 8, 2006, 2:11 am
• Displayed: 12674 times
• Preview: Aquarium Substrate Sponsored links When you think of aquariums, the first things that probably pop into your mind are beautiful fish, green submersed plants, and the little plastic diver guy that finds himself stranded in many fish tanks. Then of course there are the bubbles which permeate the water with their gentle flow upward through the seascape. Little or no attention is given to the bottom layer of the aquarium, but it is a vital part of the miniature underwater ecosystem. Unbeknownst to most people, the layer of gravel and materials (aka substrate) which lies quietly at the bottom of the aquarium plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy environment for the fish and plant life which live there. Aquarium substrate serves several purposes. In its most known role, it serves as a decorative touch for the pleasure of those who view the aquarium. It gives the aquarium a finished look, and can be quite colorful or natural toned. However, one of the most important roles is that it keeps the fish healthy. Aquarium substrate allows the fish to be oriented in the water, k...

• Published: September 8, 2006, 1:52 am
• Displayed: 3389 times
• Preview: Selecting the Correct Aquarium Supplies Sponsored links There are many different types of aquariums, but the one thing they all have in common is that they all require aquarium supplies. Which supplies your aquarium will need will be determined by the particular type of fish and plants you have. It is a good idea to research this information before you begin to set up your aquarium, so that you will be well prepared with all needed supplies readily available. One thing that you will need pretty much regardless of the type of aquarium you have is a high quality air pump. Making sure that you have a well aerated aquarium will help you to maintain the proper ph level so that your fish have the oxygen they need in order to survive. You can also purchase air pumps that are powered by battery, so that you will have a backup if for any reason your power should fail. There are many different pumps on the market, including some which are able to maintain other equipment, such as protein skimmers, or ozonizers. Which particular unit you purchase will depend on what you intend its mai...

• Published: September 8, 2006, 2:15 am
• Displayed: 7548 times
• Preview: Aquarium Thermometers Are An Essential Item Sponsored links When it comes to keeping your saltwater aquarium maintained and a safe environment for all that lives within, no piece of equipment could be more essential than the aquarium thermometer. These devices vary in the materials from which they are made, and they span a price range from cheap to expensive. The type or brand of thermometer you purchase is not as important as the fact that you do purchase one for your saltwater aquarium. The fish and other creatures which dwell in saltwater aquariums can be very sensitive when it comes to the temperature of the water around them. Temperature changes that are too dramatic will result in death to many of your expensive tropical fish and little creatures which scuttle back and forth across the bottom of the tank floor. Having your investments die, (and let’s face it, tropical fish aren’t cheap) from temperature changes is completely avoidable by simply purchasing and installing an aquarium thermometer. Since these devices come in all shapes, sizes and price ranges, there ...

• Published: April 3, 2008, 6:16 pm
• Displayed: 322 times
• Preview: AQUARIUM VOLUMES Sponsored links One of the most important things we need to know about our aquariums is the size of it, plus we need to know the volume of water that it contains. Why do we need to know these things, I have done this myself in the past, found a perfect enclosed corner for a new tank, found what I have been looking for, checked the measurements given in metric – worked out in my head a conversion to imperial, given myself the wrong answer & you’ve guessed it the tank didn’t fit. On the internet there are now several sites that will do instant conversions (cm-inches, feet – metres & vice versa) that take all of the guess work out of this. There is a link provided below to a calculator that can be used just key in the measurements & hey presto instant results. aqua-fish.net/index.php?cur_lang=2&count=no&secured=&section=51 A few of us from the old school were educated in imperial measurements and as most aquariums are advertised using metric, calculators like these are of great benefit. ...

• Published: April 4, 2008, 9:17 am
• Displayed: 521 times
• Preview: Aquarium Water Hardness Sponsored links One of the hardest subjects that most aquarists have trouble with is understanding water chemistry and what we are actually testing for in our water parameters. We all know why it is important to check ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates in our tank, but what is pH, KH, and GH. Hopefully from this article things will become clearer. Let’s start with General Hardness (GH) sometimes referred to as Total Hardness. Depending on which type of land areas the water has passed through, varying levels of hardness are reached before it reaches its final destination i.e. if it passes over rocky areas it will have a higher mineral content, if it passes over marshy, forest areas it will normally create a soft water river or lake. Fish like the neon tetras, and cardinal tetras are good examples of soft, acidic water lovers. When we turn on our taps the mains water will contain many minerals that it has absorbed on its way to us, mostly magnesium & calcium, with small traces of other metals such as iron and zinc. The concentratio...

• Published: March 7, 2008, 9:23 am
• Displayed: 504 times
• Preview: Aquarium Wood Sponsored links Wood pieces act as creative and decorative sculptures in many aquariums but they serve as more than just ornaments in these underwater structures. They help to anchor various plants and lower pH levels in the water. Aquarium wood also functions as a mimic to the natural environment where fish originally come from. It provides a place for fish to hide, breed and spawn. What to look for: When looking for a new piece of wood you’ll want to know what you are looking for. You want a very hard, dense wood. Soft wood decays too quickly and is not very practical for keeping a clean tank.Look for unique shapes that you can set up alone or together with other pieces and plants. If you have several pieces you can lean them against each other to create more crevices and places to hide. The right layout can maximize your aquarium’s visual appeal. I like to place one or two larger pieces in my tank and create the rest of the décor around it.While looking for your wooden structure keep in mind the size of your fish and the size of your tank. You won’t...

• Published: March 16, 2008, 11:06 pm
• Displayed: 733 times
• Preview: Aquariums and Ammonia, Nitrates, Nitrites Sponsored links The nitrogen cycle is the process in which ammonia is converted to nitrite which is then converted to nitrate. This progression is made possible with the presence of ammonia and nitrite converting bacteria with the end result being a chemical compound known as nitrate. Cycling: When setting up a new aquarium it is important to first complete a thorough cycling so that the beneficial bacteria needed for ammonia and nitrite conversion can be established. In a mature aquarium it is important not to over clean the bacterial environment to maintain a healthy level of nitrogen cycling. Once nitrifying bacteria is present it can begin to metabolize the harmful ammonia produced by decaying plants, uneaten food and decomposing fish waste. Process: As previously stated ammonia is produced by decaying plants, uneaten food and decomposing fish waste. One group of bacteria’s purpose is to convert the ammonia by binding it with water and the resulting chemical is nitrite. This is when another group of bacteria does its ...

• Published: June 4, 2008, 10:51 pm
• Displayed: 258 times
• Preview: Aquariums And CO2 Systems Sponsored links Overview: In planted freshwater aquariums, one must use multiple techniques to promote healthy and thriving plant growth. This includes proper substrate, adding CO2, lighting, and fertilizers. I will now explain the use of CO2 systems and how they work and benefit your aquarium. First off, for those of you who do not understand the basics, plants need energy, as do we as humans. They get this from water, sunlight, nutrients in the ground (or water in the case of aquariums), and CO2. In aquariums, adding CO2 to the water helps promote healthy growth of the plants, and differences can easily be seen. Plant in general will grow larger, and taller with the added CO2. And yes it is true that fish take in Oxygen and give of CO2 as a waste, but this is not enough for you tank. Adding a CO2 system to your set up will be beneficial. A planted tank will show significant differences when a CO2 system is added. Yeast CO2 reactor system: This is a very common inexpensive CO2 system. Basically, yeast, a type of fungus used in baking, co...

• Published: January 22, 2006, 4:21 pm
• Displayed: 2025 times
• Preview: Aquariums in my life Sponsored links Hello, my name is Susan and I thought, that I could post here an article about aquariums. I'm my life. When I was child, about 10 years old, I had my first aquarium. It was a ball aquarium. Even me or my parents or anybody whom I knew, had known nothing about aquarium. It was a disaster! There were no aquatic plants, no filter, nothing. Just gravel from outside. We were changing whole water every week. I don´t remember how many fishes died... But I felt very sorry about all of them. But now, 10 years after, I met a man, who have 2 aquariums. He knows a lot of about aquariums and care about them and I´m amazed by life in these small pieces of nature inside rooms. Now I know a lot about aquariums, biotopes, aquatic fishes and plants. Aquarium is an amazing thing. Maybe because we live on the dry land and those aquariums are a piece of the water life. It is better than watching TV! I feel always relaxed, when I`m watching on a good arranged aquarium. Those fishes are just swimming around quietly and mostly slowly. They don´t care, if s...

• Published: September 21, 2006, 2:29 am
• Displayed: 6530 times
• Preview: The Convenience of Automatic Aquarium Fish Feeders Note: Aqua-Fish.Net isn`t advertising any product within the article below. Sponsored links Automatic fish feeders help make your life as an aquarium owner much easier. It is often hard to remember whether or not you fed the fish, or if someone else in your house did already, and the automatic fish feeder eliminates missed feedings or over feeding altogether. Too much food in the water can easily clog up important filters, and cause you to have to spend more time cleaning your aquarium tank than enjoying it. There are many different brands and designs on automatic fish feeders on the market, you just have to decide which one is within your means and will best suit your needs. One of the most popular automatic fish feeders is the Eheim 3581 “Feed-Air” Digital Automatic Feeder. This model is capable of using either granule or pellet fish food types. You can set it to feed your fish up to four times per day. This model comes with its own ventilation system which keeps the food dry, preventing spoilage issues. You can choose w...

• Published: August 3, 2007, 10:16 pm
• Displayed: 2995 times
• Preview: How to make a baby brine shrimp hatchery cheaplyBy Tim Gautrey Sponsored links To make a hatchery this way is very easy. All you need is an empty 2 litre cola bottle, a polystyrene tile, a piece of air piping that you can connect to a pump via a control valve and a sharp knife. You might need a vacuum to clean up the polystyrene afterwards, but that`s DIY!) Cut the bottle just above the label, so that the bell and screw cap are left. See the image below. Take the polystyrene tile and cut a square just a little bigger than the bottle diameter. Place the cut neck of the bottle onto the centre of the square and press down so that it leaves an indentation in the tile. Using the knife cut out the round shape, leaving you something like the image below. Float the tile in your tank, Fill the bottle with water from the tank to half an inch from the top, Drop it into the centre hole in the tile, Add the air pipe making sure that it goes right to the bottom of the cone and connect to the pump, adjusting so that you get a gentle bubble in the b...

• Published: November 3, 2006, 6:34 am
• Displayed: 6925 times
• Preview: Barbus Tetrazona - The Tiger barb Sponsored links Barbus tetrazona is one of the most common barbus fish in aquariums. It comes from Sumatra and Borneo, that`s why you can find it also under the name of “Sumatra Barb”. Another common name of this fish is a “Tiger barb” due it`s colour pattern, golden body with four vertical stripes, the first on the eye and the last at the begin of tail. There are few differences between males and females, usually you are able to recognise them when they`re adults, and their size is near 2 inches. Male is slimmer than the female and has red fins, edges and mouth. Females are bigger and don`t have any red part. Like other barbus, tiger barb lives in shoals. The best number of fish in shoals is five or six. More fish could end up creating two shoals fighting towards each other; while a smaller number is dangerous because they could be aggressive towards weaker fish and not create a shoal. After captive breeding you can find various colour mutations. - Green tiger barb has only a vertical black stripe on the eye, while the res...

• Published: June 17, 2008, 11:05 am
• Displayed: 271 times
• Preview: Before You Buy a Goldfish Sponsored links Goldfish have been bred for over a thousand years for the sake of observation enjoyment. The art of breeding the finest specimens of goldfish first started in Asia and was later picked up in Europe. Breeders aimed to produce the highest quality of colors and shapes ever found on a goldfish. Because this type of fish has been bred so rigorously for all those years, you will never find one for sale that has not been born in captive breeding. An amateur aquarist could decide that he or she would like to raise goldfish in a pond or aquarium but there are a lot of factors to consider before getting started in this hobby. The beginner aquarist should first learn about the different types of goldfish to find out which varieties are hardy and easy to care for. A little bit of research as to what different varieties of goldfish to purchase and their specific needs is necessary for a successful pond or aquarium. Without the proper knowledge of water chemistry and conditions the inexperienced hobbyist might stumble upon some pretty devastating misha...

• Published: March 15, 2006, 9:39 am
• Displayed: 57638 times
• Preview: Betta fish Sponsored links Betta fish – Betta splendens is a very beautiful aquarium fish. Of course, it needs care if you want to keep this species successfully. This fish needs a lot of space even it`s not the largest fish you can buy. There are 4 betta fish in my tanks (42 l and 81 l). Naturally, only 1 male per 1 tank. Aquariums are 30 cm tall with the water depth being about 27cm from the surface of the gravel. Good care of betta fish means good feeding, adequate water temperature, water hardness and so on. Usually, I feed my fish with Sera food, and sometimes with frozen food (cows heart). The temperature in my tanks varies between 23-29 °C (winter-summer) and all betta like it. They haven`t been sick and they have bred successfully. The water in my tanks is little bit hard and alkaline. This is caused by rocks and sea shells (yes, sea shells in freshwater tank). Shells are there to keep good and stable quality of water. Of course, you will probably hide all shells, because it looks crazy in a freshwater aquarium. Anyway, all betta fish like these water conditions...

• Published: September 5, 2007, 10:05 am
• Displayed: 1839 times
• Preview: Betta fish bowls; To buy or not to buy? Sponsored links Some stores sell sphere aquariums, or aquariums which look like big glasses. Of course, such fact isn`t bad in it`s basis. What might become bad is that some people use such fish tanks for keeping Siamese Fighting Fish (Bettas) males incorrectly. Bettas are one of the most beautiful freshwater fish around the world and that`s why aquarists (including all ages, sexes, amateurs or professionals) house them. Generally, people want to have an extraordinary aquarium with this extraordinary fish. Bear in mind that a “Betta fish bowl” is usually a small aquarium, with no extra space for filtration device, plants and light. Is it OK? Isn`t it an animal abuse? In my opinion this kind of fish tanks should be used only as an aquarium with plants only. Imagine yourself in a such small room for all your life, would you accept it? But why do people like such aquariums? First, such product is very small and it can be moved at no time. People can have it on the table and maybe they feel that the fish is part of their life much mor...

• Published: October 8, 2006, 8:37 am
• Displayed: 9176 times
• Preview: Betta splendens diseases Sponsored links Betta splendens is a strong fish, and if kept in good condition, it won`t get sick. No matter what the disease is, when you notice a behaviour change, or some symptoms, remove the betta from other fish to avoid contagions. Remember also to have an “aid kit” always ready: 1) A small tank for quarantine 2) A water heater 3) A small filter or water oxygenator 4) A dedicated net 5) Products like malachite green and methylene blue. There are a lot of diseases that can develop in aquarium, betta splendens usually are subjected to these: 1. Injuries 2. Swim Bladder diseases 3. White spot diseases 4. Ammonia poisoning 5. Fins and tail rot Injuries Even if relations in aquarium looks good, sometimes injuries may happen. Often it`s impossible to understand how a fish has been injured; for bettas most of times it`s because of a male attack towards a female or vice versa, or an attack from a stronger fish disturbed by the betta male. Bettas` fins and tails are the most attacked by other fish, usually...

• Published: February 5, 2008, 9:37 pm
• Displayed: 754 times
• Preview: BiOrb accessoriesby Albert Sponsored links The BiOrb goldfish bowl has become the center piece of many aquarium lovers’ homes over the last few years. Combining the performance ability of a high tech aquarium, with the looks of a traditional fish bowl, the BiOrb provides all the design features to make life a pleasant experience both for the fish as well as the aquarium owner. Available in a variety of sizes as well as colors, BiOrb aquariums can contain either goldfish in small quantities or tropical fish. For example the more popular 30 liter volume BiOrb aquarium can contain 3 small fantail or 12 tropical fish that are small in size. Its bigger brother, the BiOrb 60 volume aquarium is designed for the more avid aquarium enthusiast, will contain twice that amount of fish within the same permutation. No matter the size or the volume of the BiOrb fish bowl that you choose, you will be entering into a whole new world of aquarium design and performance. Each BiOrb aquarium comes complete with its own filtration system, designed to make life as easy for its owner as it does f...

• Published: April 26, 2008, 10:49 am
• Displayed: 503 times
• Preview: Black Molly Sponsored links The black molly, also known as the midnight molly, is a hybrid species between Poecilia latipina and Poecilia sphenops. This live bearer is named for its very dark, all over black coloration. At times this fish can be found with a yellow streak on the dorsal fin or minor silvering on the flanks, but for the most part this fish lives up to its common name: black molly. The black pigmentation of this fish is a result of a melanistic condition. Melanism, the opposite of albinism; it is a condition in which the full potential of melanin or skin pigment is represented. The result is a really dark black pigment which is the opposite condition of albinism; the lack of color pigmentation. This strain of molly is not one that occurs naturally in the wild. The black molly is bred to display certain desirable traits in the aquarium industry. The lyretail black balloon molly is one hybrid commonly sold for its fine display of unique finnage and its cute, puffy physique. But not all black mollies are born with fancy fins or the balloon shaped bodies, and many ...

• Published: July 31, 2007, 6:37 pm
• Displayed: 2815 times
• Preview: Gymnocorymbus Ternetzi – Black Skirt Tetra Also called White Skirt Tetra, Black Widow, Black Tetra, Black Widow Tetra Sponsored links Origin and Tank Suggestions This species comes from the waters of Paraguay, South Brazil, Argentina and Bolivia. The aquarium where you keep Tetra should be about 50 cm high and well planted, so they will have place for hiding, but with free swimming areas as well. The water should have a temperature from 20 to 26°C and the hardness level should be between 5 and 19 dH. pH should be about 7, but the water can vary a bit acid or alkaline. Maybe I should mention that the tank should be as large as it can be, but Black Skirt Tetras prefer a deep aquarium much more than shallow and longer fish bowls. At least in my experience. The fish like to swim vertically more than horizontally. But I won't claim that you have to put these fish into an aquarium which is one meter tall and 20 cm wide. I just saying that the tank should have high water level. Behaviour In general, it is not difficult to keep the Black Skirt Tetra. It is a shoal fish so yo...

• Published: November 23, 2008, 9:26 pm
• Displayed: 118 times
• Preview: Blue Dolphin Cichlid Sponsored links Scientific and Common Names Blue Dolphin Cichlid is a common name for this species that is known by either of two scientific names: Cyrtocara moorii and Haplochromis moorii. This fish earned its common name because it is blue and the shape of its head closely resembles the shape of a dolphin’s head. Other common names include Malawi Blue Dolphin, Dolphin Cichlid, Blue Moorii, and Hap Moorii. This relatively peaceful cichlid is gorgeous to look at due to its bright, shiny blue coloring. Physical Description The Blue Dolphin Cichlid has a nuchal hump protruding from its forehead and it has bulging lips that extend from its face like a bill. Both of these physical characteristics combined resemble a dolphin. The nuchal hump on its head starts to develop as the fish matures and gets progressively larger as time goes on. This hump develops in both male and female specimens. They are metallic-blue in color and may or may not have a scattering of black splotches all over their bodies. This eye-catching species can grow to be a maximum of 1...

• Published: June 5, 2008, 8:59 am
• Displayed: 272 times
• Preview: Blue Ram Sponsored links The Mikrogeophagus ramirezi is a popular fish known by their common names: blue ram, dwarf cichlid, or German ram. This freshwater species is part of the cichlidae family and is considered to be one of the more peaceful cichlid species. Blue rams are originally found in South America in the Orinoco basin around Venezuela and Columbia, though they are now raised and bred in different parts of the world. They are named “blue ram” for their brilliant blue coloration located on each side flank. The wild caught specimens tend to exhibit more dramatic colors than the aquarium bred varieties. Aquarium and feeding M. ramirezi is a warm water species requiring temperatures between 78-85°F. They prefer a neutral to acidic pH of 5.0-7.0, and a low mineral content which means softer water. Typically, they live in habitats with plenty of woody hiding places so the wood found in their habitat leaks tannins which soften the water. It is a good idea to add pieces of aquarium wood to a tank featuring this particular type of fish. Blue rams require at least 20 gal...

• Published: May 14, 2006, 9:46 am
• Displayed: 7604 times
• Preview: Blue-green algae Sponsored links Blue-green algae are bacteria which grow in warm, shallow, slow moving or still freshwater. There are known as cyanobacteria too, but they are more commonly known as pond scum. They need light for life. That is why they are photosynthetic bacteria. The first known species were blue-green. Now we know of algae from olive-green to red in color. When the conditions are good (hot, calm weather), algae populations can increase dramatically. This can create large blooms which are big numbers of blue-green algae. These blooms can cover the whole surface. Blue-green algae mostly do not live long. Some of these blue-green algal blooms can be toxic or can be poisonous if they are swallowed by wildlife, livestock, pets or people. You should not even swim in these waters, because you can get itchy. And if you drink water with these toxic blue-green alga, you may have symptoms such as sore throat, stomach cramps, diarrhoea , vomiting or fever. The toxins are very dangerous, so if you have any of these symptoms, visit your doctor immediately. Do not...

• Published: August 22, 2008, 11:24 pm
• Displayed: 152 times
• Preview: Brackish aquarium(what is different between brackish and freshwater, which species are suitable for such an aquarium, and so on) Sponsored links What is brackish water? Brackish water, also known as brack water, is less salty than seawater but more salty than freshwater. As long as the water salinity (based on dissolved salts) is 0.5 ppt or less, the water is considered freshwater. If the salinity is 30 ppt or more, the water is considered saline. Brackish water falls in between; from 0.5 ppt to 29 ppt. Brackish species There are many species of fish, invertebrates and plants suitable for brackish aquariums since brackish water occur in many different habitats and climate zones all over the world. Brackish water can for instance be the result of a freshwater river emptying itself into the ocean, and there are also brackish seas and lakes, e.g. the Baltic Sea and the Caspian Sea. Some species live their entire life in brackish water, while others spend their youth in brackish water before migrating into the ocean. This means that you have to research the species...

• Published: October 20, 2007, 7:55 pm
• Displayed: 1312 times
• Preview: Breeding Angelfish(reprinted from forums, originally posted by Tim) Sponsored links Angelfish are quite easy to breed, once you can find a pair. It is near impossible to sex angels, so you have to buy about six young angels and let them pair off themselves. Put the six into a 55 gallon tank and you will soon see when a pair is forming by the aggression towards the others. Once two angels pair, they stay together for life, and will not re-pair if one of them dies. They become mature at around 9 months old. Once a pair has been formed, move them to a tank of their own. This needs to be 20 Gallons minimum and at least 18" high. Once paired they do not work well in community tanks, because they become very territorial and are real bullies to even the smallest of fish! Feed the angels well on both flake and live foods for a couple of weeks and you will soon see the female start to swell with eggs. At the same time the egg tube will start to show. This is the easiest way to sex angels. If it is a female the tube will be quite large and round, males tubes are much smalle...

• Published: April 9, 2006, 2:39 am
• Displayed: 2067 times
• Preview: Breeding Corydoras gossei by Bud and Cathy White First published in "Tank Topics", Greater Akron Aquarium Society, April/May 2001 (this article was taken from aquarticles.com - free aquarium articles) Sponsored links Corydoras gossei is fairly new to the hobby, being described by Nijssen in 1972. They come from a creek near Guajara Mirim, in Rondonia, Brazil. They reach over two inches in length. Both male and female are darkly colored in the top half of the body and head, with yellow/white in the lower half. They have orange/yellow markings, and the front spine of the dorsal and pectoral fire are the same orange/yellow. The rest of the fins are mostly clear, with wavy vertical stripes on the tail. Since we have always enjoyed the different types of corys, we try to pick up new ones when we can! And from where else better to get corys than Eric Bodrock of Pennsylvania. Eric`s been breeding a lot of different corys for quite a while now, and has been very successful with them, as the local auctions prove when he brings them in! Eric has been a friend of ours...

• Published: August 1, 2007, 10:43 pm
• Displayed: 1975 times
• Preview: Breeding TanksBy Tim Gautrey Sponsored links Important note This article was reprinted with permissions given by the original article`s author. Bear in mind that information here is "as is" and potential references to "will be added in future" (or similar) might not be done by aqua-fish.net. However, we may update the article later. Introduction I have just completed a little project in between the others on the go to build some breeding tanks. This has been very successful and so I thought it would be helpful to share the method of construction with you all, hopefully saving you money! The method is simple, cheap and effective. The object is to build 4 breeding tanks as a single unit, which can sit on a shelf, mount on a wall or almost anywhere you have space. Over the next few days, I will be building another one, and will keep a record of the progress for you to see how it is done. Materials: 1 sheet of 12mm polycarbonate sheeting (3m x 1m) 2 tubes of aquarium safe silicon 1 roll of masking tape 2 pieces of glass. (For th...

• Published: October 7, 2006, 3:26 pm
• Displayed: 12387 times
• Preview: Breeding Betta Fish Sponsored links After live bearing fishes, betta splendens is one of the easiest fish to breed in captivity even for newbies. Following some easy rules you`ll be able to have a successful breeding. There`s not the best method to breed bettas, most of breeders due to personal experience have found the best ways for them. Spawning is not difficult, and the hardest part is fry growin