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Friday, August 30, 2013

How to Protect Pond Fish From Predators

Water gardening has become very popular in the last few years but the thought of trying to learn how to protect your pond fish from predators may lure them away from building a pond. Depending on where you live pond predators may be feasting down on your goldfish, koi or any other type of fish you have in your pond. Pond predators such as the blue heron, kingfishers, racoons, eagles and other types of birds pose threats to your fish. The good news is that there are ways you can protect your pond fish from predators and I'm going to show you how.

Heron Decoys

Heron decoys are an excellent way to protect your pond fish. You see herons are territorial and if they see another heron in the area they consider that competition and would rather go some where else where he will have better picking. Heron decoys will help stop your fish from being eaten.

Scarecrow Sprinkler Systems

These work very well and are efficient. These scarecrow sprinkler systems has a built in motion detector and when something comes close it sprays a blast of water scaring them off. This not only works well for the blue heron but also effective against racoons, cats and other wildlife.

Alligator decoys

This is relatively new on the market and very effective against pond predators. The alligator is the predator towards herons, birds and other wildlife. When animals approach and see the alligator it signals there defence mechanism warning them it's not safe. This will help protect your fish very well.

Pond netting

Pond netting can be used to keep predators away and protect your fish but it takes away the natural look to a pond. Pond netting does work but looks rather unsightly and kind of takes away the beauty of a pond. Not only does it help protect your fish from predators it also helps keep leaves and other debris from entering your pond that could foul your water. Pond netting has two benefits but taking away from the look of your garden pond may keep pond owners from using this method.

Pond design

Protecting your pond fish from predators should actually be thought of even before digging a pond. Try and make the pond 3-4 feet deep giving your fish more room to go with lots of pond plants such as water lilies to give protection. Also make caves for your fish so when scared they will have a place to go and hide and be safe. You can also add drainage pipes or tunnels in your pond that will add much more protection for your fish.

Protecting your pond fish should should be thought of and done right at the early stages of building a pond. Careful planning and proper steps can ensure your fish are safe from wildlife. I've heard from many people who have lost all there pond fish. Don't make your pond the next dining place for pond predators.

Jamie Boyle is an online author who writes and maintains his Goldfish Care Information (http://www.GoldfishCareInformation.com) blog to help people answer questions involving goldfish. If you need more information on goldfish and want to know how to treat various goldfish diseases please visit http://www.GoldfishCareInformation.com

How to Choose Fresh Water Aquarium Fish

There are hundreds of varieties of fresh water aquarium fish available in pet stores across the country. How can you possibly choose the ones for your tank without extensive research? It is possible to create a happy community tank without going through all that trouble.

Fresh water aquarium fish come in several main varieties based on temperament and compatibility. Most aquatic life you find in your local pet store will be suitable for a community tank. That is, one where multiple species can live harmoniously together. And pet store worth their weight in shrimp pellets will have more aggressive species marked as such.

The beginning aquarium hobbyist should focus on community fish, or create a one species tank for a more garrulous variety.

After you decide that you want a community of different types of fresh water aquarium fish, you must pick out the ones you want. Many people do this based on appearance alone. This is a mistake. Of course, you should buy the pets that you want to look at and find attractive, but living conditions must be considered.

Buy fish for all levels of your tank. Some fish are bottom dwellers that enjoy scooting along the gravel and eating the food that falls down to the bottom. These are usually algae eaters and catfish varieties. Some fish swim at the top levels of the water, such as danios and hatchetfish. They are usually quick swimmers who are fun to watch. The majority of fish swim in the mid levels or in all levels of the tank. Purchasing a good mix of fresh water aquarium fish is ideal.

Take some time to research water parameter needs, temperature preferences, and diet before buying a selection of fresh water aquarium fish. To maximize health and minimize maintenance, grouping species with the same needs makes sense.

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How to Clean a Fish Tank Fast

Learn how to clean a fish tank fast, and never compromise the health of your aquarium through procrastination again. Aquarium owners dread the weekly chore of cleaning the tank to maintain optimum health and beauty. Carrying heavy buckets full of water, juggling hoses and algae scrapers, and stressing out the fish is no fun. But cleaning the fish tank is still a vital part of keeping aquatic pets.

Step One: Make a Schedule

This step is rather simplistic, but more people procrastinate on cleaning their aquarium than get it done on time. Pick a day during the week when you will, without question, perform maintenance and stick to it. It only takes one hour, or less, to properly clean the tank.

Step Two: Buy a Longer Hose

Eliminate the mess and back-breaking labor of bucket carrying by buying a longer vacuum hose. A two foot piece of tubing should make you scratch your head and wonder how to clean a fish tank properly with such insufficient equipment. Instead of running the hose from the tank to a bucket, run it all the way through the house to the sink, bathtub, or straight outside into the garden.

Step Three: Vacuum Last

I have witnessed people struggling to vacuum their aquarium and then go back and scrape algae or prune plants. Vacuum last and you can clean up all the waste caused by other maintenance jobs. Figure out how to clean a fish tank to reduce time and effort.

Step Four: Use Live Plants in Your Tank

While this is not exactly a step in how to clean a fish tank, it will drastically cut down on the time it takes to do so. Live plants help use up waste at the bottom of the tank and improve water quality. The best way to keep your aquarium sparkling clean is to prevent mess to begin with.

After you know how to clean a fish tank quickly, you won't have any excuses to maintain your tank for optimum health and beauty. Your back will thank you, and so will your fish.

Do you want a sparkling tropical aquarium but end up with a slimy mess of dead fish? Learn how to care for your fish tank with limited fuss and money with the Ultimate Tropical Fish [http://tropicalfishtank.org/] Guide.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

A Child's First Goldfish Pets

Goldfish make the best pets when your children are looking for their first pet. Goldfish pets are great for teaching daily responsibilities, and the time and cost involved in caring for them is very minimal.

Are you ready for your new goldfish pets?

You should have a tank that is at least 10 gallons in size. Make sure that you have filled it with water the day before you go to purchase your goldfish. This will give the minerals and chlorine in the water time to evaporate and the water will be just the right temperature. While you will not need a heater for your tank, you should have the proper filter assembly to keep your tank clean.

How Do I How to Buy Goldfish?

When you are at the pet store and you are looking at the goldfish in the tanks, you should be looking for the liveliest ones in the bunch. As goldfish are typically very active, a lethargic fish is probably a sick fish. The pet store owner should know enough to scoop the fish out or catch them by hand. Using a net can damage the protective coat (slime) on the fish. Finally, the pet store owner should be full of information about what to feed goldfish.

Does My Tank Need a Lid with a Light?

No, it is not always necessary to purchase a lid for your tank. However, if you have no light set up over your tank, you should place it nearby to a window so that your fish will get lots of natural sunlight. This will help to keep their colors bright. You will need to put something over your tank to keep your goldfish pets from jumping out. You can use a loosely folded piece of aluminum foil to accomplish this.

You may also wish to put some sand or gravel in the bottom of your tank to make it look nice, as well as place a few decorations or plants in the tank for your goldfish to hide or play in. Just be careful not to crowd your aquarium with so much stuff that your goldfish has no room to swim.

If you want to learn more about goldfish or more specifically goldfish pets then check out http://www.secretsofgoldfish.com

Why Are My Aquarium Plants Dying?

There are some basic reasons aquarium plants do not thrive, with lighting being one of the most important. No matter what fertilizers you use, or how much gravel you have in the bottom of the tank, most of your plants will not grow without light. The best way to provide light is to use the hood that came with the tank and make sure the lights are working. Ambient light from the room the aquarium is in will not be enough to keep the plants from dying. You can also purchase fluorescent lights from any pet store to add more light to the tank. You need to make sure the light is getting down to the bottom of the tank, especially in the larger, deeper tanks. Standard light strips come with 15 watt lights, which word well for smaller tanks.

Two four foot light strips (40 watts each) will provide 80 watts of good lighting for a larger tank. If you are trying to grow plants in a 50 gallon tank, you might want to invest in two double four foot light strips, providing 160 watts of light.

Plant choice is also a factor in why your aquarium plants are dying. Some aquarium and fish stores will sell plants like pathos or parlor palms that will not survive in an aquarium. To make sure you have the right kind of plants for your aquarium purchase a plant guide for aquariums or research online before going to the store.

You can purchase aquarium plants that have been grown with the roots fully submerged and the leaves in the open air. This prevents algae or snails on the plants. However, if you do this, watch for the leaves that were previously out of the water to start to die off once submerged. Do not worry about this as the new growth will be adapted to life under water and will thrive.

You may notice some of these phenomena on your aquarium plants:

• Transparent leaves: this means the chloroplasts in the leaves are dying. Check to be sure you have enough light in the tank. Another cause could be a lack of the proper amount of iron or potassium in the tank. You can correct this with fertilizer tablets. Sometimes tap water is the culprit, especially if it is hard and alkaline. If that is the case, consider using distilled water when you change the tank water.

• Hair like growth on the leaves: this usually signals fungus. There are two ways to correct fungal growth in the tank. The first one is quick but not so easy, just physically brush it off by hand. That can be somewhat messy and you risk not getting it all. The best way is to stock the tank with some algae eating fish or grass shrimp.

• Black spots on the leaves: this is caused by a lack of iron and vitamins. Check with your pet store for iron and vitamin supplements that can be added to the tank on a regular schedule.

Robert Grazian is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about aquarium plants [http://bestaquariums.info/why-are-my-aquarium-plants-dying/] visit Best Aquariums [http://bestaquariums.info/] for current articles and discussions.

Knowledge to Have Before You Buy Goldfish

Knowing where to buy goldfish is important. Usually, your best bet is to buy goldfish in a store that specializes in fish. The store will be able to provide knowledge about how to care for your goldfish and their fish will have a tendency to be healthier. They will also be able to advise you on how often to feed goldfish.

Goldfish are usually easier to care for and are hardy. Their life span can be up to 25 years. If provided enough room, they can grow up to two feet in length. This is an inexpensive fish to buy, but there are varieties of the fancier goldfish that can cost up to $1000.

There are 125 types of goldfish available. They range from common to fancy varieties. The comet is the most common type. The shubunkin is blue and speckled in color and is straight tailed. They are both easy to care for and can grow quite large if enough space is provided. The bulging eyed goldfish is not a pretty fish, but is valuable to most breeders.

Fancy goldfish are usually smaller and have a rounder body and long fins. They are not as hardy and are susceptible to getting ill, especially with bacterial infections. Keeping the water in good shape will aid in keeping your fish healthy.

Common goldfish and fancy goldfish can be kept together, but it is not recommended. Since the straight-tailed fish can swim faster, they will often bully the fancy fish.

Watching for the following things will help you when you buy goldfish -

o The dorsal fins should be erect. If not, the fish may be sick.
o Don't buy the fish if they can't swim to the bottom of the tank easily.
o Compare size of the fish in the tank. They should be relatively the same size for the same age. Don't buy a fish that is smaller.
o When buying a bulging eyed fish, make sure that eyes are not too small or large. It can interfere with how they are able to swim later.
o If a fish is ill in a tank, don't buy from that tank, as that fish can pollute the water and cause the other fish to be ill.

When you buy goldfish, make sure to remember to keep a well-maintained tank. It will ensure the health of your fish. The size of the tank is important too. It is recommended that your tank be at least a 20 gallon tank. Use de-chlorinated water and a good filtration system. No gravel is needed for the tank. If goldfish are provided with an adequately sized tank that is maintained well, they can live seven to ten years and grow six to fourteen inches in length.

If you want to learn more about goldfish or more specifically buy goldfish then check out http://www.secretsofgoldfish.com

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Choosing the Right Fish Tank Supplies For Your Aquarium

If you're determined and ready to begin setting up your own aquarium, There are six important fish tank supplies you will need for your aquarium before you begin. Never be tempted to buy fish at the same time that you acquire your aquarium. There are many steps to complete prior to bringing fish to their new home.

1. The Tank, There are many fish tanks to choose from so choose whatever you feel comfortable with and make sure you have chosen a sturdy stand and designated area that gets a lot of traffic for your tank. while any tank is acceptable, what some people don't know is that the larger tank you have, the less chemical and biological maintenance you will need to give it.

2. hood/lid and lighting, you will need one that fits your chosen fish tank. Most come with the aquarium itself but depending on the size of your fish tank may have to look for one that fits your chosen size. what the hood does is it prevents evaporation of water and protects fish from jumping out of the aquarium, it also keeps anything else from entering the aquarium such as dust and cats!. Lighting is not absolutely necessary but having one is natural for the fish as it stimulates daytime and nighttime, It also looks much better with the proper lighting.

3. Filter,The Filtration systems are usually the most complex component of the aquarium and also the most essential in order to create and maintain a clean, healthy aquarium environment for your fish. There are three stages to filtration. They are mechanical filtration, chemical filtration, and biological filtration. Thanks to technology most filters take care of all of this for you with the simple push of a button For smaller fish tanks you will want to go with "power filters" for larger tanks you will want to go with a "canister filter".

4. Water testing kit and Thermometer are another important factor for your fish tank supplies. These measure the balance of temperature, Ph, Hardness, Alkalinity, Ammonia and Nitrite levels in your freshwater or saltwater aquarium setup. Keeping both chemical and water temperature balance is the key for keeping the fish healthy. There are many different kits available, So be careful what you choose depending on if you are going to use saltwater or freshwater.

5.Air Pump/Air stone, Deciding if you need these or not depends on what type of fish your getting, what the shape/size of your tank is, and what type of filter you get. Usually your filter will provide enough oxygen for your fish, but it just so happens live plants actually provide more oxygen to your tank than an air pump. The choice is yours.

6. Food, The type of food you buy relies directly on the type of fish you purchase and I would suggest only feeding them once or twice a day. Most of the time fishes look hungry, but You should be careful not to overfeed your fish as fish can't self-regulate how much they eat and could literately eat themselves to death! If you plan to go out of town for more than one week you can get something called an automatic feeder. They can be set on a timer to release a chosen amount of food for your fish each day.

I myself am a novice, not an expert fish keeper. While this article should be a good starting point for choosing your fish tank supplies, it should certainly not be your only stop or source of information. With that said, good luck with keeping fish, and I hope you enjoy your new hobby!

To find the fish tank supplies you are looking for and learn more advice/tips about fish keeping visit http://www.fishtanksuppliesinc.com

Uncommon Foods to Feed Goldfish

You may have thought your hard decisions were over after finally selecting the perfect goldfish to take home. But, although all types of goldfish eat pretty much the same things, more choices are available when it comes to the food to feed goldfish.

There are several types of dried foods available. And you can even find food to feed goldfish in your refrigerator and outside in your yard. There are many uncommon foods available to feed goldfish that many people do not realize.

Of the dried food variety the most common types of food available to feed your goldfish are those in pellet form and flakes. Goldfish are quite hardy and can eat a variety of foods and remain healthy. Some of the more uncommon dried foods that you can find at your pet store include tubiflex, blood worms, spirulina and daphnia. Other dried foods that are more like treats for your goldfish include brine shrimp, plankton and krill.

There are also a lot of fresh foods that you can feed goldfish that you will not find at your local pet store. Instead you need to look in your refrigerator. Like us, goldfish enjoy eating a variety of fruits and vegetables such as Romaine lettuce, cucumbers, cooked peas, eggs, grapes, spinach and oranges. And if your mom does not want you to feed your goldfish a salad, then you can search your yard to find earthworms and insect larvae to feed it.

What you want to feed goldfish is entirely up to you and you can opt to feed it some of the more uncommon foods and still keep it healthy. The best rule of thumb for feeding your goldfish is moderation. Only feed it a little bit once a day and you could even go every other day.

This will also help to keep his living environment (the aquarium) clean and allow you to go for longer periods of time without cleaning the fish tank.

If you want to learn more about goldfish or more specifically feed goldfish then check out http://www.secretsofgoldfish.com

An Overview of the Different Types of Goldfish

If you are looking to buy your very first aquarium, or even if you have owned one for a long time, you might be looking for goldfish to buy. However, you probably do not know the extent of the varieties of fish that are available.

There is more than just the little orange fish that comes to mind for most of us. Most pet stores sell a variety of different types of goldfish. Some will even keep supplies used in breeding goldfish.

There are four different groups to look at when examining the different types of goldfish:

1. The Single Tailed Goldfish - Having a very slender body, there are many different colors available, from orange to variegated. The single tailed goldfish are the Comets, the Commons, and the Shubunkis - either Bristols or Londons

2. The Double Tailed Goldfish - Also slender bodied, this group comes in orange, white, white with orange, and white with red lips, gill covers, and fins. The double tailed goldfish are the Wakins and the Jikins varieties.

3. The Double Tailed Goldfish with a Dorsal Fin - This group has egg-shaped bodies and the fins are very long and billowy. The colors will vary. The names of the fish are Pearlscales, Ryukin, Telescopes, Demekins, Fantails, Orandas, Moors, Pompoms, and Veiltails.

4. The Double Tailed Goldfish without a Dorsal Fin - This group is similar to group three in that they also come in a variety of colors and have egg-shaped bodies and long, billowy fins. The names of these fish are Lionhead, Celestial, Bubble Eye, and Eggfish.

Anyone who looks into and truly discovers the vast number of types of goldfish may become overwhelmed at the selection. You aquarium can be filled with such a unique variety that you will impress anyone who stops to have a good look at it. If you prefer only one type of goldfish over the others, you should easily be able to find one that suits you well.

If you want to learn more about goldfish or more specifically Types of Goldfish then check out http://www.secretsofgoldfish.com

Monday, August 26, 2013

The Essentials of Breeding Goldfish

If you're interested in breeding goldfish, which can be a joyous and profitable venture, it is important that you know how to go about this the right way. This article explains the essentials of breeding goldfish.

The early part of summer and the latter part of spring are the best times for breeding goldfish. One of the best ways to check if your goldfish are ready for mating is by looking at their bodies. If you notice small white spots on your male goldfish, this is one good indication that they are ready.

These spots are a bit like pimples and they are the roughly the size of a pinhead. You may have difficulty spotting these white spots most especially on white goldfish. For this type of goldfish, be sure to look really closely for the spots. A swollen abdomen is a sign that your female goldfish are ready for mating. This swelling means they are carrying ripe eggs and you can thus begin breeding goldfish.

Before you start breeding goldfish, it is best to separate you female goldfish from the males. Feeding your fish a good variety of foods will also get your goldfish conditioned for mating. A healthy variety combines both dry and live food.

Once your goldfish are well conditioned, you can start breeding goldfish. What you will need to do first is set up an aquarium or pond filled with mesh water. It is strategic to place about three males for every two females in the tank or pond.

Once the water's temperature has increased about two degrees Celsius, spawning will take place. You can either let this temperature increase occur naturally or induce the temperature change yourself. 10 to 26 degrees Celsius is a good temperature range. 20 degrees is the optimum temperature.

Goldfish tend to scatter their eggs all over the aquarium or tank, so you'll want to keep a good number of plants in the water. These plants should be soft so that the fish eggs are not at risk for damage. Soft willow plants are ponga fronds make excellent plant choices for breeding goldfish.

If you want to learn more about goldfish or more specifically breeding goldfish then check out http://www.secretsofgoldfish.com

How to Care For White Goldfish

The spectrum of colors that goldfish come in ranges from white to yellow-orange to blue to black. Among these colors, white goldfish seem to be one of the most striking and unique. The white skin color of this type of goldfish is a result of the lack of skin pigmentation.

Ryukin, comet, and oranda goldfish are the species that may often be found to have white bodies. White goldfish make great pets as long as you're willing to give them proper care.

Selecting a fitting tank is the first step in taking care of your white goldfish. A tank suitable for a single goldfish will be able to hold at least 10 gallons of water. The popular bowl-type tanks are definitely not suitable for your white goldfish, as these offer such a limited living space. Purchasing a large tank will be very beneficial to your goldfish's overall wellbeing.

Supplying your goldfish with high quality water - that is, water that is clean and well oxygenated - is another important part of goldfish care. Quality tank water can be achieved by changing your goldfish's water at least once a month and by using an air pump or air stone to increase the level of oxygen diffusion in the water.

In terms of feeding, you can give your white goldfish pellets, fish flakes, and even some vegetables, like romaine lettuce. A good balance and variation of food will contribute to the health of your goldfish.

If you plan to feed your goldfish pellets, be sure to soak the pellets in water before you give them to your fish. Soaking the pellets for about 10 minutes should do the trick. Doing so will actually help minimize the chances of your fish getting the swimbladder goldfish disease.

Unknown to many, the skin color of white goldfish may actually change over time. Hence, do not be alarmed if you see that your goldfish's skin is beginning to discolor. There are cases, for instance, where white goldfish acquire black spots on their bodies after they grow to be three inches in length.

If you want to learn more about goldfish or more specifically white goldfish then check out http://www.secretsofgoldfish.com

Diagnosing and Treating Common Goldfish Diseases

Being able to diagnose cases of disease is a crucial part of goldfish care. You can achieve this by becoming knowledgeable regarding the symptoms of common goldfish diseases. Knowing how to properly treat your goldfish if they have indeed been inflicted with illness is equally important.

Anchor worms is one common goldfish disease. If you see that one of your goldfish has short string-like worms with forked tails embedded in its flesh, this is a clear sign that your goldfish has anchor worms.

These worms can be a variety of colors, including brownish-red, clear, or greenish-white and can cause ulcers and severe pain. This goldfish disease can be treated by purchasing a gyrase inhibitor from your local pet store. You simply add this inhibitor to your fish tank and the parasites will be killed within several days.

You should also regularly check your goldfish for signs of fin rot, another common goldfish disease. This can be seen in the fraying or tearing of your goldfish's fins. You might be able to prevent fin rot before it even sets by keeping an eye out for white discoloration on your goldfish's tail. To treat this goldfish disease, simply purchase antibiotics, which are available at the majority of pet stores.

A third goldfish disease to be on the lookout for is swimbladder. The main symptom of swimbladder is your fish's inability to stabilize itself in the fish tank. A fish that floats belly up very likely has swimbladder. This disease is most commonly found in fancy goldfish.

Swimbladder is often caused by an imbalanced or insufficient diet, hereditary conditions, or water impurity, which leads to bacterial infections. This goldfish disease can be treated, first, through fasting your fish for one or two days. Also, feeding your goldfish peas has been reported to induce the destruction of impacted feces. The most effective treatment, however, is to seek the help of a veterinarian.

If you want to learn more about goldfish or more specifically goldfish diseases then check out http://www.secretsofgoldfish.com

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Spice Up Your Tank With Fancy Goldfish

There is a wide variety of goldfish to choose from, but if you really want to add variety to your goldfish collection, you should consider fancy goldfish. This article presents the essentials of caring for fancy goldfish.

The length of fancy goldfish can be anywhere from three to six inches, depending on the particular species. These goldfish are double tail-finned. Their fins can be either short or long. The most common kinds of fancy goldfish are sarasa, pearl-scale, moor, shubunkin, oranda, bubble-eye, butterfly, fantail, ryukin, and lionhead.

You can pretty much feed fancy goldfish the same way you would feed any other species of goldfish. Fish flakes and pellets are great fancy goldfish food choices. Additionally, you can mix in some peas, fresh zucchini, or even romaine lettuce to add variety to your goldfish's diet. They will also eat animals, such as freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex worms, mosquito larvae, and daphnia. When feeding your fish, be sure that you don't overfeed them, which could put your goldfish at risk for sickness.

Fancy goldfish usually swim at the middle area of the fish tank. This is why they have been classified as middle swimmers. When buying a fancy goldfish, make sure you already have, or will soon purchase, several other fish that it can share a tank with. These can be of any other species, as long as the particular species is known to get along with goldfish.

Monitoring your fancy goldfish is very important, as you want to be alert regarding indications of possible sickness. Symptoms include gold-colored specks, red lines, or white spots on your goldfish's skin. Additionally, goldfish who continuously scrape their bodies against rough surfaces, such as rocks, or who have gill spasms could be ill. You need to have your goldfish treated immediately if you notice any signs of sickness.

If you want to learn more about goldfish or more specifically fancy goldfish then check out http://www.secretsofgoldfish.com

Everything You Need to Know About Goldfish Food

As is true with any pet, proper feeding is crucial to your goldfish's health. Overfeeding, underfeeding, or using the wrong type of goldfish food is often the reason why some goldfish don't live past several months.

Read on if you want to learn how to choose the type of goldfish food best suited for your fish and be knowledgeable on the basics of proper goldfish feeding.

Flakes are one of the most commonly used kinds of goldfish food. This is largely because flakes are easy for goldfish to consume. Additionally, flakes provide your goldfish with essential vitamins and minerals.

In addition to being easy to eat and containing an optimum nutrient level, flake goldfish food prevents your goldfish's water from additional contamination. This is because flakes stay at the water surface long enough for your fish to eat the entire amount during a particular feeding session. As a result, less food sinks to the bottom where it will simply become a water pollutant.

You might also want to consider pellet goldfish food, which seems to be a popular choice for feeding larger goldfish, such as those kept in outdoor goldfish ponds. Japanese Koi is an example of these large fish. Pellets, just like flakes, are a great way to ensure that your goldfish receive a sufficient amount of nutrients on a daily basis.

When selecting pellet goldfish food, it is important to note that the fact that pellets sink to the bottom of the tank faster than flakes means this type of food could lead to added water pollution. The uneaten pellets decay and create bacteria that could be harmful to your goldfish.

In terms of feeding your goldfish, one tip to bear in mind is that goldfish cannot differentiate real goldfish food from objects or scraps that are not made for eating. Accordingly, be careful not to accidentally drop anything that is not food into your goldfish's tank. If you inadvertently do, scoop it out right immediately.

Regardless of whether you choose to feed your goldfish pellets or flakes, just a finger-full should suffice. If you overfeed your goldfish, you could be putting them at risk for disease.

If you want to learn more about goldfish or more specifically goldfish food then check out http://www.secretsofgoldfish.com

The Best-Kept Secrets About Goldfish Care

If you're looking for a great pet to keep, you might want to consider goldfish. Goldfish are especially great pets for kids. In order to ensure that your goldfish are always in good health, you'll need to know some of the best-kept secrets about goldfish care. Continue reading if you're hoping to learn more about successful goldfish care.

An animal's home or habitat plays an important role in its wellbeing. Accordingly, an essential part of goldfish care is finding a tank that suits the needs of your goldfish. Generally, your goldfish should be given a tank that has a sizable surface area where air touches the water. This kind of tank allows for more well-oxygenated water for your goldfish. Taller tanks, even though they may be able to hold the same amount of water, do not provide as large a surface area as longer tanks. Hence, opt for longer tanks rather than taller ones. Bowls seem to be commonly used, but beware of these, as the space they provide your goldfish is very limited.

Ensuring that your goldfish always have clean water is another best-kept secret in goldfish care. Clean water can be achieved by, first, changing at least 25 percent of your goldfish's water once a month. Next, avoid overfeeding your fish. This results in wasted food, which sinks to the bottom of the tank and decays. Also, overfeeding causes goldfish to create more feces. These likewise pollute the water. If you can be sure to keep your goldfish's water pure at all times, you are on the right track to effective goldfish care.

The last secret on goldfish care involves closely monitoring your goldfish to prevent or spot potential illnesses. A goldfish found to have small white spots could be at risk for ichtyopthirius. If you think your goldfish might have this disease, you need to have it treated right away. The PH levels and overall temperature of your goldfish's tank should also be monitored. Regularly checking in on your fish is imperative in goldfish care.

If you want to learn more about goldfish or more specifically Goldfish Care then check out secretsofgoldfish.com.

Saturday, August 24, 2013

How to Clean Your Fish Tank - The Secret is Easier Than You Think

Keep your Fish tank Fresh and Clean with an Algae Eater!

Golden Algae Eaters are a prime sucker fish to scrape the algae clean. The Golden Alae eater has distinct Gill openings that most fish don't have. These gills are special in a way that there is a unique opening in the gill so they do not loose grip while clinging onto the plants, rocks and aquarium wall. They clean the gravel and the sides of the tank. Perfect little algae scrubbers they are! Golden Algae eaters get up to 6″ long. These fish are tropical when they are young and become semi-aggressive as they mature. You don't want them to attack the smaller fish so be wise when selecting the fish to place in your aquarium with the Golden Algae Eater.

Obviously Algae Eaters eat the algae in your fish tank. These Herbivores like to chow on veggies too. They don't just clean the algae from the aquarium. Golden Algae eaters are bottom swimmers that have been known to hang from plants using their suckermouth to stick to matter. Algae eaters are usually placed in larger fish tanks and aquariums because they are like mini carps that clean and scrub the algae from the tank keeping the tank clean looking. Consider these fish the housekeepers for your tank. Algae eaters should be fed twice a day. Alter the feedings between pellets, lettuce, zuccini and fish flake food. Make sure you clean out the left over food when the feeding is over for the Algae eaters. Feedings can last up to 5 minutes.

Other Common Algae Eaters are Flying Fox, Siamese Flying Fox, Otocinclus, and Plecostomus.

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How to Choose the Right Saltwater Aquarium Fish

Saltwater aquarium fish are actually very difficult to keep; the problem is that the majority of tropical saltwater aquarium fish and invertebrates will become damaged when being collected, handled and shipped. Plus there are a number of species of saltwater aquarium fish that are for sale which have certain requirements that you as an aquarist will not be able to meet.

A Guide To Selecting Your Saltwater Aquarium Fish

  1. It is crucial that rather than purchasing new aquarium fish, you go for ones that have been in the shop for some time, around about two weeks or more. Although the new ones may survive being captured, handled and shipped, they become infected with diseases that you are unaware of and which the owner of the shop can easily deal with.
  2. It is vital that when you go to the store to select your aquarium fish, that you spend time inspecting all the live species that they have. So if you are buying some angel fish, hawkfish, butterfly fish, clown fish or any other kind of marine fish that are for sale, spend time watching how it swims and breathes and the way it is behaving.
  3. It is a good idea to spend some time, if you are able, watching the fish eating. Make sure that the fish are alert and will eat the food that has been given to them. If you can, avoid having any of the coral feeding fish or sponge eating Rock Beauties in your tanks.
  4. When you go shopping for any kind of fish for your saltwater aquarium, it is a good idea to learn a little bit more about the ones you are considering. You should be aware of things such as what they will require in order to survive, and what other saltwater aquarium fish and invertebrates they are compatible with. Also you need to spend time learning about their overall hardiness.

Generally when it comes to keeping aquarium fish, it is best to put in the tank those which have a similar temperament. So those fish which eat slowly, need to be put with fish of a similar nature, while the aggressive varieties such as chow-hounds should be kept together.

What Kinds Of Saltwater Aquarium Fish Are Suitable For Your First Tank?
When it comes to which are the best types of saltwater fish to keep in an aquarium, there are several that are ideal when you first start your hobby. Below we look at just a number of the different species that one should be considering for keeping in a saltwater aquarium.

  • Damsels - These are one of the best of all the types of saltwater aquarium fish that someone who is just starting up an aquarium, should have in their first tank. Of all the various different types of tropical fish one can purchase today, these are one of the hardiest of them all. The actual price of purchasing such fish is relatively inexpensive and you should only purchase a couple, as any more than this will tend to make them fight.
  • Mollies - Although these are freshwater fish, they can be acclimatized to live in saltwater aquariums also. Again the price of these fish is relatively inexpensive and to get them ready for salt water, retain them in the bag in which they were purchased, and slowly drip in some saltwater over a period of six to eight hours. As time passes you need to increase the amount of salt that is in the water and this will help to get them familiar with their new environment.
  • Angel Fish - Although these tropical fish come in a wide variety of colors, if at all possible, these should be avoided initially when you are starting to keep saltwater aquarium fish as a hobby. Yes, even though the Bicolor Angelfish, Black Nox Angel Fish, Blue Fin Angelfish, Cream Angelfish and Cortez Angelfish are wonderful to look at , they are very delicate tropical aquarium fish and will find it extremely difficult acclimatizing to a new environment.

Above we have offered some information that you may find extremely useful when setting up your first tank containing saltwater aquarium fish. If you want to ensure that your aquarium fish live, then make sure that you know how to care for them and make sure that they get the necessary proteins, minerals etc required. A good policy is to actually learn everything you can about each species before you purchase them.

For more saltwater aquarium tips [http://www.theaquariumlady.com/aquarium-articles/Saltwater-Aquariums] and saltwater aquarium supplies visit The Aquarium Lady [http://www.theaquariumlady.com].

Along With the Tank, What Other Saltwater Fish Aquarium Equipment Do You Need?

Saltwater fish aquariums are not as easy to look after as you would first imagine. In fact it is best before you go out and buy a saltwater fish aquarium, that you spend time learning about all the aspects of having one.

Unfortunately when it comes to keeping a saltwater fish aquarium, it is not a simple case of your bringing the tank home, filling it with water and putting the fish into it. You need to learn about how to set it up correctly, as well as learning about how to maintain your aquarium once it is set up.

Heating And Lighting For Your Saltwater Fish Aquarium

The most popular type of heater used in aquariums that contain tropical fish, is the submersible ones which contain a thermostat. These particular types of heating systems that are available for your tank help to keep the water within, at a temperature which the live fish find comfortable.

All species of marine life like to be kept in water that is at a constant temperature of around 75 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit. These conditions are ideal for the saltwater fish in your tank, as this is the temperature at which they were kept in the tanks at the tropical fish store where you purchased them.

If you have a large sized aquarium, then it is crucial that, rather than purchasing one heating system for it, you purchase two. These should then be placed at either end of the tank to ensure that the water within is heated to the correct temperature at all times. Plus it is advisable to have a thermometer (some of which stick to the outside of the aquarium) to help you monitor the temperature within.

Lighting is crucial in any tank as not only does it make it look good, but also you will find that it is important to the health and well being of the fish kept within. Through the use of the right lighting, then the correct 8 to 10 hour light cycle can be produced, which will then simulate the conditions of life in the wild for the species that you have in your saltwater fish aquarium.

You have a choice between either installing fluorescent lights in your tank, or the much newer form of lighting known as metal halide. Certainly the metal halide lights are the right ones to have in a reef tank where corals live. This is because it helps to promote the growth of algae which the coral requires in order to thrive.

Other Important Equipment For Your Salt Water Fish Aquarium

Another important piece of equipment that you will need for your aquarium is something to cover the base of the tank. When it comes to keeping tropical aquarium fish, then you have the choice of two different ways of covering the base of the tanks to start with.

Generally most people who have a saltwater fish aquarium in their home choose to have both marine sand and live rocks in theirs. Not only do the rocks look great but they have a function to help maintain the tank and ensure it remains safe for the fish that are kept in the aquarium.

As well as being suitable for use in a saltwater fish aquarium, the marine sand and live rocks are suitable for use in reef and coral tanks as well. The rocks actually have their own bacteria living on them which helps to filter the water within the tank, and reduces the levels of ammonia and nitrate which can build up in a saltwater fish aquarium.

For more saltwater aquarium tips [http://www.theaquariumlady.com/aquarium-articles/Saltwater-Aquariums] and saltwater aquarium supplies visit The Aquarium Lady [http://www.theaquariumlady.com].

Friday, August 23, 2013

Saltwater Tank Purchasing Considerations

A saltwater tank purchase should be thought about very carefully before you go out and invest your hard earned money in one. Certainly this is the kind of purchasing decision that one should not take lightly as saltwater tank fish have a larger number of requirements than freshwater fish have.

Certainly when it comes to choosing the right tank for your home, it will take some time and you may well come away feeling somewhat confused because there are so many different ones to select from. The best advice that any aquarist will give you when it comes to purchasing a tank in which you intend to keep saltwater fish and other saltwater sea life, is to buy the largest one that you can possibly afford.

For someone who is just setting up a saltwater tank, then purchasing one around 30 gallons in size should be the smallest size that they should consider. This will provide the fish with a comfortable swimming environment and the surface area is large enough that sufficient exchanges of oxygen in the water can take place. How much oxygen there is in the water along with how well you are able to control the water's temperature, will determine if your tank is a success or not.

What Kind Of Saltwater Tank Should One Consider

When it comes to buying a tank in which to keep some beautiful saltwater fish, you have a choice of either one made from acrylic or one made from glass. Both come with their own particular advantages and disadvantages.

The main advantages of owning a glass tank aquarium over an acrylic one are as follows:-

  • The price of a glass tank is generally less than that of an acrylic one.
  • Glass tanks are actually more resistant to being scratched than acrylic ones are.
  • A glass tank does not need as much brace support, although the stand on which it is placed does need to be able to bear the weight of the tank when it is full of water.

Whereas the main advantages of owning an acrylic tank are as follows:

  • They weigh much less than a glass tank does.
  • You can actually get these custom made to a shape which better suits the location where the tank is to be situated.
  • The chances of an acrylic tank breaking are far less than that of a glass one.
  • You can easily purchase such tanks online.

Things To Do With Your Saltwater Tank Before Introducing Fish Into It

The first thing to do is actually make sure that you locate the tank in the most appropriate position in the room. Never place it somewhere where it is going to be receiving sunlight continuously, as this will result in algae growing in the aquarium. Also do not place them too close to where you have a heater in the room or close to where there may be drafts (doors and windows).

If you purchase a glass saltwater tank, you need to make sure that the stand comes with the appropriate layer to place on the stand to protect and help keep the tank level. If the tank is not level, the chances of it cracking are greatly increased.

Once you have set up your saltwater tank in the right position, you now need to fill it with water and allow it to stand like that for a couple of days, and this will ensure that the tank is water tight. Now you need to get rid of that water and thoroughly clean it and rinse all the other pieces of equipment, such as the filters and the gravel, which are going to be immersed in your tank and will ensure that any contaminants in them are removed, which could actually cause harm to your saltwater tank fish, plants and other marine life.

For more saltwater aquarium tips [http://www.theaquariumlady.com/aquarium-articles/Saltwater-Aquariums] and saltwater aquarium supplies [http://www.theaquariumlady.com/Aquarium-Supplies.html] visit The Aquarium Lady.

Saltwater Aquariums - Adding Supplements to Yours

Saltwater aquariums require a lot more maintenance compared to freshwater aquariums, if you want the fish in yours to remain healthy and to thrive.  What one needs to be aware of when it comes to saltwater aquariums, is that over time certain minerals and nutrients which are essential to the health of  fish, can become depleted.  Therefore, there are going to be times when you need to replenish these through the use of special  aquarium supplements. 

However, not everybody does need to add supplements to their aquarium; it all depends on how well you maintain yours.  For those who chose to keep just saltwater fish in their aquarium such as, Angelfish and Clownfish and regularly change the water, and also carry out essential maintenance procedures, then adding supplements may well not be necessary.   

The reason for this being that each time you change the water within any kind of saltwater aquarium, you are in fact replenishing those essential nutrients and minerals that are needed.  However, if you have a saltwater aquarium in which there are corals, then you do need to provide supplements that will help to keep the calcium levels within the water high. 

How Do You Determine If Saltwater Aquariums Need Supplements 

The simplest and most effective way for you to determine if your saltwater aquarium requires additional supplements, is to test the water.  There are numerous test kits available which can be purchased either from your local tropical fish store or online, and which quickly identify what is missing from the saltwater in your aquarium, and how much you need to add to bring it up to the appropriate level.   

However, when you are adding supplements you need to be careful, otherwise you may find yourself adding too much and fixing an excess of anything can cause you problems.  The only way in which an excess of anything in an aquarium can be corrected, is by changing all the water in the tank completely.  This unfortunately can cause the plants, fish and coral in your tank considerable amounts of stress.   

Types Of Supplements Which One Must Include In Saltwater Aquariums 

There is still some debate regarding the matter of adding supplements to saltwater aquariums, as many believe that just by regularly changing the water should be sufficient to replenish those essential elements which have been lost.  This certainly seems to be the case where saltwater aquariums only contain fish or fish and live rocks.  But for coral reef er aquariums they feel it is essential to add a supplement of calcium to the water.  But as well as adding calcium to your  aquariums which contain coral reef, you may find that you need to start adding some magnesium and Kalkwasser supplements as well.   

The reason why one should actually be adding calcium into coral reef saltwater aquariums is because it helps the corals, algae and any invertebrates you have in the tank to grow.  Certainly without adding such a supplement, you may find it extremely difficult to keep the levels at a balance that is beneficial to the life in the tank, and which is naturally found in their wild environment.   

Today you have a number of different products available which can be purchased online or through your local aquarium supply company, that provide the correct dosage of calcium for your saltwater aquariums.  These come either in tablet or liquid form and although the liquid type is far easier to add to the aquarium water, it is also more expensive.  However, you may also find that you need to add some carbonate or bicarbonate to the water to ensure that when you add the calcium into your  aquarium, it does not lower the alkalinity in the tank as well.  If the level of alkalinity does go below that which is recommended, (2.5 meg per liter of saltwater) you may find you need to add a supplement of Kalkwasser to it.   

For more saltwater aquarium tips [http://www.theaquariumlady.com/aquarium-articles/Saltwater-Aquariums] and saltwater aquarium supplies visit The Aquarium Lady [http://www.theaquariumlady.com].

Fish One Can Have in a Saltwater Aquarium

A Saltwater Aquarium offers you the chance to have some of the most beautiful fish from around the world in your own home. Certainly a well maintained and cared for aquarium not only is beautiful to watch, but also will add a touch of the exotic to the décor of the room in which it is situated.

Yes choosing the fish which you want to place in your first saltwater aquarium can be extremely exciting, but it is important that you learn about the different species before you make that final decision. You will need to learn about how to care for them, what kinds of food they like and the type of environment in which they thrive. Also you will need to learn about whether there are any species which they do not get along with, and how much room they will need within the tank to grow.

Two Of The Popular Species Of Fish For A Saltwater Aquarium

Mollies - - - These are usually the first kinds of saltwater fish a person will place into their aquarium when first setting it up. These are popular because they can in fact survive pretty well in any kind of salinity. Certainly in the initial setting up process, you may find it hard to keep the saltwater levels in your tank balanced correctly, and these are extremely hardy fish who will not find it that difficult to cope with any changes in the saline levels in the water.

Although generally most Mollies you can purchase are black, they do come in a wide variety of other colors which include Gold, Dalmation or Silver. Also they make a pretty addition to any saltwater aquarium because of their broad tails and large back fin. When making your purchase of Mollies, it is best if you purchase two females for every male that you buy.

Another important thing to note is that Mollies like a saltwater fish tank where there are plenty of plants, and also comes with a good filtration system. If you want to help keep them healthy, then you need to ensure that as much waste as possible is removed from the tank, because they do actually produce considerable amounts of it.

Damselfish - - - These are another good choice of saltwater fish to have as a starter when you have first set up your aquarium. As well as being relatively cheap to buy, these come in a wide range of colors also. But you need to be aware that these particular fish can actually be aggressive towards other types of aquarium fish.

Ideally you should purchase either the Blue Devil or Yellowtail species, as both of these seem to be far less aggressive than others. However, if you do want to own some other species of Damselfish in your saltwater aquarium, it is far better if you keep these in a separate tank, especially if the aquarium you currently own is not large enough.

Along with the two types of fish we have mentioned above that you can keep in your saltwater aquarium, there are a number of others you may want to choose from. These include Angelfish, Lionfish, Clownfish and Tangs - - all of which are extremely popular with owners of saltwater aquariums, and all which you should learn about fully before you purchase.

Things To Consider When Buying Fish For Your Saltwater Aquarium

You need to remember when thinking about purchasing new fish for your aquarium, that they find it more difficult to cope with changes in their environment. So you need to make sure that your aquarium environment is as stable as possible before you go out spending money on any new fish species for your tank. Also you need to remember that such fish actually cost considerably more than many of the freshwater species do.

For more saltwater aquarium tips [http://www.theaquariumlady.com/aquarium-articles/Saltwater-Aquariums] and saltwater aquarium supplies visit The Aquarium Lady [http://www.theaquariumlady.com].

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Buying a Ready Saltwater Reef Aquarium

A ready saltwater reef aquarium which already has an established community within its tank, is easily purchased from any aquarium manufacturer. Certainly those who are only just choosing to set up a saltwater reef aquarium, find that they do not have enough knowledge or time to spend in setting up one from scratch, and prefer to buy one that is ready prepared. This means that they do not have to contend with all the hassles and problems that come with setting it up in the initial stages.

If however, you are thinking of setting up your own saltwater reef aquarium from the start, you will need a lot of time to commit to the project along with a lot of patience as well. With this kind of aquarium, you will find it takes several months before you get it setup properly to ensure that the fish population within remains healthy. What you get with a ready made aquarium, is that it has been prepared by a professional who will use certain techniques in order to ensure that the reefs, corals and fish are able to live in this artificial environment.

What To Look For When Buying A Ready Saltwater Reef Aquarium

Of course the main item you will be getting in your aquarium is a wide variety of different reef products, including certain corals. If you can, check out the reef aquarium manufacturer to find out where he obtains his reefs from. Ideally go for one where they actually grow and sell their own reefs, which they have harvested from their own farms.

The problem with purchasing those, which even if they have been harvested legally from the seas or oceans around the world, could be doing untold ecological damage to the environment from which they have been taken. Plus another problem with obtaining reefs for your aquarium, which have been taken from the seas or oceans, is that these find it far more difficult to cope and become acclimatized to living in an environment that is artificial.

The other thing to think about, is obtaining a saltwater reef aquarium where they come with a complete kit of the chemicals that you need, to prepare your freshwater to make it into the right saltwater environment for the reef and your saltwater fish. If you can, look for those that not only come with a water temperature controller, but also an electronic pH meter and salt water saline system attached to the tank. These will ensure that the water can be adjusted to meet the requirements of not only the corals, but keep the fish healthy and alive.

The next thing you need to decide upon, is the kind of water flow you want happening in the tank. There are three different types of water flow to consider, and each will need a specific kind of pump to carry out the task.

Types Of Water Flow For Your Ready Saltwater Reef Aquarium

Laminar Flow - - This is where the water flows horizontally and in one direction only. For this to be done you need to purchase a power head which is placed at one end of the tank then forcing the water to flow to the other end on a continuous basis. The only disadvantage to this kind of flow system in your tank is that the water only moves horizontally and not vertically as well.

Power or Surge Flow - - This type of flow system causes the water to flow horizontally in one direction for a number of minutes before stopping and then forcing it to flow in the opposite direction. Although the water flow remains horizontal as with the laminar flow system, it can alternate the direction in which it does flow.

Turbulent Flow - - Of all the systems you can use to get the water flowing in your saltwater reef aquarium, this is by far the best one to install. This actually allows the water to flow in a number of different directions simultaneously, and certainly the turbulence that is caused is far better for the inhabitants of your saltwater reef aquarium. Remember the reefs and corals in the oceans and seas all live in an environment where there is constant motion taking place and provides them with a way to exercise.

For more saltwater aquarium tips [http://www.theaquariumlady.com/aquarium-articles/Saltwater-Aquariums] and saltwater aquarium supplies [http://www.theaquariumlady.com/Aquarium-Supplies.html] visit The Aquarium Lady.

Crucial Saltwater Aquarium Supplies

Saltwater aquarium supplies are essential if you want to maintain the integrity of the tank, which will ensure that your fish will live long and healthy lives.  There are a number of pieces of equipment that you will need to purchase which are critical saltwater aquarium supplies, and which should be of the best quality possible.

In this article we are going to be taking a look at both the pumps and filters which you will need  to purchase as part of your saltwater aquarium supplies.  Not only are we looking at what kinds of pumps and filters you can purchase, but what you should be looking for when buying them.

Saltwater Aquarium Supplies - - -  Pumps 

It is important that you choose the right pump carefully for installing into your  aquarium.  There are a number of things which you will need to take into consideration when looking at purchasing an  aquarium pump.  First,  you need to look at how much resistance the pump offers, also how much heat it generates, how many returns does the pump have, and finally just how much noise does this particular aquarium pump make.  

The biggest mistake made by many when they are purchasing an aquarium pump for the first time, is to buy the largest one possible no matter what size aquarium they have.  However, this should not be the case - -  remember, these actually produce a lot more heat and can therefore really cause problems for the marine life (corals and plants) along with the saltwater fish in the aquarium.  

Ideally what you should be doing is purchasing a pump from a saltwater aquarium supply company that is capable of dealing with the volume of water that is held in the tank.  Certainly a good  company will be able to recommend a pump that is perfectly adequate to do the job it needs to do in your tank.

Saltwater Aquarium Supplies - - -  Filters

As with the pump, it is important that you choose the right kind of  aquarium filter.  However, when you do come to getting one you may find it somewhat confusing, simply because there are so many different kinds of special  filters to select from.  

When it does come to your selecting an aquarium saltwater filter, there are certain factors which you should be keeping in mind with regard to this particular kind of saltwater aquarium supply.  Along with the price you are paying, think about how efficient it is and also how adaptable.  Plus when purchasing any kind of saltwater aquarium supplies, you need to think about just how easy it will be to maintain them.  

The other thing you need to be considering when purchasing filters from any  aquarium supplier or from a supply company, is the size of the filter channels within it.  Although the smaller the channels may look useful, the problem with these are that they can become easily blocked.  However, generally the filters within these are made from a biological material and these particular filters can be very quickly and easily cleaned.

If you really want to maintain the quality of the water in your tank to prevent the buildup of algae and waste, then when buying your biological filter also buy a good quality mechanic filter as well.  This will again help to maintain the water and salt levels in the tank to ensure that all the, plants and coral you have in the tank remain healthy.

When it comes to buying saltwater aquarium supplies you can purchase discount aquarium supplies, however it is advisable to do some research on the product in question before you make your purchase.  Although you may feel that you are getting a bargain initially, these types of saltwater aquarium supplies may not last and you might end up having to spend more money because you need to replace them.

For more saltwater aquarium tips [http://www.theaquariumlady.com/aquarium-articles/Saltwater-Aquariums] and saltwater aquarium supplies visit The Aquarium Lady [http://www.theaquariumlady.com].

Bubble King Protein Skimmers

Bubble King has made a huge name in the aquarium industry. Coming all the way from Germany where many of the greatest high end products are manufactured for aquariums, Bubble King sets the standard for any serious enthusiast. Each skimmer is made with cell cast acrylic with a thickness from 4-6mm, and come standard with an oxygen partition plate as well as a conical counter to reduce turbulence.

Royal Exclusiv looks back on over 25 years manufacturing freshwater aquariums and 20 years in saltwater. Combining their hobby with their job is what helps them strive for perfection. Formed in 1986 Royal Exclusiv manufactures only the best equipment used in the hobby.

Each skimmer uses a CNC lathed screw connection which enables the user to remove the collection cup with one hand if needed. From personal experience these cups are the easiest to remove than any other skimmer on the market. Most models also come standard with an optional drain for waste collection.

Adjustment of the skimmer is extremely easy and accurate. Most models allow a water level adjustment as well as a fine tune adjustment to allow extreme performance you won't find anywhere else. Each deluxe model has an adjustable overflow which allows you to run into carbon or other types of media. This also allows less fluctuation in performance if the water level chances.

The highlight of these amazingly built skimmers is the pump. Red Dragon pumps are the most efficient pumps on the market. With the 300 external pump pulling only 58 watts, this is unheard of from any other competitor.

In essence Royal Exclusive/Bubble King has made a huge impact on the hobby. Providing an extremely efficient and powerful skimmer that even the most discerning hobbiest will put his name on. These skimmers are more functional than any skimmer on the market so start saving today as they also carry one of the larger price tags in the market.

Aquarium Supplies at Salty Supply

Aquarium Supplies at Salty Supply.com Bubble King Protein Skimmers

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

How to Care For Aquarium Fish

The easiest way to have a pet without sacrificing too much of your time is to have an aquarium. Just ensure you follow these guidelines to provide a healthy and conducive environment for your marine friends. There is some maintenance work to be done daily, while others requires some of your time weekly. The daily actions you need to do daily is actually very simple. Observe your fish tank everyday for a few minutes to check that all the fish are looking good and showing no health problems. It may be surprising for you to know that fish do suffer from stress as well. Check the lights and the filters of the aquarium daily to see if they are working correctly and they are properly plugged. Feed the fish daily. Your fish must be able to consume the food you give them in 2 to 5 minutes. Excess food that is not consumed will sink to the bottom and become debris, adding to the nitrate levels and rising the toxicity of the water. Perform a pH test every week to see if the water pH level is still good. Make it a habit to make the necessary changes immediately. Ask the pet store where you got your fish from and they will tell you the exact pH for your fish. Not all species of fish require the same conditions.

Filter cleaning is extremely important. Filters do the all-too important job of accumulating all the excretory wastes of the fish. Since the filters will get accumulated with debris over time, they will not be able to filter properly if you don't clean them. Another job that the filters do apart from removing the waste is to circulating oxygen into the task. With bunged filters, you will not be able to have as good transmission of gases in your tank as you have with clean ones. Due to this, the available oxygen in the tank can go down. If you do not correct this, your fish may die. Do not keep the same filter for more than two to three weeks in the aquarium. As soon as your water begins looking dirty and has an offensive odor, you must clean your filter. The kind of filter you are using will decide whether you need to simply clean the filter with water or to replace it entirely.

The proper way to change water in a tank is to do it gradually. Before cleaning your aquarium, make sure to unplug all lights and other fixtures. Change only about one in three parts of the water of the fish tank on a weekly or biweekly basis. If you are adding tap water, you may need to treat it before putting it into the aquarium. When purchasing fish for your aquarium, ask your local retailer about the water requirements. Short term treatment for the tap water could be for about half an hour, but you may sometimes need to treat the water for the whole night too.

When cleaning the tank, clean from the sides to scrub out any buildup of alga. Be careful not to disturb or scare the fish. You will have to move about the rocks in your tank too because this loosens the residue collected under them and make them come to the surface from where you can remove them. A siphon or a small bucket may be used to remove this debris which you can do when you are replacing the water. An important part of cleaning is to remove the withered leaves from the aquarium plants. Clean the outside of the tank with a squeegee and clean tap water. Do not forget to clean the cover of the tank, from the inside and the outside. Plug everything back into the aquarium, sit back and take the pleasure of your newly cleaned aquarium.

For more great aquarium fish [http://www.hotpetsupplies.com/aquarium-accessories] articles, pet grooming articles, pet health articles, go over to hotpetsupplies.com [http://www.hotpetsupplies.com/]. While there don't forget to sign up for our bonus free dog training report.

Breeding Angelfish

Breeding angelfish is an activity that is gaining a lot of popularity in the aquarium keeping community. Angelfish come from the cichlid family and tend to be aggressive sometimes. This guide will give you a couple tips on how and when to breed your angelfish. There are many breeds on Angelfish, and most of them have generally the same breeding habits. The main things you should take into consideration when breeding angelfish, is temperament and care level.

The first thing you are going to do when breeding is to start to pair off the Angelfish into groups of 1 male, 1 female. You want to start out by purchasing 8-10 angelfish, try to get an equal number of males and females. After you pair them off, they should bond together and start to pair off, swapping them out should pose little problem. Don't get discouraged if the first spawn doesn't turn out as planned. It is normal for the first batch to get eaten or not to spawn at all, you should just get a few fry out of the batch. With the fish that do pair up and go off to spawn, you should be able to get plenty of fry from their efforts.

You should move the fry to a different tank once they hatch and place them into jars to provide them a place of shelter while they get their feel on swimming. You should be sure to feed them plenty of newly hatched mysis shrimp for the best possible results. This is a more expensive method, and if your fish pairs take care of their brood, you should just leave them in the aquarium to allow nature to take its course. A 33 gallon tank should be able to host about 250 pea size angelfish to grow into dime sized. If you do this, you should change the water at least 3 times a week.

Within about 3 months, your angelfish should grow a little larger about the size of a nickel. You should keep plants in the aquarium to absorb the nitrate levels. After a bit of time, pick the best out of the batch and keep 100 in an aquarium of about 33 gallons to grow them out. It will take around 6 months to fully pick out the best from your stock. Just remember that Angelfish do tend to eat some of the fry when they first spawn, so it is best to separate them for a little while until the fish can grow a little larger and fend for themselves.

Well I hope you found this little article a bit helpful for breeding your angelfish. If you start to feel discouraged, just remember, it takes a while to get the hang of this. Breeding angelfish can be difficult and it will take a little while before you can completely get it down to a science. Breeding angelfish is a very rewarding experience, one that I recommend any serious Angelfish owner try to experience.

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Setting Up a Marine Aquarium

Marine aquariums make up a large cross section of aquarium owners. Marine Aquarium owners generally have fish only marine aquariums. In this article we will be talking about marine aquariums, more specifically the kind with little to no reef life in them. Fish only marine aquariums require a special setup. In this article I will be going through the various items you will need to consider when setting up your marine aquarium.

Well before you start up your marine aquarium, you are going to need to decide on the aquarium itself. I recommend going with an acrylic aquarium, they are much stronger and much easier to install the various accessories. Acrylic is a bit more expensive than glass, but it is definitely worth the extra bit for your peace of mind. After you settle on the aquarium for your marine aquarium, you can start to look at your lighting options. Just factor in what species you are going to hold in the aquarium and then adjust accordingly for the proper lighting.

After settling on the lighting and tank you are going to be using for your marine aquarium, you can start to browse around for the proper filter. You can start to look for the proper filter system for your marine aquarium based on two factors; what type they are, and how they work. Filters are built to remove harmful particles from your aquarium, while leaving the helpful ones in at safe levels. To have a successful marine aquarium, you absolutely need biological filtration. Biological filtration will remove wastes and uneaten foods from your marine aquarium. Biological filters circulate the water in your aquarium and clean it with each pass. The only way to bypass the need for an aquarium filter is to constantly have new sea water added everyday, and as well all know this is not feasible to do.

After settling on a filtration system for your aquarium, you can start focus on the other equipment you will need for the aquarium. The next step is to look for the proper thermal control for your marine aquarium. Every marine aquarium should have a heating unit, unless you are going for a cold water system that requires chilling year round. A good formula to go by is to figure for 2 or 3 watts per gallon of water in your aquarium. You should only use a sealed submersible heater for your marine aquarium. These systems are much more reliable and better suited for the job. To regulate the proper temperature, you need to pick up a good quality thermometer to regulate the temperature. I recommend a good digital thermometer.

Well those are few items to consider when you purchase your marine aquarium. Owning a marine aquarium is a big responsibility, but if you do it right you will reap the benefits of your hard work. There are more comprehensive guides on the web, this one is meant more to give you a general idea of what you will need to look for and get when you decide on a marine aquarium.

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Fish Tank Lights - Selecting the Right Aquarium Lighting

Selecting fish tank lights for your setup is another very important part to owning and operating an aquarium. Fish tank lighting needs are going to vary greatly depending on what you are going to be keeping in the aquarium. Things such as coral, the species of fish you have in the aquarium, and the type of plants, are going to be the main deciding factors when picking out your fish tank lights. In this article we are going to be discussing more specifically the fish tank lights you should use for a saltwater fish only aquarium.

Before starting to look around for the right fish tank lights for your fish-only saltwater aquarium. You need to understand the spectrum and intensity of light. In nature fish receive their sunlight under water, so light is naturally at lower levels when it reaches them. If you are keeping fish that live in shallower waters, naturally you are going to get brighter fish tank lights to accommodate them. If you have some nocturnal fish you are going to purchase different types of fish tank lights to house them.

The best lighting type to use for your fish-only saltwater aquarium will be fluorescent lighting. You should avoid other lighting types, as some of the others produce too much heat and can disturb the ecosystem in your aquarium. Now you can further shop around to find the best lighting for the specific species in your aquarium. It will be easier to settle on the fish tank lights you will need if you have species with similar lighting needs. There are many spots on the web that offer many different fish tank lights and you should shop around to find the best setup for you.

Once you settle on the proper fish tank lights for your aquarium, you can then decide on a schedule. It is recommended that you purchase an automatic timer to automatically shut on and off the lights in the aquarium. Fish, just like other creatures, need a steady schedule of light. You should not leave your fish tank lights on at all hours of the day. You could, however, set the lights in your aquarium to maybe cut on when you get home from work and then set them to go off 6-8 hours later. A lighting period of 6-8 hours is generally considered to be a good amount of light for the aquarium, of course you can always change the settings if you feel it is appropriate for the fish in your aquarium.

Well I hope you have enjoyed this brief look into the proper use of fish tank lights. If you ever have any questions you can always speak to a retailer online and they would be more than happy to help you with any questions you have about fish tank lights. Just make sure you always do your research and can stay informed on the requirements of the fish in your aquarium. The web is a great resource for any remaining questions that you have about the lighting systems for your aquarium.

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Cichlid Fish Tanks

Cichlids are some of the most sought after freshwater fish available. Cichlids are very intelligent fish, and some species will even splash the water at the top of the aquarium if they want your attention. Cichlids come from various freshwater bodies from South America, to Texas, to Africa. In this article I will be going through the various things to take into consideration when shopping around to set up your cichlid fish tank.

When you are starting out, it may be possible to keep cichlids in smaller aquariums, but I recommend that you purchase a tank of no less than 30 gallon to house your cichlid. A larger aquarium is easier to keep in good condition and do maintenance on. Cichlids are also aggressive and a larger aquarium will make it easier for any smaller fish to get out of the cichlid's way. It will make your cichlid fish tank more interesting if you have more than one pair in the tank. When you have more than one pair, you can watch how the cichlids interact with one another.

Conditioning your water is going to depend on what type of cichlid fish tank you are going to set up. Different species of cichlids are going to have very different needs. As a beginner it is recommended that you set up a cichlid fish tank with hardier species, this will make conditioning the water easier and they will be able to flourish in a wider range of water conditions. You should stay away from selecting cichlids from the African Lakes, African lake cichlids have harder parameters to meet on their water conditioning requirements.

Now you can get down to selecting the right species for your cichlid fish tank. You could select some peaceful species from the rivers of Africa, or you could put in a couple cichlids from Central America. For a cichlid fish tank with Amazonian Cichlids, I recommend an aquarium of at least 50 gallons in size. For the first setup of a cichlid fish tank, I went with the peaceful African river species, and they have been absolutely great. They are easy to care for and provide plenty of entertainment. If you do want a bit more of a challenge, you could always select Amazonian Cichlids for your cichlid fish tank. They are aggressive and will definitely keep you involved with maintenance and other tasks you will have to perform on the aquarium.

Well, I hope I have given you a bit of information to look into when considering your cichlid fish tank. When considering your cichlid fish tank, you should look in many spots around the web for individual guides for picking out the species you want. I would recommend Central American cichlids or African river cichlids for beginners. African lake cichlids are going to be much harder to care for, they require very close attention to the water levels in the aquarium. Just check around for the specific needs of the cichlids you are considering and you should avoid any confusion.

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Setting Up a Reef Aquarium

Setting up a reef aquarium is a much more expensive undertaking than a freshwater aquarium, or even a saltwater aquarium. Reef tanks are an especially costly and time consuming endeavor. But they can be so much more rewarding than any other aquarium setup if done correctly. In this article I will be taking you through a bit of a step by step in starting and preparing your reef aquarium.

The first thing I want to impart unto you is to RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH! This is single handedly the most important aspect of starting your new reef aquarium. You want to make sure you know your P's and Q's before you start to lay down the money it is going to cost to start your reef aquarium. You need to make sure that you can meet the needs of the fish and creatures you are going to be putting in your aquarium.

Another helpful tip for starting and running your reef aquarium, pick up a log book. Keeping a log book is going to make tracking the problems in your aquarium much easier. You can also use the log to keep track of the different chemical levels in your reef aquarium.

Next, you want to purchase the right equipment for your reef aquarium. Take a look at the coral and fish you want to place in this aquarium and then adjust accordingly what type of filter, lighting, and other elements you are going to need to get for the aquarium. When you are purchasing a stand for your aquarium, you need to factor the weight of the aquarium at its full capacity. A good formula is to multiply the amount of water you have in your aquarium by 10. For example, if you have a 55 gallon aquarium, it would weigh 550lbs when completely full.

After you place all of the equipment and such in your aquarium, it is time to start adding the live rock to your aquarium. You want to adjust the levels to your live rock before you start to add fish to the mix. Cycling your aquarium can take quite a while. You need patience when starting your reef aquarium, and a lot of it will be tried as you try to get the water levels to their absolute best before you start acclimating fish.

I obviously could not include everything involved in setting up your own reef aquarium. I was just trying to give you a general idea on how to go about setting up your reef aquarium. The web is a great source for finding more in depth guides for creating and maintaining your reef aquarium. Starting up your own reef aquarium can seem like a bit of a chore, but once you get the hang of it, it can be extremely rewarding. If you are a beginner to reef aquariums I would strongly advise against getting more difficult species of coral and fish to care for. You are going to putting their lives and your money at stake if you do this, start out with something easier. There will always be time to expand on the aquarium.

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Monday, August 19, 2013

Setting Up a Freshwater Aquarium

Setting up an aquarium for freshwater fish is a complicated process. Setting up an aquarium for freshwater fish is not only a big responsibility, but it is also an investment. In this article I am going to be going over several factors to consider when you are starting up your freshwater aquarium.

You have to keep in mind that at least once a week you will need to do some kind of maintenance on your freshwater aquarium. Most of the time, it will be a water change. You will also have to feed your fish at least once a day or more.

Freshwater fish are generally a lot cheaper than their saltwater counterparts. Setting up a freshwater aquarium is much less expensive and requires less materials than setting up a saltwater aquarium. For this reason many people recommend that beginners get the hang of managing and taking care of freshwater fish before they move on to more complicated setups. After you settle on getting and building up a freshwater fish aquarium, you can decide on an aquarium size to go with.

The next step in the process is to purchase all the equipment and your aquarium. I recommend you shop around online for the freshwater aquarium that is going to fit you best. Once you order your freshwater aquarium, you are going to want to find a suitable spot to place your aquarium.

After you find a suitable place to put your aquarium, you need to find a stand for your aquarium. Remember, you need to find a stand that will be able to support the full weight of your aquarium after water is added. A good formula for finding out how much your aquarium is going to weigh, is to take the amount of gallons it is going to hold, and multiply it by ten. So if you have a 55 gallon aquarium, it is going to weigh 550lbs after being filled.

After getting the spot picked out, the right aquarium, and the right equipment, now what you are going to do is wash out your freshwater aquarium with water, no soap at all. Adding soap to clean out your freshwater aquarium can leave soap residue in the tank and can be harmful to your fish.

Rinse and wash all the items you are going to placing in your aquarium. Set up all your now clean gravel and decorations in your freshwater aquarium and start to add water to your aquarium. Now you have your freshwater aquarium all set up to go.

Now after going through that whole process for setting up your freshwater aquarium. You are going to wait, that's right, you have to wait for your water to cycle for a few days before adding any fish. Owning a freshwater aquarium, requires a good deal of patience. But believe me, good things come to those who wait.

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Clownfish Care

Clownfish are a very popular saltwater fish. They are very peaceful and colorful additions to the aquarium. Clownfish are normally found in the Eastern Indian and Western Pacific Ocean. Clownfish have been growing in popularity over the years to become one of the most kept saltwater fish. Before you start to head out and pick up your very own clownfish, there are a couple things you should consider. In this article I will offer a bit of advice to owning clownfish.

Clownfish do need a fair amount of care as opposed to other fish. You will need to provide a stable saltwater aquarium for them to live in. You need to look up the specific instructions for the type of clownfish you want to house and then adjust accordingly with your aquarium size. After you pick out the aquarium, you are going to need to find the appropriate lighting and filtration systems to place in the aquarium. You have to have a good filtration system to provide the best possible environment for the clownfish.

Once you get the hang of the basics, you should add a sea anemone that is compatible with the species of clownfish that you pick. Clownfish have a symbiotic relationship with Sea Anemones and it is recommended that you place the two together for the best possible results. Also you can see how the clownfish interacts with the anemone. Anemones can be very hard to keep alive in the aquarium, and it is definitely not recommended for beginning aquarium owners. Sea Anemones generally do not live more than 2 years even with the experienced aquarium owner.

You should provide a mate for your clownfish. Clownfish do much better in pairs, and they can also produce their offspring in the aquarium. Clownfish have an amazing ability to switch sexes, but all clownfish are first born as males. You can pair a male and a female together and then breed them to keep or sell their offspring.

It is quite a sight to see parent clownfish swimming around with their litter in the aquarium. The fry will take some time to grow up, and if you are serious about breeding your clownfish, there are some very interesting and in depth guides on the internet that I would recommend looking at.

I hope you found this article helpful in your pursuit of owning clownfish. Anemones are definitely not required to enjoy the ownership of your clownfish. Just setup your aquarium with plenty of rocks with nooks and crannies for your fish to swim through. Owning a clownfish will take a little bit of practice to get the hang of, but don't be discouraged.

If you pay close attention to your pets needs, you should never have a problem with keeping the clownfish. I recommend you browse many sites on the internet to get a better picture on the specific needs of your clownfish, there are plenty of online retailers that are more than happy to go through all the details of keeping this fish. Thank you for reading the article, and good luck with your new pet!

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Aquarium Stands - Choosing the Right Stand For Your Aquarium

When you are purchasing your aquarium, you are naturally going to be caught up in the selection of filters, fish, plants, hoods, lighting and all. A common mistake people make is overlooking where they are going to actually place their aquarium. Have you guessed what I am talking about yet? That's right folks, I am talking about aquarium stands.

Aquarium stands are just as important as any other part of your aquarium setup. There are many different sites on the web that offer aquarium stands. In this article I will offer a couple points to consider when looking for your aquarium stand.

There are two main types of aquarium stands open and closed. Open stands are usually pre-made for smaller sized aquariums (up to 40 gallons) and normally made out of metal. Closed stands are crafted most of the time using pressure-treated wood, and cover both the top and bottom of the tank. You must make the closed stand out of pressure treated wood, as normal wood will rot with all of the moisture it is exposed to.

Closed stands are normally pre-made in rectangular shapes to fit most aquariums. The bottom portion of the aquarium stand normally extends at least a few inches past the size of the aquarium to maximize stability.

The interior part of these aquarium stands normally features a support bar for the middle of the aquarium to further stabilize it and prevent too much movement. Closed aquarium stands are normally made for larger sized aquariums, and most of the time they have cabinets and drawers built in to hide the other equipment required to run the aquarium.

Open and closed aquarium stands are good if you are trying to have a pretty standard shape aquarium. For those of you out there who are out there requesting custom jobs, try to get your aquarium builder to build a stand for you as well. Most custom aquarium designers on the web will also offer custom aquarium stands.

Make sure to mull over a few different design options for your aquarium stand, aquarium stands can be pretty pricey. However, I am sure that any company you are purchasing your custom aquarium from can have special discounts when you purchase the two together.

Many people choose to use a metal aquarium stand for their setup. Metal is a very strong material and can support much more weight per pound as opposed to wood. With metal, you do have to make sure you pick the right material as some metal aquarium stands can rust when continuously exposed to moisture. To avoid this problem make sure you use rust resistant metals for building your aquarium stand.

I hope you found this article on the different types of aquarium stands helpful. I personally recommend anyone looking for an aquarium stand for a tank over 40 gallons, to call one of the custom aquarium stand makers.

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Acrylic Aquariums Vs Glass Aquariums

Acrylic aquariums are growing ever more popular in today's aquarium industry. Acrylic aquariums are slowly moving glass out of the spotlight for a variety of reasons. In this article I will be going through and detailing the strengths and weaknesses of glass versus acrylic aquariums. Glass has been around for a while in the industry, and a lot of the old hands will swear by it, it does have its strengths, but also its limitations.

Glass is much more dense than acrylic, which means it also weighs a lot more. Glass aquariums weigh up to 10 times as much as their acrylic counterparts. When purchasing an aquarium, it would be best to go with acrylic.

Acrylic aquariums are much lighter, and will cause much less stress on the stands and structures you will place them on. You can also purchase a larger acrylic aquarium that weighs less than a glass one, so you can bend the rules a little bit on weight restriction for your stand.

Acrylic aquariums may weigh less than glass, but don't let that fool you. Acrylic is a very strong material, and it takes significant force to break an acrylic aquarium, and anyone who has every owned a glass aquarium can tell you about how even little bumps can cause cracks in the aquarium and cause it to be structurally unstable.

Even though glass is thicker than acrylic, it is much weaker. Acrylic aquariums are very resistant when it comes to bumps, however they are more easily scratched than glass aquariums.

When it comes to customizing the shape of your aquarium, you are pretty limited when it comes to the glass aquarium. Glass is relatively brittle and rigid naturally, and because of this, its shapes and styles are very limited. Acrylic aquariums on the other hand, can be molded to fit any shape and design that you could wish for.

Acrylic aquariums can be cast and molded into different shapes that were never though possible when only working with materials such as glass. Acrylic aquariums are also much easier to cut holes into when attaching an overflow system, with glass you need specialized tools and then you run the risk of cracking the whole panel.

The only spots, in my opinion, where glass outshines acrylic is in terms of cost, and scratch resistance. Glass is cheaper than acrylic, as it is more readily available. Glass is also very hard to scratch, and acrylic aquariums can be scratched with less force. Glass will also maintain its clarity throughout time, but acrylic when it gets a lot older can develop a yellowing tint to the acrylic.

Well there you have it folks, a couple points to consider when you are weighing your options between glass and acrylic aquariums. I would personally recommend acrylic, as it is a lot more durable to bumps and impact, also if you are trying to get a custom aquarium, acrylic can be molded to just about any shape.

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