Maintenance of Goldfish Aquariums

When goldfish bowls are used, the water level should be maintained at half of the bowl. This facilitates more surface area which allows more oxygen that helps in oxygenation. In general it is advised not to use goldfish bowls for maintaining healthy fish. The goldfish are healthier, happier and the display is excellent in a goldfish aquarium.

The number of fish that have to be kept determines the size of the goldfish aquarium. When breeding, each fish requires about 15 gallons of water but in general about 10 to 20 gallons of water per fish should be adequate. How to breed goldfish in an aquarium is an art that can be learned with patience. The stand that supports the tank should be selected with respect to the size of the goldfish aquarium. The weight of the fish, equipment, decorations, tank, sand and gravel all has to be added to know the entire weight. Each gallon (4.5 liters) of water will weigh 10 lb (4.5 kg), the factor that contributes the major weight should be considered. Cushioning material such as Polyurethane, rubber or equivalent impact absorbing substance can be used between tank and the stand. The cushioning materials avoid pressure points and do not allow cracks to develop on the goldfish aquarium.

According to the total quantity of water in the goldfish aquarium, the correct aeration and filtration can be selected. It is important that the water in the aquarium is always maintained absolutely clean. To make sure that it is without any contaminants the gravel, sand, decoration and equipment such that immersed in the Goldfish aquarium have to be cleaned thoroughly. During breeding natural plants help the fish very much, even otherwise natural plants help a healthy environment.

Algae are formed in the absence of sunlight. It is advisable to avoid direct sunlight and cold draft when choosing the location of the Goldfish aquarium. The artificial light should be adequate for the goldfish. Goldfish aquarium is recommended to be placed in such locations avoiding direct sunlight and draft of cold air. The useful algae formation is prevented by the direct sunlight. The water in the tank can become very cold which may be harmful or may kill fish in the tank. Adequate artificial lighting has to be provided for a healthy environment.

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Preparing Garden Rocks For Home Aquariums

You really need not spend more on your home aquariums than the amount you can shell out for livestock and various fish tank peripherals. In fact, in terms of aquarium rocks, you can almost always use rocks found on your own garden to decorate your own fish tank.

Before anything else though, you need to make sure that your garden rocks are perfectly safe for your home aquariums. What this means is that you should be prepared to disinfect and test these rocks first before even thinking on putting them inside your aquariums and exposing your livestock to them. Bacteria or other chemicals from the rocks may make its way into your fishes that can possibly make your fishes sick and eventually killing them in the process.

First thing you got to do to prepare your garden rocks is to test them for their pH levels. To test this, I suggest using the usual home products like lime juice or vinegar on your rocks and try to look for little fizzes or bubbles forming on them after soaking the rocks for a few minutes. Fizzes occur when your rocks are alkaline, meaning that they will certainly raise the pH level of your aquarium, and will most probably endanger your livestock if instantly put into the water.

The next step in preparing garden rocks is to disinfect them using normal boiling water. Sterilizing your gathered rocks will ensure that any harmful bacteria or other living organisms will not make its way into your home aquariums, therefore ensuring that the rocks are perfectly safe for your fishes to interact with. One thing you should remember though is not to use any chemicals when cleaning your garden rocks. Obviously, any form of chemical is harmful for your livestock and you would not want that making its way into your fish tank.

To successfully take care of home aquariums [http://www.homeaquariumsite.com], you should be taking research and learning more about how you can efficiently run one like clockwork. The good news about this is that you can always visit our home aquariums [http://www.homeaquariumsite.com] site to know more about keeping aquariums and taking care of fishes. The site is updated on a regular basis and your insights can also help us bring more valuable resources to all novice and expert aquarium enthusiasts alike.

Choosing the Right Filter For Your Aquarium

Probably the most crucial part of an aquarium is the filter. Aquarium filtration systems take away damaging chemicals and contaminants from your fish's habitat and preserve the quality of the water. Aquarium filters will work well only if they are uncontaminated and so they need to be cleaned and maintained frequently. They are very significant as the life of the beautiful fish elegantly adorning your aquarium depends heavily on the water quality. Known brands available today offer quality filters to suit most kinds of aquarium. There are three types of aquarium filters available on the market today. Let's check them, one by one.

Mechanical Filtration Systems 

A mechanical filter functions by catching filth and waste particles that are present in the aquarium water in fibrous pads (filter elements) located in the filter itself. Gradually, these particles will accumulate in the filter element and obstruct it. Prolonged presence of these particles is toxic to the fish. This kind of filter system should be cleaned frequently. Mechanical filters have filter elements that are typically made of polyester. These filter elements can also come in an assortment of materials such as foam sponge, filter wool and pressed fibers. You can choose any of the assorted models offered on the market external or internal filter systems.

Chemical Filtration Systems

The most common kind of chemical filters are the charcoal filters. This type of filter has activated charcoal which is useful at taking away most common contaminants from the aquarium water. Charcoal filters function by letting the activated charcoal soak up all the unsafe substances floating in your tank's water. One more common type of filter utilized in home tanks is the carbon filter; these filters are very good at eliminating big quantities of contamination and function very well when used together with mechanical filters. But it is vital to keep in mind that any type of filter will only work well when it's clean. It is necessary to test the filter from time to time and replace its components when they get too filthy.

Biological Filtration Systems 

Biological filters also called Bio-filtration systems, is certainly the most efficient filters for your tank. This is due mainly because they are able to filter out chemical particles that are too minute for other filtration systems to remove. We are speaking of contaminants so minute that they are invisible to the unaided eye. Biological Filtration Systems function by letting the "good" microorganisms to flourish inside the aquarium; these microorganisms absorb and process the waste excreted by the fish changing toxic by-product into harmless by-products allowing the proper substance equilibrium in the tank. This is very important to the wellbeing of the fish in the tank.

What Filters Work Best

Depending on the kind, purpose and dimension of your aquarium, you can decide from a diversity of capacities and forms of filters. A frequent choice is to utilize a box corner filter made from plastic that can house all the various filtration elements commonly used on aquariums. Another familiar type of filter is the gravel filter. This is normally positioned below the gravel of the tank and linked to air pumps and canister filters that are placed on the side of the aquarium that contain an internal pump which is connected to a sealed container that catches waste and suspended grime.

It is also necessary to consider the type, size and number of your fish when you pick a filtration system for your tank. Particularly in the case of a tank with tiny or baby fish, sponge type filters are necessary as they protect the little ones from getting sucked into the filter. A combination of filters explained here will keep your aquarium water clean and your fish secure and strong.

The Author David Yearwood has been in the aquatic business for over twenty years and is the webmaster for unique aquarium designs a website for customers looking for something different. For more information on a variety of Aquariums and Filters please go to Unique Aquarium Designs This article may be freely distributed without modification and provided that the copyright notice and any author's information remain intact.

Aquarium Fishes - Koi Fish Care

Generally seen as giant goldfish, Koi fish are actually in the carp family. The species have been expanded by different hybridizations of breeds to create new variations on the Koi. People are mostly familiar with these animals from large yard ponds, particularly at Asian inspired houses and restaurants. Koi are brightly colored and enthusiastic in their ponds.

If you are going to build a pond, you must remember these small tips in their tank maintenance. Koi fish are cold water animals so their care will require that they have the appropriate temperature in their ponds. This is why ponds outside provide a great environment. The ground can keep the water at a decent temperature. They do not require very deep ponds; a couple of feet should be enough room for your fish pond. Most types of koi will respond well to this size pond. Fish ponds can be a great addition to gardens and homes, as these fish are very expressive and playful. Most owners will tell you that Kois are highly intelligent and responsive to their owners. It is this quality which makes Kois such interesting and entertaining pets to keep.

Living with Koi will mean you are giving much of your life, time and energy to them. Koi fish keeping is a long term commitment, and with great pet health can live over forty years and grow up to thirty six inches. If you are considering bringing Koi fish into your life, you will need to understand that they will be around for a long time. It is best to do research on your decision prior to bring it home so you have a good understanding of what Koi fish keeping entails. Care is not that difficult if you do your research. The Koi fish is omnivorous, so they can maintain their feeding on appropriate greenery in the pond.

Koi fish care means you can bring them inside though they are best kept outside, as indoor temperatures can wreck havoc on the beautiful fish they prefer the chill of outdoors, but can live indoors, if properly maintained and given a balanced environment that promotes great pet health. The temperature will need to be checked and they will need to be fed by their owners. Make sure that they have the proper nutrition, as they can become ill quickly. It is best to keep an eye out on the health of your Koi. Care is based on their nutrition, so ensuring that they have a balanced diet can help you fish live a long life. But since Koi fish are hardy and live long lives, you will need to make a long term commitment to their health. Yet, koi fish are fast becoming the most popular aquatic pets.

Koi fish breeding means that you will need to consider pet health of the fish and pond. Breeding them has become quite a hobby for many owners. Spawning Koi can be an exciting and stress relieving adventure, as the colors of the Koi are not known until the eggs are hatched. Koi ponds can offer much happiness and stress relief for their owners, as they are the most human friendly fish available. They can recognize their feeders and respond appropriately. Brilliant and bright, Kois are wonderful additions to any home.

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How to Breed Goldfish - Important Points of Consideration

Beginners into fish keeping are plagued by the question on How to breed goldfish? Which type of goldfish can be easily bred? Great attention and concentration is needed for breeding of goldfish. Breeding of more than two types of goldfish is not advisable. The varieties that are not so sensitive to pregnancy and less troublesome must be selected for breeding. Breeding of goldfish must easy to breed single tail type that is ideal for beginners.

The temperature of water can be raised 2 degrees each day for six weeks. For eight weeks prior to breeding avoid feeding dry food. Small quantity of live food is ideal for this period. Fifteen gallons of water per fish is adequate for breeding of goldfish.

How to breed goldfish under sterilized conditions? Ensure that the goldfish tank is cleaned perfectly. Leaving the cleaned tank dry for ten days will kill all the germs. Unraveled nylon scrub or natural plants would be suitable for spawning.

How to breed goldfish to ensure spawning? The male female ratio is two is to one for breeding of goldfish. After introducing fish raising water temperature to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degree Centigrade) with good aeration is recommended for breeding of goldfish. The female are bulky at the back with protrusion on the left side but the male develop breeding tubercles.

The chasing may start on day one or in few days. The chase may start and continue several hours with the fish resting in between which is normal. Introducing the fish into a tank with same temperature of water after spawning is correct procedure. Then the water temperature is lowered step by step.

How to breed goldfish after eggs are laid? While breeding the goldfish, the eggs may not be sighted easily. The eggs are difficult to identify. At 70 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degree Centigrade) water the eggs will hatch in four days. It is normal for the fish fry stay at the bottom of the tank. The food sack carried by the fish fry will be adequate for two days. Then they search for food. For such young fish fry the right feed is Brine Shrimp.

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Taking Care of Tropical Fish - How To

As soon as you introduce the fish to your tank, you should be vigilant straight away to prevent any sicknesses. You will likely be admiring your new aquarium; however, you should make sure that your fish are not facing any problems. If you are maintaining an aquarium of tropical fish at your home, you must know how to taking care of tropical fish.

The knowledge of common diseases that attack tropical fish is essential for all aquarists. The tips given below about how to taking care of tropical fish would be very informative and useful to all the aquarium caregivers. Obviously, many diseases such as bacterial infections, dropsy, fin rot, loss of appetite, marine ich, new tank syndrome, velvet disease, and whitespot are easily affect the tropical aquarium fish.

Experts advise the aquarists to maintain a quarantine tank. There are two important reasons to maintain a quarantine tank: (1) to observe whether the newly acquired fish have any diseases and (2) to isolate the diseased fish already present in your aquarium.

Bacterial infections (red inflamed areas) are quite common in tropical fish. They spread rapidly to other fish in your aquarium and they are fatal particularly if left untreated. These infections infect the body of the fish first and then spread rapidly to the fins and other appendages, which leads to deterioration of the extremities. The major cause of bacterial infections in the tropical fish is the poor water quality. The best way to maintain good water quality is to change water periodically and test a water sample with the veterinarian or the local pet shop.

The first symptom of fin rot is when the fin starts to turn frayed or seem as if it is decaying. Occasionally, you may find small holes in the fins beginning to form. Moreover, the base of the fin will commonly become red and this will very much irritating the fish. The most effective way to aid the fin-rot-affected fish is to improve the quality of the aquarium water, or completely change the water if required. You should disinfect all the items and gravel that are present in your aquarium. Some antibiotics are also helpful in getting rid of fin rot.

The growth of some fish parasites in your aquarium causes marine ich. The commonest signs of marine ich are cloudy eyes, cysts developing on the surface of the fish, pale-colored skin, and a loss of appetite. There is a copper-based solution available in pet store to prevent the fish from parasitic attack. Changing the aquarium water and disinfecting the items in the aquarium will give better results.

The skin of the velvet-disease-infected fish will look like it has had some dark talcum powder dispersed over it. Actually, these spots are small parasites. The scales are the target organ of this disease. The velvet-disease-affected fish will probably seem lethargic and will show less movement than they usually do. You can also observe that the fish are having breathing troubles. If you observe the fish rubbing against the objects in your aquarium, it means they have velvet disease. This disease spreads very rapidly.

Ian Pennington is an accomplished niche website developer and author.

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Koi Fish - A Beginner's Guide to the Kohaku and the Bekko

The Kohaku is the most highly cherished of the koi varieties; a good specimen will be very valuable and really stands out in the pond. It is described as a two color, non metallic koi, namely a white bodied koi with a red (Hi) pattern on its back.

On a good specimen of Kohaku, the pattern should have clearly defined edges and the white should be a good unblemished color, often described as snow white. The contrast between the two colors can be striking and this is why the Kohaku is so highly prized.

Although a Kohaku cannot have color variations, it does have pattern varieties and these are generally known by the number, or placement, of Hi patches along the length of the body. Maruten (one circular Hi patch on the head and other Hi on the body), Nidan (two Hi patches along the back) and Inazuma (a single Hi patch along the back in the shape of a lightning strike) are some examples.

These are classic patterns, but other pattern formations are equally attractive, provided the pattern is well balanced. Normally, there should be no Hi on any of the fins of a Kohaku; they should be white at the body joint, changing to almost clear at the tips.

The body volume of a Nidan Kohaku is superb. The two patches are almost linked by the extended Hi on the right side. The white nose and caudal regions set this fish off wonderfully.

A beautiful Maruten Kohaku with a snow white skin and beautiful pectoral fins. Good body shape and the excellent pectoral fins make this a koi that will really stand out in your pond.

The Bekko is described as a fish with a black pattern on a colored base. The black (Sumi) appears as balanced patches along the back of the koi, above the lateral line but not on the head. As in the Utsuri, the Bekko occurs in the base color variations Shiro (white) Bekko, Aka (red) Bekko and Ki (yellow) Bekko.

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An Expert Guide on Koi Pond and Koi Fish Varieties

Carp generally grow to a considerable size, even in parts of the world where the growing season is comparatively short. Koi are no different and given the right conditions, small fish can grow to 50cm or 20 inches in three or four years. The result is a fish that is not only beautiful to look at by virtue of its color and shape, but also majestic in size. This rate of growth means you must carefully consider the design of the pond system that is to support them.

Understandably, both newcomers to the hobby and experienced koi keepers are keen to improve the quality, as well as the quantity, of koi in their collections. However, overstocking can lead to health problems in a collection of these cherished fish. To minimize these potential health risks it may be necessary to invest in a more sophisticated pond system or, better still, establish a quarantine set up before embarking upon stock improvement.

It is vital to maintain a high quality environment that can cope both with increasing loads of new fish and the growth of existing ones. A newly harvested koi is given an initial visual examination before being transported to the holding ponds for an assessment of its health and potential. A major fascination of koi is the variety of pattern and color combinations. There are scaled and non scaled varieties, as well as metallic skinned ones. Certain features are common to all good koi, regardless of variety.

The overall body shape, including the head, can vary widely, but a well shaped head on a properly proportioned body will be characteristics of a quality koi. The skin should shine with a deep gloss rather than have a flat finish. Of course, this is a different quality to that of the metallic varieties, which have a metallic sheen. Over the years, 13 classes of koi have been established. Each one contains a number of varieties to cover these widely differing koi and to help with appreciation of their qualities. The basic 13 classes are outlined on a lot of koi books.

Each one includes several named variants and these are described where possible. Metallic skinned fish have classes of their own, as do those with another skin feature, the presence of shiny or reflective scales on both metallic and non metallic koi. These scales show either as gold (Kin) or silver (Gin) and a good quality GinRin as it is known can be quite outstanding. On the other hand, scaleless (Doitsu) koi do not have their own classes, but fall into the same group as their scaled equivalents.

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A Beginner's Introduction to Koi and Koi Ponds

Although koi were known in China, Japan has become the home of Nishikigoi. Japanese farmers developed koi from early color mutations found in their stocks of common food carp (Cyprinus carpio) over the two hundred years ago.

The word koi was first used about 2500 years ago in China, but brocaded carp, or Nishikigoi as we know them today, were created in Japan and bred for appreciation. The phrase living jewel was coined by the Japanese to describe the wonderful, colorful fish that graced their ponds. Some early specimens were given as gifts to the Emperor and many are seen in the public gardens around Japan. Nishikigoi first appeared in the fish farming region of Niigata, Japan, when the first colored mutants were extracted from the fish food stocks.

These colored carp were interbred to produce the koi we have today. Although the home of koi is in the Niigata area, koi are now bred across Japan. With modern breeding techniques and the warmer climate in the south, it is possible to achieve excellent growth rates from young fish; a length of 60cm or 24 inches is not uncommon in three years.

New koi breeding begins in April each year. After culling, the best of the fry are put into natural ponds to grow and improve. Older koi are also placed in natural ponds to improve their color and skin quality. These mud, or field, ponds as they are generally known, are found in the mountainous regions and fed by streams or springs. The ponds are harvested in autumn and the koi are taken to a retail outlet for grading and sale.

Dealers from around the world, as well as collectors, visit the koi farms from the middle of October to buy the pick of the newly harvested koi. The invention of the plastic bag in the late 1960s made it possible to transport koi around the world. To ensure that they have a safe journey in unpolluted water, they are not fed for several days before packing to minimize water pollution. The bag is inflated with pure oxygen before the journey to ensure that the koi have an adequate supply.

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Koi Fish - A Beginner's Guide to Sanke and Showa

Taisho Sanshoku, or Sanke (meaning tri-color) as it is commonly known, was so-named because it was first shown at the Taisho exhibition in 1915 (Taisho Era 1912-1926). The Sanke is a non metallic fish with a double pattern - red (Hi) and black (Sumi) - on a white base or body color.

Sumi found on the Sanke will be in small patches placed in a balanced way along the length of the body, but not normally on the head. Although the two colors should be on a white base, it is possible for the Sumi to overlay the red or white completely or possibly spread across both red and white. When black is on white (preferred) it is called Tsubo Sumi and when it overlays the red, Kanase Sumi. Ideally, a Sanke should have Tejima (three or four stripes of Sumi) in the pectoral fins. These stripes are sometimes found on the others fins, too.

Showa Sanshoku, or Showa as it is commonly known, was developed in the late 1920s by crossing a Ki-Utsuri with a Kohaku. In the simplest terms, a Showa is non metallic but with red and white markings on a black base. Over the years, this variety has changed with fashion.

The early Showa had large amounts of Sumi (black) and Hi (red), but only small amounts of white. Today it is possible to find Showa with very little black but plenty of white; these have been names Kindai Showa. This may make it difficult to distinguish from a Sanke at first sight. However, the traditional Showa will always have Sumi wraps around the body (more in bands than in patches) and finishes below the lateral line.

Sumi on the Sanke should always be above the lateral line. The Showa also has Sumi in the base of its pectoral fins, but it is solid not striped, and is known as Motoguro. Ideally, the Sumi on the head of a Showa (Menware) should be a diagonal stripe across the head or in the shape of a V, but neither type should be without some white on the tip of the nose.

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Points to Be Considered For a Good Goldfish Tank

A smaller goldfish tank may be needed for one who has fewer goldfish. But a bigger fish tank is recommended for more number of goldfish. Bigger fish tank is comfortable to maintain the right balance of chemicals. The affinity towards buying a smaller one in the first instance, forces an upgrade to a bigger tank at a later point in time. 50 gallons capacity tank would be ideal for the goldfish tank. The goldfish are healthy and comfortable in a bigger tank.

One must consider the weight of the ornament, equipment, fish, sand, gravel, tank, and the water weight to arrive at the total weight. 10 lb (4.5 kg) will be the weight of each gallon (4.5 liters) of water. The weight of water has a significant role to play in the weight of the tank.

The stand chosen should be of right size to support the goldfish tank. Impact absorbing materials like foam, rubber or equivalent material has to be placed above the stand and the goldfish tank has to be placed over it else cracks may develop due to pressure on the support points.

Initially the goldfish tank has to be cleaned thoroughly along with the equipment, and ornament plants. The tank may look clear but ensure the tank and every thing that is accommodated into the tank is clean. The contamination due to the non-cleaning of materials will kill the pregnant goldfish and ordinary goldfish alike. Maintaining a very clean tank is most essential for keeping the fish healthy.

To help the algae growth, avoid direct sunlight on to the goldfish tank. Use correct illumination. The kit for water test is an absolute necessity. The ph level, nitrate must be monitored on a regular basis with caution. This will ensure the successful maintenance of the aquarium. Use of natural plants will make a better and comfortable living condition for the goldfish.

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Why the Yellow Tang is a Good Beginner Fish in Saltwater Aquariums

The yellow tang is one of the more common fish that is kept in saltwater aquariums in homes.

There are many other good reasons that the Yellow Tang is so popular. Why should you consider it as a good beginner fish when starting up an aquarium?

Yellow Tangs Eat Algae

New aquariums will often run into cycles and blooms of green algae. This is just a natural part of the life cycle of an aquarium, and often green algae will be present well after the initial cycling process.

Yellow Tangs are green algae eaters and will pick away at green algae that grows on the glass and live rock. Especially on the live rock. The Yellow Tang is known for it's habit of grazing on the live rock to continually feed itself when hungry.

If you do have a Yellow Tang, you may not need to feed it as much when it is able to find natural sources of algae and food in the aquarium.

Bright Color and Personality

The Yellow Tang will add a colorful presence to your aquarium. It is easy to see from a distance and will quickly gain the attention of aquarium onlookers.

In addition to being an beautiful and colorful fish, the Yellow Tang has a great personality and is a fun fish to take care of for beginners. Just feed it plenty of sea vegetables and and seaweed and give it plenty of space with plenty of water current to swim and venture in. If these rules are followed you'll notice that your Tang will be healthy, active and fun to watch.

Cost Effective

The Yellow Tang is usually one of the most cost-friendly Tangs. Some Tangs will cost you from fifty dollars to well over a hundred dollars, but the Yellow Tang can frequently be found for less than fifty dollars.

If addition to being a cost effective aquarium fish, it is also one of the easier Tangs to find. Most local fish stores will have a Yellow Tang if they have any Tangs. Other popular Tangs in a comparable price range are the Blue Hippo Tang, Powder Blue Tang and the Sailfin Tang. Even though they are all comparable in price, the Yellow Tang is still usually the cheapest.

You will probably want to buy cheaper, more cost-effective fish if you are just beginning in the world of keeping saltwater aquariums. If you make a mistake and lose one or more fish in your aquarium, the mistake won't be so costly.

Adequate Territory

A Yellow Tang should be kept in at least a 75 gallon aquarium at a minimum, and you probably won't want to have more than one Tang unless you have at least a 120 gallon aquarium. If you let your Yellow Tang have it's space and territory within your tank you'll notice that it will pace throughout the width of the aquarium, hide in rocks and dart about.

In addition to a decent amount of space to swim in, your Yellow Tang should have plenty of live rock to swim around and hide in. Tangs like to hide at night when sleeping and also need places to hide and to swim through to feel comfortable.

Add the Yellow Tang Last

It is best to add the Yellow Tang as one of the last fish when adding the first batch of fish your aquarium. If you add the Tang first, it will be able to establish a large territory quickly and might not as friendly to other smaller, less aggressive fish you add to the aquarium.

Adding the Tang last, especially in aquariums between 75 and 150 gallons, will allow it to work around the other fish in the aquarium to find it's space and get situated in the aquarium.

Provide your Tang with plenty of structure and swimming room and it will be very happy. If your new aquarium is at least 75 gallons and you have plenty of live rock, the Yellow Tang will be a great choice as one of your first fish.

Luke Petterson has been maintaining a saltwater aquarium for a few years now and has had quite a few good and bad experiences. Taking care of an aquarium takes patience and discipline, but it's not bad at all if you do your research. Aquarium keeping is also a very rewarding experience.

Visit http://aquarist-refuge.com to learn more about aquariums and aquarium keeping or to browse aquarium videos and other tidbits.

Taking Care of Angelfish

One of the most beautiful creatures that you can find in saltwater reefs is the saltwater angelfish. They are beautiful because they have rich colored bodies in the shapes of stripes and spots. They can usually be found in every one of the world's oceans. However, the most diverse ones usually live in the Indo-Pacific Ocean. Saltwater Angelfish are one of the best fish pets that you could have.

Food For Saltwater Angelfish

Saltwater Angelfish have a very unusual diet - but they can usually eat different kinds of plants and animal materials. Unlike most fish they prefer more then just the usual fish food that you can buy at your local grocery store in the size of small pellets. Instead they love things like jumbo krill freeze dried jumbo shrimp. This type of food are whole, freeze-dried shrimp and have a good source of protein, vitamin E, and fat.

For those of you who want to be more traditional with your fish can purchase the Flake Formula One Flakes for them. These flakes are made with extra algae and fresh seafood making it perfect for exotic fish. Even when you feed them this it is still good to feed them a source of live food like the shrimp.

Housing For Saltwater Angelfish

Angelfish can be very picky and territorial about their living space. They prefer to have as much as you can give them. Some species can grow to up to 16" so you should take this into account when looking for the right saltwater fish habitat. Unless you have purchased a pygmy angelfish you should make sure that the tank you buy is no less then 75 gallons.

Having a large saltwater fish habitat allows you to have other fish besides the Angelfish without them getting angry over their space. However, it is important to keep in mind that they can be territorial so do not be surprised if they kill off some of the other fish.

SaltwaterFishCare.net is a great site that helps you to learn how to care for your saltwater fish. Learn what food to give them, what tanks they should live in, and how to keep them healthy.

Reef Aquarium

It is easy to assume that everyone has seen the multiple different kinds of fish tanks that grace nearly every home. Some people have the larger fish tanks that can seemingly hold an endless amount of fish, plants, and water. Other people have the smaller fish tanks that are smaller, and more cost friendly. Either way, when people think of these tanks, they may have seen something else, and did not even notice. The Reef Aquarium is becoming a more popular type of tank that features live coral as the main piece in the tank. Many people do not think of the Reef Aquarium as an alternative to a fish tank, but can be incredibly visually appealing and interesting.

A Marine Aquarium finds its main difference with the Reef Aquarium when looking at what each tank focuses on. While the Marine Aquarium will focus on the fish, with plants and rocks serving as accessories, a Reef Aquarium focuses on the live coral reef. Fish and other accessories do find themselves in a Reef Aquarium, but the main showcase is for the actual living coral. These Saltwater Aquariums can come in a multitude of different sizes. Nano Reefs are any reef that is around 40 gallons or less. If you have a Reef Aquarium that is 20 gallons or less, you have a Reef Aquarium known as a Pico Reef. This is generally the smallest type of aquarium that you can have, and requires more work than the larger ones. The small size means that the water turnover must happen at a more constant rate.

What Will You Find in a Reef Aquarium?

A Reef Aquarium is known for the fact that it dedicates most of the focus of the tank on the living reef itself. What some people do not realize, however, is that there are multiple types of coral (such as soft coral and leather coral), and that fish and other types of sea life are great additions to the aquarium itself. Marine fish, maxima clams, and arrow crabs are sea life creatures that can be added to any tank. Seahorses are something that can be added as well; some people feel that they need a separate Seahorse Aquarium, when they could actually just add them to a Reef Aquarium.

Things to Watch to Take Care of a Reef Aquarium

Many people do not realize that the care required for a Reef Aquarium is much more intense than the care for a normal aquarium. One piece of equipment that could be considered a requirement for a reef aquarium is the protein skimmer. A protein skimmer takes care of the organic materials and other things that a normal filtration system simply cannot take care of. Another thing to watch for is the ph and temperature of the tank itself. Live Coral Reef can be very sensitive to ph and temperature; it is important to make sure these are constant to make sure that the coral thrives. Making sure all of these things are considered and done is crucial, as they are crucial themselves to the life of the coral.

Other Aspects

There are a few other things to consider when talking about Reef Aquarium. One major aspect is the aggressive fish that may find themselves in a tank; these fish can throw off the ecosystem and damage other fish, and the coral itself. Sand is also an important thing to consider; aragonite sand is needed for the best Reef Aquarium Tank possible, as the sand is live, meaning that it offers direct benefits.

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Start a Saltwater Aquarium

Starting a saltwater aquarium is a process with many steps. It can, ultimately be fulfilling, and a beautiful addition to your home. Making sure to stabilize the ecosystem for these delicate fish is an undertaking that needs the proper study and research, not only for the well-being of the fish, but because some exotic saltwater fish can be very expensive.

For the beginner, it is suggested to start with a larger tank. A larger tank equals a more chemically stable environment for the fish. A 55-gallon tank is recommended for beginners. Once the larger tank is populated and maintained, it will be easier for the novice to then set up smaller freshwater aquariums throughout the home.

The choice of tank is usually between glass and acrylic. There are pros and cons to both, depending on your lifestyle and preferences. Glass is less costly, but is also more likely to break. Glass is also going to remain clearer over the years than acrylic. Acrylic, on the other hand, insulates better so the tank may require a smaller heater than a glass tank will. Also, acrylic scratches much more easily.

Starting a saltwater aquarium in your home will prove to be a lovely addition for everyone; even the other pets will enjoy it! So the next step is to decide where inside the home it should be located. To settle on the ideal location consider the following:

-Amount of sunlight: The aquarium should not be subjected to large amounts of sunshine throughout the day. This will cause increased algae growth and will be harmful to the fish.

-Traffic: Although you want people to be able to see and enjoy the aquarium, you don't want people running into it constantly. The aquarium should be located in a somewhat neutral, out of the way location.

-Temperature fluctuations: Placing the aquarium near a door, a heat vent or a window might pose problems because exotic fish need a constant aquatic temperature.

Its a good idea to decide permanently on a location before adding any water, decorations or fish to the tank. Once the tank is full, it might be virtually impossible to move. This is also a good time to check and see if the equipment necessary to run the tank (any hoses, stands, etc) fit well within this space (and behind the aquarium).

Never use any harsh cleaners before filling the tank. Sure, its a good idea to clean it, but be gentle with the solvents as your new fish will need to live in the environment and it might be impossible to scour every bit of cleaner away. Always rinse thoroughly after cleaning.

Starting a saltwater aquarium requires deciding what type of environment you would like to create. Do you want just fish swimming around? Or would you rather have fish and live rocks together? You might even be thinking large and feel confident in going for the full reef system. Beginners are suggested to start with simply the fish or fish and live rock. Reef systems can be obtained as confidence with maintaining the aquarium grows.

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Useful Notes on Pregnant Goldfish

It is important to make sure the gender of each of the goldfish prior to breeding. But this would be effective only when they attain spawning condition. Attempt to pregnant goldfish must be initiated only after the first year. But until they reach 8 cm long it is not easy to make them have sex.

When they reach the age of three it would be ideal to pregnant goldfish. The changes are comfortably and clearly made out on male fish. The male develop white breeding tubercles. These appear on the gill operculum, in the front ray of pectoral fins and sometimes on the head about the size of pin head. The stomach of the pregnant goldfish becomes bulged and full.

The change in water temperature triggers the breeding in all goldfish types. Temperature of water is changed to induce breeding. Optimum temperature for breeding of goldfish is 20ºC even though the range of temperature can be between 10 to 26ºC for pregnant goldfish. The experts among breeders advise that the fish must be kept apart before breeding. Obviously before they are sexed the possibility does not exist.

The breeders wait until the optimum temperature is reached or increase the temperature gradually by artificial means. The chances of increasing the success rate of breeding lies in the increase of proportion between male and female goldfish. The ratio of one female to two males ensures the chances of successful breeding. Each fish must have at least fifteen gallons of water. Over crowding must be avoided as pregnant goldfish find survival tough under overcrowded conditions.

As the male swims behind the pregnant goldfish in a ritualistic spawning chase, conveys the message that they are ready for breeding. For several hours the male swims behind the pregnant goldfish and pushes her on her stomach again and again. Few days from the day the fishes are brought together, the chase occurs if all the conditions to mate are perfect.

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How to Clean Hard Water Stains on Home Aquariums

Home aquariums are fun to watch, there is really no doubt about that, but when you are already seeing white stains on your aquarium glass, you know you have to do something about it unless you enjoy not seeing your fishes due to hindered vision. Good thing that there are ways you can clean hard water stains on your aquariums, and I will try to discuss some of them in this article.

Hard water stains are actually lime deposits caused by the hardness of the water in the area where your aquarium water is taken. Now, you really do not need to worry about these stains hurting your fish because they are practically harmless minerals in the water. The only problem about these stains is the fact that they make your aquarium look unsightly, and for a decoration point of view, you would not like that to happen to your fish tank.

First thing you ought to try out is to scrape the stains off your home aquariums. To do this, you may use an aquarium scrubber or razor blades for more effective scraping. The advantage of using this technique is that you won't need to take out your fishes from your tank and you would not need worry about harming your fish. The only thing you have to worry about is how you can safely use the razor blades without harming yourself. Also, this will take much toil on your part since this takes more physical work.

The easiest way for you to clean home aquariums is to use lime juice or vinegar solutions against the stains. You must remember though that these things are acidic in nature and may harm your fish if you use them too much. Use them on your own discretion, or better, try to take out your fish first before cleaning your aquarium thoroughly.

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Aquarium Lighting - Play a Benevolent God and Give Your Fish the Best Environment You Can!

Aquarium lighting isn't just lighting, its specialist lighting; more than that, the way you light your aquarium really is the difference between life and death for your fish.

The idea is that the lighting system in your aquarium replicates as closely as possible the light conditions that your fish would enjoy in their natural habitat. The closer you get the better. Move too far away from the habitat lighting and your fish will become stressed and fail to grow. From a purely selfish point of view, if you don't have the right light in your aquarium, your fish will lose their colours, and the chances are that is exactly what you bought them for.

The important thing to understand when you look at aquarium lighting is the Kelvin rating; which is what the K numbers you see on aquarium lights represent. The Kelvin rating gives you some idea of the temperature of the light, that is, how warm or cold looking it is. Cold, blue light has a 'high tech' clinical feel to it and is around 10,000K; this is the sort of temperature that would be used for a tank where you keep reefs and plants. The lowest Kelvin rated aquarium lighting is around 5,500K; the lower rated lamps are used for aquaria with freshwater fish and no plant life.

The best lamps, which are available in a wide range of Kelvin ratings, are metal halide lamps. They produce a shimmer, not unlike sunlight shining on water. Metal halide lamps range in intensity from 75 watts to 1,000 watts and their only disadvantage is that they generate heat - so do be careful.

If you are a new aquarist, you'll probably start your aquarium lighting career with fluorescent lighting, which are the type that are usually provided as part of a lighting kit. Fluorescent tubes for aquaria come in a range of colour temperatures and in three standard sizes. Sizes are indicated by a T number; T12, T8, and T5. You'll need at least a couple of lights, depending on the size of your tank, because fluorescent lamps are far lower in terms of intensity than metal halide. On the plus side though, they don't get hot!

The topic of aquarium lighting is complex and wide ranging, and you would be well advised to get a book on the subject, unless you have a well-informed friend. We've only touched on the subject here, and we haven't got as far as even mentioning marine aquarium lighting!

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3 Starter Tips For Aspiring Owners of Home Aquariums

Putting up Home Aquariums can be a measly job if you're not educated enough on how to start one properly, and other than that, it can be pretty costly too considering the amount of materials and livestock you must buy to just start off your fish tank. However, starting one only entails remembering a few things before you take action, and in this article is a few of those things to help you out.

First and foremost, before buying any fish, you must always remember that certain fish types do not get along well with others. Fishes are generally classified into the degree of their activity when put aside with other different fish types, and this basically means that you would not want a very aggressive fish hanging around your precious tame ones. Most of the time, this aggressiveness comes with the fish being territorial, but in worst case conditions, you really would not want carnivorous ones blended with your guppies, right?

The best solution for this is for you to ask your supplier on what type of fish is suitable for your home aquariums. I know that this is pretty basic, but there's really no best way for you to know than by doing research and learning more from others.

Secondly, always remember that cleanliness is next to godliness in everything, and much is the same for your aquarium. Remember to buy a filter for the everyday use of your fishes and keep a regular "cleaning time" for your aquarium as well. This activity will keep your livestock healthy and kicking, and honestly, no one wants to look at a dirty aquarium, right?

Anyway, as a last tip, I have to say that nothing will really keep home aquariums beautiful and successful than good old hard work. Regular maintenance is a must for your aquariums and fishes, but remember that excessive feeding and cleaning can also do harm to your work. Don't sweat it much though, because as with any other hobby, you'll definitely reap the rewards after you're done going through all that work.

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Freshwater Fish Tanks

A freshwater fish tank is the best option to be considered for either beginners to the world of fish tanks, or for individuals looking to cut down on the time requirement necessary to maintain the tanks. When people think about fish tanks, they are most often picturing the freshwater variety. From cost, to set up, to ongoing maintenance, a freshwater fish tank can be a terrific way to add new pets to your home while minimizing the effort necessary to maintain them.

When setting up a freshwater fish tank, you'll first need to assemble your supplies. The first supply, quite obviously, is the tank itself. One of the hardest parts of deciding which tank to use is the size of the tank. For a beginning fish enthusiast, your best bet will be to choose a smaller tank. This will mean less water and surface areas to maintain, and less fish to care for. Once your experience with fish tanks builds, you'll be able to move to larger and more expansive tanks. You may find along the way, however, that a smaller tank is simply a smarter option to maintain in your home.

You will need to gather additional supplies beyond the tank as well. Some of the most important supplies you will need are gravel to line the bottom of the tank, a filter to ensure the exchange of clean water within the tank, a tiny vacuum to help maintain the water and gravel quality within the tank, water test kits to ensure healthy water property levels, a heater depending on the type of fish you will maintain in your freshwater fish tank, and cleaning supplies to be able to perform regular maintenance within the tank.

Once you've chosen your freshwater fish tank and assembled your supplies, you'll next need to locate the perfect spot within your home to set it up. Ensure that you do not choose an area of high traffic - the danger would be too great that someone - human or other pet - would accidentally bump into the tank and cause it to break. Pick a sturdy table, desk, or platform to set the tank up on. Remember that you will also need room to store your supplies nearby. Once you have set up the actual aquarium, carefully wash it, inside and out. Also wash all of the supplies you have chosen for your freshwater fish tank. You can then begin to add water to your fish tank. Do so slowly and carefully.

Once the water is added, you may be anxious to add your fish, but you still will need to test the water, create a balanced pH environment, set up your filter and heater, and ensure that the tank itself is in good working order before fish are introduced. Once you are sure that all other aspects of the freshwater fish tank are in place and tested, you may then begin to add your fish to the tank. Do so one at a time so they can acclimate to their new home. Going forward, with simple and careful maintenance, you can work to enjoy your freshwater fish tank for many years to come.

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Amazing Fish Tanks

Fish tanks are more than just unoriginal containers meant to hold fish. Fish tanks are expressions of their owner's personal style, or of the style of the room or home in which they reside. Owning fish can be so much more than a mundane experience. Through creativity and a commitment to care for both the fish and its environment for years to come, amazing fish tanks can be the result.

What makes amazing fish tanks amazing? That's simple. Their size, their design, their style, their location - an attribute of a fish tank can make it amazing. That's why, through careful consideration and planning, it won't be hard add amazing fish tanks to your own home.

First, when looking at fish tanks, really think about where the tank will be displayed within your home. If there is an obvious theme or feel to the room that will house it, capitalize on that. Find a fish tank that uniquely fits into that design and it can become amazing. Consider not only any objects that may make the surrounding room unique, but also any unusual colors to the way in which other objects or furniture is displayed. Remember that amazing fish tanks come in all shapes and sizes, and so finding one that fits into an existing design is entirely possible. Don't be afraid to dream and don't be afraid to spend plenty of time figuring out the best fish tank to add to your home.

Second, think about the design of the fish tank itself. Would it be easy to customize that design in some way to lead to the production of amazing fish tanks? Think about common objects that a fish tank could be modeled after or that could be included inside the fish tank. Any sterilized object can become a fish toy if anchored to the bottom of the tank. Some amazing fish tanks ideas could be to mimic the design of your room with the interior design of the fish tank. Find miniature furniture items and knick knacks, ensure that they're able to be placed underwater and can be sterilized and add them to your tank. What a unique design and how neat that you've created a conversation piece in addition to a friendly fish environment.

Third, think about accentuating one particular attribute of your fish tank. Amazing fish tanks often have a singular focal point that just makes observers say "wow!" Can you exaggerate your fish tank through its size, whether smaller or larger? Can you find a tank that is an unusual shape and thus will draw additional attention? Both are likely possibilities that you can easily fulfill. Other possibilities to consider are the use of color within your fish tank. Consider colored sides to tank walls, or colored lights. You can even consider colored water if safe additives are used to create the change. Nothing is beyond the realm of possible when it comes to designing amazing fish tanks. By allowing your mind to dream, you can create amazing fish tanks that will be the center of attention in your home for quite some time to come.

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Setting Up a Disease Free Koi Pond

If you are pondering the idea of setting up a Koi pond there are a few steps you should follow. Before you rush out and buy Koi fish you'll need to have a Koi pond to put them in. This isn't quite as simple as going to the pet store, buying an aquarium, and setting up for a new fish. Setting up a proper Koi garden pond is much more involved than that, but not quite as difficult as you might imagine.

The first step, you have to take and setting up for a Koi pond is to choose a location. The best location for a Koi pond should be an area receiving anywhere from four to eight hours of sun each day. You'll want to find an area that has leveled ground. This area must be easy for you to get to, and you may want to limit surrounding trees. Not only can falling leaves make more work for you, but also they can often-present problems with Pond filters.

Once you choose a location you'll want to decide on the size of your Koi garden pond. Size can very widely. The more Koi fish you plan on buying the larger pond you'll need. Fortunately, koi Pond kits are widely available. They'll include everything you need to get set up with a Koi garden pond. They commonly come with inadequate guide to help you with the pond building process. They'll supply a heavy-duty PVC pond liner, necessary filter and aeration, necessary chemicals, etc. There are some obvious things that won't come with the kit. Surrounding rocks, pond plants, and the like will have to be purchased locally. For those who feel like building a Koi garden pond is a daunting task, there is an alternative. The alternative is to have your local pond shop build your koi Pond. If you can get a reasonable rate, this is not a bad way to go. Companies specializing in Koi garden pond construction can provide you with high quality work, along with timely delivery.

After the completion of your Pond. It's time to think about buying some Koi fish. There are a few ways to go about stocking your Koi pond. Chances are you'll have fish breeders that specialize in Koi fish within reasonable driving distance of your home. This is a great way to go and buy Koi fish. You can buy Koi fish in a number of growth stages or quality through these suppliers. What makes this method most enjoyable is that you get to select your koi based on development, colors, and size. And you get to do so by choosing from thousands of fish. These suppliers can also provide you with guidance and finding Koi fish most suitable for your location. You don't want koi disease to spread throughout your pond. So, make sure every single koi is in great health. The alternative to this is the online route.

Yes, you can buy Koi fish online just like anything else, thanks to the technology of the web. The advantage to this is that you can buy Koi fish of the highest quality. Because these are high quality specimens you're less likely to get fish with some kind of koi disease. You can buy award-winning Koi, rare specimens of Koi, or just beautiful looking Koi via the Internet. This tremendous resource provides access to many of the world's top breeders. All this is possible thanks to the power of the Web and next day delivery. You can buy Koi fish on eBay or specialty sites.

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Discus Fish As Hobby

Just as dogs make great companions, discus fish make a great show. Breeding discus as a hobby has become so popular that aquariums all over the world have become the home of this king of the exotic species. For some breeders, discus as a hobby means an immense satisfaction particularly when one manages to get some baby discus too. It is truly rewarding to see that what started with discus as a hobby has turned into a life time experience and a true friendship. What is so special about discus as a hobby? Apart from the great beauty of these fish, discus are unique in their social and loving behavior.

Those who breed discus as a hobby will be more than surprised to notice that the discus show signs of connection to the environment outside the tank. For instance breeding discus as a hobby implies spending lots of time around the tank, cleaning, feeding or simply watching the discus. They are said to recognize the owner in time and they can get as close to you as to eat out of your hand. When breeding discus as a hobby, some owners have noticed that the discus will watch you move around the room or even react to TV noise.

Apart from such social behavior, discus enjoy silence and a close community with other fellows from the same species. If you take discus as a hobby, you may want to take into consideration that they prefer living in close communities that is together with several other members. The dominant discus would be the first to couple, followed by the others if proper conditions are met. Even if you breed discus as a hobby you may still have to separate the couples in a different tank allowing them to raise their fry.

For everyone who takes discus as a hobby, it is important that all the proper living conditions are kept under constant observation. You should not use for instance a too powerful lamp for your discus; as a hobby you'd like to keep them in the spot light, but this warms the water above the accepted level and reduces the oxygen quantity. There is a short step to take between breeding discus as a hobby and breeding them at a professional level, after all, discus require the same attention no matter your devotion. Even if you take discus as a hobby, you still have to pay attention to their needs all the time!

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Phosphate Control in Saltwater Aquariums

Saltwater aquarium owners will eventually need to control phosphate levels in their aquariums as the aquarium matures. Phosphate is a nutrient found in aquariums that feeds algae and inhibits calcification of invertebrates and corals.

Phosphate control can help to reduce the amount of algae that grows in an aquarium and will maximize coral growth in saltwater aquariums.

Many aquarium owners might not fully understand the benefits of phosphate control, and therefore might not practice it in their normal aquarium maintenance activities. If you have an established saltwater aquarium that is starting to have regular problems with nuisance algae growth, it's probably time to start making a conscious effort to control phosphate levels.

Preventing High Phosphate Levels

The first step in battling phosphate levels in an aquarium is to try to prevent the amount of phosphates that are in the aquarium in the first place.

Using purified water that has gone through the process of reverse osmosis is the first step you should take. Buy a reverse osmosis water purifier and use it to purify all water that you will be putting in your aquarium.

If you do not want to buy or utilize a reverse osmosis water purifier you should find some place where you can purchase purified water. Grocery stores or maybe even pet stores (that sell fish) should be able to provide you with a source to purchase purified water.

Reducing High Phosphate Levels

If you already have high phosphate levels in your aquarium, simply switching over to purified water probably won't help much. The rate at which you add new water to your mature aquarium will not allow you to fully swap in purified water over a short period of time.

You will need to use phosphate removal media in your aquarium to filter out all the phosphates. There are several types of phosphate removal media available from aquarium supply dealers. Take a look online at any aquarium supply dealer and you should be able to easily find some phosphate removal media. It usually is lumped in the same category as other chemical removal media such as activated carbon.

When purchasing phosphate removal media be sure to check the specifications of the brand you are using. The media may behave differently from brand to brand. Some phosphate removal media will require that you remove or replace it within days to prevent leaching of the phosphates back into the aquarium water. Other phosphate media may not need to be replaced as soon, if at all.

Implementing Phosphate Removal Media

Phosphate removal media can be implemented into your aquarium in different ways.

The first method would be to buy and install a phosphate reactor. A phosphate reactor is simply a chamber that sits within the water filtration flow of your aquarium and has an intake and outtake. The chamber is filled with phosphate removal media, which the aquarium water will flow through continuously. Phosphate reactors can be hooked up in the existing water flow plumbing of your aquarium. You can also usually hook up a separate powerhead intake and outtake into your aquarium if needed which will allow you to run the reactor independent of your other aquarium filtration.

A second method would be to buy some mesh media bags and use your current sump filter or canister filter. Fill the mesh bags with phosphate removal media and place them inside your canister filter or sump filter. The mesh bags will prevent the pieces of the media from getting all over the place in your filtration system and will make maintenance and implementation of the media much more easy to handle. The media will then be in the main water flow of your aquarium filtration system.

Once you have implemented phosphate prevention and removal techniques for a period of time, you should notice a decrease in the amount of nuisance algae in you aquarium. You may not need to clean your aquarium as often and your aquarium water quality will be improved.

Luke Petterson has been maintaining a saltwater aquarium for a few years now and has had quite a few good and bad experiences. Taking care of an aquarium takes patience and discipline, but it's not bad at all if you do your research. Aquarium keeping is also a very rewarding experience.

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Goldfish Types - A Fish Keeper Guide

Variation in color, looks, and shapes of head differentiates Goldfish types. Some Goldfish have special eyes that are bulged or looking up. The fins' placement is a special feature that differentiates goldfish types. The shape of the tails helps in classification. Some have single tails while others have double tails and split tails. Fish like fantail goldfish have a very unique tail.

Goldfish of different varieties identified by a set of unique features are found elsewhere in the world. Goldfish types are sensitive to several factors. Hence the owner has to exude utmost care. Several groups exhibit different body lengths. Some fishes live in cold water, some live in warm water. Varying methods of breeding are followed for Goldfish types.

Comets Goldfish among several other varieties can live in extreme cold conditions. Some fish varieties live for 20 years. Some Goldfish types can be bred in fish tanks of aquarium but others need larger out door ponds in the garden. Goldfish in general discharge large amount of waste. The water purifying filter must have the filtering capacity of almost 10 times of the tank.

Regular maintenance and constant care is a prerequisite for goldfish of any variety. Certain gold fish types are extremely sensitive to pollution and can be termed as delicate for the understanding of the fish keepers. Not all the goldfish varieties can be bred by beginners though some are seen as beginners' fish.

Certain varieties such as Celestial Eye goldfish have to be handled with care. The Celestial Eye goldfish with bulging eyes and the pupil on surface has limitation in its vision. Goldfish types with limitation of vision should be grouped together for sustenance. Care should be taken on artificial decorations to avoid damage to fishes on movement. The bed of the tank should be prepared with large grained natural resources to help the goldfish to lay eggs for breeding.

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How to Set Up an Aquarium

Choosing an Aquarium, and How to Display It.

Choosing the Right Aquarium - Aquariums come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from simple 1-gallon fish bowls, up to huge tanks, holding 100 gallons, or more. When choosing an aquarium, keep in mind that, as a general rule, you can have one fish per gallon of water. Larger fish, like Oscars, will require significantly more space. If your aquarium will be displayed in your childs room, a simple fish bowl and anything up to a 20 gallon tank will be fine. If your tank is going to be displayed in your living room, I would recommend a larger tank. 30 gallon tanks are great for this. Tropical fish tanks also have two major designs. Horizontal (wide) tanks are good for schooling fish, while Vertical (tall) tanks better display for angel fish, gouramis, etc. I personally like a "29-Show" tank, which is a 29 gallon, slightly tall tank.

Aquarium Stand - Do not overlook the importance of the stand before setting up your aquarium! This is the main area of problems that arise after the fish tank is set up. The most common problems are that the owner "does not like" the stand used, and wants it changed after the aquarium is set up, or the stand used cannot properly support the aquarium once it is filled with water. I highly recommend using a high-quality wooden stand, specifically designed for aquariums, which has storage for your fish food, supplies, books, etc.

Lighting - Lighting can be either fluorescent or incandescent. Fluorescent lighting is preferred as it looks more "filtered," and does not put out heat like an incandescent light.

Place the stand where you want it to be. Remember, you'll need easy access to electrical plugs, and do not place your aquarium where it will get direct sunlight, as that will create an environment that will easily create algae. There is nothing worse than a green fish tank!

Now that you have your fish tank, and a proper means to display it...

How to Set Up An Aquarium

Make sure the aquarium is clean and dry.

Apply Background - Most backgrounds simply apply to the outside back of the aquarium. Backgrounds give your fish a place to hide, and also conceal tubes, pumps, etc. from being visible.

Place your undergravel filter in the bottom of the tank.

Clean the gravel thoroughly in a bucket with drinking-quality water. Do this right, or you'll have a cloudy fish tank right from the start! Colored gravel is fine for child aquariums, but if you are going to have a large aquarium on display in your living room, you'll be much happier with natural gravel. Natural gravel will look better, and is also less expensive than colored gravel. You want one to two inches of gravel. You get get creative hills by making small hills and valleys, but do not make the hills too large, as it will hamper filtration.

Add water of drinking quality up to a couple inches from the top. You still need to place some items, so you do not want it to overflow when you put your arm in.

Install Heater - Do not plug it in though, unless it is completely submerged in water. Water temperatures should be 70-80 degrees for tropical fish.

Install Pump and Airstones

Place thermometer on front corner or side of aquarium.

Place decorative rocks and cave-like items on the bottom.

Place plants where desired. My experience is to put taller plants in the back, especially in the back corners to provide hiding places for top-dwelling fish. Putting different colored plants in little groups looks best.

Finish filling the tank, then install cover and lighting.

Add chlorine remover

Let the aquarium run for a minimum of three days before adding fish. I would recommend starting out with a of couple small, inexpensive tropical fish while your tank develops a healthy habitat. Personally, I use neon tetras while the tanks settles in. They are pretty enough to keep if they survive, but no big deal if they don't survive. If your first fish perish, try letting the aquarium run without fish for a couple more days, then take a small sample of water to your local fish store, and have them test the water for you, then follow their recommendations.

Good Luck with your new aquarium, I hope you enjoy many years with your fish!

For more detailed information regarding all matters of tropical fish care, the author highly recommends the Tropical Fish Guide available at [http://www.tropicalfishsite.info]

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Fantail Goldfish - A Fish Keeper Guide

Fantail Goldfish is the common goldfish seen in outdoor ponds and aquariums. The fish belongs to the twintail variety of goldfish. When compared to the Oranda goldfish, Fantail Goldfish with its hardy nature makes maintenance easy for the beginners. Regular maintenance is required for the fish to survive in the natural environment. This fish is found all over the world especially in China and Japan.

Fantail Goldfish is identified by the egg shape in various colors of chocolate, red and calico. Some variety of this fish is seen in blue and white colors. Though the fish looks short and broad as a general characteristic it is also found with a long and slender body shape. The fish has a pair of well developed anal and dorsal fins. Fantail Goldfish should be fed with rich flake food like blood worm, pellets, and daphnia for healthy growth. The length of the fish ranges from 2 inches to 8 inches and possess a life span in the broad range of 10 to 20 years.

Fantail Goldfish survives in temperatures close to freezing point making it an ideal fish for outside ponds. Fish of this variety are slow swimmers found in the middle of the pond on normal conditions. In extreme weather conditions, the fish is found in the bottom for the purpose of oxygenation. Goldfish enjoy company but the fish must be isolated from female Fantail Goldfish for survival in a small aquarium.

Aquarium or the pond should have a depth of 30 inches with a 10 gallons water capacity to breed Fantail Goldfish. Fresh water measuring 25% to 50% of the water capacity must be filled fresh during weekly maintenance. Number of the Fantail Goldfish in the aquarium must be limited to accommodate the length of the goldfish.

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

Silver Sharks - Fresh Water Minnows

Although the name suggests otherwise, the Silver Shark is actually a minnow. This fish has many monikers including, bala shark, tri color shark, tri color shark minnow, hangus, malaysian shark, and silver bala. Last, but certainly not least there is also the scientific binomial name, Balantiocheilus melanopterus.

Silver sharks are found in the fresh waters of South East Asia. Although they are bred in captivity by professional breeders, the vast majority of them are still caught in the wild. In fact, so many are caught that silver sharks are making their way onto the endangered species list.

They are very easy to identify in an aquarium. When they are healthy, they have a shiny silver body and jet black bands on the back edge of their fins. Their dorsal and tail fins are reminiscent of a shark; that is why they are called silver "sharks". When fed certain foods they may have an additional yellowish color between the silver body and black fin bands. Hence the name tri color shark.

When bought in the store they are usually between 1 and 2 inches long. With proper nutrition and comfortable surrounds they should be nearly 10 inches long after a few years. If yours are not that long, don't forget that all fish are individuals and their genetics have a large part in determining how large they will grow. After all, not all humans are 6 feet tall. The silver shark's maximum length is said to be 14 inches. A fish that big will require quite a large aquarium.

Silver sharks do best when kept in a shoal of 5 or more silver sharks. If you keep them in smaller numbers they may be aggressive towards other members of the aquarium community. If you are lucky enough to have 5 or more silvers and they all grow to be 12 inches or more long your tank will have to be at least 125 gallons. And make sure that you have a lid securely fastened over the tank because they are jumpers.

Silver Sharks are relatively weak when it comes to disease resistance. They will become sick before most other members of the aquarium. So if your silver sharks are coming down with something make sure you pay a little more attention to the health of your fishes.

Bjorn Allpas writes about his hobbies and activities. This article is regarding his interest in tropical aquarium fish, like the Bala Shark. For information on this entertaining fish visit http://www.BalaShark.info

Bala Sharks Vs Clown Loaches - Similarities and Differences

Bala Sharks and Clown Loaches are both very popular aquarium fish, but for different reasons. The Bala Shark (also known as the Silver Shark) looks a lot like a shark (go figure). The body shape and dorsal fin fit the traditional "great white" shark archetype and there is just something neat about having miniature sharks swimming around in your aquarium, even if the Bala Sharks are only minnows. The clown loaches are also popular for their appearance. The clown loaches have 3 vertical black bands on their bright orange body which makes for a lively looking fish. What the clown loach has above most other fish, is it's personality. They can be very outgoing and they have many strange behaviours, which earned them the name 'clown'.

Both bala sharks and clown loaches are shoaling fish, so you should definitely try to have at least 5 of each in your aquarium. If you keep bala sharks singly they may become aggressive and nibble on other fish in the tank. The clown loach on the other hand will become very stressed, its growth will be stunted and it may die. It is more pleasant for everyone involved if you keep these two fish species in groups.

Keeping them in groups can become a problem though. Both bala sharks and clown loaches can grow to be a foot long! When you buy them they are around 1-2 inches (2.5-5 centimeters) so they fit comfortable into smaller aquariums. Once they are grown however, a large aquarium (around 125 gallons) is recommended. That can be quite an investment for a hobby aquarist.

Both of these fish species are more susceptible than most to fish diseases, such as Ich. This means you can use them as a 'parrot' to let you know when there are potential problems in the tank. If you notice either of these fishes getting sick check the water quality immediately. If the water quality is normal try your best to diagnose the illness. There are many resources online and there should be someone at the local aquarium store that can help. Since the bala sharks or clown loaches have warned you about a potential problem you have a bit of a head start before the more hardy species become sick.

Before you begin to medicate your fish make sure that you know what is making them ill. You don't want to medicate for the wrong illness. Also, clown loaches are very sensitive to medication, so make sure you read the label for directions.

Bala sharks and clown loaches are not good fish for starter aquariums. They are very susceptible to "new tank syndrome". You will want to stock a new aquarium with more hardy species and allow the nitrogen cycle to cycle at least once before adding balas or clowns (this takes about 6-8 weeks).

Bala sharks and clown loaches both come from South East Asia and both are rarely breed in home aquariums. There actually have been zero confirmed cases of clown loaches breeding in aquariums.

If you are thinking about having both bala sharks and clown loaches in one tank you can rest assured knowing that they get along. Just make sure you have enough of each fish otherwise you may run into problems.

Bjorn Allpas writes about his hobbies and activities. This article is regarding his interest in tropical aquarium fish, like the Bala Shark. For information on this entertaining fish visit http://www.BalaShark.info

Bala Shark Care

When you buy your bala sharks in the store they will be 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 centimeters) in length. It is recommended that the minimum tank size at this stage is 55 gallons. Once the bala sharks are full grown (up to 12 inches or 30 centimeters long) a tank of at least 125 gallons is recommended. If you do not give the bala sharks their space you may risk them become aggressive towards the other fishes in the community.

As for the water chemistry, keep the pH between 5.7 and 7.9, the water hardness between 5 and 15, and the temperature between 72 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit (22 to 29 degrees Celsius).

A school of at least 5 bala sharks would be ideal for a community aquarium. Having too few bala sharks is another way to make them mad and cause them to be aggressive towards other fish.

The bala sharks are fast swimmers and they sometimes rub themselves against rocks and objects in your aquarium so make sure there are not sharp edges anywhere. As well as being fast swimmers, they are great jumpers, so keep the aquarium lid on tight. You don't want to come home one day and find a bala shark on the floor in the your living room.

When you get a new aquarium don't use bala sharks until the bio filter is set up and the nitrogen cycle has run through. They are very susceptible to the toxicity of a new aquarium.

Bala sharks are omnivorous and they will eat nearly anything you give them. They go crazy over brine shrimp, but they will eat flakes, pellets, freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex. Try to include plant matter in their diet. Variety is key when feeding bala sharks (or any aquarium fish that matter). They will scavenge around eat any food that drops to the bottom of the aquarium. They also eat algae which goes a long way towards keeping the aquarium clean. In their natural habitat they eat phytoplankton, insects and tiny crustaceans.

Bjorn Allpas writes about his hobbies and activities. This article is regarding his interest in tropical aquarium fish, like the Bala Shark. For information on this entertaining fish visit http://www.BalaShark.info

Reducing Aquarium Energy Consumption

An aquarium runs continuously and requires a constant energy source. Over time, the energy that your aquarium might be consuming can have a pretty decent impact on your electric energy bill.

There are a few things that you can do to improve the energy efficiency of your aquarium. It doesn't take much to make an impact on how much energy your aquarium is sucking out of the power outlets in your home.

Energy Efficient Lighting

Buy lighting equipment for your aquarium that is only powerful enough to provide the lighting that your aquarium requires. It doesn't make sense to buy an aquarium lighting fixture or hood that requires two bulbs instead of one, for example, if you situation doesn't require two bulbs.

Fluorescent lighting is the most energy efficient type of lighting. Fluorescent aquarium lights will consume much less energy than their incandescent or halide counterparts.

If you are keeping coral, you will need to buy more powerful lighting of course. But if you are keeping a smaller aquarium with fish only, you should really consider using only as much lighting as you really need.

Don't Run Your Lights More Than Needed

In many cases, the main aquarium lighting doesn't need to be run for as long as you might be running it. Think about the times of day that you are in the area where your aquarium runs and adjust the aquarium lighting accordingly. Try to run the main aquarium lighting 8 hours a day or less.

It also can help to employ moonlight led lights. They allow you to get some light in your tank during the off hours of the main lighting in your aquarium. Moonlight led lights will usually consume very little power compared to your main aquarium lights as well, making them a great option for providing some ambient light in your aquarium during off hours.

Use a Lower Powered Filter

Don't buy a power filter that is overpowered for your aquarium. Buy only the size that you need, and only round up one level in power if you need to round up to get the appropriate filtering power for your aquarium.

Using a power filter that is correctly rated for your size aquarium will ensure that you are not using more power to filter the water of your aquarium than your require. If your power filter has adjustable speeds for changing the rate of gallons per hour, then it is best to find the most energy efficient speeds at all times to reduce the amount of energy your filter is consuming.

Turn Your Heater Down a Notch

You might be able to get by with turning your aquarium heater down a degree or two, or even more. Study the water temperatures that your particular fish or aquarium inhabitants require and make sure that you are actually not trying to keep your water warmer than the water temperature really needs to be. Make sure you won't negatively affect anything in your tank before adjusting temperatures, however.

Buy Power Efficient Equipment

When looking for a certain piece of aquarium hardware, it helps to compare brands and look at the power consumption of the different models you might be comparing.

There can sometimes be a noticeable difference in power consumption between comparable products.

In conclusion, it's the small things about your aquarium that add up to a total package of energy consumption. These tips should get your mind going in the right direction to conserve aquarium energy.

Luke Petterson has been maintaining a saltwater aquarium for a few years now and has had quite a few good and bad experiences. Taking care of an aquarium takes patience and discipline, but it's not bad at all if you do your research. Aquarium keeping is also a very rewarding experience.

Visit http://aquarist-refuge.com to learn more about aquariums and aquarium keeping or to browse aquarium videos and other tidbits.

6 Tips on Choosing the Right Koi For Your Pond

If you lurk around the koi chat rooms and forums as I do you pick up a lot of information from people who are just getting started in the world of koi. These soon to be koi addicts are searching for answers and yet don't have the direct experience of koi culture. The number one topic on their minds is "What kind of koi should I get?"

1) The first decision to make is to whether you want to buy from your local supplier or through the internet. If you have a local koi supplier, go and have a look at the quality of their koi as well as their facilities. Get an idea of how knowledgeable the owner is about koi in general, but more importantly, about the specific koi that he has in stock.

The time of the year to buy your koi. If you want imported Japanese koi, which are the best quality koi usually, then the harvest time in Japan in October and so will arrive in overseas countries in November or December.

2) That they're swimming smoothly and efficiently, and not with any jerking or unsmooth motions.

3) That the koi is not damaged in any way, looking carefully at their gills, all their scales, their fins, and quality of their eyes. Ensure that there are no damage, ulcerations, or discolored spots.

4) That they're not in respiratory distress and that their gills are moving evenly and rhythmically.

5) That they're interacting and socializing well. Koi that swim alone or are hiding in a corner may not be the healthiest or most robust.

6) If you need a closer look at a koi that you like, ask the owner to hold them up close for you to see.

Generally, you should have 1000 L of water for each koi, especially with the Japanese variety. Plus, your pond should be ready before you go buy the koi.

If this is your first ever koi pond and you're looking at top of the range koi, it may be wise to not buy your entire stock of expensive koi at once. If going for a $10 to $20 koi, then many will be able to afford the whole new family at once.

Dennis is a koi fish enthusiast who finds peace in tending to his koi fish pond. You can get free practical information and personal observation on caring for koi at http://didarticles.com/koi

Oranda Goldfish - A Fish Keeper Guide

Oranda goldfish are found in the aquarium of easterners and westerners. It's a popular variety of goldfish delicate to maintain and has high quality standards to be graded as a quality goldfish. Quality is measured in terms of length ratios with respect to the length of the fish. Standard in quality also recommends that the fins should be in pairs forking of fins should be absent in the fins other than dorsal and tail fins. The presence of the hood and its features are also a mark of quality.

Oranda goldfish is seen in two colors - metallic and calico color. Metallic color oranda goldfish are seen in many colors with a shimmer added in their color. Calico oranda goldfish are bluish in color with spots of various colors on them. Sensitivity of these goldfish to temperature and pollution highlights the need to maintain optimum temperature at all times. These goldfish are not recommended for beginners into fish keeping.

Oranda goldfish belong to the omnivorous family. Live food like Blood worm and Brine shrimps should be fed occasionally. Flake foods in the form of frozen foods should be fed once in a day. Infections make goldfish sick if healthy environment is not maintained. Common among them are bacterial and fungal infections that develops in the tiny folds of the fish. Reasons like poor quality of water, non removal of waste, poor oxygenation play a major role in making goldfish sick. Sluggish movement, poor food intake suggests that the fish may be ill. The salt sprinkled outer skin of the oranda goldfish suggest presence of the infection called Ich. Proper treatment must be initiated to get the fish cured of the disease.

Oranda goldfish settle at the bottom and help to keep the bottom of the aquarium clean. Fish keepers find the Oranda goldfish economical and easy to breed on provision of healthy environment.

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

Proper Maintenance of Your Koi Fish Ponds

The day that I sat down with my wife and sons to create the design of my koi pond project I felt like one of those guys on the home improvement shows. I had created a magnificent design and simply wanted to get perfunctory approval from my wife and kids; perhaps even get a hushed but audible "wow!" or "neat!" from the boys as I unfurled the plan.

I had budgeted around $5,000 for the project and needed to make sure that I got all the necessary people on board. The reaction was mixed to say the least. I had a ally in my oldest son. My three and a half year old was more interested in me restocking the office aquarium. He got very excited until he found out that the fishes were not going in into my office.

The biggest concern my wife had with care and maintenance of koi ponds is the cost of care and maintenance of koi ponds. We researched the kinds of filters and replacements for filters, the cost of pumps and replacement parts as well as wiring and excavation costs. My project budget called for an 8 foot by 8 foot pond surrounded by a rock and gravel path and seating area. I was going to be doing the excavation myself with the help of my brother in law.

We ended up creating a larger 10 by 12 foot pond that went to four feet deep to accommodate three to four adult koi (eventually). The space also accommodated spawning. Koi are famous breeders so I had to alter my plans. Initially I wanted to get one koi and tested the system. The quality of the fish is also important as you might spend a lot on the environment and select a poor quality koi in order to stock the pond. This can lead to disease spreading among your new school and costly remedies.

We wanted adequate water replenishment and reliable filtration so we went with a better pump and filtration system than I originally intended. The importance of fresh water and clean space for the koi fish made the cost of the koi pond more expensive than I imagined. The personal labor involved also became more time consuming.

Overall, my pet project became our family project for six months and cost twice my original estimate (I forgot to include the cost of the fish and food). Am I sorry I got myself into this? Not a chance. There's a beauty and serenity that overwhelms you when sitting by your koi garden pond; it is worth the price.

Be sure to focus on getting the best possible filtration and pumping system when planning your koi pond; your investment will be secured for years to come if you do.

Dennis is a koi fish enthusiast who finds peace in tending to his koi fish pond. You can get free practical information and personal observation on caring for koi at http://didarticles.com/koi

How to Make Your Koi Carp Healthy and Fit

Before Tim, Tom and Teddy came into our family, we had Koby. Koby was the first koi in the family and came to us from a large local pet supply store. I purchased Koby after making the decision that I wanted to graduate from goldfish in my office to a big beautiful koi pond in the back yard.

Koby was a white and red iridescent koi about four inches long. I made every mistake under the sun while taking car of this poor fish yet she was patient and understanding. Koby ate and swam to our constant delight. When the weather changed I paid special attention to the feeding procedures my store owner told me about. "Koi begin to slow their metabolism down during the cold season, so don't over feed them" he said.

My pond is 10 feed by 12 feet and about four feet deep. The fence came in after my wife found our then four year old trying to take a swim in the new pond. After getting over the horror of potential danger, I built the fence and a installed a mesh overhang to prevent overhead predators.

We fed Koby special koi feed in pellet form. The special pellets gave her a balanced nutritious diet that allowed us to feed her based on her weight. During the summer, we fed her peas and lettuce for variety. the key was to keep her fed every day but not over feed her.

After a series of sores began to appear on her belly, we consulted the pet store manager and discovered that the rocks in the pond and debris on the bottom were irritating her skin. We cleaned out the pond and replaced the stones with larger round pond stones to avoid future irritation.

The original pump was fine for filtering the pond water but my wife suggested a rock and waterfall design for the area surrounding the pond. That constant flow of water would serve a very useful purpose when sitting around the pond and enjoying the peaceful and tranquil sounds of the waterfall.

Koby enjoyed our pond for about four years before she was sold to my brother in law. We now have three other Japanese koi who benefited from our lessons with Koby. The important thing is to keep your koi happy and properly fed. Take care to regulate the temperature of the pond and the materials in the pond as well.

Avoid over-feeding and be sure to secure the pond from above as well as below. Your koi can last for decades so be cautious with its environment and feeding schedule to ensure lasting health and well being.

Dennis is a koi fish enthusiast who finds peace in tending to his koi fish pond. You can get free practical information and personal observation on caring for koi at http://didarticles.com/koi