What Type of Gallon Aquarium Should You Buy?

Gallon aquariums come in a wide range of sizes and shapes. There are those which only hold 5 gallons of water, and others which hold 200 or more gallons. But whichever size of gallon aquarium you buy you will need to know the correct ways to look after them so that the fish and other marine life in them, including the corals in a reef tank can survive.

When you are setting up a budget in order to buy a gallon aquarium, you need to think about the other equipment that is necessary, along with the tank this is going to provide the right kind of environment for the aquatic life in it. Plus understanding the basics of aquariums helps you to purchase a gallon aquarium that is ideal for you.

So What Sorts Of Gallon Aquariums Can One Get?

Today you can either get yours made from glass or acrylic, each of which come with its own particular advantages and disadvantages. Below we look at what some of the differences are between these two kinds of gallon aquariums, the first is the glass one.

• The first thing we are going to mention is that gallon aquariums made from glass are much cheaper to buy than those made from acrylic.
• A glass gallon aquarium (no matter its size) is much more resilient than acrylic ones and far less likely to scratch.
• Unfortunately a glass gallon aquarium is far more bulky and heavy than acrylic ones and they need to have a stronger frame in order to carry the weight of the glass.

When it comes to acrylic gallon aquariums these are a few of the differences you will discover between them and a glass one.

• The acrylic gallon aquariums are sealed differently from glass ones and not only do they look much nicer, but also the seals on these are considerably stronger.
• The big advantage of the acrylic ones over the glass ones is that they are considerably lighter, but you do need to be careful when cleaning them as they are much more likely to get scratched.
• Both types come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, but those gallon aquariums made from acrylic can be made in some really unusual shapes, so you have a wider selection of shapes to choose from over those made from glass.

Gallon Aquarium - Other Things To Consider Before Buying

When purchasing a gallon aquarium, no matter what size or shape it is, you need to make sure that the base on which it is going to stand is strong and sturdy. No matter whether the gallon aquarium is made from glass or acrylic once the water, equipment and then fish or other marine life are added, the weight increases substantially. If the stand cannot hold the weight of the gallon aquarium fully loaded, then the chances of it tipping over are greatly increased.

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90 Gallon Aquarium - Custom Made Or Not?

One reason why you may want to consider purchasing a custom made 90 gallon aquarium over the standard models is if the space where it is to be situated, is of an irregular size or shape.  Also have you considered actually having the aquarium mounted into a wall rather than having a free standing model.

 

When you choose to go for a custom made 90 gallon aquarium you have the opportunity to go for a design which is a little out of the ordinary.  Because aquariums are now being made from acrylic which is extremely malleable, you have the opportunity to go for some really weird designs, but remember to keep it in line with the decor of your home.

 
Custom Made 90 Gallon Aquarium - Things To Consider When Buying One

The actual cost of buying a custom made 90 gallon aquarium will be considerably more than what one would pay for a standard model.  But what you need to remember is that this is a one of kind design, but even so there is not much difference in the costs of standard and custom made ones.

 
What is a good idea is that you spend some time doing some research comparing the various different types of standard and custom made 90 gallon aquariums available.  Going online is the quickest and easiest way for you to compare their prices and read product reviews on the various ones.

 
A big advantage to getting a custom made 90 gallon aquarium is that you can arrange to have additional items included within the design.  You may choose to get some weirs fitted in your tank or arrange to get holes drilled exactly where the tubes for inlet and outlet valves can run through.

 
Also when having yours designed you can decide whether you want a much taller and deeper tank rather than a long one.  These kinds of 90 gallon aquariums are great where space is limited and also they do not need as much bracing as the longer ones, but they still allow plenty of light into them.

 
When it comes to getting a custom made 90 gallon aquarium you need to make a decision on what material it is to be made from.  The choice is between either glass or acrylic, and acrylic as we have mentioned previously, is the more obvious choice as you can go for very specific and unique designs, plus they weigh far less.  However if money is an issue then the cheapest custom made aquariums are those made from glass.

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75 Gallon Aquarium - Buying Considerations

A 75 gallon aquarium is a wonderful addition to have in your home as long as you have the space to have it installed.  It is worthwhile actually spending time doing some research into keeping an aquarium in good condition to provide a healthy environment for the fish and marine life you will be keeping in it, before you make your purchase.

 

There are certain things that one needs to learn about and understand when it comes to keeping fish in your aquarium before you go and buy one.  Below we offer some facts about owning a 75 gallon aquarium and which will help  you to determine if purchasing this size of aquarium is right for you or not.

 

Things To Know About Owning A 75 Gallon Aquarium

 

Fact 1 - Having a 75 gallon aquarium you will find it much easier to keep the ambient temperature within the tank at a more uniformed level than if you were to have a 20 or 50 gallon one.  This is because you are able to keep the chemical composition within the tank's water in check much easier, and so offers the right environment for good bacteria and algae to grow in it, which are beneficial to the fish and marine life you have in yours.

 

Fact 2 - You have the opportunity of keeping as many as 75 (1 inch) fish in your 75 gallon aquarium.  Remember for every gallon of water in an aquarium you have the opportunity of keeping fish that grow to no more than one inch in length.  Keep this in mind when you are considering purchasing any additional aquatic life to go into your tank.

 

Fact 3 - You may think that you need to get rid of all bacteria growth in your aquarium, but this is not the case as you should allow some to grow along the side of the filter as well as on the tank's sides.  It is this bacterium which will help the water to retain its purity .  One should therefore never wash the aquarium's filters under a running tap as this will only get rid of bacterium which is useful, but instead you should just wash them in the aquarium itself.

 

Fact 4 - You need to be aware that you will have to regularly change the water and replenish with clean in a 75 gallon aquarium.  This helps to remove a lot of the solid waste that accumulates in the tank and which the filtration system cannot remove and so improve the overall appearance of it.

 

Fact 5 - It is important that you don't over feed the fish and other marine life in your aquarium.  What you should do is only provide them with sufficient food that once they have fed there is very little left in the tank.  If you provide too much feed this will only increase the amount of waste that accumulates in your aquarium and which can prove detrimental to the health of the fish and other marine life in the tank.

 

75 Gallon Aquarium - Before You Buy

 

It is really a good idea if you spend some time carrying out a little research into the various different kinds of aquariums that you can purchase.  Although most people do go for glass aquariums because of the cost, it is worth considering purchasing one made from acrylic instead.

 

It is also important that you get hold of a good guide with regards to how to set up your 75 gallon aquarium correctly before you buy.  If you don't set up yours properly, then the chances of your creating the ideal environment in which fish like Zebra and Tangs  with other forms of marine life, is going to be that much more difficult to achieve.

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Background on Koi Gold Fish

People who choose to put ponds in their gardens often choose to keep some type of fish in them. Most of the time, the fish of choice is the koi gold fish. The koi is chosen for these ponds for a variety of reasons. Some people really like the bright colors of the koi. Others use the fish to control insects such as mosquitos that will tend to breed on the surface of the pond water. There are always those select few, however, who will treat their koi like pets and will name them.

No matter what reason you might have, an excellent choice is the koi gold fish.

Also known as Nishikigoi, the scientific name for koi gold fish is Cyprinus Carpio. As you can imagine from the scientific name, the koi descends from the common carp. The carp is brown in color, but the Japanese bred the carp in many ways and eventually developed the multicolored fish that we now know as the koi. The koi is most often a combination of orange, black and white. Originally native to Japan, the koi began to be exported domestically in the early 20th century to Europe and eventually the United States.

The koi gold fish is not a small fish. It can grow quite large. It's length has been known to reach two to three feet and it can grow to weight upwards of 35 pounds. Because of their large size, koi should not be kept in a pond that is any less than 1000 gallons in size. Never keep koi in a gold fish aquarium; there simply is not enough room. The koi also requires an environment that is very, very clean.

The filtration system must be very good to maintain a stable and healthy environment for the koi. When taken care of properly, the lifespan of the koi gold fish can be unusually long. 50-70 years is not unheard of, while the current record is over 200 years old.

If you have a large garden, a pond with koi gold fish are a wonderful addition. The most important thing to remember is to choose the right size pond and the right cleaning equipment for the pond.

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55 Gallon Aquarium - The Water Needs Changing

55 gallon aquariums just like any other size of aquarium need to be cared for correctly in order to establish the right kind of environment for the fish residing in the tank.  One thing that needs to be done regularly is that you need to change some (not all) of the water in your 55 gallon aquarium on a regular basis, in order to remove waste and debris that has built up in it, and replenish essential nutrients that have been lost.

When you actually change the water in your aquarium will depend largely on whether it is cold water, tropical or reef tank.  Also it will depend on whether the water being replaced comes from a tap or is purified.

What you need to remember is although you may have the best filtration system in your aquarium, it will not be able to remove every single piece of waste of nitrates from it.  Also these filtration systems do not have the capability of being able to replenish those essential nutrients and minerals in the water that the fish will need.

55 Gallon Aquarium - How Often Should The Water Be Changed?

With a 55 gallon aquarium you should be changing around 25% of the old water for new every week or so, in order to keep nitrate levels in the tank low.  If you are going to be using water directly from a tap then before adding it, you need to check its hardness and pH levels.  Today you can buy specialist kits either from your local aquarium supply store on online that will see if you need to do anything to the water to get the chemical composition right before adding it to the tank.

When changing water in your aquarium, make sure that you check the levels of nitrate in the water you are adding.  If you find that the levels of nitrate in the water you are going to be adding exceed 40 parts per million, then you need to use an alternative water source or fit your aquarium with a water purifier.

55 Gallon Aquarium - Water Changing Equipment

To change the water in your aquarium you will need two buckets and a siphoning kit.  All these items can be purchased either through your local aquarium supply store or by going online.  What you should never do is use these items for other tasks around the home other than to change the water in the aquarium so, no using the buckets to wash your car.

If you intend to store water that you will then be putting into your aquarium in the future, make sure that the containers are made from a food grade plastic.  If not then the chances of chemicals leaching into the water being stored in them is increased, and these can prove to be harmful to the fish in your aquarium.

Plus you must make sure that the containers are kept in a dark location to prevent algae growth in the water, and installing an air stone in them will ensure that oxygen is being supplied to it, and this in turn will keep the water fresh.  These items can also help to keep the pH levels at a normal level in the water as well.  If water is left to stand (not aerated) over time it can turn acidic and adding such water to your 55 gallon aquarium can cause problems for the fish and marine life in it.

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10 Gallon Aquarium - Set it Up Right

10 gallon aquariums need to be set up in exactly the same way as you would if the tank was a much larger one.  If you want the fish that you buy to place in a 10 gallon aquarium to survive, then the first thing you need to do is actually create the right kind of environment for them first.

In a 10 gallon aquarium you have the choice of keeping either freshwater or tropical saltwater fish in them, as you would in much larger size aquariums.  But whatever the size of aquarium you have, you need to follow the same principles when it comes to setting one up.  In this article we are going to explain what it is you need to do if you choose to set up a freshwater 10 gallon aquarium.

10 Gallon Aquarium - Things To Do First When Setting One Up

The first thing you need to do as soon as you get your  aquarium home is clean it well.  Yes the glass may look clean but there will still be some dirt, dust and other contaminants on it.  Use a small amount of detergent mixed into some water to scrub your aquarium out thoroughly.

After washing with the detergent mixture, you now need to rinse the aquarium out thoroughly.  Do this several times to help remove the debris and also to make sure that none of the detergent residue is left behind.

After cleaning the aquarium, now you need to spend time cleaning the equipment which is going to be placed into it.  Again you need to rinse each piece of equipment that you have cleaned thoroughly to remove detergent residue and debris.  Even the smallest amount of detergent left in a newly cleaned 10 gallon aquarium tank or its equipment can prove detrimental to the health of fish and marine life in the tank, in fact it could lead to some or all of them dying.

Before you put any gravel into your  aquarium, again make sure that is washed thoroughly.  The easiest way of doing this is to place it in a large colander, and then place under a running tap and allow it to wash over the gravel for some time.  If you intend to put any plants (fresh or plastic) into an aquarium (no matter what size), you should place them in a bucket of clean freshwater and leave them in situ until you are ready to put them into the aquarium.

10 Gallon Aquarium - Other Things To Do When Setting It Up

Before you do put all the equipment into your aquarium, it is a good idea to test if it is leaking.  This can be done easily just by filling it with water and then monitoring it for several hours.  If it isn't leaking, then drain the water away and you can now start on the setting up process for real.

After you have filled the aquarium with the gravel and filtration system (which can be situated on the side of the tank or under the gravel, fill it with dechlorinated water.  If you are unsure that the water you are using does not contain chlorine, then mix a chlorine remover into it first.  Make sure you use the correct dosage as instructed by the manufacturer of this product.

In order to avoid disturbing the aquarium gravel which you have placed into your  aquarium, place a dish on top of it, and then pour the water you are putting into the tank on to the dish rather than directly onto the gravel.  Do this very slowly and then remove the dish once you have filled the 10 gallon aquarium completely.

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A 5 Gallon Aquarium Can Look Great

A 5 gallon aquarium is a great way to get started in what can turn into a really great hobby in the future.  There are plenty of places online where you can get a complete 5 gallon aquarium starter kit.  These consist of a tank made from solid acrylic or glass, an agent to dechlorinate the water, food for the fish, and a light fixture within the hood.

Certainly a 5 gallon or mini aquarium as they are sometimes referred to, will make a wonderful addition either to your home or office.  The great thing about these 5 gallon aquarium kits, is that once you get yours, all you need to do to set it up is add the water and then put in your chosen fish.  

So How Many Fish Can One Have In A 5 Gallon Aquarium?

These tanks are ideal for any kind of freshwater fish including the tropical species.  However, you need to keep in mind the water fish ratio when it comes to purchasing yours.  Remember for every gallon of water in the aquarium, you will be allowed one inch length of fish in it.  Therefore in a five gallon aquarium, one can opt to have 5 one inch fish, or just one 5 inch fish or some other combination, as long as the total length of the fish in yours does not exceed 5 inches.  

Therefore you need to read up as much as you can on the various different species of fish you are considering putting into your 5 gallon aquarium.  Along with learning about their feeding habits, and the kind of environment they enjoy, you also need to know what length they will grow to when they reach maturity.  So do not buy those fish that in the future, will grow to a length of 6 inches or more.

What Things Can One Do To Make A 5 Gallon Aquarium Look Great?

Compared to the prices of a purchasing a much larger aquarium, the 5 gallon aquarium designs are not only the cheapest to buy, but will be much cheaper to care for, dependent on the fish you intend to keep in yours.  Unfortunately the cost of having tropical freshwater fish in a tank may be considerable more than other varieties of freshwater fish.

However to make your 5 gallon aquarium look more interesting, not only to you but for your fish also, you can try to do some of the following things.

Rather than putting in some brown gravel into your 5 gallon aquarium, instead why not get some brightly colored gravel or sand instead.

Instead of going for the usual plastic plants to install in your aquarium, take a look at the other kinds of wonderful accessories that your local store can supply you with, such as miniature castles or mini rocks to put in it.

Although your 5 gallon aquarium may already have a light in the top of the hood, why not spend some money on getting a neon fish light for it instead.  Not only does it add more light into the room where the tank is situated, but also it helps to bring out the colors of the fish within better.

Above we have offered some advice which you may find useful when it comes to decorating your 5 gallon aquarium to make it stand out from the rest.  But a really simple way of adding color to yours, is by purchasing the right kind of fish.  Yes Tetras, Bettas and Goldfish are ideal, but why not consider some Guppies or Paradise Catfish instead.

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Furnishing Your 200 Gallon Aquarium

A 200 gallon aquarium, after being installed will then need to be furnished. This part of the setting up process, is what will ensure that your 200 gallon aquarium not only looks nice to those who see it, but also create the right kind of environment in which you can keep fish and other marine life.

But how yours is furnished will depend on the types of marine life, such as coral and fish, which you are going to have residing in it. Below we offer a few steps for you to carry out, in order that you can create and build the right kind of environment for the marine life, which you will be keeping in your 200 gallon aquarium.

200 Gallon Aquarium - Steps To Take To Furnish Yours

• It is important that only good quality aquarium gravel is used in this kind of tank, especially if there are going to be live natural plants in your aquarium. Not only does it provide them with a suitable foundation, but will help to keep an undergravel biological filtration system in place.
• You will find that gravel comes in a wide variety of colors and sizes, and for a 200 gallon aquarium, choose that which measures between 4 and 6 millimeters. This size gravel allows the water to flow easily over the underwater gravel filter, if you have one in it, and most people select the kind which is made either from quartzite or granite.
• Putting either living or ornamental rocks, into a 200 gallon aquarium provides shelter for particular species of fish, especially those which can be territorial. But be aware that when adding rocks to such an aquarium, can actually upset the ecosystem within the tank, even though they make a wonderful addition for the fish and other marine life in it. So you will need to take the appropriate measures when placing them in, to prevent any problems arising.
• Another thing you need to do, if you want to ensure that a 200 gallon aquarium remains in good order, before you add any rocks to it, they should be thoroughly washed. If you thoroughly wash the rocks, then you are getting rid of any contaminants which could be detrimental to the health of fish and other marine life, that are in your aquarium.
• It is vital that you add some Bogwood to a 200 gallon aquarium, as it not only adds another dimension to the way the tank looks, but provides shelter for fish and other forms of marine life within it.
• However, just as with the rocks, before you add any Bogwood to your aquarium, it is vital that the Bogwood is washed thoroughly. Again this will ensure that you are able to rid it of most of the contaminants and diseases which can be bad for the aquatic life in the tank. The best way of ensuring that Bogwood is free of any infections or diseases, is by using the poly-varnish process.

There are numerous, different types of plants which can be added to a 200 gallon aquarium in order to create the ideal environment to keep fish and marine life in. You can choose between having natural live plants in it or go for the much easier to maintain plastic ones.

Certainly as mentioned, the great thing about having plastic plants is simply because they need little or no maintenance, compared to those that are natural. But with both you will need to clean them thoroughly before you actually place them into your aquarium. However, the advantage of having real plants in such an aquarium, is that they are more beneficial to the eco-system, and will help to ensure that a 200 gallon aquarium remains much cleaner, and also creates a healthy environment for the aquatic life to live in.

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Home Fish Aquariums Are Fulfilling For the Hobbyist But What Are the Costs

Home Fish Tank

If you are a beginner, then it is better that you go for a small size tanks. This is very important because you will be a starter. Even if you broke it, or if any other problem occurs to the tank because of your carelessness, this will not affect you too much, so go for a small tank of ordinary glass. If you are experienced, then go for a fibre glass, or any other good material, this will be prove more expensive.

Plants

Plants do not add up to the cost too much, if they are ordinary species, but if you go for very rare species, then it will cost you more. Plastic plants are more expensive than the live plants, but they do not help in the bacteria cycle, so it is advised to buy live plants for your fish tanks. Moreover they add up to the beauty of the aquarium. If you are a beginner, go for an ordinary species. You can then upgrade it to rare species when you get experienced.

Fish

Fishes, the main part must be given very much importance, as the aquarium will not be one without them. While buying fishes, you must be very careful; you must choose them according to your experience because only an experienced person will know how to handle each and every species. It's better to go for a cheap and ordinary fish. As any loss will not cost you much. You can even go for an Arowana after you come to know everything about an aquarium and fishes.

Food

Food habit is very important because this will decide the health of the fishes, and sometimes even the life of the fishes. It is good to go for flakes, for community fishes. At times, you can go for special food like brine shrimps, frozen dryworms, and other special food. Do not feed them more with the special food, as it will become a habitual food for the fishes, and if you want to spend less money, then you will not be able to afford the food. Special foods are costly, so better go for flakes and feed them twice a day.

Filtration equipments
The cost of the filtration equipments will vary with the types of filters you use. Each type of filter will have different method of filtering. Make sure you choose the correct one for your aquarium. The most common
filters include:

Canister filters,
Power filters,
Wet/dry filters,
Fluidized filters,

There are three methods by which filtration will occur they are

Biological filtration,
Chemical filtration,
Mechanical filtration

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Setting Up A Saltwater Aquarium

Here are few steps to start out with a saltwater aquarium and to ensure that your aquarium becomes a successful life support system for its inhabitants:

1. Select the right tank.

Your first decision will definitely be to select the right kind of tank to house your saltwater inhabitants. It is always good to have a large tank with saltwater occupants, because of their big-size requirements. Keep at least a ten-gallon tank at the outset.

2. Set up the tank in the right place.

Saltwater fish and other occupants do not like direct sunlight, unless they are continental shelf inhabitants by nature. However, you must make sure not to place your tank in direct sunlight. There should be adequate light where the tank is placed, but no direct sunrays.

3. Set up the aquarium bed.

When you set up the saltwater aquarium bed, you have to make sure that the bed contains live matter. If you buy aquarium gravel then this problem is solved. Aquarium gravel contains biological media such as bacteria that will help to maintain the necessary cycles in the tank for the proper health of the fish living in it. You will also need to clean out this biological media if the water gets too cloudy. Other things you will need on the bed are a live rock, which is much the same in function as aquarium gravel, but is shaped like a rock, and air stones that will help to circulate bubbles of air within your saltwater tank.

4. Check out the requirements of lighting.

A basic rule is to have 4 watts of lighting per gallon of water in your tank. There are different kinds of lights available, like the metal halide lights and the fluorescent lights. When you are starting out, the fluorescent lights are better because they will be able to spread light out into the aquarium in a much better way.

If you have corals in your tank, then your lighting requirements will increase. Corals are light sensitive, and they grow healthier if light falls on them. Hence, you will have to take good quality lighting for your tank. The same applies if you have plants in your tank. But, for beginners, a planted aquarium could be quite tough to maintain. A better way is to begin with a tank that has only fish in it, and then graduate on to keeping plants and corals in the tank when they get enough practice with keeping fish in it.

5. Choosing the fish.

Yes, choosing the fish is the last step when building up a saltwater aquarium and not the first. You will have to select fish that are non aggressive with each other. One good idea is to select one fish first, let it live alone for about a week and then get another. When you do this, you allow the biological system to set in inside the tank before the second occupant is introduced. This also helps the biological media to get adjusted better.

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Some Beginner Tips For Aquarium Hobbyists

However, amateur aquarium hobbyists are prone to make mistakes that could endanger the lives of their tiny aquatic inhabitants. Not to mention, it would do nothing to add to the beauty of your home. If you are entering into an aquarium-keeping hobby for the first time, you should bear some things in mind. Here are some tips that people who are new to the aquarium keeping hobby can use:

The location of the aquarium is the first important concern. Your aquarium should be placed in a corner where there is adequate light. If you place an aquarium in a dark corner, not only will it not be seen properly, but it will also be detrimental to the health of the fish. At the same time, do not keep an aquarium at a place where there is an overabundance of sunlight. Reflected sunlight will be good, but not direct sunlight, especially if your tank houses temperate climate fish. If you are buying a big aquarium tank, then a corner placement will not do justice to it. Place it then against a prominent wall of the room.

The shape and size of the tank is another thing to be concerned about. The basic rectangular glass tanks are the cheapest ones, and they also show the fish very nicely. If you want some interesting shapes, then you could go for curved shapes or hexagonal or octagonal cut tanks. Round tanks are also good to look at, but they are difficult to clean, so amateur aquarium hobbyists would do well to avoid them. Do not buy a tank that is too big or too small for the fish. One cannot really say how many fish you can place in a tank, because the size of fish can greatly vary. Just make sure you don't have to cramp your fish in it.

You must consider how easy it will be for you to clean the tanks. Again, rectangular tanks are the easiest to clean. Do not get deep tanks while starting out; they will only be too difficult to clean. Also, acrylic tanks are easier to clean (and unbreakable) as compared to glass tanks. You must clean the tank regularly too, because stagnant water can allow algae to breed in them, which are undesirable in any tank. Keeping the water well circulated using an aquarium pump is also a good idea.

There are two types of aquarium that you can keep - saltwater and freshwater. But if you are a beginner, the saltwater tanks are the best avoided. These tanks are difficult to clean, and the fish that thrive in saltwater need several conditions for thriving. There are many other aspects such as pH value of the water in the tank, the nitrogen content, and even the minerals in the tank bed gravel that you need to be concerned about. A little change in the tank could be fatal to the fish. Freshwater tanks are several times safer.

At the least, you will need a good quality filter for your aquarium. An aquarium filter works continuously to remove the impurities and fish waste products through a set mechanism and keeps the water at a healthy level. There are several types of filters available, such as power filters, under-gravel filters and canister filters. All of them are good, but you can do a little bit of research and decide which of these will be suitable to your tank. The power filter is recommended because it is easy to clean and maintain and it can be hidden behind the aquarium tank.

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Why Is Water Flow So Important In Your Reef Aquarium?

1. Laminar Flow - Laminar flow of water is the flow where the water flows horizontally, in a single direction. The flow is produced by a mechanism called as a powerhead from one side of the reef aquarium, and it continues to flow to the other end continuously. The handicap with the laminar flow of water is that it does not provide for any sort of vertical flow of the water.

2. Power Flow or Surge Flow - In this type of flow in the reef aquarium, the water is made to flow horizontally in one direction for some minutes, and then suddenly stopped and forced to flow in the other direction for a shorter time. Thus, the flow of water is kept horizontal, but the directions are reversed in alternation.

3. Turbulent Flow - The turbulent flow is a specialized method of water flow where the water is simultaneously allowed to flow in several different directions. Turbulence is best for the inhabitants of a reef aquarium, because in the natural state the water is in a turbulent state of motion. It also helps to exercise the reef inhabitants in several different ways.

Whatever the type of flow maintained in the reef tank, it has certain special benefits for the inhabitants. The following are the main benefits it provides:

1. In nature, the water in the seas and oceans is in a perpetual state of motion, and it is important to replicate this environment in the reef aquarium so that the inhabitants find it as close to their natural habitat as possible.

2. If there is no flow maintained in the reef aquarium, then the motile organisms in the reef aquarium will become sluggish and lethargic. However when a flow is maintained, the animals will need to constantly plow with or against the flow. That helps them to exercise their bodies and become healthier.

3. Maintaining a flow in the aquarium is a means of cleaning the tank. The flow helps to flush out the embedded impurities and even microorganisms from the corals and other such static organisms within your reef tank. It also helps to clean the fish, since the flow can clean out difficult areas such as those behind the dorsal fins.

4. The flow in the aquarium also helps to distribute the nutrients and other materials in the aquarium in a proper manner. This is also important to maintain the proper flow of gases in the aquarium such as carbon dioxide, and to maintain the ammonia cycle. This is very important in maintaining the proper amount of pH throughout in the aquarium. This is also imperative for proper growth and development of the organisms in the reef aquarium.

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Controlling Pests In Your Aquarium

AIPTASIA

Why is Aiptasia a Pest?

Aiptasia are a kind of sea anemones that can enter into your reef aquarium hitchhiking on live rock or other such material that you introduce into the tank. Aiptasia are not harmful when they are present in the reef tank in a small number, but then they can grow very fast. Being anemones, they are animals and can take up the resources of the tank quite fast. That will deprive the fish of the safe and healthy aquatic environment that you have built for them. Within no time, Aiptasia will begin looking very ungainly in your beautiful reef tank. That is the reason they are pests that must be removed as soon as possible.

How do we Control Aiptasia?

Aiptasia must be nipped in the bud for effective control. It becomes very difficult to remove them when they proliferate. The most effective method in such times is to inject the anemones with chemical solutions. A very cheap treatment method is to inject them with lemon juice concentrate. Some other chemicals that can be used are bleach and caustic soda and caustic potash solutions.

FLATWORMS

Why are Flatworms Pests?

Flatworms like Planaria are pests in the aquarium habitat. These flatworms are especially undesirable in a reef aquarium, because they have a nasty habit of carpeting onto the corals in the reef and stopping their supply of sunlight and nutrients.

How do we Control Flatworms?

Most people use biological control for the elimination of flatworms in the reef aquarium. Organisms like Chelidonuria are known to feed on flatworms. Hence, introducing Chelidonuria in the reef tank could be a solution. There are also flatworm control solutions available in the market, which are introduced into the reef tank when a new coral or live rock is introduced.

NUDIBRANCHES

Why are Nudibranches Pests?

The nudibranches are a type of sea snails that are parasitic on the corals belonging to the genus Montipora, sometimes known as the montis. Sometimes the proliferation can be so vast that the nudibranches could even kill the montis.

How do we Control Nudibranches?

The biological method of controlling nudibranches is to introduce some wrasses in the reef aquarium, especially the six lined wrasses. Some chemicals are effective in repelling nudibranches too, the prominent ones among them being potassium permanganate and even garlic.

REDBUGS

Why are Redbugs Pests?

Redbugs are common pests on the Acropora corals. Redbugs can actually serve as cleaners for the corals, because they can feed on the waste materials and other metabolic products that the corals produce. But in large numbers they will upset the biological balance maintained within the aquarium habitats.

How do we Control Redbugs?

Dragonface pipefish can act as a natural deterrent to the redbugs present in the tank, and hence are used for biological control. Another method is to clean the coral itself with an iodine solution and the aquarium cleaning medium.

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Maintenance Of Your Aquarium

There are many short term and long-term things to do when you are into aquarium maintenance. Here is a list of things that you must not miss out on:

1. Daily maintenance:

Everyday, you must check the different components of your aquarium life at least once. Your daily checks must be focused on the filters to see if they are functioning properly. If they are too clogged with waste material, then you must clean them out. You must also check the heaters on a daily basis, and check out the temperature the water is keeping. Outside weather variations will cause different temperatures in the tank, and that is why you will need to change the heater settings several times. Also check the aerator. You will also have to feed your fish twice in a day.

2. Weekly maintenance:

Once a week, preferably on a Sunday since you will have more time that day, change out at least one-tenth of the water in your tank. Replace this with fresh water from an aquarium-friendly source or water. Once a week, you will also need to vacuum out the debris within the tank with an aquarium pump. If your tank is new, then you must check the water for its pH levels on a weekly basis.

3. Monthly maintenance:

Every month, you must change at least one-fourth of the water in your tank. This water must be replaced with clean water that is suitable for your aquarium environment. Within a month, there is a chance that the algal levels within your tank will increase beyond safe limits. Hence, once a month, you will also need to clean out the algae from your fish tanks using whatever suitable method you adopt.

4. Quarterly maintenance:

Test your water once a month if it is crossing conducive pH limits. You must take out all the filters of the tank - mechanical and chemical - and then clean them out thoroughly. Check for algal limits.

5. Half-yearly maintenance:

Your half-yearly aquarium maintenance duties will include removing and replacing the water from the tank. Check if the air stones within your tank are working well. If not, replace them.

6. Annual maintenance:

Once a year, you must clean out all the biological media within your tank apart from doing all the normal aquarium maintenance chores. This includes the gravel and the live rock. You will have to take these components out and rinse them. Gravel needs to be washed entirely. Then replace them into your tank.

The above steps were a basic information guide on aquarium maintenance. However, you must always be wary of changes that are happening in the aquarium and take proper steps to keep it in a healthy condition.

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Controlling Algae In Your Aquarium

First, let us see the factors that promote the growth of algae.

1. Sunlight - Just like for any other plant life, sunlight is absolutely essential for the growth of algae too. Though sunlight looks very good for the water of the aquarium, the same sunlight can cause algae to grow, which could be hazardous to the other living organisms. Not just direct sunlight, but any form of artificial aquarium light too would promote algal growth if it is kept on continuously for more than 10 hours per day.

2. Nutrient levels - Algae will grow faster if there is an overabundance of nutrients in your aquarium. All plants require nitrates, phosphates and silicates for their better growth. When you introduce nutrients into the aquarium, the levels of these nutrients might go higher, which would facilitate algal growth.

3. Plant population - Algae will grow faster in a tank if there are very few plants in the tank to compete with, because then they can get all the resources present in the tank.

Now that we know what the major factors promoting the growth of algae in aquatic tanks are, we can try to understand the methods that can be employed in order to check the growth of algae. The following are some algae control methods that can be employed even by amateur aquarium owners:-

1. There are some species of fish that eat algae. These fish are called as tank cleaner fishes. Some of the cheaply and popularly available tank cleaner fishes are the otos or dwarf suckermouth catfish, Siamese algae eater, bushy-nosed pleco, twig catfish and even the Japanese algae eating shrimp. You can introduce one of these fishes into the tank once it begins to show an algal infiltration. You can also include a hermit crab or a snail, since they feed on algae too.

2. Using a protein skimmer could be a very good option too. Protein skimmers are devices that remove the unwanted proteins from the tank environment. They will remove the dissolved organic compounds from the tank, which would otherwise promote the growth of algae. They bring the nutrient level down. Protein skimmers also reduce the concentration of carbon dioxide from the tank, which the algae, being plants, need for food preparation through photosynthesis.

3. Reduce the amount of actinic lighting in your aquarium setup. The actinic lighting is the blue light, and it helps to promote the growth of algae if used in excess. The ideal situation would be use 50% of actinic light mixed with 50% of white spectrum (daytime) light. Also, the light sources must be replaced periodically. All VHO (Very High Output) fluorescent lights need replacement after every eight months. Metal halide lamps will do with an annual replacement. It must also be remembered not to keep the artificial light source continuously on for more than 10 hours in a day.

4. Carbon dioxide is directly responsible for the growth of algae because, after all, they are plants. If your carbon dioxide filter has choked up, then there is a possibility that the level of carbon dioxide in the tank will be high. Using a pump in the aquarium to allow the water to circulate continuously is way of reducing on the amount of carbon dioxide in the tank. You can find out when the carbon dioxide level in the aquarium is going up by checking the alkalinity and pH value of the water within the tank. If these levels show an abnormal dip, then it is time to do something about increased carbon dioxide levels within the tank.

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A List Of Common Fish Diseases And Their Symptoms

1. Bacterial Diseases in Fish

Bacteria are a very common cause of complaint for fish breeders. There are many bacterial diseases in fish caused due to pathogenic bacteria. These bacteria can either attack the fish externally, or can enter into the body of the fish through the skin and can damage internal organs, even leading to death. Fin rot and bacterial gill disease are the most common bacterial attacks in fishes, in which the fins and the gills are infected respectively. If the bacteria have managed to gain entry into the body, it is known as systemic infection. Bacteria can also cause ulcers and lesions on the body of the fish. Bacterial infections are easily apparent externally as ulcerous marks or red irritations on the skin of the fish. Bacterial infections are very common in koi fish.

2. Fish Lice

Fish lice are scientifically termed as argulus, and being about a centimeter in size, they are among the largest parasites found in the animal world. They are very detrimental to the health of the fish, because they can suck out the fluids from the body of the fluids by clamping their proboscis like mouth into the bodies of the fish.

Lice are easily to identify on the bodies of the fish because they are clearly visible. However, it is necessary to carry a careful inspection of the body of the fish, especially in the hidden areas behind the fins. Lice may appear as dark spots when they are not moving. If there are too many lice, the fish will be quite agitated and will move their body a lot.

3. Flukes in Fish

Flukes are parasites in fish that are harmless in small numbers, but can be fatal to the fish in large numbers. Flukes are small, about 2 mm in length, and are almost invisible to the naked human eye. But these flukes have hooks through which they clamp to the bodies of the fish. Flukes can suck out the body fluids from the fish and even cause their death. The significant threat from flukes is that one fluke requires only one fish to complete its lifecycle, and therefore there is more reason why the fluke will remain clamped to the fish. Flukes have been considered to be the most difficult of the fish parasites to treat, though treatments with malachite and formalin often show positive results in stronger doses.

4. Ich

Commonly known as ich, ichthyobodo or costia is a very common parasite that is found on the bodies of fish. Several fish can live with this parasite showing no signs at all. In fact, in small numbers, ich is harmless. The defenses of the fish can keep the number of ich under control. But when fish suffer from some other disease, the defenses are broken and then ich begins to multiply. Ich can multiply at a very fast rate. In no time, the fish will show a large amount of ich on its body, its breathing will become labored and shortly, it will retreat and isolate itself from the other fish. When this stage arrives, ich often proves fatal to the fish.

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Maintaining A Freshwater Aquarium

The following are the important steps you will have to perform for the care of your freshwater inhabitants:

1. Removing the organic debris from the tank.

There is a lot of pollution in aquarium tanks, whether they house freshwater fish or saltwater fish. This pollution comes from the waste products of the fish, and from the fragments of the food that has been uneaten by the fish. When microorganisms in your freshwater tank die, they will also contribute to the pollution level of the tank. You must remove all these from the tank on a regular basis. Vacuuming is the most suitable method for this purpose. You can cheaply get aquarium pumps at any reputed pet store. Vacuum your freshwater tank at least once every month.

2. Checking the conditions of water in the tank.

You must understand that fish live in the water, and for them the water is just as important as air is to us. That is why you must make every effort to check the condition of the water. This is done by setting a proper pH value for your tank. You will have to ask your aquarium supplier what will be the proper pH value for your fish, as the pH value differs for different fish types. Then you must get a pH filter that will help you keep the proper pH value. But in the initial two months or so, you will need to check the water condition once every few days. This can be reduced to a monthly checkup after the first two months are over. That is the time your aquarium will have completely set in.

3. Checking your aquarium's filtration.

There are several different filtration requirements for your aquarium, and you will need mechanical, chemical as well as biological filters for your tank. The mechanical filters are made of pads and sponges, and their work is to filter out the particulate impurities from the tank, while the chemical filters will remove all unendurable odors and colors. The biological filters are a complex bed of microorganisms in your tank - mostly bacteria - that provide your tank with the natural environment it needs. However, as time passes by, mechanical filters will get choked, chemical filters will lose their adsorptive power and biological filters could simply die out. Hence, you will need to check out the efficiency of your aquarium filters from time to time. Monthly cleaning is enough for aquarium filter maintenance.

4. Changing the water in the aquarium.

You will have to change the water in your aquarium periodically. You must replace about one-tenth of the water every week, a quarter of the water once a month and about half the water once every six months. That will ensure the water in your tank remains pure. However, you should never replace all the water in your tank because then you will be losing out on the valuable biological ecosystems that are already set up within your tank.

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The Ammonia Cycle And Your Aquarium

What is the Ammonia Cycle?

The ammonia cycle - better known as the nitrogen cycle - is an essential part of the environment. In nature, ammonia is a product that is given out by organisms during their excretion process. However ammonia is toxic, and it is very hazardous to the ecology to leave it lying as it is in the environment. Nature itself takes care of things though. There are some bacteria present in the environment such as nitrosomonas and nitrosococcus that can reduce the ammonia to nitrites. Nitrites are solids with the general radical -NO2, but the problem is, even nitrites are toxic, especially to grazing animals. Nature again helps; another species of bacteria called the nitrobacter convert the nitrites into harmless nitrates, with radicals -NO3. The conversion of ammonia into nitrites and then into nitrates is called as ammonification.

But the process does not stop here. Denitrifying bacteria are involved in the environment, which convert all the residual nitrites and the nitrates into the free atmospheric form of nitrogen. In this form, the gas is released into the environment. Later this nitrogen will be fixed back into the soil, and then taken by plants, and then by animals, and the whole cycle with continue again.

Thus the ammonia cycle actually involves the circulation of nitrogen from the organisms to the environment and then back from the environment to the organisms.

Why is Ammonia Cycle Important in an Aquarium?

Most fish and other aquatic organisms are ammonotelic, i.e. they give out ammonia directly as their excretory product. This ammonia collects in the fish tank and, among other things, it might increase the basicity of the fish tank (which means the pH value will be increased). Any change in the pH value of the fish tank is obviously quite harmful to the inhabitants of the tank.

That is the reason why the ammonia produced in excess within the aquarium must be effectively removed. Hence, ammonia cycle becomes important.

How is Ammonia Cycle Maintained in the Aquarium?

The easiest way to keep your ammonia cycle going on in the aquarium is to introduce bacterial cultures into the water. One of the best ways to do this is to add a biological medium such as live rock or a biological bed. Sponge filters can be introduced in the fishless tank first on a biological bed and then allowed to live in the tank for about two to three days. This will promote the growth of the necessary bacteria required for the ammonia cycle. Later on, the fish can be introduced one after the other. It is necessary to bring in the fish one at a time, because that will allow the bacteria to get accustomed to neutralizing the pH value increase in the tank.

Some aquarists help in the ammonia cycling by actually adding some pure ammonia before they put the fish in. When such ammonia is added, the microorganisms within the tank will cycle this ammonia first, and so the cycle will already have set in before the fish are introduced.

There are ammonia cycling pumps available too, all of which work on different principles. If the number of fish in your aquarium is low, then replacing the water periodically could also be a good attempt at ammonia cycling.

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Removal Of Fish From Your Aquarium

Removing dead fish is a very simple process actually, but you have to be sure the fish is really dead. Dead fish will temporarily sink to the bottom of the aquarium, but then soon enough, they will begin floating in the tank in the infamous belly-up position. This is the time when the fish will begin releasing toxins into the water. When you see a fish in this manner, remove it as soon as possible. It is not a good idea, however, to actually handle dead fish. You must use small nets or gloves to remove the fish from your tank.

However, it is not just dead fish that you will need to remove from your tank. Fish that are obviously sick must be immediately quarantined, which you can do by putting them into a fishbowl so that they do not spread their disease to the other fish in the tank. You can understand if fish are sick by looking at their movement in the water. If the fish are sluggish in the way they move (you must compare with how they move normally), or if they are spending a lot of time behind the rocks or plants in the aquarium, or simply lying lethargically on the aquarium bed, then something is wrong with them. The eyes of the fish could also be indicators of disease. If there is anything different with the eye, first remove the fish from the aquarium, and then get it checked by a qualified person.

But the most difficult thing is to remove a live and healthy fish from the tank. There are many reasons why you would want to remove a live fish. The fish might have outgrown the capacity of the tank, or the tank might be getting crowded, or simply the fish might be a danger to other fish due to its violent nature. Betta fish are notorious for attacking other fish in the tanks. Whatever the reason may be, removing live healthy fish from the tank is always a challenge.

There are some obvious problems. Live fish will squirm and wriggle around a lot in protest when you try to remove them. Some fish, like the surgeonfish, will also harm you if you try to touch them. Then there are toxic fish that you have to be worried about. Also, when you try to remove a live fish, there will be a lot of thrashing and flailing about, due to which the entire setup of your aquarium tank could be disturbed.

Your best bet to take out a live fish from your tank would be to use a line, hook and bait, just like you do when you go fishing. But you will have to use a blunt hook so as not to harm the fish. Tie up a morsel of the fish's favorite food on the hook and dangle it in the tank keeping the line tight. The fish will take the bait, and then you can transfer it to another tank.

Another way to do this effectively is to confuse the fish. Most fish are startled when there are sudden changes in light, because deep under the water in their natural habitat, there are never any quick light changes. Anyways, you can keep your tank in darkness for several hours and then suddenly put all the lights on in the room. Taking advantage of the confusion of the fish, you can manually take them up, using protective gloves. An alternative to this is to come up to the tank in the middle of the night and then to shine a torch suddenly at them.

Putting fish into a tank is many times easier than removing them, especially if you want to retain fish that are still alive. You will need to be patient and careful so that you accomplish the task without harming the fish in question and the other inhabitants of the tank.

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Where Can I Find a Builder for My Custom Fish Tank?

If you have a unique request for a fish tank, you may not know how to go about finding someone who can build it for you. There are many things that go into creating the perfect custom fish tank for your home or business. You may be best served to search the internet to find a provider that can work closely with you during the process.

A quick internet search for a custom fish tank builder will provide you with hundreds of choices. These companies will be able to handle any request you have, and allow you the input to create the perfect project. Since many custom fish tanks require custom-made stands or aquariums, it is vital to the completion of the project, that you be able to provide the builder with all of the measurements your tank will need. Many times when using a builder located far away, you will be responsible for providing the dimensions and measurements to assist them.

Any reputable custom fish tank builder should be researched properly before awarding them your project. You would be advised to check with the Chamber of Commerce for the hometown of the company to see if they can be trusted. Since a custom fish tank can be very costly, you want to be certain your builder will finish the project up to your standards. You should also be certain to use a builder that has a lot of experience in making fish tanks and understands the structural elements that go into it. The weight of the tank itself or the size and location of its location could cause unique problems that the builder will have to resolve.

The internet has proven to be the best source for finding a custom fish tank builder. Make certain to review a few of these sites to make sure you are going to get the best custom fish tank at the best price. You should be able to get a great price without having to compromise on quality.

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Marine Fish Aquarium Maintenance Tips

Aquarium maintenance is an essential regular activity that provides a stable, healthy environment for fish and plants. The key to an effective program is to fulfill basic, simple tasks, which, when performed on a regular basis, take very little time and result in a clean, thriving aquarium display.

Ongoing biological processes can deplete water of essential ingredients and cause nitrate accumulation and other non-desirable substances. Most expert aquarists will agree that regular partial water changes represent a key element in fish health and condition. The following lists of maintenance activities and equipment serve as a general guide to maintaining a stable aquatic environment. Variations in percentage and frequency can exist due to stocking density and types of livestock kept.

Maintenance Tip:

1. Never change more than 40% of aquarium water at a time.

2. Never empty the entire aquarium to clean it. This causes undue stress on fish and will disturb the biological balance of your aquarium.

3. Only change half of your filter media at a time, to retain the established biological balance.

4. NEVER use soap or any detergent on your aquarium or any products used in or around your aquarium.

5. When cleaning the inside glass of your aquarium, avoid picking up pieces of gravel, as this will scratch the glass.

6. Limit the amount of times you put your hands in the water. Oils and films may cause stress in fish.

Maintenance Checklist:

Daily

1. Perform a visual check of the aquarium inhabitants to make sure that none of them are sick, hurt, or acting strangely.

2. Check that all the equipment is working properly(filters, heaters, lighting, etc.).

3. Remove any dead fish, plants, or obvious debris (such as plant leaves attached to intake strainer of filter).

Weekly

1. Perform a partial water change, 5 to 10% is recommended. Use a gravel washer to clean trapped waste from the gravel. Partial water changes on a regular basis will provide stable water quality and maintain ideal conditions.

2. Clean the glass inside and outside. This will eliminate any algae, and ensure full viewing pleasure.

3. Clean fluorescent tube(s) and fixture. This will maintain consistent light levels.

4. Test the aquarium water.

Monthly

1. Check supplies, food, water conditioners and all other regularly used items.

2. Perform filter maintenance and replace filter media as per manufacturer's recommendations and in accordance with the results of your water test.

Do this stuff, I'm sure your fish will be as happy and healthy as you want. Good Luck!

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How Do You Properly Clean Your Hanging Fish Tank Filter?

If you are looking to maintain the cleanest fish tank possible, you will need to learn how to clean your hanging fish tank filter. This process is fairly simple and will go far to keeping your tank as clean as it can be. Many people fail to see the importance of this chore and their tank and fish pay the price.

This process is so easy it can be performed in about half an hour. The first thing you need to do is to gently remove the filter from the aquarium and place it in a bucket. This will keep your floor dry as the filter will probably have water still in it.

You need to remove the old filter cartridge and throw it away. Take the filter unit itself apart. This includes the bowl and sponge inserts. Any part of the filter should be able to be removed. Examine each item closely to determine how dirty it is. If the filter seems to be extremely dirty and covered in algae or lime deposits, you may need to clean it a little more regular.

After you have taken apart the unit, you must now begin to clean it. It is recommended that you use a mild dish soap. This will help to prevent any harm to your fish if you fail to remove all of the cleaner before putting the filter back into the tank. Make certain to remove all of the dirty and algae-covered areas. This will ensure your new cartridge will work the most efficient and produce the best results.

When you put the filter back into the tank, it may be needed to add a little water to the filter tank. This will help in starting the filtering process for the new cartridge. Once all of the parts have been returned and the filter is put back into the water, it is now safe to turn the filter back on. This finishes the process and now your tank will provide healthy clean water for your fish and be better for you to look at.

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What Do I Need Fish Tank Stands For?

There is a ton of things that could cause a person to feel the need of a good fish tank stand. Just think about the weight of a 55-gallon fish tank that is full of water. This is the main reason for the need. There are many more as well, including the need to keep your room stylish.

Not many people are wise enough to understand the structural demands needed to create a good fish tank stand. This is the main reason you will need to look into purchasing one. The weight of the tank plus the water inside of it puts too much strain on many home built stands. Unless you are a structural engineer, leave stand building to the experts. There are numerous affordable models available made of strong steel or wood that can handle the structural needs of a fish tank stand.

Another reason for a stand would be to make the fish tank itself look more stylish. Many people resist purchasing a tank because they feel it doesn't add beauty to a room. With the proper fish tank stand, there could nothing further from the truth. Many of the wooden stands designed today focus on adding beauty and style to your room. You should be able to find a wooden stand that matches the grain or finish of the wood already in your home. This will make the fish tank and stand further blend into the room and look as if it were always there. If most people only notice the fish tank and not the stand, you have been successful in finding the right one. A stand should not overpower the tank and its contents.

If you are making the large investment of a new fish tank, consider the added expense of a fish tank stand. There are many choices to choose from at almost pet supply stores, so finding the one that most meets your needs and budget shouldn't be too hard. If you are looking to provide the most stable stand to the tank, you may need a steel structure. If you are focused on the look of the stand, a wood stand is probably your best option.

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Popular Types Of Tropical Aquarium Filters

An Aquarium filter is a required device for both freshwater and marine aquaria, and are very important for maintaining high water quality in your fish tank. Aquarium Filters can be either internal or external to the aquarium, external filters are sometimes called HOB's or hang on back. A filter will process fish waste, unconsumed food and other particulates, some filters can even filter down to the micron level. Filters are available in a wide variety of sizes and styles to work with any type or size aquarium you choose. Below are some of the most common filter styles used today.

Power Filters

Power filters are the most common and popular filter for most aquarium enthusiasts.
They are easy to set up, require very little maintenance and are inexpensive which makes them a good choice for the new hobbyist. Many times power filters are used together with an under gravel filter for increased water purity.

The filter works by drawing the water through the filter media under slight pressure and forcing it back into the tank. An aerator is not usually needed when using a power filter since it provides enough water movement during filtration to keep the tank oxygenated.

Sponge Filters

Sponge filters are most commonly used in breeding tanks to keep small fish from entering the filter and are appropriate only for very small aquariums. Sponge filters use an internal form of biological filtration to keep the aquarium water clean and safe for your tropical fish. Aerobic bacteria will grow on the filter's sponge helping to facilitate the tanks nitrogen cycle. Extra care should be used when cleaning a sponge filter so as not to wash away the nitrifying bacteria.

Under Gravel Filters

Under gravel filters, also referred to as UGF are another popular type of aquarium filter that you can use for your fish tank. Under gravel filters are one of the more regularly used styles of fish tank filters due to its large area for biological filtration.

Under gravel filters are comprised of a porous plate which is placed an inch or two under the gravel substrate with one or more uplift tubes and an aerator. The UGF is a type of biological filter that draws the water through the substrate material and then returns it at the top of the tank.

The only drawbacks to this type of filter is that the fish waste tends to get pulled down into the gravel which requires regular vacuuming and live plants do not grow well planted over a UGF. Under gravel filters are sometimes paired with a power filter to provide extra filtration for the aquarium.

Canister Filters

One of the best filtration choices for any aquarium set up is a Canister Filter. Canister filters contain an internal pump connected to a sealed container where waste from the water is trapped for removal. A canister filter is an ideal choice for filtering large aquariums that contain many fish, or fish that create a lot of waste like large tropical fish or goldfish. Canister filters don't provide much aeration so bubble stones are recommended to help bring oxygen into the tank. Canister filters are great but are usually more expensive than ordinary hang on tank type filters.

Diatom Filters

Diatom filters are primarily used for occasional cleaning of tanks, and are not constantly connected to the aquarium. Diatom Filters are extremely efficient and are designed to mechanically filter out the smallest of particles all the way down into the 1 micron size range. Aquarium diatom filters also help with "sick tanks" encouraging quicker fish healing by removing organics and other parasites. They are also excellent for removing algae blooms and clean your tanks water to an incredibly pure state.

Mike LaVallee is the webmaster of Tropical Aquarium Care [http://www.tropical-aquarium-care.com/] a website about Tropical Fish [http://www.tropical-aquarium-care.com/Tropical-Fish-Care/Tropical-Fish-Care.php] and Salt Water Aquariums [http://www.tropical-aquarium-care.com/Salt-Water-Fish-Tank/Salt-Water-Fish-Tank.php]. Here you will find articles, advice and resources on many tropical aquarium topics.

The Proper Aquarium Fish Food Keeps Your Fish Healthy

If you are thinking about setting up a tropical fish tank in your home so that you can enjoy the relaxing beauty of fish, it is a good idea to learn about the different factors that go into great aquariums. One of the essentials to any good tropical fish aquarium is the aquarium fish food that you choose, in order to help your fish thrive.

Making a choice about the right aquarium fish food is a basic and key element to ensuring that your fish stay happy and healthy. There isn't one fish food that is right for all kinds of fish, so you will need to invest some time and effort into becoming informed and educated about the best choices for the selection of fish you have in your tropical fish tank.

Different species of fish are naturally born to need different kinds of food. For this reason, there is a wide variety of aquarium fish food available. Pre-packaged and prepared fish foods come in different styles as well as the different elements of the food. There is flake food, pellet food, staked food, frozen dead food and also live food choices.

Some of the fish species have unique and specific food requirements when it comes to their dietary needs. Other types of fish have a great deal of variety in the type of aquarium fish food they can ingest and still be healthy and thrive. But, because of these differences, it is important to you, the fish keeper, to know what your specific fish varieties need so that you can supply the correct food.

It is also a good idea to complete some research about the kind of food a fish needs before deciding to buy it and adding it to your tropical fish tank community. Maintaining a collection of fish that have similar dietary needs will make it much easier for you to supply your fish with what they need. It also assures that one type of fish is not going to end up eating the wrong kind of food, when you are trying to feed a different tropical fish species in the same tank.

One of the things you will need to learn about your fish, is whether or not they are herbivores, carnivores or omnivores. If you have ended up with a mixture of different kinds of fish, each requiring a different type of aquarium fish food, then you will need to have the food for each type on hand.

Also, take the time to notice which part of the tank your fish gravitate toward when they are feeding. You will discover that some of them are top feeders that linger at or near the surface of the tank water, while others are clearly bottom feeders. This is also important to know in selecting the right tropical fish food. If you have bottom feeders, you need to be sure that you have selected fish food that will sink to the bottom of the tank rather quickly.

Also, there are some fish that will only eat during the day, while others will only eat in the dark. If you know that you have fish that only feed at night, be sure you turn out the lights in the room when they are being fed, allowing them to eat their aquarium fish food naturally.

There have been many instances of night-feeding fish starving, even with adequate aquarium fish food in the water for them. This has happened because the aquarist made the mistake of leaving the overhead light of the tropical aquarium on through the night.

Mike LaVallee is the webmaster of Tropical Aquarium Care [http://www.tropical-aquarium-care.com/] a website about Tropical Aquariums [http://www.tropical-aquarium-care.com/Aquarium/Tropical-Aquarium.php] and Tropical Fish Care [http://www.tropical-aquarium-care.com/Tropical-Fish-Care/Tropical-Fish-Care.php] Here you will find articles, advice and resources on many tropical aquarium topics.

Keeping a Tropical Fish Tank Is a Great Hobby

So the time has come. You have decided to get involved in tropical fish keeping. Having fish aquariums is a wonderful and very popular hobby and is also considered to be one of the best hobbies for lowering stress and fostering relaxation. One of the most essential pieces of equipment that you will need to choose is your tropical aquarium fish tank.

Because there is such a vast array of choices available, choosing just the right aquarium fish tank might seem like quite a daunting task. However, as long as you already have an idea about what you would like for your tropical fish tank, you will be able to work through the maze of choices.

These days, it can be very beneficial to go onto the internet where you can do a great deal of research that will be helpful in selecting the right aquarium fish tank for your particular situation. The information you gain from such research can help you figure out the right combination of shapes and colors of tanks, as well as the size of fish tank that you will need.

Many times, before you can make a firm decision about the size of your aquarium fish tank, you first will have to come to some conclusions about the kind of fish you want to inhabit your miniature water world. This is another area where research can come in handy. Different fish species will end up growing to different adult sizes, so you need to know how large they will be at maturity and work backward to help estimate the size of your tropical fish aquarium.

If you decide that your fish keeping activities will be limited to a couple of small fish, it may be that all you will need is a simple fish bowl. Small to medium sized fish bowls will be able to comfortable house a few fish, some nicely colored pebbles and perhaps even a small decorative figurine to add some interest. Just remember that fish generally prefer cooler water so be sure you don't put your fish bowl near a heater or in direct sunlight.

If you are thinking about an aquarium fish tank that is larger and more elaborate than a simple fish bowl, then one of the primary considerations is placement in the home. You want to place it where you can see it and enjoy it and where you will be able to have easy access for feeding, cleaning and maintenance. In most cases, you will want the fish tank to have a hood on top, so you need to be sure there is room for that as well. A full tropical fish aquarium is very heavy and difficult to move, so be sure to choose a place that will essentially be permanent.

Another option you might want to consider when choosing your aquarium fish tank, is the number of options available in aquarium furniture. There are stunning display cases that can house your aquarium as well as aquariums that can also serve as end tables or coffee tables. Many of these can be stained to match the other furniture pieces in your home, making them blend right into the decor and adding a fun element into your decorating.

You will find that a "starter" aquarium fish tank unit will generally range in capacity from 20 gallons to 55 gallons and any tank in this range is a good choice for beginners. However, the tanks that are under 55-gallon size need more time and work in maintenance.

Mike LaVallee is the webmaster of Tropical Aquarium Care [http://www.tropical-aquarium-care.com/] a website about Cichlids [http://www.tropical-aquarium-care.com/Cichlids/Cichlids.php] and Aquarium Filters [http://www.tropical-aquarium-care.com/Aquarium-Fish-Tanks/Tropical-Fish-Tank.php] Here you will find articles, advice and resources on many tropical aquarium topics.

Beautify Your Tropical Aquarium With Decorations

When it is time to begin setting up your new tropical fish tank and embarking on your new hobby as a keeper of fish, one of the first areas that many people think about is the aquarium decoration. Embellishing your new fish aquarium with decorative touches is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it has some very practical aspects as well.

Aquarium decoration takes time to properly arrange in the tank because with it, you can create hiding places for the fish as well as natural borders. This makes the aquarium more like a natural environment. Having hiding places is helpful so that the fish are able to have a good place to rest or to simply separate itself from the tropical fish tank community.

Creating natural borders with a unique aquarium decoration can help to control the aggression of some fish in a tropical aquarium. When it is time to introduce new fish into the aquarium, you should rearrange one or more of the decorations in the tank so that old territories are broken up. This will make the older aquarium inhabitants less territorial and give the newly introduced fish a chance to stake claim to their own territories within the tank.

For tropical fish that are primarily cave dwellers, they especially need to have some elements of aquarium decoration that will create places for them to get away from other fish. Tank decorations that create crevices, caves and holes are particularly important for these kinds of fish. Also, fish that are accustomed to being in heavily populated waters also enjoy having aquatic plants to use for hiding and shielding themselves.

Plants are one type of aquarium decoration for your tropical fish tank that play a bigger role in the tropical aquarium than simply adding beauty. Aquarium plants are able to bind carbon and they oxygenate the water, helping to keep the water in better condition for the fish. Plants that are in the aquarium habitat also make use of organic waste, essentially as fertilizer, and this helps to get rid of these potentially harmful components from the aquarium water.

There are many involved in fish keeping who use sensitive aquatic plants as part of their aquarium decoration and which actually act like aquatic "canaries in the mines." If there is a sudden problem with the quality of the water in the tropical fish tank, the plant will die. This will warn the aquarist that there is a problem so that it can be handled before any harm comes to the fish.

Most of the time aquarium decoration items are made of natural materials such as wood, rock or coral. Such natural items, properly arranged, help to make the tropical fish tank look as natural as possible. A tropical aquarium can actually be very much like a small slice of the real habitat for the species of tropical fish you have selected. Some aquarium enthusiasts even go so far as to research the actual habitats of their fish and then try to replicate the look and feel in their tropical fish tank, by adding plants and rocks that come from specific fish habitats.

In addition to the type of aquarium decoration that brings a sense of nature into the tropical fish tank, there is also a huge array of aquarium decorations that would not be found in natural fish habitat settings. For instance, you can add fantasy sea monsters, shipwrecks, buried treasure chests, Egyptian pyramids, statues and temple ruins to bring some interest and variety for the aquarium viewers.

Mike LaVallee is the webmaster of Tropical Aquarium Care [http://www.tropical-aquarium-care.com/] a website about Tropical Fish [http://www.tropical-aquarium-care.com/Tropical-Fish-Care/Tropical-Fish-Care.php] and Salt Water Aquariums [http://www.tropical-aquarium-care.com/Salt-Water-Fish-Tank/Salt-Water-Fish-Tank.php] Here you will find articles, advice and resources on many tropical aquarium topics.

Heaters Maintain Proper Aquarium Environment

When you decide that you want to have your own tropical fish aquarium, one of the most important things that you need to control for your fish is the temperature of the water. Every species of fish has somewhat different water temperature requirements depending on their natural habitats. Aquarium heaters are a must to be sure that fish tank water temperatures are stable.

Seasonal fluctuations do effect the water temperature of many natural fish habitats, so many fish species do have a degree of tolerance to fluctuations in water temperatures. But with aquarium-raised tropical fish, it is best to use aquarium heaters to keep the temperatures from fluctuating too much.

Aquarium heaters are simple and basic devices that generate heat so that proper water temperatures can be maintained in fish tanks. An aquarium heater is actually comprised of two components: the heating element and the thermostat. The thermostat gives you the ability to control the temperature of the water in the tropical fish tank.

Just like the thermostat in your home, the thermostat on aquarium heaters can be set to pre-determined settings for temperature. When the water temperature dips below the thermostat setting, the heating element will turn on to bring the water back to the temperature zone desired for your tropical aquarium habitat. As the temperature of the water rises, the thermostat will also disengage the heating element when the water reaches the proper temperature.

The most common of aquarium heaters use a long glass tube, similar to the shape of a cigar, to house the heating element and the thermostat. Typically the heating element is located at the bottom area of the tube while the thermostat is placed above and is closer to the surface of the tropical aquarium water.

Aquarium heaters come in a number of different wattage ranges. The wattage of the aquarium heater will determine how much heat can be generated. Of course, this output capacity effects how much aquarium water will be effectively heated, so you must choose the right heater for the size of your tropical fish tank. There are guidelines printed on the packaging to help you choose the right aquarium heater for your situation. For larger tropical aquariums you may need to utilize two or more aquarium heaters.

It is very important to select high quality aquarium heaters because if they malfunction, the water in your tropical fish tank could either overheat or become too cold. Such drastic changes in the temperature of the aquarium environment can create disastrous consequences for the population of tropical fish in your care.

There are now some high-end aquarium heaters that come with manufacturer guarantees that state they will be functional for up to five years when properly used. However, most heating units come with only a one year guarantee, but if they are produced by reputable manufacturers, they are generally of sufficient quality to use in your tropical fish tank. No matter what type of guarantee the aquarium heater manufacturer offers, it should be understood that the guarantee does not cover any loss of fish in your aquarium if the heater fails, but only guarantees replacement of the heater itself.

Mike LaVallee is the webmaster of Tropical Aquarium Care [http://www.tropical-aquarium-care.com/] a website about Tropical Aquariums [http://www.tropical-aquarium-care.com/Aquarium/Tropical-Aquarium.php] and Tropical Fish Care [http://www.tropical-aquarium-care.com/Tropical-Fish-Care/Tropical-Fish-Care.php] Here you will find articles, advice and resources on many tropical aquarium topics.

What Supplies Do I Need for My Tropical Fish Tank?

If you are in the market for a tropical fish tank, and aren't sure what supplies you will need to get at the pet store, know that there is a long list. To properly care for your tank and fish, you will need several things including a filter, heaters, and chemical purifying agents. The lack of any one of these supplies could lead to the death of the fish.

Any person operating a fish tank would be best advised to get a filter. This works greatly in ensuring the tank is kept clean and clear of waste and debris. Basically, the filter sucks in the water and cleans it before returning it to the tank. This keeps the water in the tank clear and allows the fish to live healthier. A clean tank could add years to the life of your tropical fish.

Tropical fish are used to swimming in warmer water. A tank heater will be needed to keep the water in your tank at the proper temperature. The most common form of a heater for tropical tanks is simply a light that warms the water from above. This is the cheapest way to keep your tropical tank warm enough for your pets.

Another way to keep your tank healthy is through the use of chemical cleaning agents. These chemicals usually pose no threat to the fish, but work well in cleaning and purifying the water. Chemical agents are usually sold as blocks or powder that dissolves into the fish tank in little or no time at all.

Any of these supplies can be bought at your local pet store. The absence of the proper equipment is the main reason your tropical fish will not stay healthy and live long. Before you invest money in tropical fish, make sure that you have all the things you need to keep the tank clean and working properly. This will keep your tropical fish healthy and happy, and save you a lot of money in replacing them.

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Pond Filters, When & Why

Pond Filters are necessary pieces of equipment when you intend to keep any type of living organism within your garden pond. Pond Filters are a manmade alternative to the forces of nature and cannot be neglected when dealing with pond fish of all types. Garden pond filters be they for goldfish, shubunkins, orfe, koi carp or any other pond fish carry out a very important function within the ponds eco-system.

Pond filters are homes for millions upon billions of beneficial bacteria that aid in the safe and secure removal of toxic gases such as ammonia (ammonium) and nitrite which can quickly overcome your fish, ultimately resulting in their death. Pond filters convert these toxic soluble gases into nitrate, which if required will readily feed your pond plants with the nutrients they require for growth.

Pond filters normally work on three key principals of mechanical waste management, bacterial action upon that waste and also some chemical / ultra violet light alteration upon the pond water for algae control. The very best pond filters utilize all the methods mentioned above to give an almost gin clear quality to the pond water.

Pond filters are unique to every pond. It should never be taken for granted that just because the box tells you that the pond filter is the correct size for your pond that it will be suitable to your individual requirements. Other matters should be taken into consideration, some of these include the types of fish to be kept, the distance above the pond water surface that the filter can be situated, the type of pond pump combination required to keep the pond filter running at it's optimum level of operation.

This author would strongly recommend you seek out a reputable pond filter stockist or better still, find a professional pond filter installation company to assist you with your garden pond filter needs. In our experiences we have found in 90% of cases that pond filters installed by our clients are inadequate for their intended purposes.

When should pond filters be installed? In answer to this question, I would propose that the best time to fit pond filters is when they are obviously needed, whether this be in the middle of winter or not. The only time we would suggest not to install a pond filter would be during the summer months in respect of existing pond filter systems. In other words the upgrading of existing pond filter systems should be avoided during the months of June, July & August. it is during this period that the bacterial colony within the pond filter is at it's maximum and should not be disturbed other than to add an additional independent pond filter to aid in water quality.

Pond filters from new will normally take between 6 to 8 weeks to be sufficiently mature with bacteria to be able to support small stocks of fish. The longer a pond filter has been in operation the more livestock it can support up to it's optimum level. We would again suggest strongly that you discuss these limitations with a reputable stockist.

David 'Goldie' Edwards is managing director of a Garden Water Features [http://www.gaps-limited.com] company based in the UK.

His Pond Supplies webpage gives clients the opportunity to further enhance their Aquatic knowledge and skills

How To Decorate With A Tropical Fish Tank Aquarium

Aquariums come in all shapes and sizes, and are perfect for that exceptional focal piece you are looking for in decorating the office or home. Tropical fish add color, tranquility and natural beauty to any room that you place them in. However, when picking an aquarium and the kind of fish you want, you need to take your own personality, style and space needs into consideration.

There are really two types of aquariums to choose from - saltwater and freshwater. Freshwater fish are highly adaptable, able to cope in changing environments, and therefore a lot easier to maintain. Plants are also easier to harvest, which means you have a wider choice and are able to decorate the tank nicely with different color plants.

Saltwater fish are more sensitive to the environment and change, but the wide selection you have when choosing a saltwater aquarium usually makes any extra maintenance you have to do an absolute pleasure. Saltwater fish have a vast diversity of colors and are all very unique when compared to freshwater fish. Also, in a saltwater tank you can add extra sea creatures that you couldn't in a freshwater tank - such as corals, eels, starfish, clams and more. Plants are difficult to harvest, and therefore you do need to probably settle for plastic plants, but the color and beauty of the fish simply outweigh any of the disadvantages - and many saltwater tropical fish owners admit that this is so.

When it comes to aquarium shapes and sizes, you have an almost limitless variety. Acrylic tanks are a good choice as they are sufficiently lighter and have a much stronger and clearer glass. Many tanks also come with built in stands (such as hexagon or cylinders) and the shape of tank you decide on will really depend on your needs and taste. Living Picture or flat panel aquariums are brilliant when it comes to saving space (fitting into a cabinet, or sunk into a wall.) They are an incredibly classy choice when it comes to decorating the office.

Lighting is important and adds tremendous value in decorating your home, or your office, with a tropical fish tank aquarium. Lighting has the remarkable ability to set the mood for a room, and blue accent lighting is usually quite popular - creating a serene, natural feeling for the room. You can also mix and match various colors, and use the lighting for a night-light which gives any room a feel of elegance and peace.

When it comes to decorating the home, an aquarium fits into almost any room. If you have a large living room, an aquarium creates the perfect centerpiece. Tropical fish in the dining room is quite ideal, bringing in a wonderful comforting feeling for the room and guests. Flat panel aquariums are the best choice here. Many people also place aquariums sunk into the wall between the bedroom and a private bathroom, creating a wonderful romantic mood.

Placing an aquarium with tropical fish in the office adds a sense of professionalism and tranquility. Even if it's only a small tank on a desk, it can complement the decor of the office very nicely and add diversity, blush and color to what could otherwise be a dreary atmosphere.

For more insights and additional information about a Tropical Fish Tank Aquarium please visit our web site at http://www.fish-tank-aquarium.com