Filters And Their Use In Aquariums

Because of the waste product emitted by fish and the from other not so nature sources, the filtration system in your aquarium is of the utmost importance. It will not only keep your fish healthy but it will make your aquarium more beautiful as a result. There are several types ranging from nature filters to more chemical or mechanical processes.

Biological Filters
These filters work by remove nitrogen from the water and turn it into ammonia, nitrites, and nitrogen, which is known as the process of denitrification. Although ammonia and nitrites can be toxic to fish, they manage to adapt to nitrites because something toxic has been translated into something not so toxic. Bacterium enriched from the soil is added to the tank and begins converting ammonia into nitrates. The nitrogen that results from the reaction goes into elements that create natural resources.

There are also mechanical filters which use different methods to remove solid waste and particles from the water. Some examples include filtration cartridges of foam, floss and or gravel. IN some filters you need both of those for it to work properly.

Carbon activation is used in the chemical filtrations systems. The system aims to clear ammonia and water softeners from the water. Purifying your tank water is very important. Especially since the water comes from the tap or ground water and the purity of the water will determine the overall health of your fish. Water purification systems are also an option and can reduce chemicals in your water.

Aquarium filters include corner filtration, outside powered filters, under-gravel filtration, and foam canisters flow-through filtration.

The Way the Filter Work
Corner filtration is one of the more common forms of filtration and is done by supplying forced air. The air is removed by the force of a weak vacuum, this pulls the water through the filter and the floss within the filter. The floss not only catches large pierces of pollutants but because of it's fibrous nature, removes a good deal of very small algae and effectively cleans the tank better by slowing bacterial growth. It basically ventilates the water. But because wet floss is very thick charcoal gravel is also used in the filter to increase flow as well as the charcoal too acts as a filtering agent and the result is actually better all around.

Pumps of an electrical nature also known as outside powered filters extract large volumes of water through the filter and pull is through the floss and charcoal. The pump does provide for ventilation in the tank and can support a larger amount or variety of fish than many other filters can. In order to maintain the effectiveness of any filter is important to change it and clean it on a regular basis, otherwise the performance will suffer.

One way to improve the filtration in your tank is to place gravel in the bottom of the tank. The filtration systems that can be installed under the gravel actually uses it to strain out some of the particles that are not wanted in the water. It is a non-chemical filter which great, however there are some downsides. Pumps are able to take care of all the fish in a tank, this filtration system cannot do that. Additionally, the foam filtration parts for the air supply and the canisters used to trap particles must be cared for on a very consistent basis. These canisters combine the biological, mechanical, and chemical types, but are unfortunately not very effective and in the long run are usually not recommended because in addition to all the attention paid to the filter, the water still must be conditioned properly.

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Freshwater Fish Care And Coldwater Aquarium

Freshwater first are the best in terms of fish with which to start a collection as they are a hardier and more resistant to water temperature and pH variations. However, it is still a fish and therefore requires fresh water that is full of oxygen. And as any other living thing, a fish creates natural wastes. If the wastes are dealt with effectively, they can wind up hurting the fish in the long term. When ammonia is present, oxygen begins to decrease which is why you add not just a filter to your aquarium, you also add other living things which can absorb these wastes. underwater plants, like many others above the surface produce oxygen as they grow, making them an excellent addition to any freshwater aquarium. Things to consider as you are buying your tank is the type of light, hood, stand and thermometer you wish to use. These can have an impact on the growth of the plants and water temperature.

How to choose the proper aquarium
Aquarium volumes are measured in terms of cubic decimeters or quarts. The good tanks range in size from about 45 liter all the way up to 130 liters at a maximum. These tanks tend to be marked by their length and depth as well as the fact that they are easy to clean. Additionally, you can have many different types of fresh water fish dwelling in the same tank simultaneously without incident. They also have plenty of room to grow.

Choosing a good stand
In order to make an educated decision about which stand you need to buy for your aquarium

you must consider many factors. These factors include will it be able to support the weight of not just the tank but the water that fills it. will the tank be in a level area or does it need to be leveled in some way. Also should the stand be connected to other forms of support to strengthen it?

Choosing the right type of light
Lights are critical to the health of the plants in your tank. The one real problem that they cause is the build-up of algae which you will be required to clean on a regular basis or else the water purity may begin to be reduced. The lights also give off significant amounts of heat which may affect the water temperature. When thinking about lights it is important to find a balance between a light strong enough for plants to grow without causing the fish in the tank undue stress, both in terms of the brilliance of the light and the heat which they give off.

The importance of choosing a good hood
The hood is the apparatus that acts as a lid fro your tank and keeps the fish from making a jump for it and dying on your floor. Additionally, it keeps dirt particles, garbage, unwanted animals and other such things from getting into the tank. It also shields your light, Make sure that you get a hood that matches the size of your tank for the best results in protecting your aquarium.

Picking the right type of thermometer
The thermometer is an indicator of the temperature either in the environment, whether the air or water. Usually they are created from glass tubes and have mercury or alcohol in them. As the temperature rises or falls, so too does the level within the thermometer. Your local pet shop will have these types of thermometers in stock. You can probably just buy a very basic one and is
all that you will really need.

Besides all the things that have been discussed until this point, you should also have gravel, heaters, filters and the like for your tank. The proper type of food can also be purchased at your local pet store.

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Freshwater Fish Care And Coldwater Aquarium

Freshwater first are the best in terms of fish with which to start a collection as they are a hardier and more resistant to water temperature and pH variations. However, it is still a fish and therefore requires fresh water that is full of oxygen. And as any other living thing, a fish creates natural wastes. If the wastes are dealt with effectively, they can wind up hurting the fish in the long term. When ammonia is present, oxygen begins to decrease which is why you add not just a filter to your aquarium, you also add other living things which can absorb these wastes. underwater plants, like many others above the surface produce oxygen as they grow, making them an excellent addition to any freshwater aquarium. Things to consider as you are buying your tank is the type of light, hood, stand and thermometer you wish to use. These can have an impact on the growth of the plants and water temperature.

How to choose the proper aquarium
Aquarium volumes are measured in terms of cubic decimeters or quarts. The good tanks range in size from about 45 liter all the way up to 130 liters at a maximum. These tanks tend to be marked by their length and depth as well as the fact that they are easy to clean. Additionally, you can have many different types of fresh water fish dwelling in the same tank simultaneously without incident. They also have plenty of room to grow.

Choosing a good stand
In order to make an educated decision about which stand you need to buy for your aquarium

you must consider many factors. These factors include will it be able to support the weight of not just the tank but the water that fills it. will the tank be in a level area or does it need to be leveled in some way. Also should the stand be connected to other forms of support to strengthen it?

Choosing the right type of light
Lights are critical to the health of the plants in your tank. The one real problem that they cause is the build-up of algae which you will be required to clean on a regular basis or else the water purity may begin to be reduced. The lights also give off significant amounts of heat which may affect the water temperature. When thinking about lights it is important to find a balance between a light strong enough for plants to grow without causing the fish in the tank undue stress, both in terms of the brilliance of the light and the heat which they give off.

The importance of choosing a good hood
The hood is the apparatus that acts as a lid fro your tank and keeps the fish from making a jump for it and dying on your floor. Additionally, it keeps dirt particles, garbage, unwanted animals and other such things from getting into the tank. It also shields your light, Make sure that you get a hood that matches the size of your tank for the best results in protecting your aquarium.

Picking the right type of thermometer
The thermometer is an indicator of the temperature either in the environment, whether the air or water. Usually they are created from glass tubes and have mercury or alcohol in them. As the temperature rises or falls, so too does the level within the thermometer. Your local pet shop will have these types of thermometers in stock. You can probably just buy a very basic one and is
all that you will really need.

Besides all the things that have been discussed until this point, you should also have gravel, heaters, filters and the like for your tank. The proper type of food can also be purchased at your local pet store.

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Coral Reef Care Tanks Aquarium

When you want to create that aquarium for your dreams, you might be tempted to buy the most beautiful, rare species of fish and the more expensive crustaceans or shrimp. Creating a whole underwater world alive with incredible color and brilliance seems appealing. However, this probably is not the best place to start for beginning your aquarium hobby.

Aquariums that contain coral reefs require far more care and attention than just the freshwater or saltwater tanks do. Usually, freshwater fish can handle variation in water temperature and pH better than other marine species and are therefore a better place to begin. Unless, you are a really interested in the hobby and have a lot of experience, you probably should not try to start a coral reef aquarium.

It may take several months before the right water pH is reached and the correct lighting and water temperature is set. Begin the  process by adding sea salt available at many pet stores to regular tap water.

You will want to have the salinity of the tank at a point between 1.023 and 1.004.For optimum temperature for a coral reef aquarium, keep it between 75 degrees and 79.The pH is the most important part of the whole process. The ideal pH level for a tank like this is between 8.3 and
8.4.

Testing kits for pH can be bought online or from your local pet store. The pet store will also have chemicals that can be used to adjust the pH levels in the tank. Because there is not a lot of room for error in the ph level, it is very important that you be patient and get are the parts correct. Otherwise, a mistake will be quite costly.

Do not under any circumstances add marine life to the tank until everything is perfectly in order.

After everything is perfectly ready, introduce the anemones and clown fish. That's right start out with Nemo. He and the anemones are the toughest of the reef dwelling species.

Keep a very close eye on the wildlife and look for signs of stress of any kind. Stress manifests itself mostly in the sickness of the fish. These creatures have been taken directly from thei native habitat and placed in your tank so it may be while before they are totally acclimated to the new environment.

Another major cause of stress is overcrowding. Permit about 10 gallons of water for every inch of fish, being careful to take into account the final size of the fish, rather than it's size when purchased.

The time is takes for the fish to show signs of sickness is about 30 days. After a month or so, if everything is OK and the fish seem well-adjusted, then you may begin to add new forms of marine life. When adding new species to the tank, be careful to choose them based on how compatible they will be with other creatures in the tank.

For example, a mandarin fish or dwarf angel fish may be a good fish to add in with the clown fish because they get along pretty well. The fish must also be compatible with the water temperature and pH, but even more importantly, their food source must be compatible.

Ensure that current tank members have plenty of time to acclimate to their new home and their new tank mates. The best way to build a great marine life aquarium is to do a lot of research into what creatures are compatible with your existing collection.

With time and effort, you will have a great aquarium that you can be proud of.

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Catfish Aquarium And Fish Care

Catfish come in many different species and from many different places around the world. Here are some basic facts about the catfish and how to care for the fish in captivity.

The Catfish, known to scientists as the Siluridae, has several different types. The Glass Catfish from Asia, and India in particular received its name from the clear coating that covers it's body and it's virtually clear body. while there are other varieties of catfish, they are not as desirable as the Glass catfish for the purpose of being in an aquarium. The fish is about 3 1/2" inches long and has the obvious "whiskers" on it's upper lip which lend it the name catfish. These whiskers are also called barbells.

The Glass Catfish is not a terribly social animal, choosing to bend into the background and not move around a whole lot. Catfish normally feed at the surface of the water and tend to eat prefer living organisms. They are not typically very picky eaters and have a reputation for being scavengers, making them a very helpful fish. They are a hardy fish and are not affected very much by water temperature or alkalinity or acidity.

Catfish not only eat other decomposing fish, they also feed on many other decomposing materials. Their diet also includes many photo-synthetic organisms like algae. Having a fish like this around will help prevent the build-up of algae in your tank.

A unique feature of catfish is that their skeletal system is made of bone, instead of cartilage like many other fish. Instead of the fleshy fins many other fish possess, the catfish has bones. Again, unlike many of its aquatic neighbors, the catfish does not have scales. The whiskers that it has not only respond to touch, but also help it smell and taste.

The Upside down Catfish comes from the Begian Congo. The fish can become 2 inches long as an adult. What makes this fish unique that it looks like it swims upside down. This is because the eye is actually below the mouth while the whiskers are attached to the chin and point upward. Though it looks like it swims upside down, it actually swims right side up. This catfish is great for cohabitation with other fish in a tank because of it is a scavenger and will help keep the amount of algae in your tank to a minimum.

Another very interesting species is the Electric Catfish. While it can become 10 feet long in open waters, it will only grow to two feet in length in an aquarium. This fish is found around lakes, rivers and streams in the west and central parts of Africa. The body of this fish is cylindrical and though is possesses no dorsal fin, it compensates for that with a sizable and strong adipose fin. It will give off an electrical shock to anyone who would come near and therefore is not good for including with other fish in your aquarium. The shock is similar to that of an electric eel but is not nearly as strong or severe. The shock is stronger than that of the Mormyridae however.

The diet of the electric catfish consists mostly of meat, worms, and fish smaller than itself. It is famous for being a nocturnal animal will eat a whole lot.

As with many other species of catfish water temperature and pH are not a big issue. As long as this guy has lots of food and water, he is happy.

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Carp Aquarium And Fish Care

Carp have been the favored pets of people for centuries.  There are several factors which help to create a good living environment for carp including water pH, water temperature, and diet. Asia has been famous for a long time for its interest in carp as a sign of strength, beauty, and virility. Today, we will examine several species from the region and provide tips on proper care of carp.

In environments as varied as streams, ponds, and drainage areas, dwells a most incredible fish, the Asiatic Tooth carp. Known by their scientific name Genera Aplochelilus and Oryzias, Asiatic tooth carp enjoy water temperatures that are generally between 70 degrees and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The carp reside near the surface of the water and do not like water that is very hard or high in alkaline.

Because they live near the surface, Asiatic tooth carp have easy access to mosquito larvae and other relates food sources. while they do eat and enjoy dry fish foods from time to time, it is important to continue feeding carp some of their natural fare while they are in captivity.

These carp enjoy living in small and medium sized tanks that contain about 10 gallons of water at the most. They really love moderately hard and fairly acidic water where organic deposits grow freely. Waters that have high peat contents ought to have floating plants, lime-free fine gravel and plants with fine leaves.

The Spawning Process
The Tooth Carp produces spawn that grow very quickly. Over a period of three weeks, the Tooth carp will mate daily and lay a small number of eggs. While still in the spawn stage, the adults will not hurt the young, however, once the larvae have hatched and become fry, the adults will eat their own young.

If you wish to save some of the fry, remove the parents from the tank prior to the larvae hatching. A second option is to remove the larvae and place them in a separate tank with lots of plants. The first option is usually chosen simply because it is easier.

Once they have hatched, you will want to sort through the fry by size and remove a few in order to prevent cannibalism.


The Dwarf of Green Panchex
Dwarf of Green Panchax, a close relative of the Tooth Carp is also referred to by some as Panchax Parvus. Normally the fish is found in the seas surrounding Ceylon and India and is part of the Aplocheilus Blocki group.

The mature Green Dwarf is 1 3/4" in length which makes it a perfect aquarium fish. The fish is green-yellow in color and has rows of yellow and red markings. Tank water is great for this fish as its native home waters are warm.

They will usually eat both live and dried foods. When you want to breed the Dwarf, make sure the water is 78 degrees.

The best way to successfully breed Dwarfs is to use two males and a small harem of females in the process.

Geisha Girl Medaka
From further to the East, in Japan, comes the cousin of the Dwarf of Green Panchax, the Geisha Girl Medaka, whose scientific name is Oryzias latipes. It is also nicknamed the Ricefish or Japanese Medaka due to it's country of origin. It is a fish that is almost colorless like the rice that is the main staple of Japan, which may also help explain the nickname Ricefish. The fish is about 1/2 inch long.

The females are smaller and rounder than their male counterparts, with rounded fins which make them easy to spot. Slightly acidic waters are the best for the Medaka.

If you have acidic water, it is suggested that you mix about 1 teaspoon of salt in 3 gallons of water to improve the pH balance.

The Geisha Girl Medaka can live in waters that are as cool as 75 degrees or as warm as 80 degrees. However, the optimal temperature is 78 degrees.

As for their diet, the Geish Girl medaka is not a picket eater. She will eat just about anything.

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Aquarium & Fish Care - 30 Points To Remember

There are several hobbies one can have that turn in to real passion some day.  One among them is maintaining an aquarium.  This hobby though is a serious one as there is no room for mistakes else you shall land up harming or killing a living creature.

Thee right place to gather ample knowledge about your fish and their house that is the aquarium is the library next door, or the global network that is the World Wide Web or the internet.

There are several starter kits available online.  You shall also come across loads of information on some beginner fishes to start with this interesting hobby.

But before diving in to this interesting field here are some essential tips to remember:

1. In order to maintain your fish tank well enough, you must understand the nitrogen cycle.This cycle involves nitrates, ammonia and nitrites.  The fishes naturally produce these chemicals in the water they live in.  Its your job to balance these chemicals so that the water remains healthy for your fishes to survive.
2. The beginners in this hobby find it difficult to balance the ammonia in the water.  In that case you could consider banking on the starter kits available online.  These kits contain additives like ammonia.  Basically these kits supply you with a mechanism to artificially control the degree of ammonia in the fish tank.
3. These kits also guide you through or at times make available the apt beginner fishes.These types of fishes naturally produce ammonia in an adequate amount.
4. In case you are beginning with a coldwater tank, the best option would be to have a goldfish.
5. Make sure that your fish tank contains ample amount of plants.  They not only beautify the fish tank but also purify the water in the tank by absorbing the chemicals & providing oxygen.
6. The water plants break down water and ammonia.  Then these plants filter the ammonia & the bad or contaminated pat of the water that is the portion that contains bacteria.
7. Plants maintain the balance between all the chemicals in the fish tank as the fishes produce lot of ammonia.
8. When you are ammonizing your fish tank with the starter fish, be very sure of the quantity of food you are feeding to the fish.  Remember that you should feed only small amounts of the food initially.
9. The food that remains settles down at the bottom and rots down finally.  This rotten food develops severely toxic chemicals that can kill your fish.  So try to maintain the least amount of remaining food.  The trick to do it simply is to watch your fish while feeding them.  Only put in the amount of food it consumes in the first 2-3 minutes, that to only twice a day.  In case of food, also make sure to read through the label of the fish that you always get on the purchase of the fish.
10. Make proper use of the test kits and make sure that you check the ammonia level in the water at regular intervals that is every week.
11. Usually, a proper ammonization process takes about 5 weeks or longer.
12. Before purchasing the fish tank make sure that you purchase the right stand to place this tank well.
13. Remember, the fish tank must not be exposed to direct sunlight and heaters, else more and more algae would develop in the tank thereby killing your fish.
14. Make sure that the gravel you add to the fish tank is absolutely clean.  In case you have purchased boiled gravel, rinse it well before adding it to the tank.  Else, you must boil it first and then rinse it and then add it to the tank.
15. The right way of adding gravel to the fish tank is to initiate from the back of the tank and then coming to the front.
16. The height of the gravel you add depends on the type of fish and the type of filter you would use.  This is more particular for the front of the tank.  The gravel layer in the front of the tank must be very light.
17. In case you are using under-gravel filters, the front layer of gravel would be very low.
18. Ideally, installing the filters and heaters is the last step in preparing the fish tank.  But in case you are considering using a powered filter, you must install the filter before adding the gravel.
19. After adding the gravel, the next step is to add plants and other ornaments.  Make sure that you rinse these additives well enough in order to maintain the purity of the water in the tank.
20. Be sure to select only marine based plants.
21. Initially fill the tank with only half of the total required quantity.  Make use of pre-treated water while filling the tank halfway.
22. Once you are done with all the additives you can fill it up with water fully.
23. After filling in the tank with all the water required, keep a regular check on temperature of the water with a thermometer.
24. Now finally, place the filters in the fish tank.
25. Goldfish can be added to your fish tank at the beginning of the ammonization process. In case you are planning to purchase any other, fish you must wait for a few weeks so that the ammonization process gets completed in the fish tank.
26. Also, be sure that you do not add any new fish to the tank until and unless the water in there is crystal clear.
27. Check that the ideal way is to introduce only one fish at a time, and gradually increase the number of fishes in the tank.  You could also consider starting with 4 different types of hardy fishes, one of each type.
28. The right way to add a fish in the tank is that you must afloat the fish in a bag in to the aquarium for around 15 minutes prior to leaving them in the tank.  This would help your fish get acclimated to the temperature of the water in its new home.
29. Make sure that you do not add the water of the fish bag in to the aquarium as this water might be contaminated, or would at times affect the temperature of the aquarium and the P.H. level of the water in there.
30. You must check that the aquarium has the right amount of lighting.  These lights are teamed with a hood that can be fit over the top of the aquarium.  The fact is that most of the aquariums these days come along with a hood.  Actually, the hood keeps away the critters and maintains the fish inside the tank.  The hood id also used to regulate the lights in the tank.

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