How To Cycle Your Fish Tank

Perhaps the most single important step of owning a fish tank is also among the most misunderstood parts of owning one. Unless you have been doing your homework and researching fish tanks you probably have not heard of the Nitrogen cycle. Tank cycling is a very important step in establishing your new tank and if not done properly can cause failure from the beginning. In fact, many new fish owners fail in their first month of owning a tank.

Before we start we need to understand what the Nitrogen cycle is. Fish create waste, these waste products are broken down into Ammonia by beneficial bacteria. Beneficial bacteria converts harmful wastes into something less harmful, which is called Nitrite. Nitrite is finally broken down into Nitrate, which is less toxin than either Ammonia and Nitrate. Typically it takes from anywhere from three to six weeks for there to be enough beneficial bacteria to effectively provide enough biological filtration.

The Nitrogen cycle is necessary to keep the water free of waste that cannot be filtered no other way, but while the Nitrogen is going through the process of cycling to establish enough beneficial bacteria to provide proper biological filtration, the fish are exposed to high levels of Ammonia and Nitrite, which can harm them and even result in death. Even if you do not see the effects right away it takes a toll on them and often leads to a shorten life span.

To avoid this you can perform fishless cycling, this is very simple. All you will need is Ammonia. This can be found at most department stores, just make sure it's pure Ammonia and not Ammonia that has any additives because it can harm the fish. You will need an eye dropper to drop Ammonia in the tank and test kit to test for Ammonia, pH, Nitrate and Nitrite. You want the tank to be well oxygenated because the bacteria requires oxygen to grow. The tank should also be fully setup with heater, filter and other things you'll have in the tank.

Add four to five drops of pure Ammonia per 10 gallons of water to the Nitrites becomes measurable, at this point you want to cut back on how much Ammonia you add to two to three drops per day. If at any point the Ammonia and Nitrite levels are off the chart you should make a water changes to Ammonia and Nitrite levels down. Usually a 15 to 25 percent water change will be the amount you need to change, but this does vary from case to case.

When Nitrite and Ammonia are both at zero, the pH is stable and Nitrate is measurable, the tank is considered cycled. A water change of 25% and up to 50% is recommend at this point. After that you should be able to start stocking your tank with fish. The whole process usually takes 2 to 4 weeks depending on temperature and filtration. Remember,guppy, if you don't add fish right away you need to continue to add Ammonia until you introduce fish.

If you rather you can also simply add fish food to the tank. As fish food decays and rots it will release Ammonia. This will start the process of the Nitrogen cycle. Just add a little food each day to keep feeding it. Although, this may be a bit more difficult because you have to put a certain amount of food to get enough decaying food to produce enough Ammonia and this takes a little practice to get the right amount.

There is also the old fashion way of doing this. Adding two to three hardy fish to start the process. These fish must be very hardy because they will need to be tough enough to withstand the high levels of Ammonia and Nitrites that they will face. These fish may become sick and die as they are exposed to such high levels of Ammonia and Nitrite. A few fish that are known as good starter fish and are hardy are Guppies and platies.

What to expect

During the first week to two weeks you will see a steady rise in Ammonia and will reach lethal levels. During this time the beneficial bacteria will start to grow to the point where it can convert Ammonia. During this time period to reduce stress on fish (If you added fish to start the cycle) you will want to perform 15-25% water changes to reduce the stress on fish. This will help keep Ammonia levels down.

After that you will see a drop in Ammonia levels and a spike in Nitrites. Over the next week or two the bacteria needed to convert Nitrites to the less harmful Nitrates will begin and build enough to see it drop to zero. During this period you will need to perform 15-20% water changes to reduce the stress on fish. This will help keep Nitrite levels down.

At this point you should begin to get Nitrate readings. There is only one way to remove it and that is through water changes. You will need to do weekly water changes of 10 to 15 percent. Fish can tolerate levels of around 40-50ppm, but it is best to not let it reach levels near that. If it reaches levels over 20 ppm it is best to perform a 20 to 25 percent water change.

While the process can seem daunting and a lot of work to those unfamiliar with cycling a tank it really is not that hard. Once you learn how to do it and understand the process it is easy as riding a bicycle.

Some Important Pointers in Breeding Discus Fish

Contrary to some beliefs that breeding discus fish does not require much attention unlike some pets, we have to understand that choosing to have fish as pets would also entail some challenges. For example, a person cannot simply just choose any kind of water type, size of the fish tank and the kind of food that you will provide them, especially the part where in you are faced with questions on how breeding discus fish works.

Exotic Fish and How They Must Be Handled

The first thing to make sure of when breeding discus fish are the habits of the exotic fish. They will not react like other domesticated fish. Discus have the habit of choosing their partner alone and because of this they can cost more than what you might expect.

After that, they will choose a breeding ground that is vertical for their mating process and the area would have to be cleaned before they will lay their eggs. They at times would spawn at the side of the tank and after lying of the eggs the parents would be extremely protective of their young. The good thing here is that they will not be aggressive to other fish inhabitants except if the others would attempt to go near the eggs. You would want to provide them with plants or corals where they can hide.

In breeding discus fish, add a small bag of peat moss in the power filter for it is like recreating the natural water conditions of the discus fish likened to the Amazon River where it originally came from.

You have to make sure that the fish take contains no pollutants and the acid levels are just at 6.5 pH. The water condition should also be soft and with a warm temperature of 77-84°F (25-29°C. It would also be best to place them in larger tanks especially during the breeding process to take them away from possible predators. The recommended minimum tanks must have at least 55 gallons: the bigger the better.

In breeding discus fish, you have to make sure that the bare bottom is without any gravel but make sure is that you still provide them with hiding places like floating plants, driftwood,aquarium fish, aquascape that is fully planted and some WaterSprite floating plants in order to diffuse the light. You have to make sure that all of these are being followed in order for a successful breeding process.

Tips for Cloudy Freshwater Aquarium Water

For a beginning freshwater aquarium owner, cloudy water can be baffling and confusing. There are so many different causes for this, it is vitally important for a new fish aquarium owner to do the proper research on the different causes and remedies.

Excessive bacteria in the water can be one of the many causes. This problem usually does not occur until a few weeks or months after first setting up a brand new aquarium, because of bacterial bloom. Beneficial bacteria is needed in the tank water to break down fish waste, so while the bacteria is establishing itself, it may suddenly have a high growth rate, and cloudy water may be present. There is nothing one can do about this, but thankfully the problem almost always resolves itself on its own.

When setting up a new aquarium, one of the first mistakes a new tank owner makes is forgetting to rinse the gravel which leads to one of the initial causes. Any gravel that is to be used as substrate should be rinsed with cool water thoroughly to rid it of any debris or residue. If someone places the gravel in the tank before rinsing it,fish tank, all the residue from the gravel will float in the water making for unsightly, cloudy water. In order to remedy this problem, they should empty the tank, thoroughly rinse the gravel and attempt it again.

One of the unknown causes for cloudy water is dissolved constitutes. If you test your tank's pH and find it to be high, or alkaline, you most probably have a high level of dissolved metals and phosphates. This is easily remedied by purchasing a water conditioner.

Many tank owners decide to take on the responsibility of having live freshwater plants in their aquariums, but if they do not take proper care of these plants then the dead, decaying matter can cloud up the water. If any dead plants are seen, or plants with a large number of dead leaves are present, remove all the dead matter.

One of the most common cloudy water causes is young children over feeding their pet fish, allowing the excess amounts of fish food to break down and cloud up the tank.

When seeing noticeably green, cloudy water, the most obvious reason is an overgrowth of algae. An explosion of algae is usually caused by an excess amount of sunlight, especially if the tank is located near a sunny window. The algae may also be feasting on decaying plant and fish food matter, along with phosphates and nitrites found in the water. You may also want to put algae eating fish, snails or shrimp in your tank.

Having fresh, crystal clear water is one of the most desirable things an aquarium owner can have. With a few simple tips, and knowing the most common causes for cloudy water, new tank owners can have the beautiful freshwater aquarium that they have dreamed about.

The Different Categories For Fish Tank Decorations

People interested in setting up an aquarium will find a lot of accessory items available to use. The fish tank decorations are as diverse as the personalities of the people setting up the tanks. Synthetic plants can fall into this category, because they are used to enhance the visual appearance of the tank. These are different from live plants,discus fish, but can be made to replicate the look of the natural products. Synthetic plants can come in different heights and widths to fit inside different sizes of aquariums. They provide spaces where fish can hide or sleep without being disturbed by other fish in the tank.

Another category for decorations includes statues. These items are usually made of ceramic and can come in an array of objects. People can choose to create a theme for their tank by selecting specific types of ceramic pieces. A sunken pirate ship can be used in combination with a chest full of treasure and an array of logs. An oriental bridge can be a nice addition to a tank containing exotic or tropical fish. Colored pieces of ceramic coral can accent the bridge as well as multicolored stones.

There are also a number of character statues available to purchase. These include various poses for the deep sea diver as well as many types of mermaids. There are also whimsical characters based on popular children's shows, that can be fun additions to tanks used in homes with children. Fish can also be found as sculpted pieces, which can add an interesting effect to some types of tanks. Some character images are used in combination with signs to create a humorous piece, such as the goldfish placed next to a sign stating No Fishing. Pirates, skeletons and skulls can be found in settings with boulders, logs or cliffs.

Buildings are also available to use as decorations in aquariums. The classic building is the castle. This item can be made to look like a fairytale item or one made out of sand. The entrance to the castle is usually made large enough to allow most small to medium sized fish to enter. A building can also be designed as a hut or a cliff side dwelling found on islands. These structures are available in different sizes and can be enhanced with the addition of small island statues. The buildings are created to give fish somewhere to hide or rest just like the artificial plants.

Solving 3 Aquarium Problems Using Aqua Ionizer

If keeping an aquarium was as easy as filling a container with water and throwing in some fish, everyone would be successful. The truth is, eight out of ten new hobbyists give up within a year. The three main problematic areas with almost every beginning to even intermediate aquarists is maintaining balanced water, fish diseases, and nuisance green algae. In essence, all three are closely related, and figuring out the proper fix will eventually help control all three problem areas.

So how does one narrow down and determine what the proper fix is? Well after 16 years of working in an aquarium store, I have become very familiar with the main problem and can now diagnosed the proper fix that will pretty much work for every hobbyist. This is of course assuming that your aquarium has the basics... a biological filter and an aeration pump in the tank. By simply adding some ionization to your aquarium will not only purify water to a revitalized quality but ensure that all organic contaminates are eliminated.

In the store we have found that using the Aqua Ionizer, which is designed to provide ionization to aquariums,aquarium fish home, immediately oxidizes impurities and toxic gases. This is accomplished when the filter applies ionizing pulses to the flow of water, reducing the bond between water molecules, and allowing the Oxygen atoms to free-up and exhibit greater bioavailability. This process of freeing-up Oxygen availability within the aquarium stimulates both constant oxidation of harmful organic compounds and complete breakdown of ammonia. What this means for the aquarium hobbyist is that all wastes and contaminates will simply remain at very undetectable levels and the aquarium water will maintain a proper biological balance. Problem one solved!

This is good news, but it gets even better. The most difficult and crucial task for an aquarium hobbyist is to maintain proper balanced water, but once achieved, everything else falls into place. Aquariums with balanced water rarely have problems with diseases and nuisance green algae. So problems two and three get solved as well...that's great news!

By learning as much as you can about keeping aquarium water balanced, you will not only keep fish alive longer, but you'll also gain a better understanding of how the ecology of an aquarium actually works. This will pay off in dividends of greater success and fewer lost fish. You'll also get far more pleasure from your aquarium.

How to Choose Among Custom Fish Tanks

Custom fish tanks have a wide range of options and the genuine beauty of one will liven up any house or office area. This is a great, unique way to improve a room compared to a regular fish tank. Many houses and offices are putting in new, customized aquarium tanks. There are various kinds of tanks that can be installed and used. The fortunate side of it is that these types of tanks are less expensive than one would consider. Customers can select among numerous varieties. A custom fish tank is certain to cost more than a regular aquarium since you will pay for an exceptional design that is also affordable.

There are various factors related to your custom tank install and an important one is the size. The area should provide a large amount of varying temperatures for the AC and heating and should not be installed in an area that receives a lot of sunlight exposure. The fish and plants will need light as long as it is natural light and some people may want artificial light which is still suitable.

Tanks can be made at different heights. Your preference should determine the height at which you want the tank. This is best decided by the way you would like the tank to be viewed. A significant benefit to a personalized fish tank is the chance to set it up just the way you want it with many of the great features you want to have installed.

Of course,Cichlid Fish Care, it is important that you stock the tank after it has been installed. There is a profound range of freshwater or saltwater life to include in the tank. Finding the right location for a fish tank will usually depend on the shape. Tanks have to remain out of direct sunlight to reduce fish growth and temperature variations. Weight restrictions have to be considered, as well. Custom fish tanks are heavy because a twenty gallon tank will suit a second floor, but one that is sixty gallons should be placed on a concrete floor or it could affect the ceiling beneath the tank.

In regards to searching for custom aquariums, it may be smart to search for a few quotes first. A well-known resource involves looking for providers near you by visiting the internet. You want to choose a company that can fit your tank according to your personal preference. A tank is also not lively without tropical plants. Even if you are mindful about your budget and want to go with artificial plant life, or if you want to buy fresh fauna, many professional services will assist you in designing a tank.

Decorating Your Tropical Fish Tank

Tropical fish not only add to a home environment but they enjoy living in a pleasant environment in their own right. Choosing the right tropical fish tank decorations is not only a pleasant aspect of the hobby of keeping and raising them,fish tank, but they will enhance your fish's daily lives.

Some decorations depend on the size and the volume of your fish population. If you have only one or two small fish in a modest-sized fish bowl, a bottom of marbles with one or two small pieces of driftwood and perhaps a single line of sea vegetation planted on that bottom will make a pleasant enough environment. Many fish keepers use artificial vegetation, but if you have a fishbowl or tank with a firm flat bottom you can actually bring in sea soil and real water plants for your fish and allow nature to take its course.

If you have a large aquarium with several fish, you should feel free to bring in much more. Driftwood and stones will work well for the tank bottom and rarely disturb the proper pH balance of your tank. If your stones and woods have large openings, your fish will enjoy these even more, though you can also arrange the stones or woods into small structures that still allow your fish to pass through or even rest inside. In the wild or in captivity, tropical fish love to feel as though they are exploring. When you clean your tank and replenish its foundations, be sure to re-arrange the stones, woods, and vegetation in a different way each time.

Though many aquarium owners still enjoy putting humorous items such as water wheels, plastic sunken ships, plastic deep-sea divers, and the like into their aquariums, the best tank decorations are nature's own. Because some water plants may be damaged or otherwise respond negatively to the aquarium's filtration system, you should consult with your fish dealer or expert to determine which plants are best placed where. Most, however, will likely advise that taller plants are best placed in the middle or to the rear of the aquarium while shorter plants are best placed toward the front or the sides.

Finally, many aquarium owners prefer to line the rear wall of their tanks with one or another image sheet. If your fish respond well to natural surroundings, a sheet containing a photograph of a natural underwater habitat should make them feel even more at home.

A Freshwater Aquarium Guide

Are you interested in establishing your own freshwater aquarium? There are so many different things to learn and know about aquariums before you buy them, so consider first, reading a freshwater aquarium guide. Such things as which tank to buy, which substrate and decorations to use, and how to introduce fish to their new home should all be thought about.

A large majority of children grew up having a small fish bowl with their favorite pet fish, but any good freshwater aquarium guide will advise that you start off with a sturdy medium-sized aquarium because they are actually easier to care for. It is suggested that you do not go smaller than a ten gallon size aquarium. You must also consider where you are going to place the aquarium in your home. The size and style of the tank must coordinate and fit nicely with where you ultimately decide to place it. Aquariums may also be made with either glass or acrylic. Acrylic is usually better for children because it does not break as easily as glass, so any small accidents with a stray ball in the house will not end up with your pet fish swimming on the floor! Glass is not as expensive as acrylic and is usually the best option for households without small children.

Next, you should decide on the different substrate and decorations to use. The most common substrate used is sand or colored gravel. You should also decide if you want to use fake or real water plants. Fake plants can add a colorful pop that never die and require no attention, but real plants have numerous benefits such as providing a more natural environment and filtering carbon dioxide while giving off oxygen. Consult a freshwater aquarium guide for different ideas on decorations.

After setting up your new aquarium you should let it cycle for a few weeks. Fishless cycling is always recommended because it is more humane. A basic understanding of the nitrogen cycle is essential,Freshwater Fish, and it will save a few fish lives. After your tank has cycled, it will harbor the beneficial bacteria necessary to break down the fish waste.

The final and most enjoyable step is to head to a reputable fish store to purchase some new additions to your aquarium. Doing research beforehand and having a freshwater aquarium guide handy should aid you in picking out the appropriate fish. For first time aquarium owners, it is recommended that you purchase just a few hardy starter fish--aggressive or difficult to care for fish should be avoided. Make sure to only add a few fish at a time to the aquarium and do not overcrowd the tank because that could result in illness, stress, and ultimately death for the fish.

If you are interested in establishing a freshwater aquarium doing some research can greatly help you with deciding what you want and need for a healthy, thriving aquarium. With a few simple points in mind, and a trusty freshwater aquarium guide, you can be the proud new owner of an amazing freshwater aquarium.

Starting a Small Aquarium

Starting a small aquarium can be an even harder task than starting a larger aquarium. Keeping the water parameters stable in a small aquarium is no mean feat and relying on water changes is not an acceptable substitute for true knowledge. In this short article I will outline the main steps and guidelines in order to help you understand the risks of smaller tanks and the techniques needed to keep them stable.

The first thing you must know is that the number of fish in your tank, their size and how much waste they each produce determines the volume of nitrogen that will be produced. Overfeeding and decaying plant matter can also contribute to this. All rotting matter will produce ammonia which is converted into nitrites and finally nitrates by bacteria in the aquarium, most of which live in the filter media. It is therefore important to keep fish numbers down in small aquaria and avoid messy fish such as cichlids and goldfish.

When starting a new aquarium, you must monitor the progression of the nitrogen cycle,koi, which typically requires 6 to 8 weeks before a tank can be considered as cycled. this means that there is an established bacteria population in the aquarium environment capable to breaking down the ammonia and nitrites produced. Failure to cycle a tank properly can result in ammonia stress, something capable of killing fish. Signs of ammonia stress include fish gasping at the water surface or redness appearing around their gills, fins and bodies.

Performing water changes is an important part of the nitrogen cycle as it removes nitrates from the water. Water changes should be carried out regularly every week with no more than 20% of the total aquarium volume being changed at any one time. This is to ensure that the nitrogen cycle isn't severely interrupted by the water changes. Chlorine remover should be added to any fresh water as chlorine is harmful to fish. Ammonia removing products should be avoided as these also interfere with the cycling process.

After having cycled a tank, all other aspects such as the decorations and plants etc. can be added. Additional fish can be added slowly over time to ensure the filter isn't shocked by a suddenly increasing biological load.

Providing you cycle your new small aquarium, you should be able to create a healthy environment for you fish within 6 to 8 weeks of the first water being poured in.

3 Main Fish Pond Accessories You Need to Build a Fish Pond

When looking to buy fish pond accessories to start and build your own garden fish pond, there are three main items you should have at the very top of your list.

The first item to look for is fish pond liners these can come in a few different styles and materials, one of the more popular styles are the EPDM liners. These are one of the more cost effective ways of lining your pond, they are very easy to buy you just have to work out the size of the hole you have prepared and allow for some over hang. (roughly two feet all around should do)

You should then look for good quality pond filters, it is really important you get the right one as this keeps the water clear and fresh for a healthy environment for your fish. These can be reasonably expensive so do some research and find one that can do the job but also fit in with your budget, it is a good idea to get one slightly bigger than what you need if you want to add more fish later.

The quality of the filter is something you should concentrate on before anything else, to make sure you get the best quality for your money then do some research online and check out sites that allow customers to leave reviews like Amazon. This is a great way of understanding how good the particular filter would be for your pond, the best way of learning about particular fish pond equipment would be to listen to people who have already had experience with it.

Another important item is the pond pumps, these keep the water moving around in your pond to provide oxygen in the water for your fish. These can also be reasonably expensive but once you know the right size you can check out some of the different makes available to find one within your budget, these three items you should spend the maximum you can and more importantly make sure they are of good quality.

So when looking to buy fish pond accessories these are the main ones you should concentrate on,betta fish, the others like skimmers, pond plants, pond nets, fish pond covers, can all wait until you have established the basic set up of your fish pond. When buying fish pond accessories you should always have in mind the health of the pond, not how great the pond will look with certain accessories but how healthy the environment is going to be for your fish.

Just by getting these three simple things right you are 75% of the way to establishing a healthy environment for your fish, so remember buy what you can afford and always try to make sure you get the best quality items you can.

Choosing The Best Fish Tank Accessories

Someone who is decorating an aquarium for the first time may not realize all of the fish tank accessories that are available. While deciding the best look for your aquarium, it is easy to get overwhelmed with all of the choices. There are websites on the internet that provide resources to help you find the right decorations for your tank.

Filtration

One of the first and most important things you need to do is make sure you have the proper filtration system for the aquarium you plan to use. You need to know how many gallons your tank holds and you should know the kind of fish you plan to keep. These factors will determine the type of filter that you will need.

Plants

There are many plants you can use to decorate your aquarium. There are several different designs, colors and styles. You can choose to use real, live plants in your tank. Live plants do require a certain amount of light, and can have other needs as well. Certain live plants can be torn easily by fish, which will leave debris that must be cleaned up. If live plants seem like too much trouble, there are a lot of great artificial plants to choose from as well.

Fish

Because of their colorful appearances and beauty,goldfish, the fish themselves can add to the decorative quality of your tank. While selecting the fish that you want, it is important to remember that certain fish cannot coexist in the same tank with other types of fish. You should always research the fish that you want beforehand. This way, you can be sure they can live together. If you are a beginner, it is also a good idea to choose less expensive fish at first.

Aquarium Ornaments

There are a lot of different styles of ornamentation that you can get for your fish tank. Some types work with your aquarium's air pump to cause movement at specific intervals. There are many ornaments; in fact, the different varieties of ornaments is countless. Because there are so many, it is easy to find something that suits your specific preferences.

Having your own aquarium can add beauty to any room. It can also give your space a brand new feel. There are many types of fish, aquariums and fish tank accessories to pick from. With proper research, having fish can be a fun and enriching experience.

Cleaning Your Fish Tank

Introduction

Once you have your aquarium established, the only activity you think is difficult is cleaning it. But it can be very rewarding to perform this action to keep your fish healthy and happy. Plus it will only take you abut thirty minutes a week to perform this operation.

I did a lot of research on how often and how much water to remove when I clean my aquarium. Because of all the conflicting information out there I decided to take all this information and make up my own frequency of cleaning.

I found that the frequency I developed for cleaning and the amount of water I replaced with each cleaning is ideal for my 75-gallon fresh water aquarium. After over five years, my fish are healthy and happy.

Frequency Of Cleaning

The frequency of cleaning I found depends on how much water you remove at each cleaning. I did not want to completely drain my tank just to clean it but I wanted to keep healthy and happy fish.

I decided on cleaning my aquarium once a week with a manual vacuum that I use to remove the debris that has settled beneath and between the substrate. This frequency of cleaning has worked well for over five years.

Amount Of Water Removal

What I found on trying to determine the amount of water to remove during cleaning, is that I did not want to upset the environment I had established in my aquarium. If you are going to establish an aquarium, one of the first things you learn is to establish an environment that your fish can live in.

This means adding bacteria and waiting till they are in equilibrium before you add your first fish and then slowly adding more fish. This slow build up of fish population in your aquarium will not upset your aquariums environment.

Keeping this in mind, I elected to change out ten per cent of my 75-gallon aquarium each time I vacuum the substrate. I actually change out ten gallons of water each week rather than 7.5 gallon.

For the many years I have been removing ten gallons,Freshwater Fish, I have had good chemistry in my water and have not lost any fish in that period of time.

Conclusion

After much research I have elected to clean my 75-gallon aquarium once a week and at the same time replace ten gallons of water. I have performed this for over five years and have maintained good water chemistry and quality. Plus I have not lost a single fish.

Clean A Fish Tank With Filtration

Learning how to clean a fish tank with a filtration system is essential in aquarium and fish care, if you want to keep your fish happy and healthy.

Filter systems clean out any chemicals or pollutants that maybe in your aquarium. These filters are then cleaned or replaced physically.

There are, basically, three types of filtration mechanical, chemical and biological.

1. Mechanical Filtration

Mechanical filtration works to clean any polluting particles from the tank water. It does this by trapping these particles in the fibres or pores of the filtration medium you have chosen. Over time the filtration medium that collects the dirty particles becomes full, just like a receptacle on a household vacuum cleaner, and needs to be emptied or changed. One of the best tips to practice when learning about how to clean a fish tank is to set a regular schedule for the task of cleaning or changing the fish tank filter. Mechanical filtration systems often include material such as polyester fibers,tropical fish, which come in various shape and sizes these will typically include pads that may be woven or pressed fibers. Another medium that mechanical filtration uses is foam sponges but whatever the medium used the fact remains it needs to be cleaned or replaced every 3-4 weeks and this depends on how many fish and what kind you keep in the aquarium. Every 3-4 weeks is a good rule of thumb for a typical mechanical filtration set-up. However, any time your filter gets clogged you should also clean it.

2. Chemical Filtration

In addition to mechanical filtration you could choose chemical filtration to clean your aquarium. Chemical filtration works by using molecules as cleaning agents. One of the most commonly used chemical filtration systems works with activated charcoal. The activated charcoal can remove large volumes of pollutants from most fish tanks as it can trap the smallest particles of pollution. In addition to a charcoal medium, there is also the choice of a carbon based filtration system. Carbon filtration is one of the most popular filters used in aquariums as the filters can remove a large volume of pollutants as well as keeping the water crystal clear. Most people use a carbon filtration combined with one of the mechanical filtration set-ups. Again you must establish your own rules as to how to keep your fish tank clean apart from the filtration system.

3. Biological Filtration

Of the three filtration methods the best and most effective is biological filtration. Also called bio-filtration it will remove unwanted and unnatural pollution particles from the fish tank water that is left behind by chemical and mechanical filtration. Bio-filtration is a little more difficult to understand but is well worth the effort to know how to clean a fish tank with it. Bio-filtration systems will remove unwanted nitrates, ammonia, bad bacteria and nitrates, etc. from your tank water. Bad bacterium is removed and replaced with good bacterium.

Understanding the various filtration systems is essential in knowing how to clean a fish tank, since unclean water will fatally damage your fish. For example, if fish do not live in clean oxygenated water, it will affect their oxygen intake and they will die and your fish tank will stink. So, learn all you can about the different filtration systems and how to clean a fish tank properly.

Koi Fish Meaning - Understanding Their Symbolic Values

What do symbols mean? Basically they mean whatever the owner wants them to mean. Symbols are given power by the people who have them. From the swastika to the Koi fish meaning, the symbolism will vary from owner to owner. There are those that truly believe that symbols hold power. If you take the time to study history, it will become obvious that runes had unknown magical meanings but no power. Runes gave power because they had the impression of meanings that were magical.

Symbols get power from the person. They will mean anything you want them to mean. Different animal symbols have different meanings. The meaning of Koi fish may seem unknown to many, but there are significant meanings. If you have ever met someone who has a tattoo of a Koi or is a keeper of Koi, they will be eager to tell you the Koi fish meaning.

In Japan the Koi fish meaning is that of luck and good fortune. Add that to strength of purpose and perseverance in adversity and you have the symbol of courage.

There are several Japanese legends associated with the Koi fish. One states that if the Koi could succeed in climbing the Dragon Gate falls on the yellow river it would become a dragon. This legend leads to the symbol becoming that of advancement and worldly aspiration. Another states that if they are caught, they would face death bravely on the cutting board, much like a samurai. The Koi meaning is symbolic in the culture because that regardless of conditions, the fish would swim upstream.

When referring to the status in a family, the black Koi is the father, red is mother, pink and red for a girl and blue and white for the boys.

The platinum colored Koi, Ogon Koi, indicates the fulfillment of business success.

The gold Koi, Yamabuki Koi, is wealth, prosperity and gold.

Originally bred in China, they were later bred in Japan and Korea where they are a symbol of friendship and love.

One of the oldest of the Koi is the Asagi. It has been useful in helping the creation of many varieties. Although they are a blue/gray color, there are those who have a red belly. The red is sometimes extended along the sides and cheeks of the Koi. The scales on the back give highlight to each scale with a darker gray edging. In contrast to the gray on the back scales, the tail fin, gill plates and the base of the pectoral fin are a red color or a deep orange. The back is enhanced by a reticulated pattern of navy,guppy, indigo and pale blue. The shusui version of the Asagi is scaleless and has large mirrored scales along the sides or on the sides of the dorsal fin.

Tancho is the Koi that you may see with a red head patch. Although they are not a form within themselves, they can be bred from the Kohauk, Taisho Sankshoku or Showa Sanshoku.

The resurging popularity of tattoos has created a resurgence of Koi tattoos as well. There are specific tattoos designed for men and others for women. Often the men's will be much brighter in color signifying the strength and perseverance that exemplify the Koi fish meaning. The women's tend to be daintier in design.

The Koi fish meaning are those most often taken from the symbolism of Japan. The Japanese culture is well known for giving meaning to different animals. They base the Koi fish meaning on the fish behavior. They consider the Koi to be the most energetic of all fish. The Koi are constantly in motion and will churn the water in which they are living. There are countries that are trying to limit the Koi population. This is due to the stirring up of substrate due to the motion.

There are two ways that this can be interpreted. One is that the Koi means you are a non-conformist. The Koi swims upstream and is symbolic of being a non-conformist. It signifies independence and the person may or may not perform tasks in the manner they are expected. It can also mean the that person marches to the tune of their own drummer and is not easily influenced by the actions or suggestions of others.

The Koi fish meaning also symbolizes strength in adversity. Simply stated, "when the going gets tough, the tough get going" would identify the attitude of the Koi.

How to Clean Your Aquarium When the Water Is Cloudy

Introduction

If you have an aquarium, you will eventually have cloudy water. This will usually occur when you first develop your aquarium but can occur later in the life of your aquarium.

By cleaning your tank you may also improve the visibility in your tank, but you will also need to get to the cause.

Causes Of Cloudy Water

Cloudy water can cause your fish to become stressed and eventually develop disease and die. So it is important that you first understand what is causing your water to be cloudy and clear it up.

I have a 75-gallon aquarium that has been cloudy once when I first started it up. My cloudiness was caused by bacteria growth which is normal for a new aquarium.

Some causes of cloudy water in an aquarium tank are:

Not Rinsing - Anything you stick in your aquarium needs to be rinsed. I even rinse the live plants I put in my tank.

When I rinsed my gravel substrate, I was surprised at the amount of dirt I washed off.

So if this is a new aquarium, the cloudiness could be caused by not rinsing what you have placed in your aquarium. If this is the case, clean your tank by completely draining the tank and washing everything in it.

Bacteria - As I stated earlier if this is a new aquarium,guppy, the cloudiness in your tank could be caused by the establishment of your bacteria colonies, called bacteria bloom. If this is the case then eventually this will go away by itself.

Debris - If you over-feed your fish and do not clean all the fish waste out then you could develop cloudy water. Reducing the amount you feed your fish and performing a vacuum of the substrate every time you replace some of the water will help clear up the water.

How To Clean

I found the best way to clean your tank when your water is cloudy, is to do it when you perform a water replacement. With my 75-gallon aquarium, I use a manual vacuum that picks up the waste in the substrate and at the same time removes the water. I clean half the tank weekly and replace ten gallons of water each week.

If your water was cloudy, other than because of bacteria, I would recommend cleaning the whole tank and replacing 25% of the water. Do this weekly or more often till the water clarity is where you want it.

Why I Think Node-Based Graphics Systems Are Over-Complicated

If you've ever used a node system (they seem to be appearing everywhere now) you'll either: A) swear by their use, and wonder what I'm complaining about, probably thinking I just need to spend more time with it, or B) Think they're over-complicated and created that way to alienate the masses from their use.

I shall explain my argument with a simple test I performed with both Adobe's After Effects, and The Foundry's Nuke. Now I will say first of all that I'm biased towards After Effects, having used it for several years, but I didn't find it as frustrating to start off with as I did when I tried Nuke. The test was easy: Import a small video clip, turn it black and white, look at it.

Seems easy enough...Lets start with After Effects (hereafter AE) In AE, I went to File > Import > clicked on my video clip > OK. Now the clip was inside AE's project browser. I clicked and dragged it to the logical looking place for clips, the large rectangle area at the bottom and *TA DA* AE creates a new composition to the exact length of my clip. So far so good. Next I looked for the effects, which are cleverly labeled "Effects". Searched for 'black and white', got a preset called 'black and white', clicked and dragged that onto my clip, and instantly it turned black and white. I then pressed the play button and was nicely treated to my clip playing in black and white.

Okay, let's try Nuke. Opened Nuke, had a look for an import function. After about 5 minutes of trying to find it I gave up (I'm sure if there are some dedicated Nuke users reading this, you're probably thinking I'm a fool and screaming out how obvious the import function is, however, it didn't present itself to me after looking for it) So I went for the next option of opening Window's explorer, and dragging the clip across the screen so I could directly drop it into Nuke. This worked, but seemed an odd way of getting footage in there. Now finding the black and white (B&W) present wasn't too hard, I'll let Nuke off there, so I dropped the B&W node into my endless sea of node space. Had a think for a moment, logic would suggest connecting the B&W node to the clip, but it isn't, it's the other way around. Fair enough, I guess if you're running a chain of events it will go Clip > Make it black and white > Preview.

So now I'm at the stage of trying to look at my clip, only nothing happens. After searching on Google for a while, I discover I have to connect my clip to a viewing node (or something). I'm sorry, but this just seems utterly pointless to me. If I'm working with something visual, I'd expect to be able to see it as a default setting. You wouldn't buy a TV with everything but the screen in it, then go and buy the screen later. Apple ship their iPods with headphones (though I'm sure they've been tempted to make you buy them separately), but they point is, if you're going to do something, you want the end result as part of the process, not something that should be an option. So now I've got my clip, black and white, and I can see it, so I want to play it back. However I find that upon pressing the play button that it is very jumpy, distorted and broken. I've got a good spec PC, AE has no trouble playing back 50 layers of video and effects, but Nuke is struggling to play a 10 second B&W clip. "WHY?!" I scream while slowly pulling out my eyelashes to ease the pain and frustration.

After yet more Googling I discovered that Nuke is based upon the speed of your hard drive transfer rate, and likes to think about files in terms of frames, rather than whole films. So that 16Gb of Ram I've got is sitting their quietly, probably drinking a cheap whiskey and waiting for something to do, while my hard drive is frantically jumping back and forth between video frames.

After this I just gave up, I am fully aware of some of the fantastic film effects that have been composited using Nuke,koi, but when I see a mass tangle of node wires crossing over and inserting themselves into colourful boxes with little meaning, looking like spaghetti and meatballs without the sauce, I can't help but think this program is intentionally hard to understand, just so only the most dedicated of people will ever get to understand its secrets. And I guess that's why only the best at it get the best jobs.

How Has Technology Helped Businesses Expand

There is no denying that technology is essential when it comes to running any business. In fact, many companies welcome new technologies that will help advance their productivity. The computer has not only ensured increased output but, it has also minimized employee workload and company expenses. Companies are now in a position to produce double or even triple of what they did before. They have also enlarged their market through advertising on various social websites,Freshwater Fish, via SMS marketing and other mediums that have technological capacity. Gone are the days of overworking and realizing meager returns. Jobs can now be evenly distributed among employees and effectively worked on. Outsourcing has also become commonplace with many companies. This is a viable way to have jobs performed by skilled individuals at low costs. Most firms outsource work because they save more than 65% by doing so.

On the other hand, small businesses now have a chance to compete with large corporations and form a marketable niche for themselves. There is a place for every business; it only requires that the owner use all resources available to reach his target market. Through technology, a small business owner can keep his trade up to date and attract more customers. He can also get ideas from large companies to expand his business and realize higher returns. By using different marketing software and tools available online, he has the opportunity to advance his business and position it right under his preferred customers. This increases sales, thus better output and more revenue.

Another notable mention of business and technology is maintaining clientele and outdoing competition. This can be done through customer relations, which has been greatly improved. Web owners can interact with their clientele and establish what they need as well as how to deliver products conveniently. Through this interaction, a business will understand how to effectively accommodate its customers and get them to be loyal. This will not only help retain customers but, the business will also grow publicly. Likewise, a trader can outdo his competitors by creating community development projects and programs. This is a sure way to draw more consumers while advocating for a good cause. Developing the community as the company diversifies is a sure way to surpass the competition.

Technology continues to advance and it is therefore imperative for every business owner to remain updated. Incorporating technological ideas is not only advisable for the expansion of a business but, it also makes managing and running the trade effectively, possible.

The Benefits Of Obtaining IT Certifications

Just as is true in many fields, people who try to secure entry-level positions in the IT industry often encounter a Catch-22. Employers are reluctant to hire someone with no experience, and it is impossible to get work experience until one gets hired. People often try to get around this dilemma by taking college courses. Unfortunately, unless the employer is familiar with the particular college program, it may not carry much weight. This is where obtaining recognized IT certifications can help. Employers know that those who hold such certifications as those issued by CompTIA, CISCO and Novell have completed classroom and hands-on training and passed a comprehensive examination. An applicant who has one of these certifications has a better chance of being hired than one who does not. Of these, some of the most sought-after are the CompTIA certifications.

CompTIA Certifications

The certification exams offered by CompTIA, the Computer Technology Industry Association, are known and respected industry-wide. CompTIA created their first certification, the A+, in 1993 to be a vendor-neutral PC maintenance and repair standard. Up to that point,guppy, repair technicians had to obtain certifications for every brand of PC and software that they wanted to work on. With the advent of the A+ certification, employers could be assured that potential employees had a comprehensive knowledge of the most common PC hardware and software platforms.

Today CompTIA offers 17 different certifications, but of these employers consider three to be almost essential for anyone aspiring to become a PC or networking technician. The applicant who has these certifications on his or her resume will have a better chance of being hired or promoted than the one who does not.

The A+ Certification- A+ certification requires that two exams be taken. The A+ Essentials exam shows that the tester has the knowledge of PCs and networking that would be expected of a field technician with 500 hours of experience. The A+ Practical exam measures troubleshooting, repair and problem-solving competencies.

The Network+ Certification- This certification covers the knowledge required of a network technician. To obtain this certification, one must prove expertise in types of networks, the ways that various network components communicate, network security and more. The technician who possesses this certification qualifies for jobs such as network technician, installer or help desk operator.

The Security+ Certification- The holder of a Security+ certification has shown that he or she is an expert in networking security. Tested are topics such as cryptography, access control, preventing and eliminating threats such as viruses and other malware and regulatory compliance. This training prepares people for professions including systems administrator, security consultant and network administrator.

In the competitive world of IT professions, one needs something to set them apart from the crowd. Those seeking to enter or move up in the IT world must prove to prospective employers that they have the requisite knowledge and skills to do the job. Whether one's goal is to get hired as a desktop support or networking technician, or to be promoted in their company, certifications such as those offered by CompTIA can mean the difference between success or failure.

Koi Colors - Why Am I Confused

Koi colors. This appears to be the only way ornamental koi fish are classified. Just trying to understand all the colors can be almost overwhelming for a beginner, but with a little patience and study it all begins to make sense.

Koi is simply the Japanese word for carp. It doesn't matter if the fish is the grey colored variety used for food or a brightly colored ornamental fish gracing a landscaped and meticulously maintained backyard pond. They are both 'koi' in Japan. The only difference is of course, the color. And koi colors are what have made this fish become of great interest to collectors and breeders and a hugely profitable industry.

In English, the word 'koi" refers only to the ornamental fish. In Japan, koi are symbols of love and friendship and this fish has become prized all over the world for its bright,aquarium plants, vibrant colors. This type of fish is regarded as a symbol of friendship and love. As such, it has become extremely popular on everything from jewelry to tattoos.

Koi colors are beautiful and original. No two individual fish are exactly the same. This uniqueness is what gives the koi fish the ability to impart calmness and serenity to people owners and people who just like to watch them. Different varieties are distinguished by color, patterns and scales. Every breeder seems to be actively looking for a new variety to develop. The sheer number of varieties (all based on color) can make it difficult to keep up.

It has been suggested that for a beginner to fully appreciate the beauty of koi, one needs to have an understanding of the Japanese terminology that describes the koi colors. For a novice, like myself, this can be a little overwhelming. After all, wikipedia lists more than twenty varieties and I have seen lists that had more than forty varieties. So I need a list to refer to. If I have a reference, then I don't need to worry about terminology right away.

What I have noticed about Japanese terminology for koi colors is that there is often two or more words for the same color. One may refer to the basic skin color of the fish, and another to same color markings on a different color skin. For example, a koi with red skin can be called "aka" and red markings on a different color skin will be called "hi" or simply "hee". Very confusing.

The beautiful and vibrant color is probably the reason most people become ornamental koi fish owners in the first place. After all, if the fish were not gorgeous, why would we want them in our pond. It is only later, after we have had koi for awhile that we begin to appreciate other attributes such as hardiness, size and longevity and of course, their individual personalities.

Considerations to Make When Choosing Aquarium Products

There are many different types of aquarium products in the market. This can make choosing the most suitable one an overwhelming experience more so for first time aquarium owners. However, with the right tips and guidelines, the process becomes less daunting. Choosing becomes a lot easier and you get to settle for what you have desired all along. Here are some important considerations that you should put in mind when it comes to selecting the best aquarium products in the market.

The first consideration should be on the type of aquarium you have. There are two common types of aquariums which include the saltwater aquarium and reef aquarium. Once you are sure of the type that you have, making a selection will be somewhat easy. This is mainly because most products are arranged according to aquarium types.

It is, secondly, important to consider the size of the aquarium you have. There are distinctive types of aquarium accessories. This normally depends on the aquarium size. Some accessories may not fit on smaller aquariums when they are meant for bigger ones. And for the smaller accessories, they will not work effectively on the bigger aquariums. Ensure therefore that you put the aquarium size in mind so as to avoid going for either small aquarium products or extremely big ones.

Thirdly, the features of the aquarium should be put in to consideration. There are some aquariums that need more supplies than others. This normally depends on the size and type of aquarium. You can only know whether you need to purchase lighting, chillers, filters,Freshwater Fish, pumps and any other supplies if you have the right size and type of the fish tank. Ensure therefore that you carefully understand all the features that the fish tank needs before purchasing any. This is to avoid going for products that are not necessary which will make you spend more for no good reason.

The fourth consideration that should be made has to do with the amount of fish in the tank. The more the fishes in the tank the more fish tank supplies you will need to purchase. These include supplies such as aquarium heaters, sterilizers and the likes. You want to give the fish the best environment they can have. This means having the right ratio of fish to supplies.

Lastly, the cost of the aquarium products being purchased should never be overlooked. Different shops offer their products at dissimilar prices. This means that you should do some research on a good number of shops in the market. This way you will be at a better position to know which shop supplies the best products at competitive prices. You can also find out more about where to get affordable aquarium products by asking around for recommendations. Since you are interested in getting the best at the least expense, you will take your time to find out more about aquariums and their products. This way you will never regret going for the aquarium products that you settle for.

Aquarium - Driftwood In Your Aquarium

When you design your aquarium, you want to give it that natural look. Not only for yourself, but to make your fish feel like they are back home in their natural state.

Nothing will make your aquarium look more natural and have your fish feel at home than putting driftwood in the tank.

Why Driftwood

Besides making your aquarium look natural and having your fish feel at home,aquarium fish home, it can also provide hiding places for some of your fish that are introverted. I have three African Featherfin Catfish that fall into this category and they hide in the driftwood I have provided.

Another use for driftwood is to anchor your floating plants.

If you have fish that come from the Amazon River, such as Tetras or Plecos, the tannins released by the driftwood will make the pH of your water more acidic and darken your water like it is in the Amazon River.

Selecting Driftwood

It is tempting to walk down to the beach or river and select the piece you want to go in your fish tank. This is not recommended unless you know how to cure the wood. If the wood is cured it will just disintegrate.

Many good pet stores sell driftwood that has already been cured. In fact, you can even find some selections already with plants attached to them. I have several pieces with Java Moss already rooted to the wood.

Preparing Your Driftwood

If you buy some driftwood already in the aquarium, the tannins should already be removed from the wood. If this is the case, make sure you rinse it off before putting in your aquarium. You do this to prevent mixing the environments of the pet store aquarium with yours.

If you buy it dry, you need to ensure the tannins are removed unless you have fish from the Amazon River. To do this place the wood in a container full of water. Replace the water everyday and when it stops turning the water a tea color and the pH does not become acidic, then it is ready to be put in your tank.

If you want to have plants attached to your driftwood like Water Wisteria or Java Moss, attach the roots to the driftwood with thread or even a rubber band. If you use thread it will dissolve but you will have to remove the rubber band once the roots have attached themselves to the wood.

Conclusion

Driftwood is a good addition to any ones aquarium, it makes it look more natural and your fish will enjoy the wood too. But you may need to prepare it before you put it in your aquarium to remove the tannins. Tannins will make your aquarium water look like weak tea and make the water slightly acidic.

Discover The Correct Betta Fish Water Temperature

Here is the question of the day for you betta lovers. What do you think your betta fish water temperature should be in their tank? 70 degrees? after all, they are tough fighting fish. 75 degrees? that's where we keep the temperature of our houses. How about 80 degrees? Well, if you guessed 80 degrees, your were correct and your betta loves you for it.

Does it surprise you that your betta should have water temperature at 80 degrees? Think about it for a second, they are tropical fish, tropical fish live where the temperatures are almost always above 80 degrees. If the temperature drops below 80, the water they are in, holds the higher temperature until the sun comes out and it warms up again.

The urban legend of a little betta living in mud puddles and jumping from one to the other, is just that, an urban legend. These fish live in rice paddies, rivers and ponds that usually maintain a fairly high temperature.

Thinking of your betta as a fish that needs no special treatment or care is pretty much going to doom your betta to an early grave or whatever.

My wife and I got a beautiful blue betta for our anniversary about 4 years ago. For two years we were at home most of the time and the house stayed at 75 degrees. During the summer we set the temperature at 80 degrees. We noticed a marked increase in activity from our betta when the house was at 80 degrees as opposed to 73 or 75 degrees. It never dawned on us that this was due to the difference in temperatures. We just figured he was lazy one day and not the other.

During the winter we took a week long trip and had one of our neighbors look in and feed our fish. We set the house temperature at 65 degrees.

When we returned from the trip, our beautiful little betta was on the floor of his tank and appeared to be dead. The house temperature was 66 degrees. We both thought the little guy was a goner. We left him until we unpacked and the house warmed up. After about an hour he began to swim around and when the house temperature reached 75 degrees, he was swimming around in his normal manner.

It was at this point that the light came on for my wife and I. Maybe betta fish should not be in cold water. Remember, tropical fish!

My wife jumped on the internet and started doing some research. Sure enough, almost all the sights made it clear that bettas should be kept in tanks that were heated and kept around 80 degrees. I wonder how many poor little bettas have died from hypothemia when the waters in their tanks got very cold.

So what's the answer to this problem? and why don't the employees in the fish depratment at the pet store tell us about this? It's as simple as buying a tank heater for your betta's tank. Could it be any simpler than that! How many people have had their fish die and wonder what the cause might have been. A few words at the pet store would have taken care of the problem.

Many aquariums and fish tanks come equipped with tank heaters or can easily have one installed in the tank.

The SIZE of the heater will depend on the SIZE of your betta tank.

In my view, the smallest size for a betta should be a 2 gallon tank, which would require about a 10 watt heater.

It is best to get one that is fully submersible and is safe even if run while dry. A heater this size can raise the water temperature by approximately 5 degrees. Cost for one this size would be around $13.

As you get into the larger tanks, such as a 5 gallon, a 40 to 50 watt heater would be required. Price on one such as this would be about $25.

Now that you have decided to get a heater,aquarium fish home, the next question is, where do you get one? How about the pet store where you bought your fish. Most pet stores carry a variety of fish tanks and heaters. Many tanks come with heaters made especially for that size aquarium. If not, just go by the previous guidelines, ask the Department Manager for help and read the information on the heater packaging.

Don't forget that thing called the World Wide Web. There are hundreds of sites where you can purchase a betta tank heater.

One other thing you should consider getting, is a thermometer to test the temperature of the water. This is the only accurate way of knowing the actual temperature of your bettas water. The cost of a thermometer will be under $10.

Your betta fish will live a happy, healthy life (about 5 years) if you make a little effort to help it. One of the best things you can do, is to make certain that the water in their tank is kept at the correct temperature. A tank heater and a thermometer will make this a very easy task for you.

Ideas for Stocking a 10 Gallon Desktop Aquarium

With around 10 gallons as your desktop aquarium, your options in terms of stocking fish increases. When you have less than 5 gallons, it is better to keep your fish tank limited to either a single feature fish like a betta, or a very limited number of small schooling fish like guppies or their cousin the endler's livebearers. But when you go 10 gallons and above, you'll be able to add in a few more to give your desktop aquarium some diversity (companions!). Stocking fish isn't an exact science so depending on who you talk to there are going to be a difference of opinion whether it is overstocked or not. The issue is not the fish, but the proper environment you can maintain for the fish to be healthy.

In order to keep your tank environment clean and healthy for your fish, be sure to have proper filtration, heating, cleaning, and periodic water changes depending on your selection of fish. With small sized tanks such as these, they are all vital components of your desktop aquarium as the water chemistry is more sensitive to little changes either made by your fish or the room the tank is in. So given a 10 gallon and above desktop aquarium, here are some ideas on how to stock your tank.

Small community fish tank

When you have at least a 10 gallon tank, you can keep a small community tank. Less than this, then you're better off keeping a single feature fish with a few invertebrates. The uniqueness of desktop aquariums is that they're meant to be a small so you feature them in places that a medium or big fish tank just can't. So it is impractical to create elaborate or complex aquascapes filled with dozens of different fish. For beginners it is still a better idea to stick to having a centrepiece fish along with some companions as a small community tank. A betta is always a great feature fish (and arguably the more popular fish among aquaria enthusiasts) but a great alternative is the dwarf gourami. But don't be tempted to put them both in the same tank as they can get aggressive towards each other.

Dwarf Gourami is a great feature fish

Dwarf gouramis (Colisa lalia) are great beginner's fish, as long as you keep them with other small and peaceful species. They are often spectacularly hued, with iridescent bars and orange-red feelers, which makes them a great centrepiece fish. They grow to a maximum of 2-3 inches, perfect for a desktop-sized aquarium. They are hardy fish just like the betta, and prefers a heavily planted tank for hiding places.

Neon tetras or harlequin rasboras

Alongside the dwarf gourami,betta fish, you can keep 6 neon tetras (Paracheirodon innesi). One of the more popular tetras, neon tetras are also quite hardy fish and suitable for beginners. They are schooling fish so keep a minimum six of them to give you a great shoaling effect when they swim around the tank. As their name suggests, they are great to look at and grows to about 1 inch.

An alternative to the neon tetras are the harlequin rasboras (Trigonostigma heteromorpha). They are also schooling fish so you can keep a minimum of 6 or more depending on the size of your desktop aquarium. A unique little fish, they have a distinctive black triangle mark on their side, a bit like the costume of a Harlequin. They grow to about 1 to 2 inches.

Ghost shrimps and snails

With a dwarf gourami, if you decide on the 6 neon tetras you could include a few (up to 12) ghost shrimps (Palaemonetes) into your tank. Otherwise limit it to 6 ghost shrimps for the harlequin rasboras. They're almost transparent in the water, hence the name "ghost". They walk along the bottom of the tank to collect small food particles to eat, so essentially they're helping you to clean up any excess food. They're also very interesting to look at, that more people are dedicating entire tanks to shrimps alone. Give them some vegetation or plants as hiding spots.

Consider including an apple snail, as they dine on a diet of decomposing plants, algae, and dead animals. They are highly dedicated cleaners that will keep your water quality up and reduce algae levels.

Shape of your fish tank matters

One extra detail you don't want to overlook when deciding what and how many fish to stock is the shape of your desktop aquarium. Rectangle shaped tanks give more horizontal space for your fish to swim, while boxed or hex shaped tanks works great with long and tall plants. Consider reducing the number of fish or invertebrates if you have these boxed or hex shaped tanks to give your bigger feature fish more space and privacy.

So You Want To Be An Aquarist

Introduction,pet bird

So you think you want to be an Aquarist? Well there is more to being an Aquarist than just having a few fish in a bowl.

What Is An Aquarist?

A real basic definition of what is an Aquarist is, "it is a person who takes care of an aquarium as a hobby or as a profession". This is a pretty basic definition but does not do justice for what an Aquarist really is.

Going by the definition above anyone who has a fish in a bowl could qualify as an Aquarist.

Since most people who purchase an aquarium fail, these people would not qualify to have the title Aquarist. Let us redefine it as a person who successfully maintains an aquarium as a hobby or a profession.

A really well qualified Aquarist would also be successfully breeding his freshwater fish in an aquarium.

What Does An Aquarist Do?

An Aquarist is responsible for the proper care of aquarium fish and other aquatic animals such as snails, shrimp and other animals that live in an aquarium. This person is also responsible for maintaining a proper environment that is needed to keep healthy aquatic animals.

Feeding the aquatic animals a varied diet is also required of them. They are also responsible for observing the animals for signs of sickness or injury and if they see any problems they are required to take action to the correct the problem.

You should also be in good health. There will times when you will need to lift, bend, stoop and stand for extended periods of time.

How Do I Become An Aquarist?

If you have a home aquarium and have successfully been keeping your fish tank for over a year. Then you should consider yourself an Aquarist.

But if you want to be a professional Aquarist then you should study life sciences or biology in high school. In college pursue a degree in Aquaculture or Marine Biology.

If you do not want to pursue a degree, then you may want to receive training in this field as an intern. You can receive this training at any large aquarium if you have one in your area. If not, there are lots of pet stores that will hire you on to receive the knowledge you need.

Conclusion

Being an Aquarist means more than just having some fish in a bowl. It requires extensive knowledge of caring for aquatic animals either with a formal education or through an internship.

How Many Starter Fish in a New Set-Up - Set-Up Tip 6

One of the crucial factors when setting up a new fish tank is to determine how many starter fish can be safely added; once the initial waiting period has been finished. You must be careful not to add fish to the point where the population is too large. If this occurs, the new fish will actually poison themselves with the toxins they create.

It takes about six weeks before the beneficial bacteria that were not there in the beginning to created a strong enough population. Once established, they eliminate all the ammonia exhaled and created by the fish as they live. A proper biological filter eliminates this as fast as it is manufactured. In a new fish tank, this overproduction of ammonia cannot be removed by the actual population of denitrifying bacteria strains. Over time, this overproduction of ammonia gradually builds up and causes severe problems. The starter fish literally will poison themselves from the production of their own wastes.

There are lots of rules of thumb that have been offered to help a novice aquarist select the proper amount of starter fish that can be safely added to the new aquarium. We can't tell you about all of them, but will state the one we use to determine the bioload the tank should start with. Actually our guidelines need to be broken into two separate parts, The first is for the brand new aquarium set-up that is just started. The second will be elaborated in a following tip as it refers to the ultimate load an aquarium can safely support once the biological filter and its beneficial bacteria have been established.

For a new aquarium, we recommend - at the very most - one inch of starter fish per gallon capacity of the fish tank.

For example: if the newly established aquarium is a ten gallon tank, we recommend never exceeding ten inches of fish. In this initial calculation, we include the entire length of the fish; from the head to the end of the tail.

As mentioned, if the tank is overloaded with life when a bacterial filter bed is non-existent,discus fish, or still in the process of maturing, the fish will excrete more ammonia than the initial bacterial colonies can ever hope to reduce. In this case, the concentration of ammonia and/or nitrite rapidly rises in the water. To be brutally honest, in the very beginning, the less fish in the tank; as long as there are some to provide a biological load and create some ammonia naturally, the better.

It is much wiser to have a much lighter biological load and allow the bacteria to multiply in lower ammonia levels. You should try to avoid forcing the fish to live in highly toxic conditions that ammonia creates. As long as there is a concentration of ammonia in the water, the bacterial population will continue to increase until all that is produced is eliminated instantaneously.

Actually, in many cases, the ammonia is not as toxic if the pH of the water is low. This phenomenon will be discussed in a later tip. But, in any case, once the bacteria have been given enough time to establish and allowed to populate enough to reduce ammonia almost instantly, it is the consequent build-up of nitrite that is the most lethal.

Koi Types - Your Guide To Koi Varieties

The word "Koi" means "carp" and originates from the Japanese language. The nomenclature indicates both the brightly colored Koi types and the dull gray fish. In Japan the fish are called nishikigoi. The literal translation of nishikigoi is "brocaded carp". Koi in Japan means love or affection. Koi in Japan are symbols of love and affection. They have also become a popular subject for tattoos.

The common carp was grown for a food fish in China as far back at the fifth century. It has been concluded through scientific study that there are a minimum of two different subspecies of carp. One is from east Asia and another from Eurasia. Through continuous cross breeding, the various varieties have evolved. Through the study of mitochondrial DNA, it has been learned that Koi are descendents of a variety of hybridized species.

The characteristics that distinguish the Koi are scalation, patterning and coloration. The primary colors of Koi are black, white, yellow, red, blue and cream. The color combinations are unlimited. Breeders have taken it upon themselves to identify certain color combinations. The most popular of the Koi varieties are the Gasanke which consists of the Taisho Sanshoku, the Showa Sanshoku and the Kohaku varieties.

The crossbreeding has continued. As recently as the 1980's, Ghost Koi was developed in the UK. They are a cross between the wild Koi and the Ogon Koi. Their metallic scales are what distinguish them from other Koi. The dragon carp, which is also known as the Longfin Koi or the Butterfly Koi have long flowing fins which distinguish them from the other varieties. There are those breeders that do not consider the butterfly Koi and ghost Koi to be true Nishikigoi. The development of Koi types continue and the variety of choices increases. There are some who feel that the original Koi types are the only true Koi.

The Various Koi Types

Kohaku: This popular white Koi has red markings on the top of its body. the name Kohaku means red and white. This original Koi developed in the 19th century.

Taisho Sanshoku are also known as Taisho Sanke. In 1914, breeders introduced these types of Koi. They are similar to the Kohaku, but have additional black markings. These small black markings are called sumi. In the United States, they are frequently called Sanke. The kanji can be read as Sanshoku or sanke.

Showa Sanshoku is a black Koi. It has red and white markings. These types of Koi was first shown in 1927 during the Showa empire. The amount of shiroji, white markings, has increased over the years. In the United States the name has been abbreviated to Showa.

Tancho Koi are distinguished by the single red patch that you see on the head of the Koi. The Koi in this category can be either Tancho Showa, Tancho Sanke or Tancho Goshiki. This Koi was named for the Japanese crane. The crane has a red spot on its head also.

Chagoi are tea-colored Koi. The color covers a wide spectrum of colors from a very pale olive drab green to a copper or bonze hue. Recently some have appeared in shades of orange. These particular Koi types are friendly, docile and very large. Keepers like to keep them in their pond with other Koi varieties as they feel they are a sign of good luck.

Asagi Koi is usually red, yellow or cream below the lateral lines of the fish and on its cheeks. The rest of the fish is a beautiful light blue. The name means pale greenish-blue in Japanese and also spring onion or indigo.

Utsurimono Koi are black and have either white, red or yellow markings. The original is the black and white markings, called the zebra color. The red and white are Hi Utsuri and Shiro Utsuri. Utsuri means to print. The black markings are very similar to ink markings. These types of Koi are genetically the same as Showa but without the white or red pigment.

Bekko is a yellow,Freshwater Fish, white or red skinned Koi that has distinctive black markings. The name translates to "tortoise shell". The white, red and yellow Koi varieties are Shiro Bekko, Aka Bekko and Ki Bekko. Occasionally they are confused with Utsuri.

Shusui translates to "autumn green". The Shusui appeared in 1910. It is a cross between the German mirror carp and the Japanese Asagi. These particular Koi types have one line of large scales that extend from its head to its tail.

What Exactly Is Aquaponics

There is a great deal of aquaponics information available today and much of the information was obtained through trial and error. Relatively new to us, is a very unique system that is proven time and again. This system is a hybrid of aquaculture and hydroponics and is a truly "green" and remarkable process. Aquaponics systems can be small or they can be very big.

Having an understanding about aquaponics is necessary to build and maintain your own system. The statistics of food poisoning and other issues is rapidly increasing which is unfortunate with the amount of technology that currently exists. Growing our own food is becoming a necessity in order to keep our families healthy.

Balance

Any aquaponics information that you read should advise that it is an eco system that will work if and when the system is balanced. This only makes sense as we see this within our own systems. However, the components in this system interact with each other so if one part of the system fails (and not addressed in a very timely manner) the entire system will fail.

It must be stressed at this point, that if you were to start your own aquaponics system that it would fail (to a point). You may have trials and errors, but this is mandatory as you are bringing together two different systems and they must successfully unite. Having an understanding of each is important; especially if gardening and caring of fish is new to you.

Simplicity

The concept of the entire process is very simple and should be stressed in any aquaponics information that you read. You are growing two completely different crops that benefit each other. The system includes two containers that are connected by a pump and some tubing. One container, we'll call it a fish tank, holds fish and water. The other container, we'll call it a grow bed, holds plants and either water or another growing medium other than soil.

The fishy water is transferred to the container that the plants are in. The plants absorb the water along with all of the toxins that the fish created in the water, thus cleaning the water. The water is drained back into the fish tank giving the fish clean water to live in until it is time for the water to cycle again.

Decisions

Of course, there is much more aquaponics information to review. The balance of the system also hinges on the types of plants as well as the type(s) of fish you choose. The easiest plants to grow are leafy ones; however, almost any plant can grow in this type of system. The fish chosen can be almost any fish but there are limitations, to a certain point.

The choice of the fish will depend upon if you will harvest them or just use their natural services to fertilize the plants. If you choose to grow them for food, you should choose a species that is easy to care for, is hardy, reproduces easily,goldfish, grows fast and eats almost anything. The species should also be good to eat. One of the most popular species is Tilapia.

As the saying goes, knowledge is power and with aquaponics this is indeed true. The aquaponics information provided here was to give you the basics in the hopes that you will be interested enough to begin your own aquaponics system.

What You Should Think About When Looking For Fish Tanks For Sale

Any person who is in the market for an aquarium will be on the lookout for ads that read, fish tanks for sale. Getting a tank is a big decision and you must take some time to learn about this exciting hobby before you race out a buy an aquarium that will not live up to your expectations.

There are a number of key factors that you will have to take into your decision making process. The price of the tank is obviously going to play a major part in your selection, but it certainly should not be the only one. You should also consider tank placement, size and the intended occupants.

If you are like most people, you will not have unlimited funds at your disposal. Before you buy a tank, you have to work out a budget. Many individuals think that they will have everything covered if they buy a kit. Sadly, this is not the case. There are a number of mandatory items that are not going to be in the majority of packages.

Decorations will certainly not be included. This is actually one of the most important parts of maintaining a healthy tank. The items that you place in the tank should closely resemble a fish's natural environment. You have to consider the kinds of fish that you want to place in the tank when you are selecting plants, substrate (gravel) and rocks.

Take a look around your home and determine where you want to put the tank. If you want to place the tank in a corner, you might want to think about an aquarium that is specifically designed for this. When you intend to set-up a tank in a corner, you have to think about where the filter is going to be placed. If you have an underground system, this will not present much of a problem. However, if you are considering a filter that is designed to go on the outside of the tank, you will want to make a mental note of this. Most people do not want the filter at the front of the aquarium.

If you are renting your home, you may want to take a good look at your rental agreement. Numerous apartment complexes have weight restrictions. There may be a clause in your lease, which states that you cannot have a tank that is over a certain size. You may have to restrict your fish tanks for sale choices to those under a certain weight. Other factors that should be taken into account are outside doors and windows. An aquarium should never be kept near an outside door or window. Either one of these can cause the temperature to fluctuate.

Your tank should suit the fish that you want to purchase. Before you select your tank, choose your fish or at least have a good idea of what you want buy. If you are planning to set up a community tank, you will need to know how many of each kind of fish to get. Some fish should be kept in pairs,Cichlid Fish Care, whereas others will want to school. If you are planning to purchase schooling fish you need to know the optimal number to buy and how big they will grow.

There are numerous ads that read fish tanks for sale. However, before you are lured into buying a model that will be completely inappropriate for you and your home, learn about the hobby.

Aquaponics How to Build Your Own

Aquaponics is a natural and sustainable eco-food production system that integrates hydroponics and aquaculture. Aquaculture simply refers to taking care of aquatic animals in controlled or man-made environments like tanks or aquariums, while Hydroponics refers to cultivating plants in water. If you combine them together, you are creating a mutual and symbiotic relationship between the animals and plants, that is definitely beneficial to both, and also to you who can benefit from it financially. It utilizes both systems- and in doing so cancels out the major problem of each. Instead of using harmful chemicals to cultivate the plants, it uses the fish effluent which acts as a natural fertilizer for them. On the other hand, instead of cleaning and removing the water frequently, it uses the ability of plants to clean and purify the water onto which the fish lives. Cool right?

So, have you ever wondered how to build your own aquaponics? Let us ask the experts, and let me help you there, by summarizing everything below:

• Fish tank - also called rearing tank, this is needed primarily for raising and feeding the fish. This also acts as your main point of contact with the fish. This must be well spaced, and estimated based on the volume of fish that you will be cultivating.

• Solids removal tank - this is used to catch the extra uneaten foods by fish, as well as setting out fine particulates in the water. This is needed on top of the cleaning and purifying power of the plants, since some wastes are solid and not soluble in water.

• Biofilter - this is a portion where the scientific process of nitrification occurs, thus converting ammonia to nitrates.

• Sump - this is the lowest portion of the tank in which the water flows through the fish tanks.

• Oxygen supply - this is needed by both fish and plants to breathe and live. Make sure that this can be supplied by electricity safely, and in case there will be power outages, a backup is present.

On top of these components, you will also need a basic knowledge of what are the needs of fish and plants. Fish definitely needs nutrients, and oxygen-rich water. On the other hand, plants also needs nutrients, and water. These are just minor things that are covered using the basic components of aquaponics we mentioned earlier.

In the end, you will also think, that this might cost quite a bit, and be a pain in your pocket. Well, in a way yes- but there are ways to make it easier, and cheaper for you especially when you are just starting. The plant beds, usually made of wood, can be recycled. You can use some scrap materials from your own backyard and build your own. As for the tanks,pet fish, these refer to the usual basins, or containers, and doesn't really require high-priced glass setups. If you just use your creativity and estimation skills, you will need just the right amount of money, to start, cultivate, then later grow this hobby into a business.

Aquarium - How To Prevent Diseases In Your Aquarium

Introduction

If you have an aquarium, it is almost a reality your fish will become sick. But there are some things you can do to prevent your fish from getting sick.

Immune System

Like humans, your fish also have a developed immune system that can fend off the different bacteria that enters your tank. Your task is to help keep the immune system of your fish healthy and strong.

The one thing that can reduce the immune system of your fish is stress. So your task is to prevent your fish from becoming stressed.

Prevent Stressing Your Fish

There are a number of ways that you can stress your fish. If you know what they are you can prevent stressing them and stop your fish from developing illnesses. Here are some ways that you can stress your fish:

Water Quality - One of the top reasons fish get stressed is a change in your water quality. It is important that you monitor the quality of your tanks water frequently. Even a small change in your waters quality can stress your fish.
Light Cycle - Having an irregular light cycle on your aquarium can stress out your fish. I have placed my aquarium light on a timer. It is on for 12-hours and off for 12-hours.
Overstocking - Putting to many fish in your aquarium can stress them out also. To many fish can reduce the oxygen available,guppy fish, develop too much waste and not allow them to swim as much as they want. The rule of thumb I use is five inches of adult fish for every five gallons of water.
Over-Feeding - I know, I fall into the same trap and I feel sorry for my fish when they look at me with their big round eyes pleading for food. Take it from me it is all staged. They can go for days in the wild without food. There are many recommendations on how much to feed your fish, but what you want to do is ensure there is no excess food in the substrate. This food will just rot and develop bacteria.
Temperature Change - Even a degree or two of temperature change can stress your fish. Ensure you have a good heater to keep your water at a constant temperature. Since I replace 10% of the water in the tank every week, I need to be careful there is no large temperature swings. I have the replacement water at room temperature before adding it to the tank and add a little at a time to ensure no major temperature change.

Conclusion

The main thing you need to do to prevent disease in your fish is not to stress them. The things that can stress your fish are changes in water quality, irregular light cycle, over-stocking, over-feeding and water temperature changes.

5 Tips For Buying A Betta Fish Tank And Accessories

You would think that buying a betta fish tank, should be as easy as walking into a pet store, grabbing one off the shelf and heading back home.

It can almost be that easy if you take into consideration how many fish you are going to have, the size of the tank, where you are going to place it, what type of fish toys you are going to have and will you be traveling with your fish.

Tip 1 Size

If you are going to have just one fish in your tank, I would suggest getting a 2 gallon tank. You can expect this type of tank to be about 10 inches long, 7 inches wide and 9 inches tall. Of course you could get a 2 gallon betta fish bowl, a 2 gallon wine glass shaped aquarium or some other shaped tank.

If you are going to have many fish, such as 5 female bettas, in your tank, you will need to consider a 25 to 30 gallon tank (5 gallons per fish). The size of that aquarium would be around 15 inches long x 12 inches wide x 10 inches tall.

Once again, there are many types of tanks available in many different sizes, but this will give you some idea of a 5 gallon tank size.

A good rule of thumb for numerous fish in a tank is get 5 gallons per fish.

Tip 2 Placement of the Aquarium

Bettas are tropical fish and the area of the world they come from is sunny and hot.

But, bettas do not do well when their tank is placed in an area that will have direct sunlight all day.

Sunshine all day could raise the temperature of their water to a point where it would be unhealthy for the fish. The constant movement of the water and the sun glare seems to make bettas disoriented and they either stop swimming or swim in crazy patterns.

The best place for your betta tank would be on an inside wall, where there would be plenty of indirect sunlight.

Don't place your tank on a wall with mirrors. A male betta will think he has another male in the tank and will spend most of his time trying to kill the other male betta.

This will cause him to constantly be in motion to the point that he will die of exhaustion; or he will be attacking the sides of the tank, which could easily cause him harm.

Tape a magazine picture of flowers or trees on the back of the aquarium to give him a colorful background to look at.

Tip 3 Tanks For Traveling

If you are going to be traveling with your betta, in a car, truck or RV,pet fish, a smaller, plastic aquarium is what I would suggest.

When we traveled with our betta, we used a small portable tank that measured 7 inches long X 5 inches wide X 6 inches tall. This was not the ideal size for him, but he traveled for 3 years in it and survived all the trips. I would not recommend traveling with more than one fish in a tank that size.

Tip 4 Tank Toys For Your Betta

A betta in a tank that has only water in it, is a very sad thing to see. Can you imagine being in a bowl all day with nothing to hide under, nothing colorful to see for stimulation and nothing else moving.

Your betta tank should include some things that will make life more enjoyable for your fish. A few river rocks placed on top of each other will provide a nice hidy-hole, where he can get away from it all. Colored gravel on the bottom will provide more stimulation and a few betta plants will add interest for your fish.

Tip 5 Water Conditioner

In most areas, water that comes from your tap, will not be suitable for your betta to live in. There are usually chemicals like chlorine and ammonia that need to be taken out or neutralized before it is safe for a fish.

A good first step is to fill a water container and leave it overnight to get rid of the chlorine, then a good quality water conditioner should go into the water before adding it to your tank.

Most of the stress of buying a betta fish tank can be eliminated if you just give consideration to a few things, how many fish you are going to have, the size of the tank, where you are going to place it, what type of fish toys you are going to have and if you will be traveling with your fish. You will enjoy your lovely new betta for years to come, in the perfect aquarium you have selected, if you just give it a little thought ahead of time.