Archive for the Aquarium Fish category.
Mar 17
Purchasing a fish aquarium may seem like an easy task however tropical and saltwater fish need special care and attention to live a happy life.
The first thing you will need to decide is whether you plan on keeping fresh water fish or saltwater fish. Generally speaking freshwater fish are a lot easier to keep so if this is your first fish aquarium I would advise a fresh water fish aquarium would be a good place to start.
You will need to make sure you do not add too much food to your fish aquarium, research the type of fish you are keeping before throwing in too much or too little food, adding too much food could be harmful to your tropical fish as they can over eat, also adding to much food could potentially pollute the tank.
Having a balanced diet is essential for aquarium fish, I would recommend that you buy any fish food in small bags or containers rather than bulk buying, this is because over time the vitamin content will gradually decline so to keep your fish food in optimum condition and as fresh as possible buy smaller bags and keep them in a cool dry place.
Anything that is introduced into your fish aquarium should be properly taken care of and monitored, it is important to keep the water in the tank clean by checking for parasites, fungi and bacteria.
Although maintaining a fish aquarium is an ongoing task certain fish can lighten the load, it is well worth investing in fish that scavenge as they will clean the tank for you however it is vital to research the type of fish you buy to ascertain if they can live peacefully with the other fish residing within your tank.
It may be a good idea to create yourself a daily monthly and weekly ‘to do’ list so you can be sure that you have made all the necessary checks on the temperature control, lighting and feeding.
Toxic and harmful products can be caused by the breakdown of protein, investing in a protein skimmer can be extremely effective, a protein skimmer will remove impurities and residue from the aquarium and will purify the water.
Never keep your tank in direct sunlight, this will increase the growth of green algae making your tank unattractive and hard to see into. Having a fish tank in direct sunlight will also cause the water temperature to rise making it harder to control
The bigger the fish aquarium the easier it ill be to maintain a stable water temperature, having a larger tank will also give your fish more room to move, it is also very important to give them lots of places to hide, believe it or not the more places they have to hide the less they will hide.
If you can keep on top of the maintenance then you are sure to have a clean and happy tank.
Allen Jesson
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/how-to-look-after-your-fish-aquarium-134660.html
Apr 14
1. Food requirements of fish
No matter what kind of fish you have the main thing that you should know is how to feed them and give them the same food as they would live on when they are in their natural habitat. Such foods are available in any of the fish shops wither as frozen foods or in the form of flakes or tablets. You would have to add some vitamins to the food as some of the nutrients in the food are lost when the food is frozen or processed.
Fish, like humans get fed up of the same food everyday and need a change sometimes. So keep a variety of foods available and give them a change sometimes. Before you buy the fish make sure that you can get the food that they eat or else you will have a constant problem of procuring the right kind of food for your fish. Do not over feed the fish as this will create debris to collect in the tank. Fish should be only fed as much as they can consume in 2 or 3 minutes, not more. Watch and see how much they can eat and do not put more than that every time. New aquarium owners tend to over feed their fish. Once they have eaten remove all the excess food from the tank. This way you can maintain a clean tank.
2. Keep water conditions consistent always
To maintain your fish in a comfortable environment make sure that you keep the water conditions consistent like the temperature the salinity levels and the P. H. also. You should test the water everyday and make sure that you correct any changes that you see. The filter should be cleaned regularly and the water should not get cloudy.
To keep your fish happy in their new environment you should try and make this very like their natural habitat in the ocean. Get corals, plants and sponges that the fish have been surrounded by in the ocean and this will make them more at home in the aquarium. You can reduce the stress level of the fish by making their environment in the aquarium as natural as possible.
3. Do not overcrowd the tank
Never overcrowd an aquarium as this makes the fish quite uncomfortable. The natural habitat rule suggests one small fish for every ten gallons of water, but also bear in mind that what is a small fish now, may not be so small a little later. So before putting too many fish into the aquarium get to know what the grown up fish size will be and shop accordingly for your fish.
Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/salt-water-fish-aquarium-3-great-fish-care-tips-740466.html
Apr 13
I am interested in starting a saltwater aquarium. Fish are expensive and since I only live half an hour from the ocean, I better take advantage of catching them to save money.
http://www.carsonaffiliatemarketing.com/bestfishing.php
best places to fish for salt water
Apr 10
Now, the aquarium i’m looking at is a All Glass Aquarium 10 Gallon Hexagon Black Tank (14 x 12 x 18") . What are some fish that could go in this tank? Saltwater or Freshwater?
And yes, I’m a first time Aquarium owner.
honestly I don’t recommend a hex for such a small tank. fish swim in levels, top, bottom, and middle. not many use all levels (this is where they usually swim… not saying a top dwelling fish will never rest on the bottom). when you have a tall tank, there isn’t much room for them to swim unless they use all levels… for most fish wide tanks are better than tall tanks. the fish that like tall tanks are fish like angels and discus. these fish need much larger tanks which is why I said hex tanks aren’t the best if you’re only getting a 10gallon.
of course, if you have your heart set on the hex, you can certainly find fish… but I will recommend a lighter stocking than normal.
something like 5 neon tetras and 4 kuhli fish?
anyway, I’ll recommend some good fish later with links. you’ll have plenty of time to do some research and decide while you cycle the tank! please, please, please read this thoroughly and then follow the directions before adding fish…
http://malawicichlids.com/mw01017.htm
now, anyway… I really suggest a small school of one type of fish who will use up more than one level and then something for the bottom
schooling fish:
neon tetras - http://www.aquariumlife.net/profiles/characidae/neon-tetra/100034.asp
black neon tetra - http://www.badmanstropicalfish.com/profiles/profile51.html
glowlight tetra - http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/tetrafish/glowlighttetra.php
white cloud minnows - http://op5.triadinet.com/elmers/nlcatalog.asp?loc=nlitem.asp&args=sku|107
celestial pearl danio - http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=830+881+2768&pcatid=2768
bottom fish:
kuhli loaches - http://www.brettb.com/TropicalFish_KuhliLoach.asp
black kuhli loaches - http://www.brettb.com/TropicalFish_BlackKuhliLoach.asp
cherry shrimp - http://www.theshrimpfarm.com/shrimp/red-cherry-shrimp/
ghost shrimp - http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/inv/ghostshrimp.php
Mar 31
If you are thinking of starting an aquarium, then a few basic facts are essential. Deciding whether you want to have a saltwater or freshwater aquarium is the first step. Because of the many different types of freshwater aquarium fish, this tends to be the most popular choice as a starting point for this wonderful hobby.
There are two types of freshwater Aquarium Fish from which to choose, coldwater and tropical. Because the coldwater aquarium needs less in the way of equipment, heaters for example, they are a common starting point.
Some of the more popular types of freshwater aquarium fish for coldwater tanks are goldfish, koi and some of the tetra fish species.
But of the types of freshwater aquarium fish, the most sought after by far are tropical fish. These colorful and beautiful fish need a heated aquarium to survive and therefore cost a little more to maintain, but the sheer beauty of some of them make the expense worthwhile.
If these are the types of freshwater aquarium fish you decide to keep, then the choices you make can make this a cheap and satisfying hobby or a very expensive one indeed!
When you’re first setting up your freshwater aquarium it’s a good idea to buy young and healthy fish to start off with. If you choose to add more mature fish as you become more established, that’s fine as long as your aquarium has had time to stabilize.
Selecting the proper species of fish is essential to the success of your aquarium. The types of freshwater aquarium fish for the tropical tank should be hardy and able to withstand variations and fluctuations of ammonia and nitrite as your aquarium becomes established.
Without proper guidance of an expert to guide you in which types of freshwater aquarium fish to introduce into your tank initially, your beautiful new acquisitions could very soon become ill and die.
Some recommendations for the types of freshwater aquarium fish to start off your tropical tank with include Tetras, Danios, Barbs or Cichlids.
When choosing tetra fish for starting up your aquarium, choose those with round; large bodies over the thin, torpedo shaped ones such as neon tetras as these tend to be hardier.
Danios are an excellent type of freshwater aquarium fish. They include zebra danios, leopard danios and giant danios.
Barbs are a good choice of tropical fish for the beginner although you have to be careful about the fish you put them in with as they can a bit temperamental and nip the slower moving fish.
Cichlids are a very large and diverse group of tropical fish and African cichlids are an excellent choice for starting a new aquarium, but should not be kept with other fish, as they can be aggressive.
As there are countless types of freshwater aquarium fish from which to choose each with their own behavior patterns, it is always a good idea to take the advice of a professional before making your choices.
Sam Noel
Mar 20
I got an Aquarium Fish a couple weeks ago and noticed when I got it home that it had no white in either of its eyes. They were both completely black (and appeared to be all round pupil, with no white part or other type of ring/distinction between iris and pupil). Tonight I noticed that the fish’s eyes look normal again, like the other fish in the tank. I’m just wondering if anyone knows what this is and/or what could have caused the change.
It’s not that big of a deal it’s just the way it is.
It’s just like you being in a room that’s dark then stepping out into the sunlight, your eyes will adjust.
Mar 16
When you wish to look after fish you need to relate to them just as you would with any pet. You can keep fresh water and salt water fish tanks, and fresh water can further be divided into tropical or cold waters. Here are a few types of fish and tips on looking after them -
1. Pantodontidae
This category contains the two types of fish called the butterfly fish, and the flying fish. They belong to the western parts of Africa and can grow up to four inches. The butterfly variety has a small body which is flat and colored with wonderful designs, and hence the name. The tropical variety has a flat body with a tapering snout. It belongs to the Chaetodontidae family, and that is Latin for Pantodontidae. These could also be boat shaped with the snouts turning upward. The wing like chests are sometimes called the pectorals. Some have brownish tones on the body, and others have greenish ones. They also have streaks and dark spots of the same colors at times. They are quite passive in general and it is recommended you keep them with their own kind. These fish will not feed from the bottom of the aquarium. They will gladly eat smaller varieties of fish such as minnows, and maybe insects. You can even get them used to eating meat or worms. A long stick will help you train them to eat worms. The fish loves a temperate sift water climate with about 80 degrees on the temperature scales. Keep them in a tank half filled with water and make sure they have enough plants around them. These fish are not very easy to mate, so if that is what you are looking to do maybe you should start with a different variety. When you have to mate these, just make sure the hatchlings have insects to feed on soon after birth. Their eggs normall hatch in 3 days.
2. Mormyridae
They are usually captured in African pools. Their body to brain weight ratio is comparable to human beings. They actually have a sense of humor and very intelligent, so you can teach them a lot. When you buy this variety of fish just make sure you keep them on a monitored diet, in the absence of which they simply stop eating altogether. They are also called the electric fish. It is also called trunkfish. They have silvery brown bodies and are a pleasure to have in any aquarium.
3. Gnathonemus Petersi
This is the elephant nose fish. They grow to around four inches in length and belong to the Congo or Cameroon areas of Africa. They can grow up to nine inches in their natural habitat, but not so much in aquariums. It is colored dark brown or black with white streaks on the sides. They enjoy eating fresh water fleas.
Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/3-categories-of-aquarium-fish-how-to-keep-them-healthy-740519.html
Mar 10
Among the various types of freshwater fish, Rosy barbs, Tiger barbs, Sumatra barbs and Red Barbs are easiest to maintain and breed. However, it is advisable to place the larger barbs with fish of similar size. In communal tanks, trouble is stirred up by the larger barbs and they also uproot the fancy plants. They are more attention seeking than the smaller barbs and therefore, they should be separated and grouped.
Ceylon is the origin of the Purple Head Barbs and the Black Ruby. The fish do well in communal tanks and grow to about 2 1/2 inches. The female barbs are yellow-gray with dark stripes running in blotches and vertical lines. They lend colorful environments to the aquarium. The male barbs are brownish-black in color and/or black with vermilion red frontals. This fish lives well in communal waters, unlike the boisterous Puntius Conchonius groups. This fish feasts on all foodstuffs and is not finicky. It is also not demanding when it comes to water conditions and will survive even in moderately hard neutral waters. This is an easier fish to breed like the Puntius. The barb spawns like other barbs and lays about 300 eggs.
The Sumatra and the Tiger Barb belong to the Capoeta Tetrazona species, which originates from Sumatra and Borneo. Their size is about 2 inches when fully grown. This is a colorful fish with reddish-yellow bodies with a wide variety of black stripes. Its attitude is changeable which is the reason for its being the most diverse fish in the market. Some people are of the opinion that this fish bullies other fish, nipping at their fins, while other people feel that they have a calm disposition.
The Sumatra and Tiger fish share the same water condition needs as other barbs. The Sumatra and Tiger Barbs flourish in impartial or practical alkalinity water, as also in hard water. Fish owners are advised to set the temperatures at 78 degrees Fahrenheit. The Sumatra and Tiger fish will crave and eat all foodstuffs heartily. All barbs spawn healthily and they are the first choice of breeders.
The male Sumatra and Tiger fish are slim and colorful while the female species are plump. The female are simple and breed like other barbs. The fry are however susceptible to bladder problems and tend to rot at the fins. The water then has to be extremely spotless and should be monitored very carefully during breeding, as the spawn of the Sumatra and Tiger fish is gnawed at by the mutants.
Ceylon is the origin of Capoeta Titteya fish or Cherry Barbs, which are about 2 inches in length. The fish have a red-brown or yellow-brown color and are outstanding by their top to bottom dark black stripes. This is a communal fish and need the same water and feeding conditions like those of other barbs. Male counterparts of Capoeta Titteya are of dark colors and change colors when bred. They are usually cherry red and black, with stripes that virtually evaporate.
Breeding of the Cherry Barbs is similar to the breeding of other barbs and they spawn nearly 200 eggs. There is variety in Cherry Barbs, with some barbs feasting on their own kind, while others refraining from it.
You should have a look at the line of Harlequins if you are a novice to aquariums and fish care and are new to the hobby.
Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/aquarium-fish-care-barbs-in-your-aquarium-740503.html
Mar 3
1. Water conditions differ in every area
Most aquariums today are quite self sufficient and do not need much caring, but the water is something that has to be checked and the conditions checked and made safe for fish to be put into. Water is different in each separate part of the world and in some places it is contaminated and has to be made suitable for fish to survive in. The plants play an important role in this too. Some fish like tetras like soft water and so when testing the water for such fish you should make sure that the water is soft.
On the other hand Cichlid is a fish that prefers hard water. These species are from Africa where there is a lot of salt from natural sources in the water. Do not add limestone as gravel in the fish tanks.
After you test the pH readings of the water you will have an idea of the condition of the water. The proper figure that the pH should be is 7.If the number is lower then the water is acidic and if it is higher than the water is alkaline. So if you maintain your water at the proper temperature and balance then you will have plants and fish that are healthy and that will live much longer. Some fish like the red nosed tetra like a lot of area to swim in and also a lot of plants around them. So make sure that the fish that you have in the aquarium all need the sort of conditions to survive in and not different. This will create a problem to maintain them properly.
2. Testing the water
To test the water you will need a test kit which you can procure at the local pet shop or online. Getting one at the pet store is more practical as the person at the store can give you some advice on how to use it and tell you what the readings mean, especially if you are new to using these kits. What are very useful are water conditioners which you can put in every time you change the water in the tank.
3. Temperature of the water in the tank
The water heater should be kept at a low volume as the water should not get over heated.
It is for this reason that the fish tank should not be kept in the living room as living rooms are pretty warm compared to the rest of the house. If you have a lot of plants in the tank and a tropical variety of fish then there should not be much of a problem, as these fish prefer warmer temperatures. The same way tropical plants also are more acclimatized to warm temperatures. So maintaining the proper temperature will give your plants and fish a longer lease of life and a healthier one too. A heater that has a heaterstats is a good buy as it automatically regulates the heat and controls it by thermostat. This heater can be fixed to the glass with suction cups and every time it comes on a small lamp that it has comes on.
Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/maintaining-aquarium-water-how-to-create-right-atmosphere-for-your-fish-740481.html
Feb 23
1. Food requirements of fish
No matter what kind of fish you have the main thing that you should know is how to feed them and give them the same food as they would live on when they are in their natural habitat. Such foods are available in any of the fish shops wither as frozen foods or in the form of flakes or tablets. You would have to add some vitamins to the food as some of the nutrients in the food are lost when the food is frozen or processed.
Fish, like humans get fed up of the same food everyday and need a change sometimes. So keep a variety of foods available and give them a change sometimes. Before you buy the fish make sure that you can get the food that they eat or else you will have a constant problem of procuring the right kind of food for your fish. Do not over feed the fish as this will create debris to collect in the tank. Fish should be only fed as much as they can consume in 2 or 3 minutes, not more. Watch and see how much they can eat and do not put more than that every time. New aquarium owners tend to over feed their fish. Once they have eaten remove all the excess food from the tank. This way you can maintain a clean tank.
2. Keep water conditions consistent always
To maintain your fish in a comfortable environment make sure that you keep the water conditions consistent like the temperature the salinity levels and the P. H. also. You should test the water everyday and make sure that you correct any changes that you see. The filter should be cleaned regularly and the water should not get cloudy.
To keep your fish happy in their new environment you should try and make this very like their natural habitat in the ocean. Get corals, plants and sponges that the fish have been surrounded by in the ocean and this will make them more at home in the aquarium. You can reduce the stress level of the fish by making their environment in the aquarium as natural as possible.
3. Do not overcrowd the tank
Never overcrowd an aquarium as this makes the fish quite uncomfortable. The natural habitat rule suggests one small fish for every ten gallons of water, but also bear in mind that what is a small fish now, may not be so small a little later. So before putting too many fish into the aquarium get to know what the grown up fish size will be and shop accordingly for your fish.
Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/salt-water-fish-aquarium-3-great-fish-care-tips-740466.html
