Archive for the Saltwater Aquariums category.
Apr 19
Im thinking about getting a saltwater aquarium, do they smell bad?
No. You should only smell a slight ocean smell. Skim mate that is produced by protein skimmers smells bad but is usually kept closed up in the skimmer cup or an external waste container. DSBs (Deep Sand Beds) 6" and deeper can create hydrogen sulfide gas down deep over time. This is ok unless it gets disturbed. When that gas comes into contact with the salt water, it turns into acid, smells like rotten eggs and will kill any life in the tank.
If you leave live rock or live sand out of the water all of the life in and on it will die and it will smell bad.
The best place to learn about Saltwater Reefs and FOWLR (Fish Only With Live Rock) tanks is Reefcentral.com (RC). There is a forum for every aspect of marine tanks. Salt tanks are very different from fresh water tanks. In salt you must learn a lot, go very slowly and have a lot of patience. There are literaly many thousands of members on RC that can help you learn what you will need to know. It is a free forum with, Threads: 1,181,692, Posts: 11,384,803, Members: 237,341 and there are usually always 2 to 3 thousand members online all the time that can help you with any questions.
Apr 14
Aquarium owners once accustomed will hope to one day have many different kind of coral in their own saltwater tank - this is an absolute dream! Starter kits can be purchased where you can take easy steps into growing your own piece of coral. This is a much better way to start and is highly recommended against buying coral from a shop. Growing your own coral ensures that it is acclimatised to your tank. Before starting to set up and care for a coral aquarium, knowledge in this area is required as it is not an easy process. It takes time which is worthwhile in being able to showcase your own grown coral aquarium to its best. For some people, buying fake coral is the easier option, when all it takes is patience of about up to 12 weeks, to create your own piece of paradise underwater. A wonderful sense of achievement and a worthwhile project.
Firstly, you need to start off by assembling your aquarium. Find an ideal area of your home to display the aquarium. Read the instructions carefully on how to set it up as in a freshwater tank. Before you add the water, there are a few simple rules to follow. The bottom of the tank is where you pour the sand first, then followed by the addition of dechlorinated water. Salt needs to be mixed in next, until it reaches a specific gravity measuring 1.205. Decide where you want to arrange your live rock after the water and salt, then install the heater and finally, the hood of the tank. You should then wait approximately 4 weeks for the tank to settle before going ahead with the next move.
Once the 4 weeks is over, it is time to add the first living creatures to your tank. This will ensure that the water is tested for the correct salt balance and stays that way, before you add your fish. During this period, snails and crabs if you have chosen them, can be added. The tank should now be functioning as though you have already filled it with fish, so install a protein skimmer. Check to see that you have the correct lighting and that the filters are doing their job. The light should not be left on for any longer than 10 or 12 hours a day, as this can promote the growth of algae. Once snails or crabs have been added, you should wait 2 more weeks.
You have now reached Week 6, which is when you can proceed with the next stage of adding your first pieces of coral. For Saltwater Aquariums you will find different types of coral including the common ones like Bullseye Mushroom coral, Button Polyp, Hairy Mushroom Coral and the Yellow Polyp. The coral should be attached to live rock at the bottom of the tank when you add it. You can wait another 2 weeks - all the patience is worth it. It is now the 10th week when you can add Aquacultured Coral with types named Pumping Xenia, Spaghetti Finger Leather Coral and Starburst Polyps as part of your collection of many. Again these should be placed on live rock as with the first set of coral.
Your reef aquarium has now been successfully set up and by the 10 to 12 week period, you will be ready to begin adding your choice of fish to your created underwater world. The process of setting up your coral aquarium is a long and drawn out, but one well worth if for the long years ahead. Your own spectacularly created coral aquarium will give you years of enjoyment as you care for it and your living creatures. The aquarium will be something to be admired and very relaxing in your home. Watch how your family and friends are impressed by your creation!
Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/creating-coral-aquariums-simple-guide-for-beginners-740456.html
Mar 31
Aquariums in the home have a way of brightening up the environment by adding a bit of colour and life to the decor. Both old and young seem to enjoy spending time watching the aquatic life dart around in the tank and also lend a hand in the maintenance of it. Though the advantages and joys are many, there may come a period when an aquarium enthusiast may need to dispose of his prized possession. Though there are ways to dispose of an aquarium locally, such as finding a buyer through word of mouth or the unlikelihood of the local pet store helping you sell your tank instead of him selling one of his, you do have other options such as auctioning it on e-Bay.
The reasons for having to sell a fish tank are many. The main reasons are having to move house and taking the aquarium may not be very feasible. There may not be any space to keep the tank or there may be a problem with the finances of having to look after the tank or on the other hand there may not be the time to set aside to look after the tank. Having a fish tank in the house is a great feeling but it does require considerable finances and time to be invested in its upkeep. This may no longer be possible and it is time to dispose of the aquarium. eBay is the fastest way to get the best price for your aquarium and is an option that should be explored.
For those who came in late, e-Bay an a portal on the net that is a intermediary for people who want to sell their new or used goods and people who are in the market for it. e-Bay has grown into one of the largest online selling portals in the world transacting hundreds of thousands of dollars every day. The most advantageous point of eBay is that the competition between buyers wanting whatever it is that you are selling drives the price up and you get the best price for your goods.
You will have to register an account with eBay when you want to sell something or buy something for that matter. Opening or registering an account is free. This account can be used everytime you want to buy or sell someting on eBay. However, everytime you sell something on eBay there is a certain fee associated with the sale and you will have to pay that fee so keep in mind the terms and conditions when pricing your aquarium, include the sellers fee in the price.
If you want to sell fast, it is best that you upload a picture or two of the saltwater aquarium on the portal along with clear descriptions of the saltwater aquarium. Try to include the pricing and the equipment and fish that will come along with the aquarium. Get the readers attention as fast as possible as the site visitors attention is very short lived and he might move over to another seller causing you to lose out on the sale.
Payment comes to you through an online payment processor which is streamlined and you get your cash in your bank or through a check within a week’s time. eBay is by far the best way to sell anything.
Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/selling-saltwater-aquariums-on-ebay-highly-effective-tips-740451.html
Mar 16
Aquariums in the home have a way of brightening up the environment by adding a bit of colour and life to the decor. Both old and young seem to enjoy spending time watching the aquatic life dart around in the tank and also lend a hand in the maintenance of it. Though the advantages and joys are many, there may come a period when an aquarium enthusiast may need to dispose of his prized possession. Though there are ways to dispose of an aquarium locally, such as finding a buyer through word of mouth or the unlikelihood of the local pet store helping you sell your tank instead of him selling one of his, you do have other options such as auctioning it on e-Bay.
The reasons for having to sell a fish tank are many. The main reasons are having to move house and taking the aquarium may not be very feasible. There may not be any space to keep the tank or there may be a problem with the finances of having to look after the tank or on the other hand there may not be the time to set aside to look after the tank. Having a fish tank in the house is a great feeling but it does require considerable finances and time to be invested in its upkeep. This may no longer be possible and it is time to dispose of the aquarium. eBay is the fastest way to get the best price for your aquarium and is an option that should be explored.
For those who came in late, e-Bay an a portal on the net that is a intermediary for people who want to sell their new or used goods and people who are in the market for it. e-Bay has grown into one of the largest online selling portals in the world transacting hundreds of thousands of dollars every day. The most advantageous point of eBay is that the competition between buyers wanting whatever it is that you are selling drives the price up and you get the best price for your goods.
You will have to register an account with eBay when you want to sell something or buy something for that matter. Opening or registering an account is free. This account can be used everytime you want to buy or sell someting on eBay. However, everytime you sell something on eBay there is a certain fee associated with the sale and you will have to pay that fee so keep in mind the terms and conditions when pricing your aquarium, include the sellers fee in the price.
If you want to sell fast, it is best that you upload a picture or two of the saltwater aquarium on the portal along with clear descriptions of the saltwater aquarium. Try to include the pricing and the equipment and fish that will come along with the aquarium. Get the readers attention as fast as possible as the site visitors attention is very short lived and he might move over to another seller causing you to lose out on the sale.
Payment comes to you through an online payment processor which is streamlined and you get your cash in your bank or through a check within a week’s time. eBay is by far the best way to sell anything.
Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/selling-saltwater-aquariums-on-ebay-highly-effective-tips-740451.html
Mar 10
Saltwater enthusiast have developed a love affair with coral reefs. There is nothing they love better then to design, stock and maintain a saltwater aquarium that is teaming with coral.
For years only the most adventurous were brave enough to tackle the challenges proposed by a reef saltwater aquarium. Until recently coral reef was notoriously hard to maintain.
Times have changed. Now there are several varieties of coral that even the most novice saltwater aquarium owner can enjoy.
The key to successfully maintaining a reef saltwater aquarium is to have your saltwater reef aquarium properly set up.
The first thing you’ll want to find is a tank. Select the largest possible tank that you feel comfortable with. The greater the size of your tank, the greater the water mass encompassing the reef, and the more you will be able to duplicate the effects of the ocean. You can choose either the classic look of a glass aquarium or you can select an acrylic tank which gives you a larger variety of shapes and styles. Acrylic tanks are also more durable then glass tanks. Make sure that there is absolutely no copper anywhere in the tank. Copper has a lethal affect on coral.
Before adding the coral to your tank make sure that the temperature of your water stays consistent. The temperature should remain at 23-25 degrees Celsius (73-77 degrees Fahrenheit). Your coral will remain healthier in water that is always at the same temperature.
It is very important that your reef saltwater aquarium be properly filtered. The three types of filters are mechanical, biological, and chemical.
A mechanical filter is a filter made out of spun nylon floss. Mechanical filter trap and remove wasteful material and prevent your chemical and biological filters from becoming clogged. Â Â Â There are a variety of biological filters. Some use the tanks aquarium substrate as a part of the filtration system. The purpose of biological filters is to contain the biochemical properties and to break down waste products.
Chemical filters absorbs the ions of dissolved waste. Chemical filters are typically based on active carbon.
Many reef saltwater aquarium owners like to use other products such as Bioballs and Protein Skimmers to assist with their filtration system.
The PH level of a reef saltwater aquarium should hold steady at 8.2.
Coral reefs require a filtration system that circulates the tanks water. Moving water tends to be rich in oxygen and the currents carry food to the invertebrates living inside the immobile coral. A submersible pump will do wonders to increase the water flow in a saltwater aquarium.
When you decide that it is time to stock your reef saltwater aquarium with fish you need to remember a few things before rushing out to your favorite fish store.
Bear in mind that just because a variety of fish lives in the ocean does not automatically mean that it’s compatible with coral. Some fish eat the invertebrates that make the coral reef their home. Some fish produce waste that is toxic to the coral. Some fish, like Blow-fish, produce a toxin when they die that can kill every living organism in your aquarium.
Andri Irawan
http://www.articlesbase.com/collecting-articles/setting-up-a-reef-saltwater-aquariums-709834.html
Mar 3
Saltwater Aquariums are a source of pleasure in many homes, and young and old people alike love to watch them. These tanks show us a wonderful glimpse of what life is like under the surface of the ocean. There is quite a variety of life that can survive in an aquarium. Plants and fishes are not the only life forms that live in the sea, so why restrict your aquarium by using these two categories alone, to beautify it?
Artificial oysters are common as a release for air bubbles in many aquariums - the oyster opens to let the bubbles out. But with more and more people trying to recreate the ocean floor with their saltwater aquariums, Pearl producing oysters are a special treat for those with home saltwater aquariums. However it is their lesser cousins you will normally find in home aquariums, and understandably so. Did you know that if you place an oyster or a scallop in your tank, they will require more care than any other life form in the aquarium? It is vital that you realize that before you get one for the tank. It is such a let down to see people spend good money on oysters, and later realizing they have bit off more than they can chew on.
Oysters demand a very special water condition. They are not for those of us who are a bit lazy when it comes to maintaining a clean aquarium. Keep in mind, they will not live very long if your tank gets dirt in it often - oysters need cleanliness and care. Nature has a nice way of dealing with this issue - oysters do clean out the water so they can balance the effect, but they can do it only up to a point and no more before it takes its toll on them. Did you know you will have to take special care of their diet as well? Don’t say we didn’t warn you! You need to feed every oyster separately through their pipette upstream. Here it is vital to note - keep the number of oysters in your aquarium minimum, unless you want to spend your entire day feeding them! You will need to give them nutrition supplements as well as a microscopic amount of plankton to keep them healthy.
Some varieties of oyster can survive more often in artificial environments than others. So if you are new at this, go for one of these. You could go for the more delicate ones once you are sure of your self. You will often see varieties like the spiny and the thorny in aquariums. These are such accurate names for these beautiful creations of nature. I bet this article has got you interested in getting an oyster into your saltwater aquarium. Why not visit your local store to see what they have available?
Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/keeping-oysters-in-saltwater-aquariums-oyster-care-tips-740515.html
Feb 24
what size tank do you have your blue hippo tang in, and how is it doing?..
I have mine in a 150 gal and She likes to roam all over the tank. Some sites on the Internet state that a 40 gallon is ok, I would dispute that statement just simply because these are not a stationary or almost stationary fish like clowns, gobeys, hawks etc. Tangs like to run around the tank so I would say the other sites that list the minimum size at a 70 are more accurate. I also believe that they should be a long tank and not a hexagon or round tank so they have the freedom of movement.
I’ve had my hippo tang for 2.5 years and haven’t had a problem with her, other than an occational ICH outbreak.
Feb 23
Saltwater Aquariums are a source of pleasure in many homes, and young and old people alike love to watch them. These tanks show us a wonderful glimpse of what life is like under the surface of the ocean. There is quite a variety of life that can survive in an aquarium. Plants and fishes are not the only life forms that live in the sea, so why restrict your aquarium by using these two categories alone, to beautify it?
Artificial oysters are common as a release for air bubbles in many aquariums - the oyster opens to let the bubbles out. But with more and more people trying to recreate the ocean floor with their saltwater aquariums, Pearl producing oysters are a special treat for those with home saltwater aquariums. However it is their lesser cousins you will normally find in home aquariums, and understandably so. Did you know that if you place an oyster or a scallop in your tank, they will require more care than any other life form in the aquarium? It is vital that you realize that before you get one for the tank. It is such a let down to see people spend good money on oysters, and later realizing they have bit off more than they can chew on.
Oysters demand a very special water condition. They are not for those of us who are a bit lazy when it comes to maintaining a clean aquarium. Keep in mind, they will not live very long if your tank gets dirt in it often - oysters need cleanliness and care. Nature has a nice way of dealing with this issue - oysters do clean out the water so they can balance the effect, but they can do it only up to a point and no more before it takes its toll on them. Did you know you will have to take special care of their diet as well? Don’t say we didn’t warn you! You need to feed every oyster separately through their pipette upstream. Here it is vital to note - keep the number of oysters in your aquarium minimum, unless you want to spend your entire day feeding them! You will need to give them nutrition supplements as well as a microscopic amount of plankton to keep them healthy.
Some varieties of oyster can survive more often in artificial environments than others. So if you are new at this, go for one of these. You could go for the more delicate ones once you are sure of your self. You will often see varieties like the spiny and the thorny in aquariums. These are such accurate names for these beautiful creations of nature. I bet this article has got you interested in getting an oyster into your saltwater aquarium. Why not visit your local store to see what they have available?
Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/keeping-oysters-in-saltwater-aquariums-oyster-care-tips-740515.html
Feb 21
i know clown fishes are one them.
If you give them good conditions you should be able to get most small species to breed. If you have a really big aquarium you could breed larger fish (I once saw a dog fish lay a viable egg case in a big aquarium…
Feb 18
So, how does one put together a salt water aquarium. Like what do you need? how big should a tank be? how hard is it to maintain a salt water aquarium? everything one needs to know about making and maintaining a salt water aquarium.
I already own 2 fresh water aquariums
Have a fresh water before you even attempt SW
