Caring for Your Freshwater Aquarium

The main factor is who owns an aquarium
it is good clean the tank. Many new owners are unsure how to go about this. This information will help new freshwater aquarium owners keep a clean and healthy tank. These first two questions are key to the maintenance of your aquarium which you can enjoy this beautiful addition to your home. When should I clean my tank? You should clean your tank once every two months, unless you can really say that he should be cleaned before then. Why should I clean my tank once every two months? Because your tank start building algae on the inside and your gravel will retain waste that was your fish ill in the future. The next steps are simple and fast and you will fish with a clean and happy aquarium.

Step 1 (prepare for the cleaning) You have to prepare for the steps to follow before removing your fish from your freshwater aquarium. There are some supplies you need for cleaning the tank, so it's best to do useful before you start. You need a sort of container that your fish can be placed until it is time for them to be back in the tank. It does not have to be a large container, but make sure your fish do have enough space to swim. This container is dependent on how many fish live in the tank. You will also need a fish net, a towel or paper towels to wipe up any spills that may occur, a water jug or a bucket for refilling the tank, food colander, a clean sponge and a clean rag. After you collect these things, you're now ready to begin cleaning up your freshwater aquarium.

Step 2 (removing your fish) This is perhaps the most important step in the cleaning process. It is time to fish from the tank. The first thing you should do is ensure that the container in which the fish is placed is water that is approximately the same temperature in the tank, other wise your fish will go into shock. When the container of water is ready, use the net to catch fish every one-for-one and put them in the container. If all fish are collected, make sure that the container in a safe place where it will not be spilled. It is common for fish to be rejected when they are moved so that the temperature of the water and reducing unnecessary so much activity is very important. Step 3 (removing the old tank water) If all fish from the tank, it's time to start emptying the water from the aquarium. Using the pitcher or small bucket, begin to remove the water. The water from the reservoir can be disposed in a sink or toilet. This can be a messy task, so be sure to clean up all spills to prevent any accidents. It is not necessary for all the water from the tank. Most freshwater aquarium owners remove about 3 / 4 of the water. The remaining original water will help acclimate the new water policy, you'll add later. Step 3 (removal and cleaning of your tanks gravel) Most of the waste that collects in a tank settles into the gravel at the bottom. It is very important to clean the gravel when your tank. At this time you remove the gravel. You can use the fish net, a small scoop or even a dustpan to do this. Place the gravel in a container. Once you've removed all the gravel, place it in a sieve of a kind and run under hot water. Be sure you rinse Mix It Up while so that all the sediment and waste is removed. Once the gravel is cleaned, place it aside. You will not be back in the tank at this time.

Step 4 (Cleaning the tank) Now it's time to clean the inside of the tank. This can be a tedious task if there is a lot of build-up on the glass. Some freshwater aquariums have the growth of algae on the glass. The warmer the water is inside and how the aquarium is more exposed to natural sunlight, the more you will have algae growth. This can be cleaned off using a notebook. Try to use the least abrasive pad you can to avoid scratching the class. Cleaning with hot water will aid in the removal of algae. Make sure you never use any kind of cleaner or detergent when cleaning the tank. This is deadly to fish. After removing the algae, finish by wiping the rest of the tank with a towel or a soft rag. You may have to repeat this a few times. Try to rinse the rag or towel often market to all wastes. If you have decorative pieces in the tank, make sure that she was also using hot water. Following these steps, your tank must be clean of waste and build-ups.

Step 5 (Putting it all together again) Now it's time to replace everything. Start by replacing the gravel in the tank, followed by refilling the water. Take note of the temperature. Try adding that water temperature is the same as the original water in the tank. Add your finishing with decorative pieces, then carefully move the fish back in. It may take some time before the fish adapt to the new water, but after all these steps, you can be sure that your tank is clean and healthy.

You do not be afraid to be completely clean your tank for another 2 months. Always remember to filters as they are dirty. As an extra tip, if you remove 20% of the water every month and replace it with clean water, this will cut down on the complete cleaning of the tank in the future. Maintaining a healthy tank, it is important to properly clean up and keep up with the aquarium care. By doing this, you will ensure a long life of your fish and an enjoyable experience for the observers.

5 Quick Tropical Fish Facts

Tropical fish are beautiful, and that's a fact! They are ideal pets if you do not have too much free time because they do not have to run and no scratches on the furniture. But there are some tropical fish facts and tips you need to know before buying your first aquarium.

Tropical fish fact that a

The majority of the population started with a very small aquarium not realizing they will soon addicted. Before long they returned to the pet shop buying another the next size up.

Tip: do not buy the smallest tank you can find - you might be wasting your time and money, although the pet owner will love you.

Indeed two tropical fish

Tropical fish are ranked according to their nature. Like people, some are loners and bite the head off anyone who comes too close, some want only their own kind and not mix too well with others, and some are friendly, outgoing, love and spending time with someone who comes from their way.

Tip: Make sure the tropical fish that you want to buy are not community fish, semi-aggressive or community fish.

Tropical fish fact, three

There are certain types of tropical fish you buy in introducing them to a new tank. You must be sure to buy hardy fish and the levels of ammonia and nitrate in your tank will fluctuate before evening out in time, and not all tropical can survive these changes.

Tip: Make sure you know your stuff before you buy the first fish. As the owner of the shop is not an expert, search reference books and forums on the Internet for the best types of starter hardy tropical fish.

Tropical fish fact four

Some dainty, delicate and fragile looking extremely tropical fish can grow very quickly! This represents an onward journey back to the pet shop where the owner will greet you rubbing his hands in glee.

Tip: Find exactly how big your potential purchase will grow before you buy.

Tropical fish fact five

Aquariums need equipment such as filters, pumps and heaters. Filtration systems help to the fine ecological balance in your aquarium for the fish to thrive. They are easily available in three different types.

Tip: Do not buy your filtration system before you know where fish are there in your aquarium. Choose from a chemical, mechanical and biological filter after discussing with an expert who would be best for your tank.

There is nothing more relaxing after a stressful day than to relax and lose yourself in the elegant, colorful and peaceful world of beautiful tropical fish, and armed with these few tropical fish facts and tips to this colorful world may soon become a part of your life .

Picking Out The Best Types Of Freshwater Aquarium Fish

If you are thinking of starting an aquarium than a few fundamental issues are essential. Determine whether you want to have a saltwater or freshwater aquarium is the first step. Because of the many different species of freshwater aquarium fish, this tends to the most popular choice as a starting point for this wonderful hobby.

There are two types of fish to choose from, and tropical Coldwater. Because the Coldwater aquarium should be less in the way of equipment such as stoves, they are a common starting point.

Some of the most popular types of freshwater fish for Coldwater tanks are goldfish, koi and some of the tetra fish.

But the species of aquarium fish, the most popular by far are tropical fish. These colorful and beautiful fish have a heated tank to survive and so will cost a bit more to maintain, but the sheer beauty of some of them worth the expense.

When it comes to the types of fish you choose to keep, then the choices you can make this a cheap and satisfy a hobby or a very expensive indeed!

When you first set up your freshwater aquarium is a good idea for young and healthy fish to begin with. If you choose to fish more mature as more established, that is fine, as long as your aquarium has had time to stabilize.

Selecting the right species of fish is essential for the success of your aquarium. The freshwater fish species for tropical aquarium should winter hard and resistant to variations and fluctuations of ammonia and nitrite as your aquarium is established.

Without proper guidance of an expert to guide you in what types of fish to enter in your tank initially, your beautiful new acquisitions can quickly get sick and die.

Some recommendations for the species to begin your tropical aquarium with more Tetras, Danios, barbed or Cichlids.

The choice of tetra fish to start your aquarium, select those with round, large organizations on the thin, torpedoes shaped, neon Tétras as if they are generally hardier.

Danios are an excellent form of freshwater fish. They include danios zebra, leopard and danios giant danios.

Weather Hooks are a good choice of tropical fish for the beginner, although you should be careful about the fish you see them in what they can be a bit temperamental and dodge the slower moving fish.

Cichlids are a very large and diverse group of tropical fish and African Cichlids are an excellent choice for the start of a new aquarium, but should not be kept with other fish, as they can be aggressive.

Since there are numerous species of freshwater aquarium fish to choose from, each with their own behavior patterns, it's always a good idea to the advice of a professional to make your choices.

Aquarium Basics For the Beginner

Fish is an excellent choice for pets. They fit well into any size home or budget, and are easy to take care with very little effort. However, there are some common mistakes that Novas fish keepers make. A lack of planning is the biggest mistake that leads to all others.

Your plan should start with the nature of the fish you want to keep. A good choice for beginners would be goldfish or guppies because they are fish that are tolerant of varying conditions that are common in new aquariums. It is important to start with only a few fish in the beginning, because the new aquarium takes time cycle. The bacteria needed for the aquarium to change the toxic ammonia produced by the rotting fish and plants and waste into harmless nitrate issue needs time to multiply and grow. This is the cycle of a new tank should go through and it takes about eight weeks.

The size of the tank is the next thing to think about, because almost everything in the tank tank size specific. Most people buy the biggest aquarium that they can afford. I suggest starting with a small tank and then move to a larger latter as you better know what you want after some experience with the new fish. This saves you to buy stuff that a fundamental aquarium dose is not necessary.

Decorating the aquarium is more than just looks. The fish will be happiest in an environment that best simulates their natural habitat. Fish need places to hide from sleep or away from other aggressive fish in the tank. They must also have sufficient open space to swim, play and feed. Like people stressed fish will be susceptible to diseases and disorders. The plants, gravel and decorations are there in each color. Your personal taste is the only thing that really matters as far as color goes. Taking into account the color and style of the room where the fish in the tank and the colors of the fish. You can look at pictures of aquariums and other nations get a good idea of what you want before buying a lot of things that look so good together and winds up to wasting your money and taken out and replaced.

There are a few things that the fish need for their fun environment. Things such as a filter, air pump, air stone and a stove are all matters that may be required. Do some research on these items. Ask people you know who have an aquarium what they use. Most people are in close contact with you will tell you that they started with a complete kit that included aquarium with everything and that they had to upgrade part of the equipment that will not so much a kit. This is where a good plan saves you money and time. Buy something like a stove which is insufficient for your situation will not work. On the other hand, a heater for a tank bigger than yours does not work better it will only cost you more. Only buy what you need anymore.

The provision of fish costs less time and effort than almost any other pet. They can in any size apartment or house and they do not stink, make a mess, bark, scream or do anything, except your commands and happy. The key to the creation of a new aquarium is a well thought out plan. A good place on the Internet looking for information about and photos of all types of pets is JimsPets.com. Good luck with your new aquarium.

Tap Water for Freshwater and Saltwater Aquarium Use; From Chlorine and Chloramines to Nitrates, Nitrites, and Phosphates

There U.S. standards for tap water quality (and I am sure that other countries like the United Kingdom have their own regulatory action), but that does not mean that these levels are allowed safe for the fish (or people for that matter). This article examines the impact of permitted substances in tap water for fish.

Chlorine and CHLORAMINES:

To start with most city tap water has chlorine, an oxidizer that (a chemical substance that gains electrons in a redox chemical reaction), but this can kill fish by burning their gills and their blood poisoning. Some municipalities use chloramines because they are more stable than chlorine. Chloramines are a chemical compound of chlorine and ammonia and can not be cooked or our permitted to sit for a few days to remove them before the water in an aquarium. You'll have to remove chloramines chemical that tap water before adding it to your aquarium. Standard de-Chlorinators such as "Start Right Water Conditioner" will remove the chlorine, but the ammonia (NH4) for both your bio filtration or Zeolite (freshwater only) be removed. This basic de-chlorinating products are simple Reduce Reinforce Couples (sodium thiosulfate) and are very safe, even overdosed in contrast to some opinions floating around. Products such as Amquel or "Prime-(Removes ammonia, chlorine, chloramines, ammonia)" will remove the chlorine and neutralizes the ammonia (and more). Prime is made of Hydrosulfite salts which are in fact a non-toxic agents composed of bisulfites and hydrosulfites, aqueous solution, buffered at pH 8. As mentioned earlier, reducing agents are in principle not opposed to a reasonable doses toxic to fish and aquatic animals. See my article "Aquarium redox potential; How they relate to aquatic good health"

INORGANIC CHEMICALS, nitrites, nitrates, copper, phosphate and fluoride:

Nitrites are allowed to 1 ppm, even at this level, there may be some damage to fish gills. Methyl Blue can be used for the treatment of nitrite poisoning, but it is best to prevent this. A good bio-filter will generally remove traces of it from tap water, as well as products such as Prime.

Nitrates are allowed up to 10 ppm, even at this level studies in human infants younger than 6 months can become ill and suffer symptoms such as Blue Baby Syndrome. Now this level, has no bad effect on all fish studies I have seen, but levels above 20 ppm can harm some marine cephalopods. It is because in many marine aquariums to use RO water mix to mix up your salt or top off for evaporation so hard not to add to the removal of nitrates in your aquarium sea.

Other explanations are allowed chemicals Copper-1, 3 ppm, Phosphates (no standards) and Fluoride-4, 0 ppm. Copper at these levels is generally not a problem with fish and aquatic invertebrates, but if you already are treated with copper or if this is allowed to hope for a reef aquarium this is something an aqua rosary should be aware of. Copper levels above 5 ppm can start to become dangerous for certain delicate invertebrates such as corals and levels above 25 ppm can be dangerous to fish. It should also be noted for copper, which is in hot water in particular, copper can also be added to tap water from copper plumbing own.

What fluoride, I have not found convincing studies on the evil of fluoride to fish or other aquatic creatures, in fact, tiny amounts are needed for the growth of coral in marine aquariums. So despite the concerns over more than stated in fluoride in tap water used in aquariums and this one I would not think.

What Phosphates, many municipalities use phosphates to reduce the levels of lead that have been found in drinking water. Phosphates create a protective film on the inside of the pipe, slowing the electrochemical processes that lead to corrosion. Unfortunately for aquarists this could lead to additional growth of algae, especially Blue green algae (cyanobacteria). This can be a real problem in both freshwater and saltwater aquariums without easy solutions. I have a lot of phosphate sponges with mixed results, but I can say with certainty is that carbon will not remove phosphorus, in fact, even some carbon to add to your phosphate levels. Protein
Skimmers in marine aquariums can remove some phosphates, but I have not noticed that much difference.

Water changes using RO water and then adding small elements and electrolytes in the back is another solution. In freshwater aquariums, "Wonder Shells - calcium and electrolyte replenisher" can help with this, but in the marine salt water mixes have all the elements you need.

Freshwater Tropical Fish Guide - The Blue Gourami

The Blue Gourami, sometimes also called the 3 Spot Gourami is a popular freshwater tropical fish aquarium. These fish are usually a light blue color and have three dark spots, one on the underside of the tail, one in the middle of the body and a view that appears on the third spot. The Gourami species of fish itself comes in different colors, blue, which you often see in pet shops shops, gold and opal, and a few other rear of the races. These fish can grow very large and are best suited for larger aquariums.

The Blue Gourami is a fairly easy fish to keep and will be fine on floating flake food that you probably feed most of the other fish in your tank. However, like most creatures, these fish do need a bit of variety and it's good to throw in some freeze dried blood worms or frozen brine shrimp have a while just to ensure that they get all the vital nutrients they need.

If you buy a Gourami fish is very small that you could start them off in a smaller aquarium but eventually you going to have a 50-gallon or larger as the fish grows. This species can grow quite large and you want to be sure that your house them enough. you must also be sure that you have a good heater on the tank, since, like many other tropical freshwater fish, the temperature of the water to be between 70 and 82 ° F. Other conditions include a tank pH of 6.0 to 8.8 and a hardness of 5-35 DGH.

Since these fish are used to densely vegetated waters, as found in their native tropical waters of the Far East, the Gourami feel right at home if you have a lot of the plants in your aquarium. They get together with other fish in their species, but you must make sure that you have many Gourami and preferably different type cars in the tank to keep from ganging of the other fish. It is best to have at least 4 Gouramis in the tank and even better if you can get a mix of blue, gold and opaline varieties. Usually you want to stick to only one man and the tank as they can be territorial.

The Blue Gourami enjoys the company of the other varieties of Gourami. You could keep Gold, Blue and Opaline Gourami peacefully together in the same aquarium. Oddly enough, if you tank has only one variety of Gourami with other species of fish, the Gourami will conspire against the other fish. If you like a mix of Gourami in the tank, among other species, the Gourami tend to focus on their own type of fish and leave the other alone. It is recommended that you have a minimum of four Gourami's in your tank, with a mix of different varieties.

The Gourami can get along in the tank with other fish of the same size and can live peacefully with barbs, clown Loaches, Bala Sharks, Danios, Rainbow Sharks, Red Tail Sharks and Rainbows.

If you care for your excellent and Gouramis them with the proper tank conditions, they can live, four years old and grow to 4 inches in length.

Picking Out The Best Types Of Freshwater Aquarium Fish

If you are thinking of starting an aquarium
, Then a few fundamental issues are essential. Determine whether you want to have a saltwater or freshwater aquarium is the first step. Because of the many different species of freshwater aquarium fish, this tends to the most popular choice as a starting point for this wonderful hobby.

There are two species of freshwater aquarium fish to choose from, and tropical Coldwater. Because the Coldwater aquarium should be less in the way of equipment such as stoves, they are a common starting point.

Some of the most popular types of freshwater aquarium fish tanks for Coldwater his goldfish, koi and some of the tetra fish.

But on the types of freshwater aquarium fish, the most popular by far are tropical fish. These colorful and beautiful fish have a heated tank to survive and so will cost a bit more to maintain, but the sheer beauty of some of them worth the expense.

If these are the types of freshwater aquarium fish you choose to keep, then the choices you can make this a cheap and satisfy a hobby or a very expensive indeed!

When you first set up your freshwater aquarium is a good idea for young and healthy fish to begin with. If you choose to fish more mature as more established, that is fine, as long as your aquarium has had time to stabilize.

Selecting the right species of fish is essential for the success of your aquarium. The types of freshwater aquarium fish for tropical aquarium should winter hard and resistant to variations and fluctuations of ammonia and nitrite as your aquarium is established.

Without proper guidance of an expert to guide you in what types of freshwater aquarium fish to carry in your tank initially, your beautiful new acquisitions can quickly get sick and die.

Some recommendations for the species of freshwater aquarium fish to start your tropical aquarium with more Tetras, Danios, barbed or Cichlids.

The choice of tetra fish to start your aquarium, select those with round, large organizations on the thin, torpedoes shaped, neon Tétras as if they are generally hardier.

Danios are an excellent form of freshwater aquarium fish. They include danios zebra, leopard and danios giant danios.

Weather Hooks are a good choice of tropical fish for the beginner, although you should be careful about the fish you see them in what they can be a bit temperamental and dodge the slower moving fish.

Cichlids are a very large and diverse group of tropical fish and African Cichlids are an excellent choice for the start of a new aquarium, but should not be kept with other fish, as they can be aggressive.

Since there are numerous species of freshwater aquarium fish to choose from, each with their own behavior patterns, it's always a good idea to the advice of a professional to make your choices.

Buying Your First Tropical Fish

Whenever you start a new hobby it is very temp obligation to try to get everything at once. It can be also be easy to buy whatever the store clerk tells you is the right thing, especially as you are probably keen to get started. But if you are setting up your first fish tank and buying your first fish, then it is a good idea to think what you really and because what may be suitable for you before you buy.

If you are not familiar with tropical fish, then the best thing you can do is to find someone who is. If you have a friend who knows about tropical fish then take them to the store with you. But if you do not, make sure that you do your research first. It might be temp obligation to go to the store and buy the fish that look good, but if you have no idea whether or how you can look after them, then it is not a very good idea.

There are some wonderful books for beginners on how to keep tropical fish that will tell you exactly what the requirements of each fish are and how well they get on with other fish. If you do this research then you will be in a much better position to choose the right fish that can look after you well and your new hobby is much more likely to be successful.

One mistake that many people make is that they buy everything at once. There is no point in buying the tank and all of the accessories at the same time as you buy the fish. To set up the fish tank properly without using chemicals to clear the water, you need at least 24 hours to let the water and gravel settle and clear. You also need to make sure that your filter, aerator and heater are working properly and that your tank is set up properly and that everything works well. There is no reason, even if you did not have to let the water clear, to leave your new fish in a bag while you do all of this.

It is much better to wait until everything is set up and working well so that when you get your fish then you know that they will be ok. Tropical fish are a great hobby and choosing carefully and taking the time to set everything up well can make all the difference.

Feeding Your Tropical Fish

In the last couple of articles I shared with you the great tips on selecting good aquarium fish and how to transport and acclimatize them to there new surroundings. Today I'm going to tell you about the right way to feed your tropical fish because it is very important.
Did you know that overfeeding is the most common cause of death in aquarium fish? I know this is hard to believe that something so simple could cause the death of more fish than all the diseases and problems with water quality but it is one area that people overlook when is comes to tropical fish.
You need to make sure you don't over feed your fish but on the other hand they need to get enough food to be able to survive and grow healthily. Here are a few tips on how you should feed your new tropical aquarium fish.
1, Feed often but sparingly. This will cut down on uneaten food that will turn into ammonia and could harm or even kill your fish.
2, Watch at feeding times and work out how much the fish can eat within five minutes. Then never feed more than that. This again will create less waste.
3, Try feeding other feeds than don't pollute the water as much. Only feed meaty foods twice or three times a week as these tend to create the most waste.
4, Think about buying a more powerful filter. If you over feed then, the extra waste will cause a strain on your existing filter. Look into upgrading your filter if you keep having problems with ammonia.
5, Buy a few catfish or pleco's. These bottom feeding fish eat the waste food that is left by other fish and will cut down on the end waste. Pleco's also eat algae and keep the tank cleaner.
I hope you look into trying a few of these tips to try and avoid over feeding and ammonia problems caused by food. If you do try them out then I'm sure you will see good results and less fish deaths if you're having problems with ammonia and nitrate levels in your tank water.

Keeping Tropical Fish as A Hobby

Keeping tropical fish can be a fascinating hobby. There are many beautiful and brightly colored fish to choose from, but you need to know about the basics to get the most from the check, because this is a hobby that could easily turn into a real passion. Your fish should have the right environment if they are to survive and thrive. The important thing is the quality of the water and it is well oxygenated. Indeed, fish have to breathe and if you live somewhere that was not enough oxygen, you would quickly a little unhappy! Your fish does not have the possibility to complain, so it's up to you to ensure that the water of good quality, contains much oxygen and is cleaned and changed regularly.

Maintaining the proper temperature and environment is also very important. Some species thrive in a temperate or cold water, while many species need water to much warmer for them to survive. You also need to ensure that the various species of fish as you go along with a mix of fish.

Before the purchase of your fish is important to as much as possible on research that would be the best for you. It is better to start this way, instead of choosing the fish you want and then they try to adapt your plans. If you have only a small space in a room and not have to spend too much time looking for them, apart from the basic needs, then you know which fish would thrive in these conditions.

Even if you've kept fish before there is always something to learn. One of the best ways to do this is also the most friendly and fun. Join your local tropical fish club. It is a very popular hobby and there is allegedly an in your area. There are also a large number of specialized clubs for different species such as Koi Carp. These are very nice and you can learn a lot by talking with other fans and get advice.

Keeping tropical fish is a fun and rewarding hobby that can not only fun but also interesting and fun. There is always something to learn and always new fish that you would like to stand. It is truly one of the best hobbies you can have.