Tuesday, 30 March 2010
Tuesday, 9 March 2010
An Overview of Common Tropical Fish Diseases
Fish can suffer from illnesses just like any other animal, so if you keep tropical fish as pets you should be aware of the more common tropical fish diseases that your pets may contract. Early detection is crucial because if you can treat the symptoms quickly there is a better chance of the diseased fish, as well as the other fish in the tank, surviving. The majority of fish diseases are easy to take care of with as little as a few drops of medicine and a good cleaning of the tank, but only if they're caught early enough.
Dropsy may be the most common of fish diseases. The symptoms are not always easy to notice, but one of the obvious ones is a swelling of the stomach area. Signs of disease in any fish include not eating, listlessness, and spending long periods of time at the bottom or top of the aquarium so these may be noticeable as well. Another sign could be when their scales are sticking out in a fan shape. Dropsy is often passed from fish to fish so any fish you suspect of having dropsy should be removed and placed in a separate tank. It is serious as far as tropical fish diseases go, but is also easy to treat with readily available medicine from your local pet store. Cleaning your tank regularly can help, as dropsy is often caused by a buildup of algae; in fact, cleaning your tank regularly is an important step in avoiding many tropical fish diseases.
Another of the well known tropical fish diseases is called fish ick, or ich. You'll notice white dots on your fish's body, and they become slow or sluggish. You should raise the temperature of the water, and then continue to treat the tank with medicine for at least two weeks - even if symptoms clear up - to cure the whole condition.
Preventing most tropical fish diseases is not hard. Be sure you don't overfeed your fish because the uneaten fish food will degrade in the water and cause a buildup of algae and bacteria. Clean your aquarium on a regular basis and keep the water from getting discolored or cloudy. Also, some of the species of tropical fish you choose to add to your tank can make your other fish more susceptible to tropical fish diseases. Aggressive or bully fish will pick on and attack smaller and shyer fish which leaves them open to illnesses and injuries. You should take the time to learn about the kinds of fish you are planning on adding to your tank to make sure their personalities will match with the fish you already have. If not, you may want to think about getting a separate or larger aquarium so they have more room.
To be a truly responsible pet owner you should routinely check your pets for signs of tropical fish diseases and treat any symptoms immediately.
Need more information about tropical fish diseases? Then head over to Tropical Fish Tips 101 to receive your FREE 10 page report loaded with tips on how to care for your tropical fish.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathy_Ng
Dropsy may be the most common of fish diseases. The symptoms are not always easy to notice, but one of the obvious ones is a swelling of the stomach area. Signs of disease in any fish include not eating, listlessness, and spending long periods of time at the bottom or top of the aquarium so these may be noticeable as well. Another sign could be when their scales are sticking out in a fan shape. Dropsy is often passed from fish to fish so any fish you suspect of having dropsy should be removed and placed in a separate tank. It is serious as far as tropical fish diseases go, but is also easy to treat with readily available medicine from your local pet store. Cleaning your tank regularly can help, as dropsy is often caused by a buildup of algae; in fact, cleaning your tank regularly is an important step in avoiding many tropical fish diseases.
Another of the well known tropical fish diseases is called fish ick, or ich. You'll notice white dots on your fish's body, and they become slow or sluggish. You should raise the temperature of the water, and then continue to treat the tank with medicine for at least two weeks - even if symptoms clear up - to cure the whole condition.
Preventing most tropical fish diseases is not hard. Be sure you don't overfeed your fish because the uneaten fish food will degrade in the water and cause a buildup of algae and bacteria. Clean your aquarium on a regular basis and keep the water from getting discolored or cloudy. Also, some of the species of tropical fish you choose to add to your tank can make your other fish more susceptible to tropical fish diseases. Aggressive or bully fish will pick on and attack smaller and shyer fish which leaves them open to illnesses and injuries. You should take the time to learn about the kinds of fish you are planning on adding to your tank to make sure their personalities will match with the fish you already have. If not, you may want to think about getting a separate or larger aquarium so they have more room.
To be a truly responsible pet owner you should routinely check your pets for signs of tropical fish diseases and treat any symptoms immediately.
Need more information about tropical fish diseases? Then head over to Tropical Fish Tips 101 to receive your FREE 10 page report loaded with tips on how to care for your tropical fish.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathy_Ng
An Overview of Common Tropical Fish Diseases
Fish can suffer from illnesses just like any other animal, so if you keep tropical fish as pets you should be aware of the more common tropical fish diseases that your pets may contract. Early detection is crucial because if you can treat the symptoms quickly there is a better chance of the diseased fish, as well as the other fish in the tank, surviving. The majority of fish diseases are easy to take care of with as little as a few drops of medicine and a good cleaning of the tank, but only if they're caught early enough.
Dropsy may be the most common of fish diseases. The symptoms are not always easy to notice, but one of the obvious ones is a swelling of the stomach area. Signs of disease in any fish include not eating, listlessness, and spending long periods of time at the bottom or top of the aquarium so these may be noticeable as well. Another sign could be when their scales are sticking out in a fan shape. Dropsy is often passed from fish to fish so any fish you suspect of having dropsy should be removed and placed in a separate tank. It is serious as far as tropical fish diseases go, but is also easy to treat with readily available medicine from your local pet store. Cleaning your tank regularly can help, as dropsy is often caused by a buildup of algae; in fact, cleaning your tank regularly is an important step in avoiding many tropical fish diseases.
Another of the well known tropical fish diseases is called fish ick, or ich. You'll notice white dots on your fish's body, and they become slow or sluggish. You should raise the temperature of the water, and then continue to treat the tank with medicine for at least two weeks - even if symptoms clear up - to cure the whole condition.
Preventing most tropical fish diseases is not hard. Be sure you don't overfeed your fish because the uneaten fish food will degrade in the water and cause a buildup of algae and bacteria. Clean your aquarium on a regular basis and keep the water from getting discolored or cloudy. Also, some of the species of tropical fish you choose to add to your tank can make your other fish more susceptible to tropical fish diseases. Aggressive or bully fish will pick on and attack smaller and shyer fish which leaves them open to illnesses and injuries. You should take the time to learn about the kinds of fish you are planning on adding to your tank to make sure their personalities will match with the fish you already have. If not, you may want to think about getting a separate or larger aquarium so they have more room.
To be a truly responsible pet owner you should routinely check your pets for signs of tropical fish diseases and treat any symptoms immediately.
Need more information about tropical fish diseases? Then head over to Tropical Fish Tips 101 to receive your FREE 10 page report loaded with tips on how to care for your tropical fish.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathy_Ng
Dropsy may be the most common of fish diseases. The symptoms are not always easy to notice, but one of the obvious ones is a swelling of the stomach area. Signs of disease in any fish include not eating, listlessness, and spending long periods of time at the bottom or top of the aquarium so these may be noticeable as well. Another sign could be when their scales are sticking out in a fan shape. Dropsy is often passed from fish to fish so any fish you suspect of having dropsy should be removed and placed in a separate tank. It is serious as far as tropical fish diseases go, but is also easy to treat with readily available medicine from your local pet store. Cleaning your tank regularly can help, as dropsy is often caused by a buildup of algae; in fact, cleaning your tank regularly is an important step in avoiding many tropical fish diseases.
Another of the well known tropical fish diseases is called fish ick, or ich. You'll notice white dots on your fish's body, and they become slow or sluggish. You should raise the temperature of the water, and then continue to treat the tank with medicine for at least two weeks - even if symptoms clear up - to cure the whole condition.
Preventing most tropical fish diseases is not hard. Be sure you don't overfeed your fish because the uneaten fish food will degrade in the water and cause a buildup of algae and bacteria. Clean your aquarium on a regular basis and keep the water from getting discolored or cloudy. Also, some of the species of tropical fish you choose to add to your tank can make your other fish more susceptible to tropical fish diseases. Aggressive or bully fish will pick on and attack smaller and shyer fish which leaves them open to illnesses and injuries. You should take the time to learn about the kinds of fish you are planning on adding to your tank to make sure their personalities will match with the fish you already have. If not, you may want to think about getting a separate or larger aquarium so they have more room.
To be a truly responsible pet owner you should routinely check your pets for signs of tropical fish diseases and treat any symptoms immediately.
Need more information about tropical fish diseases? Then head over to Tropical Fish Tips 101 to receive your FREE 10 page report loaded with tips on how to care for your tropical fish.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathy_Ng
Tips on Buying a Tropical Fish Tank - Bigger is Better
You may assume that it is the manufacturers of tropical fish tanks who encourage you to buy the largest tank you can afford and fit in your house, but the truth is that there are numerous reasons why you should opt for the biggest tank you are able to and they have nothing to do with giving the manufacturers of the tanks more money! Purchasing a large tropical fish tank benefits you, the fish, and is good for your hobby in general. Here are a few reasons for this.
Remember that water is self-cleaning to a point, so with a larger tropical fish tank the water will remain cleaner than in small tanks. This means you will have to clean the large tank less often than you would a small tank; usually they require cleaning every 10 days instead of every week, like a small tank. Also, large tanks need less water during a water change, requiring only 10-15% whereas smaller tanks typically take up to 25-35%. So, it's natural to assume that a larger tank means extra cleaning, but in reality it can actually reduce the amount of work you put into your tank!
Obviously, the bigger the tank is, the more room your fish will have to swim, and this makes for happier, healthier fish. People use exercise to circulate oxygen through the body and stay healthy, fish have swimming for this. In smaller tanks fish can get crowded quickly and they might not be able to swim as much as they would in a large tropical fish tank. Also, more space will help keep any aggressive fish away from the quiet ones, as there will be room to share and more places to hide if they need to.
It's understandable that not everyone has the space or the money to run out and purchase the largest tropical fish tank they can find, but this doesn't mean that keeping tropical fish isn't a great hobby for you. It does mean, however, that you must be willing to scale back the size and amount of decorations, vegetation, and species and number of fish you add to your tank. Think of decorating a smaller tropical fish tank as you would a smaller apartment - a few necessary items that fit well, but not too much extra stuff - and your tank should be just fine. Decorations and smaller plants that are designed just for small tanks are available at almost any pet store. You should also take some time to learn about different species of fish, as some may get so large they will outgrow the size of your tank. These varieties of fish are not meant for a smaller tropical fish tank, so opt for smaller fish to keep them healthy and happy. Your pet store employee will be able to offer advice on the fish that are best suited for the size tropical fish tank you have so you can avoid the problem of having fish that are too big for your aquarium.
Need more information about tropical fish tanks? Then head over to Tropical Fish Tips 101 to receive your FREE 10 page report loaded with tips on how to care for your tropical fish.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathy_Ng
Remember that water is self-cleaning to a point, so with a larger tropical fish tank the water will remain cleaner than in small tanks. This means you will have to clean the large tank less often than you would a small tank; usually they require cleaning every 10 days instead of every week, like a small tank. Also, large tanks need less water during a water change, requiring only 10-15% whereas smaller tanks typically take up to 25-35%. So, it's natural to assume that a larger tank means extra cleaning, but in reality it can actually reduce the amount of work you put into your tank!
Obviously, the bigger the tank is, the more room your fish will have to swim, and this makes for happier, healthier fish. People use exercise to circulate oxygen through the body and stay healthy, fish have swimming for this. In smaller tanks fish can get crowded quickly and they might not be able to swim as much as they would in a large tropical fish tank. Also, more space will help keep any aggressive fish away from the quiet ones, as there will be room to share and more places to hide if they need to.
It's understandable that not everyone has the space or the money to run out and purchase the largest tropical fish tank they can find, but this doesn't mean that keeping tropical fish isn't a great hobby for you. It does mean, however, that you must be willing to scale back the size and amount of decorations, vegetation, and species and number of fish you add to your tank. Think of decorating a smaller tropical fish tank as you would a smaller apartment - a few necessary items that fit well, but not too much extra stuff - and your tank should be just fine. Decorations and smaller plants that are designed just for small tanks are available at almost any pet store. You should also take some time to learn about different species of fish, as some may get so large they will outgrow the size of your tank. These varieties of fish are not meant for a smaller tropical fish tank, so opt for smaller fish to keep them healthy and happy. Your pet store employee will be able to offer advice on the fish that are best suited for the size tropical fish tank you have so you can avoid the problem of having fish that are too big for your aquarium.
Need more information about tropical fish tanks? Then head over to Tropical Fish Tips 101 to receive your FREE 10 page report loaded with tips on how to care for your tropical fish.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathy_Ng
Freshwater and Saltwater Tropical Fish
Tropical fish include fish found in tropical environments (found close to the equator) around the world, including both saltwater and freshwater species. The term tropical fish refer to only those requiring fresh water. Saltwater species referred as marine fish but to be accurate these saltwater species are the same like the freshwater species. They are imported from their native waters as well as domestically bred. Keeping them is a great hobby.
How do you decide which one is best for? An important factor while purchasing it, is the color. Another factor is that far too many people purchase poor health fish. It is very easy to see if it is sick, most of sick fish just don't eat. Don't be shy and ask the seller to feed it before you put your money on it. Sick fish with Cloudy Eye disease or fin rot disease for example are easy to noticed, "Waste" 5 minutes and check your future animal, its skin, behavior and its vitality.
There are few rules we should remember while we keep our tropical fish, first rule is to be patient. A high percentage of people do not take the time to read, learn and study up on the hobby before getting started. Second rule is not to overload the system, placing too many new additions into the tank can cause ammonia and nitrite to rise. The third rule is to remember to maintain our fish tank on a regular basis. By maintaining your tank properly (water changes, test water quality) you can avoid many problems. There is also the attraction that once the tank is up and running the required effort needed to keep tropical fish is relatively low, in-fact there is hardly any restriction to ones normal life. Keeping freshwater tropical fish is the ideal starting point to this rewarding hobby and can be done so by almost any age group, even children (best start with the family), with limited supervision. One advantage of keeping and/or raising tropical fish is the large international community that shares your interest.
Keeping tropical fish is a pleasurable hobby for families around the world. Critical part while you acclimate your new fish is to not feed them for at least 24 hours and preferably 48 hours. Fish tanks are a wonderful place to observe a habitat on a smaller scale. Tropical marine fish enjoy their temperature a little bit warmer at 80 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit (26C). Tropical fish are very colorful and therefore very popular as aquarium fish. Tropical fish tanks have to be constantly monitored for presence of harmful bacteria, fungi, and algae. Tropical fish, just like other fish, have to be fed at least 2 to 3 times a day.
Rotem Gavish is a fish expert. Dedicating his life to this beautiful hobby, his expertise are in all related to aquarium world such as tropical fish, fish tank, reef tanks, marine fish,plants and invertebrates.
For more information about tropical fish visit us at: http://www.aquariumpassion.com/profiles/tropical-fish.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rotem_Gavish
How do you decide which one is best for? An important factor while purchasing it, is the color. Another factor is that far too many people purchase poor health fish. It is very easy to see if it is sick, most of sick fish just don't eat. Don't be shy and ask the seller to feed it before you put your money on it. Sick fish with Cloudy Eye disease or fin rot disease for example are easy to noticed, "Waste" 5 minutes and check your future animal, its skin, behavior and its vitality.
There are few rules we should remember while we keep our tropical fish, first rule is to be patient. A high percentage of people do not take the time to read, learn and study up on the hobby before getting started. Second rule is not to overload the system, placing too many new additions into the tank can cause ammonia and nitrite to rise. The third rule is to remember to maintain our fish tank on a regular basis. By maintaining your tank properly (water changes, test water quality) you can avoid many problems. There is also the attraction that once the tank is up and running the required effort needed to keep tropical fish is relatively low, in-fact there is hardly any restriction to ones normal life. Keeping freshwater tropical fish is the ideal starting point to this rewarding hobby and can be done so by almost any age group, even children (best start with the family), with limited supervision. One advantage of keeping and/or raising tropical fish is the large international community that shares your interest.
Keeping tropical fish is a pleasurable hobby for families around the world. Critical part while you acclimate your new fish is to not feed them for at least 24 hours and preferably 48 hours. Fish tanks are a wonderful place to observe a habitat on a smaller scale. Tropical marine fish enjoy their temperature a little bit warmer at 80 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit (26C). Tropical fish are very colorful and therefore very popular as aquarium fish. Tropical fish tanks have to be constantly monitored for presence of harmful bacteria, fungi, and algae. Tropical fish, just like other fish, have to be fed at least 2 to 3 times a day.
Rotem Gavish is a fish expert. Dedicating his life to this beautiful hobby, his expertise are in all related to aquarium world such as tropical fish, fish tank, reef tanks, marine fish,plants and invertebrates.
For more information about tropical fish visit us at: http://www.aquariumpassion.com/profiles/tropical-fish.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rotem_Gavish
5 Quick Tropical Fish Facts
Tropical fish are beautiful, and that's a fact! They are ideal pets if you don't have a lot of spare time as they don't need walking and don't scratch the furniture. But there are some tropical fish facts and tips you should know before buying your first aquarium.
Tropical Fish Fact One
The majority of people of start off with a very small aquarium not realizing they will soon become hooked. Before too long they are back to the pet shop buying another one the next size up.
Tip: Don't buy the smallest aquarium you can find - you may well be wasting your time and money although the pet shop owner will love you.
Tropical Fish Fact Two
Tropical fish are categorized by their nature. Like humans, some are loners and will bite the head off anyone that comes too close, some like only their own species and don't mix too well with others, and some are friendly, outgoing, and love spending time with anyone who comes their way.
Tip: Check if the tropical fish you are buying are non-community fish, semi-aggressive or community fish.
Tropical Fish Fact Three
There are certain types of tropical fish you should buy when introducing them to a new tank. You must be sure to buy hardy fish as the levels of ammonia and nitrate in your tank will fluctuate before evening out over time, and not all tropicals can survive these changes.
Tip: Make sure you know your stuff before buying your first fish. If the shop owner is not an expert, search reference books and Internet forums for the best types of hardy tropical starter fish.
Tropical Fish Fact Four
Some dainty, delicate and fragile looking tropical fish can grow extremely large very fast! This will mean a further trip back to the pet shop where the owner will greet you rubbing his hands in glee.
Tip: Find out exactly how large your potential purchase will grow before you purchase it.
Tropical Fish Fact Five
Aquariums need equipment such as filters, pumps and heaters. Filtration systems help to keep the fine ecological balance necessary in your aquarium for the fish to thrive. They are readily available in three different types.
Tip: Don't purchase your filtration system before you know which fish are going into your aquarium. Choose from either a chemical, mechanical or biological filter after discussing with an expert which would be the best for your particular tank.
There is nothing more soothing after a stressful day than relaxing and losing yourself in the graceful, colorful and calming world of beautiful tropical fish, and armed with these few tropical fish facts and tips this colorful world could soon be a part of your life.
For more information on tropical fish for beginners try visiting http://www.yourhomeaquarium.com where you will find lots of tropical fish tips, advice and resources.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Douglas_Taylor
Tropical Fish Fact One
The majority of people of start off with a very small aquarium not realizing they will soon become hooked. Before too long they are back to the pet shop buying another one the next size up.
Tip: Don't buy the smallest aquarium you can find - you may well be wasting your time and money although the pet shop owner will love you.
Tropical Fish Fact Two
Tropical fish are categorized by their nature. Like humans, some are loners and will bite the head off anyone that comes too close, some like only their own species and don't mix too well with others, and some are friendly, outgoing, and love spending time with anyone who comes their way.
Tip: Check if the tropical fish you are buying are non-community fish, semi-aggressive or community fish.
Tropical Fish Fact Three
There are certain types of tropical fish you should buy when introducing them to a new tank. You must be sure to buy hardy fish as the levels of ammonia and nitrate in your tank will fluctuate before evening out over time, and not all tropicals can survive these changes.
Tip: Make sure you know your stuff before buying your first fish. If the shop owner is not an expert, search reference books and Internet forums for the best types of hardy tropical starter fish.
Tropical Fish Fact Four
Some dainty, delicate and fragile looking tropical fish can grow extremely large very fast! This will mean a further trip back to the pet shop where the owner will greet you rubbing his hands in glee.
Tip: Find out exactly how large your potential purchase will grow before you purchase it.
Tropical Fish Fact Five
Aquariums need equipment such as filters, pumps and heaters. Filtration systems help to keep the fine ecological balance necessary in your aquarium for the fish to thrive. They are readily available in three different types.
Tip: Don't purchase your filtration system before you know which fish are going into your aquarium. Choose from either a chemical, mechanical or biological filter after discussing with an expert which would be the best for your particular tank.
There is nothing more soothing after a stressful day than relaxing and losing yourself in the graceful, colorful and calming world of beautiful tropical fish, and armed with these few tropical fish facts and tips this colorful world could soon be a part of your life.
For more information on tropical fish for beginners try visiting http://www.yourhomeaquarium.com where you will find lots of tropical fish tips, advice and resources.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Douglas_Taylor
Freshwater Tropical Fish - 4 Must-Have Tips When Buying Your First Freshwater Tropical Fish
How do you choose a freshwater tropical fish? Well, we have some tips that can really save you time and aggravation. I love articles that are in tip form, so feel free to read this article and print it out and take it with you to your favorite pet store. Without further ado, here are some fresh fish tips:
The size of the fish matters.
Most of the tropical fish that are available will not be fully grown. Some of the different types will stay the same size while other types will get much bigger. You want to make sure that your tank will be big enough for your fish, especially if they are the type that do get much bigger. If you are unsure about the type that would go best in your tank then you will want to talk to someone who has knowledge about the different kinds of freshwater tropical fish.
What will the tropical fish diet be?
Not all of the types will have the same diet. Some of the fish will eat live food, some will eat frozen food, some will eat flakes and some will eat anything. It is important to know the type of food that your fish eats because you have to be prepared to invest time each day to make sure they get accurate quantities of the various fish foods. If you are going to get more than one fish it is recommended that you get tropical fish that eat the same fish food.
How well will your fish get along with each other?
Believe it or not, each type of fish has their own distinct personality and some of them can be aggressive; many types have reputations as bullies. It is important that you get tropical fish that have mutually compatible personalities. This will stop them from getting into scraps with each other and wreaking havoc with your tank.
What will the tank's water temperature be set to?
Freshwater tropical fish don't all come from the same region. This means that for each different type of tropical fish the temperature in the tank will be different. Be sure you choose fish that will be comfortable in the same temperature range because you can only have one temperature in your tank.
As you can see, there is more than meets the eye when selecting your freshwater tropical fish. Tropical fish have many needs and not all tropical fish will play well together. Do some planning and research beforehand and you'll have happy, long-lived fish. Remember, don't buy fish as an impulse buy, you and your fish may regret it. For more information on freshwater tropical fish please take the time to pay us a visit. Thanks for reading and good luck.
Athanasios G. loves his tropical fish. He has maintained freshwater and saltwater fish tanks for years. His site has a wealth of information which you can see here: Tropical Fish Website. For the latest list of tropical fish articles, look at Tropical Fish Articles.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Athanasios_G.
The size of the fish matters.
Most of the tropical fish that are available will not be fully grown. Some of the different types will stay the same size while other types will get much bigger. You want to make sure that your tank will be big enough for your fish, especially if they are the type that do get much bigger. If you are unsure about the type that would go best in your tank then you will want to talk to someone who has knowledge about the different kinds of freshwater tropical fish.
What will the tropical fish diet be?
Not all of the types will have the same diet. Some of the fish will eat live food, some will eat frozen food, some will eat flakes and some will eat anything. It is important to know the type of food that your fish eats because you have to be prepared to invest time each day to make sure they get accurate quantities of the various fish foods. If you are going to get more than one fish it is recommended that you get tropical fish that eat the same fish food.
How well will your fish get along with each other?
Believe it or not, each type of fish has their own distinct personality and some of them can be aggressive; many types have reputations as bullies. It is important that you get tropical fish that have mutually compatible personalities. This will stop them from getting into scraps with each other and wreaking havoc with your tank.
What will the tank's water temperature be set to?
Freshwater tropical fish don't all come from the same region. This means that for each different type of tropical fish the temperature in the tank will be different. Be sure you choose fish that will be comfortable in the same temperature range because you can only have one temperature in your tank.
As you can see, there is more than meets the eye when selecting your freshwater tropical fish. Tropical fish have many needs and not all tropical fish will play well together. Do some planning and research beforehand and you'll have happy, long-lived fish. Remember, don't buy fish as an impulse buy, you and your fish may regret it. For more information on freshwater tropical fish please take the time to pay us a visit. Thanks for reading and good luck.
Athanasios G. loves his tropical fish. He has maintained freshwater and saltwater fish tanks for years. His site has a wealth of information which you can see here: Tropical Fish Website. For the latest list of tropical fish articles, look at Tropical Fish Articles.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Athanasios_G.
How To Setup A Freshwater Tropical Fish Tank
This is an 11 step guide to setting up a freshwater aquarium in your home.
Equipment you will need:
Aquarium
Aquarium gravel
Aquarium filter
Replacement filter media
Heater
Other decorations (such as plants)
Chemical test kits
Fish food
Aquarium vacuum
Fish net
Glass Scrubber
5-gallon bucket
Pasta strainer
STEP 1: Realize the responsibility involved.
A tropical fish tank is just like having a dog or a cat when it comes to the amount of effort on your part. In order to have a successful fish tank you will have to work at it. Once a week, or at most once every two weeks, you will need to perform some kind of maintenance on the tank. Most of the time you will be performing water changes. You will also have to feed your tropical fish at least once a day. If you are up to the challenge, please proceed!
STEP 2: Decide on an aquarium size.
It's a good idea to have in mind what kind of tropical fish you want to keep before you purchase an aquarium. Some tropical fish only grow to be an inch or two, whereas other types of tropical fish can grow 12 or 13 inches in length! Knowing what kind of tropical fish you want will help you decide the size of the tank they will need. If this is your first time with an aquarium, I would recommend going with a 10 or 20 gallon aquarium for now.
STEP 3: Decide on the aquarium's location.
Place your aquarium in an area where the light and temperature of the tank won't be affected by external sources such as windows and heater vents. You will want to place your aquarium on a stand that will be able to hold its total weight. A good rule of thumb for determining the total weight of a full aquarium is 10 pounds per gallon of water. For example, a 55-gallon tank will weigh approximately 550 pounds when filled with water!
STEP 4: Buy your aquarium and equipment.
Now is the time to decide on the type of filtration you will want to use. You will also need to purchase a heater capable of heating the tank size you have. Buy the gravel, plants, a power strip and other decorations. A good rule of thumb for the amount of gravel that you will need is 1 to 1.5 pounds of gravel per gallon of water.
STEP 5: Set up your aquarium and stand.
Wash out your tank with water only! Do not use soap or detergents. Soap residue left behind will be harmful for your tropical fish. If you are going to use an under gravel filter (not recommended) now would be the time to set it up as well.
STEP 6: Wash Gravel, plants and decorations.
Be sure to wash the gravel thoroughly before adding it to your tank. An easy way to do this is to put some of the rocks in a pasta strainer and wash them out in your bathtub. Then place the clean gravel in a clean 5-gallon bucket for transport to the aquarium. After adding the gravel you can place your plants and decorations.
STEP 7: Add water to the aquarium.
To avoid messing up your gravel and plants, you can place a plate or saucer in the middle of your aquarium and direct the water flow onto the plate. Use room temperature water when filling. To remove the chlorine and chloramine, use something like Tetra AquaSafe for Aquariums. Don't completely fill up the aquarium until you are sure of the layout of your decorations. Otherwise, when you place your arm in to move stuff around water is going to spill over. Doh!
STEP 8: Set up equipment.
Install your heater but don't plug it in until the thermostat in the heater has adjusted to the water temperature. This usually takes about 15 minutes or so. Hook up your filter and any other equipment you have, then top off the aquarium water to just under the hood lip. Place your hood and light on the aquarium and then check your power cords to be sure that they are free of water. I would also recommend using a drip loop on all of the power cords to be extra cautious. Plug all of the equipment into a power strip and then "turn on" the aquarium.
STEP 9. Wait, wait, wait and then wait some more.
I know, you want to add some tropical fish. But, in order to do this right you must wait until your aquarium has cycled before adding any fish. There are ways of speeding up this process. Check out the nitrogen cycle page to learn more. If you must use fish to cycle, try to get a hardier species like the zebra danio or cherry barb.
STEP 10. Add tropical fish.
Only add one or two fish at a time. Adding a couple tropical fish at a time gives your filtration system the time needed to take on the increased biological load that the new fish introduce. When you bring the fish home let the bag float in the tank for about 15 minutes so that the fish can become acclimated to the temperature and pH of the aquarium water. After 5 minutes of floating the bag you should add some of the aquarium water to the bag so that the fish can become acclimated to the pH level in the aquarium. This will help reduce the amount of stress imposed on the tropical fish. Stressed tropical fish often leads to dead tropical fish! Don't feed your tropical fish on the first day. They probably wouldn't eat any food on the first day anyway. Let them get acquainted with their new home.
STEP 11. Get ready for regular maintenance.
Be prepared to spend some time once every week or two to clean your tank. Performing regular water changes will reduce the nitrate levels and keep your tropical fish happy and healthy.
For more tropical fish and aquarium information, please visit FishLore.com - Tropical Fish & Aquarium Information.
Mike is an editor at FishLore.com. Designed for beginners, FishLore.com provides tropical fish information, how-to guides, articles, fish profiles, FAQs, forums and more! FishLore.com - Tropical Fish & Aquarium Information
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Magnum
Equipment you will need:
Aquarium
Aquarium gravel
Aquarium filter
Replacement filter media
Heater
Other decorations (such as plants)
Chemical test kits
Fish food
Aquarium vacuum
Fish net
Glass Scrubber
5-gallon bucket
Pasta strainer
STEP 1: Realize the responsibility involved.
A tropical fish tank is just like having a dog or a cat when it comes to the amount of effort on your part. In order to have a successful fish tank you will have to work at it. Once a week, or at most once every two weeks, you will need to perform some kind of maintenance on the tank. Most of the time you will be performing water changes. You will also have to feed your tropical fish at least once a day. If you are up to the challenge, please proceed!
STEP 2: Decide on an aquarium size.
It's a good idea to have in mind what kind of tropical fish you want to keep before you purchase an aquarium. Some tropical fish only grow to be an inch or two, whereas other types of tropical fish can grow 12 or 13 inches in length! Knowing what kind of tropical fish you want will help you decide the size of the tank they will need. If this is your first time with an aquarium, I would recommend going with a 10 or 20 gallon aquarium for now.
STEP 3: Decide on the aquarium's location.
Place your aquarium in an area where the light and temperature of the tank won't be affected by external sources such as windows and heater vents. You will want to place your aquarium on a stand that will be able to hold its total weight. A good rule of thumb for determining the total weight of a full aquarium is 10 pounds per gallon of water. For example, a 55-gallon tank will weigh approximately 550 pounds when filled with water!
STEP 4: Buy your aquarium and equipment.
Now is the time to decide on the type of filtration you will want to use. You will also need to purchase a heater capable of heating the tank size you have. Buy the gravel, plants, a power strip and other decorations. A good rule of thumb for the amount of gravel that you will need is 1 to 1.5 pounds of gravel per gallon of water.
STEP 5: Set up your aquarium and stand.
Wash out your tank with water only! Do not use soap or detergents. Soap residue left behind will be harmful for your tropical fish. If you are going to use an under gravel filter (not recommended) now would be the time to set it up as well.
STEP 6: Wash Gravel, plants and decorations.
Be sure to wash the gravel thoroughly before adding it to your tank. An easy way to do this is to put some of the rocks in a pasta strainer and wash them out in your bathtub. Then place the clean gravel in a clean 5-gallon bucket for transport to the aquarium. After adding the gravel you can place your plants and decorations.
STEP 7: Add water to the aquarium.
To avoid messing up your gravel and plants, you can place a plate or saucer in the middle of your aquarium and direct the water flow onto the plate. Use room temperature water when filling. To remove the chlorine and chloramine, use something like Tetra AquaSafe for Aquariums. Don't completely fill up the aquarium until you are sure of the layout of your decorations. Otherwise, when you place your arm in to move stuff around water is going to spill over. Doh!
STEP 8: Set up equipment.
Install your heater but don't plug it in until the thermostat in the heater has adjusted to the water temperature. This usually takes about 15 minutes or so. Hook up your filter and any other equipment you have, then top off the aquarium water to just under the hood lip. Place your hood and light on the aquarium and then check your power cords to be sure that they are free of water. I would also recommend using a drip loop on all of the power cords to be extra cautious. Plug all of the equipment into a power strip and then "turn on" the aquarium.
STEP 9. Wait, wait, wait and then wait some more.
I know, you want to add some tropical fish. But, in order to do this right you must wait until your aquarium has cycled before adding any fish. There are ways of speeding up this process. Check out the nitrogen cycle page to learn more. If you must use fish to cycle, try to get a hardier species like the zebra danio or cherry barb.
STEP 10. Add tropical fish.
Only add one or two fish at a time. Adding a couple tropical fish at a time gives your filtration system the time needed to take on the increased biological load that the new fish introduce. When you bring the fish home let the bag float in the tank for about 15 minutes so that the fish can become acclimated to the temperature and pH of the aquarium water. After 5 minutes of floating the bag you should add some of the aquarium water to the bag so that the fish can become acclimated to the pH level in the aquarium. This will help reduce the amount of stress imposed on the tropical fish. Stressed tropical fish often leads to dead tropical fish! Don't feed your tropical fish on the first day. They probably wouldn't eat any food on the first day anyway. Let them get acquainted with their new home.
STEP 11. Get ready for regular maintenance.
Be prepared to spend some time once every week or two to clean your tank. Performing regular water changes will reduce the nitrate levels and keep your tropical fish happy and healthy.
For more tropical fish and aquarium information, please visit FishLore.com - Tropical Fish & Aquarium Information.
Mike is an editor at FishLore.com. Designed for beginners, FishLore.com provides tropical fish information, how-to guides, articles, fish profiles, FAQs, forums and more! FishLore.com - Tropical Fish & Aquarium Information
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Magnum
Monday, 8 March 2010
Amazing Fish Tanks
Fish tanks are more than just unoriginal containers meant to hold fish. Fish tanks are expressions of their owner's personal style, or of the style of the room or home in which they reside. Owning fish can be so much more than a mundane experience. Through creativity and a commitment to care for both the fish and its environment for years to come, amazing fish tanks can be the result.
What makes amazing fish tanks amazing? That's simple. Their size, their design, their style, their location - an attribute of a fish tank can make it amazing. That's why, through careful consideration and planning, it won't be hard add amazing fish tanks to your own home.
First, when looking at fish tanks, really think about where the tank will be displayed within your home. If there is an obvious theme or feel to the room that will house it, capitalize on that. Find a fish tank that uniquely fits into that design and it can become amazing. Consider not only any objects that may make the surrounding room unique, but also any unusual colors to the way in which other objects or furniture is displayed. Remember that amazing fish tanks come in all shapes and sizes, and so finding one that fits into an existing design is entirely possible. Don't be afraid to dream and don't be afraid to spend plenty of time figuring out the best fish tank to add to your home.
Second, think about the design of the fish tank itself. Would it be easy to customize that design in some way to lead to the production of amazing fish tanks? Think about common objects that a fish tank could be modeled after or that could be included inside the fish tank. Any sterilized object can become a fish toy if anchored to the bottom of the tank. Some amazing fish tanks ideas could be to mimic the design of your room with the interior design of the fish tank. Find miniature furniture items and knick knacks, ensure that they're able to be placed underwater and can be sterilized and add them to your tank. What a unique design and how neat that you've created a conversation piece in addition to a friendly fish environment.
Third, think about accentuating one particular attribute of your fish tank. Amazing fish tanks often have a singular focal point that just makes observers say "wow!" Can you exaggerate your fish tank through its size, whether smaller or larger? Can you find a tank that is an unusual shape and thus will draw additional attention? Both are likely possibilities that you can easily fulfill. Other possibilities to consider are the use of color within your fish tank. Consider colored sides to tank walls, or colored lights. You can even consider colored water if safe additives are used to create the change. Nothing is beyond the realm of possible when it comes to designing amazing fish tanks. By allowing your mind to dream, you can create amazing fish tanks that will be the center of attention in your home for quite some time to come.
Getahugetank.com offers acrylic aquariums, fish tank heaters and aquarium supplies.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kurt_Dinn
What makes amazing fish tanks amazing? That's simple. Their size, their design, their style, their location - an attribute of a fish tank can make it amazing. That's why, through careful consideration and planning, it won't be hard add amazing fish tanks to your own home.
First, when looking at fish tanks, really think about where the tank will be displayed within your home. If there is an obvious theme or feel to the room that will house it, capitalize on that. Find a fish tank that uniquely fits into that design and it can become amazing. Consider not only any objects that may make the surrounding room unique, but also any unusual colors to the way in which other objects or furniture is displayed. Remember that amazing fish tanks come in all shapes and sizes, and so finding one that fits into an existing design is entirely possible. Don't be afraid to dream and don't be afraid to spend plenty of time figuring out the best fish tank to add to your home.
Second, think about the design of the fish tank itself. Would it be easy to customize that design in some way to lead to the production of amazing fish tanks? Think about common objects that a fish tank could be modeled after or that could be included inside the fish tank. Any sterilized object can become a fish toy if anchored to the bottom of the tank. Some amazing fish tanks ideas could be to mimic the design of your room with the interior design of the fish tank. Find miniature furniture items and knick knacks, ensure that they're able to be placed underwater and can be sterilized and add them to your tank. What a unique design and how neat that you've created a conversation piece in addition to a friendly fish environment.
Third, think about accentuating one particular attribute of your fish tank. Amazing fish tanks often have a singular focal point that just makes observers say "wow!" Can you exaggerate your fish tank through its size, whether smaller or larger? Can you find a tank that is an unusual shape and thus will draw additional attention? Both are likely possibilities that you can easily fulfill. Other possibilities to consider are the use of color within your fish tank. Consider colored sides to tank walls, or colored lights. You can even consider colored water if safe additives are used to create the change. Nothing is beyond the realm of possible when it comes to designing amazing fish tanks. By allowing your mind to dream, you can create amazing fish tanks that will be the center of attention in your home for quite some time to come.
Getahugetank.com offers acrylic aquariums, fish tank heaters and aquarium supplies.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kurt_Dinn
Tropical Fish Tanks - What You Need to Know
Tropical fish tanks are a great addition to a home or office. It is time to get started, and you have some important, and fun, decisions to make. There is a stunning variety of saltwater and reef fish to choose from, the ones you have seen in many tropical fish tanks.
Buying Your First Fish Tank
First things first. You need a tank. The best advice is to buy the biggest tank you can. Of course, space and money are the usual constraints, but many find they enjoy their fish so much they wish they had purchased a larger tank! Buying another tank means spending more money, so getting the biggest one you can may save you money down the road.
Tropical fish tanks come in many sizes, but the smallest tank to consider would be a 30-gallon tank. This size will provide swimming space for the fish and sufficient surface area for adequate exchange of oxygen into the water. Of course you can always add aeration equipment to your tank, but if you want to add more fish in the future, you will want an adequately sized tank.
Tropical fish tanks are either acrylic or glass. Glass tanks are a bit less expensive and will not discolor over time, but if you have kids that like to have sword fights in the house, remember that glass tanks break easier than acrylic tanks. Acrylic tanks can be ordered online to your specifications and they are lighter than glass so you can use a smaller fish tank stand.
Setting Up Your Tank
Here are some things to consider about the location of your tank in your home, office or business. Make sure your aquarium does not receive direct sunlight. Sunlight causes algae to grow which makes the water cloudy and requires more of your attention. Also, avoid locations close to room heaters or air vents. These can cause changes in water temperature and the fish like a stable water temperature.
You may find acrylic fish tanks come with a stand. You will need a sturdier stand for a glass aquarium because of the weight. To prevent the possibility of cracking the glass, and make sure you have a polystyrene or rubber pad between the tank and the stand.
Once you have your new tropical fish tank situated, it is time for water, but just to check for leaks. Fill it up and keep and eye on it for a day or two. If it is water tight, then it needs a thorough cleaning, and do not forget to rinse the gravel. Any contaminants left in the tank can poison your new fish, so clean and rinse thoroughly.
Get Your Tank Up And Running
Now it is time to add salt and chemicals. Make sure you use a good guide to determine exactly what you need. Once the tank chemistry is set, run all your equipment including pump and heater for 72 hours to filter and heat your water and stabilize your tank.
Just Add Fish
The day you have been waiting for. It is time to add some color and life to your new tank. There is a wonderful array of beautiful fish to choose from and, of course, what you buy will depend on your budget and personal taste. Tropical fish tanks are a great addition to any home or office. I hope you enjoy your new fish tank.
Jeff T.
Tropical Fish Enthusiast
http://www.TropicalFishTanksBlog.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_T
Buying Your First Fish Tank
First things first. You need a tank. The best advice is to buy the biggest tank you can. Of course, space and money are the usual constraints, but many find they enjoy their fish so much they wish they had purchased a larger tank! Buying another tank means spending more money, so getting the biggest one you can may save you money down the road.
Tropical fish tanks come in many sizes, but the smallest tank to consider would be a 30-gallon tank. This size will provide swimming space for the fish and sufficient surface area for adequate exchange of oxygen into the water. Of course you can always add aeration equipment to your tank, but if you want to add more fish in the future, you will want an adequately sized tank.
Tropical fish tanks are either acrylic or glass. Glass tanks are a bit less expensive and will not discolor over time, but if you have kids that like to have sword fights in the house, remember that glass tanks break easier than acrylic tanks. Acrylic tanks can be ordered online to your specifications and they are lighter than glass so you can use a smaller fish tank stand.
Setting Up Your Tank
Here are some things to consider about the location of your tank in your home, office or business. Make sure your aquarium does not receive direct sunlight. Sunlight causes algae to grow which makes the water cloudy and requires more of your attention. Also, avoid locations close to room heaters or air vents. These can cause changes in water temperature and the fish like a stable water temperature.
You may find acrylic fish tanks come with a stand. You will need a sturdier stand for a glass aquarium because of the weight. To prevent the possibility of cracking the glass, and make sure you have a polystyrene or rubber pad between the tank and the stand.
Once you have your new tropical fish tank situated, it is time for water, but just to check for leaks. Fill it up and keep and eye on it for a day or two. If it is water tight, then it needs a thorough cleaning, and do not forget to rinse the gravel. Any contaminants left in the tank can poison your new fish, so clean and rinse thoroughly.
Get Your Tank Up And Running
Now it is time to add salt and chemicals. Make sure you use a good guide to determine exactly what you need. Once the tank chemistry is set, run all your equipment including pump and heater for 72 hours to filter and heat your water and stabilize your tank.
Just Add Fish
The day you have been waiting for. It is time to add some color and life to your new tank. There is a wonderful array of beautiful fish to choose from and, of course, what you buy will depend on your budget and personal taste. Tropical fish tanks are a great addition to any home or office. I hope you enjoy your new fish tank.
Jeff T.
Tropical Fish Enthusiast
http://www.TropicalFishTanksBlog.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_T
Saltwater Fish Tanks-- Ease of Keeping Saltwater Fish at Home
Having a collection of striking fish in your living room that are normally only found in the ocean provides serenity and is a great attraction for family and friends visiting your home. Although it may seem difficult to maintain or expensive to setup, having saltwater fish differs little from a normal tank.
One of the first steps in having a saltwater fish tank in your home is a review of your finances to determine that you have enough money to start and maintain your tank. Approximate start-up costs for a saltwater fish tank are around $500 (USD), which doesn't include the cost of fish or the upkeep.
The next step is to determine where your tank is going to be located and what type and size of tank you are going to purchase. Some tanks are small enough to sit on a table, while others come with their own stands. Particularly large tanks may require structural support so that the floor can bear the additional weight. When choosing the location for your tank, keep in mind its accessibility in regards to cleaning and maintenance. You must also select whether to have a glass or acrylic tank. Glass is easier to clean, but you can drill holes in acrylic tanks that allow filtration to occur out of sight underneath the tank.
After purchasing your tank you must buy other needed equipment such as a filter, air pump, and heater. You also need to choose a bed for the tank and a saltwater mixture which will create the best conditions for your fish.
Once you have purchased all your items except your fish, assemble your tank and test it out to make sure it runs properly. Once you're certain it works okay, continue to let cycle, making adjustments to get the tank to its optimal level for the fish you are going to purchase. Once this is done, it's time to take a trip to select your fish. The ocean, where saltwater fish live, is the largest of all the water bodies. It's home to millions of species - playful, colourful, savage and awe inspiring, and many of these varieties are appropriate and available for saltwater tanks. When you bring your fish home, keep the fish in the bag and place it in the tank. This will allow the fish to adjust to the temperature in your tank. After a few hours, add one-fourth cup of tank water to the bag to let the fish adjust slowly to the water, and within an hour, repeat this step four times. After that you can put the fish directly into the tank or hold it in a quarantine tank for a few days or weeks until you certain it is healthy and able to thrive in your tank water. This is highly recommended if you are adding this fish to a tank already housing other fish, as one sick fish can kill all the others in your tank.
Having a saltwater fish tank not only adds beauty but is also quite easy to do. Once you have purchased all your equipment, tested it out, bought your fish and attuned it to your tank, it's time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ease of keeping saltwater fish in your home and what they add to it.If you are looking for more information then please feel free to visit our site at http://www.saltwater-fishtank.com
Saltwater Fish Tanks Ease of keeping saltwater fish at home could not be simpler i have been keeping salt water fish now for 2 years and they really do make great pets. for more information please visit our site at http://www.saltwater-fishtank.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ash_Barnard
One of the first steps in having a saltwater fish tank in your home is a review of your finances to determine that you have enough money to start and maintain your tank. Approximate start-up costs for a saltwater fish tank are around $500 (USD), which doesn't include the cost of fish or the upkeep.
The next step is to determine where your tank is going to be located and what type and size of tank you are going to purchase. Some tanks are small enough to sit on a table, while others come with their own stands. Particularly large tanks may require structural support so that the floor can bear the additional weight. When choosing the location for your tank, keep in mind its accessibility in regards to cleaning and maintenance. You must also select whether to have a glass or acrylic tank. Glass is easier to clean, but you can drill holes in acrylic tanks that allow filtration to occur out of sight underneath the tank.
After purchasing your tank you must buy other needed equipment such as a filter, air pump, and heater. You also need to choose a bed for the tank and a saltwater mixture which will create the best conditions for your fish.
Once you have purchased all your items except your fish, assemble your tank and test it out to make sure it runs properly. Once you're certain it works okay, continue to let cycle, making adjustments to get the tank to its optimal level for the fish you are going to purchase. Once this is done, it's time to take a trip to select your fish. The ocean, where saltwater fish live, is the largest of all the water bodies. It's home to millions of species - playful, colourful, savage and awe inspiring, and many of these varieties are appropriate and available for saltwater tanks. When you bring your fish home, keep the fish in the bag and place it in the tank. This will allow the fish to adjust to the temperature in your tank. After a few hours, add one-fourth cup of tank water to the bag to let the fish adjust slowly to the water, and within an hour, repeat this step four times. After that you can put the fish directly into the tank or hold it in a quarantine tank for a few days or weeks until you certain it is healthy and able to thrive in your tank water. This is highly recommended if you are adding this fish to a tank already housing other fish, as one sick fish can kill all the others in your tank.
Having a saltwater fish tank not only adds beauty but is also quite easy to do. Once you have purchased all your equipment, tested it out, bought your fish and attuned it to your tank, it's time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ease of keeping saltwater fish in your home and what they add to it.If you are looking for more information then please feel free to visit our site at http://www.saltwater-fishtank.com
Saltwater Fish Tanks Ease of keeping saltwater fish at home could not be simpler i have been keeping salt water fish now for 2 years and they really do make great pets. for more information please visit our site at http://www.saltwater-fishtank.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ash_Barnard
Fish Tank Set Up - The Easy Way
Stop researching the subject and get started! Starting a fish tank set up needn't be difficult. There is an enormous amount of information on the world wide web about setting up fish tanks and it can all seem a bit too much when you first start looking into it. There are probably half a dozen things that you need to think about when you do your fish tank set up. If you get those right, you'll be able to learn the rest as you go along, so stop worrying, make some decisions and start enjoying your first fish tank.
Firstly, tempting as it may be to start with marine fish, I would advise against it. The fish are a lot more expensive so any mistakes can be very costly. Secondly, eighty percent of people who start the aquarium keeping hobby give up within twelve months. With marine fish there a lot more to think about, more to learn and the cost of equipment is higher. Make it easy on yourself and start with a freshwater tropical fish tank set up.
Why a tropical fish tank set up as opposed to a cold water fish tank set up, simply because it will give you a much wider choice of fish for virtually no extra effort. First off select your aquarium. Start with something between 20 and 40 gallons. A great size for beginners, big enough to be interesting, small enough to be easy to look after. When you've got the hang of it you can always but a bigger tank or get a second one. make sure that you get an aquarium with a power filter that comes as standard. (You need to|All you need to do is} make sure that it can pump five times the contents of the tank every hour, so if it's a 20 gallon tank, it needs to pump 100 gallons per hour, if its a 40 gallon, then its 200 gallons per hour. Simple maths but important. If you have a pump that is too small your fish will die.
Think about where the tank is going to go. Avoid direct sunlight is crucial and somewhere where you can enjoy it without rearranging the furniture too much. Get it right first time. Moving a full aquarium and stand is not an easy job and one that you should avoid whenever possible. Every gallon weighs ten pounds!
Get an extra Heater. If one fails your fish will still be OK. It's surprising how quickly a tank can cool down if the power goes off or a heater down.
Now, think about the fish which fish you want, don't buy them but do think about what fish you want. Is this going to be a species tank or a community tank. I like community tanks simply because I like to see how the fish interact with each other. Choose some top middle and bottom feeders to balance the tank. Make sure that they all get on together. A bit of research and planning will avoid potential problems later. Most aquarium shops will advice on compatibility of fish.
I say think about the fish because that will effect the next two decisions. Which substrate and plants. Substrate is the gravel or sand that goes on the base of the tank. If you go for fish that feed at the bottom of the tank the substrate needs to suit them as well as the plants. Sand or Fine Gravel is recommended for bottom feeders. Choose the easy to look after fish to start with. They tend to be cheaper and are more likely to survive if you make mistakes.
You'll need enough Sand or Gravel to cover the bottom of the tank. One and a half to two inches deep at the front of the tank sloping up to about four inches at the back for the larger plants. Get some laterite that you can mix in with the bottom layer of substrate to help feed the plants. You won't need a lot. Choose plants that don't need extra light or carbon dioxide. You can always move on to the harder to keep varieties later on if you get the bug.
Ok time to start. Place the aquarium in its final position, set up all the equipment like lights filter etc. but don't plug anything in yet. Clean the tank with clean water. Do not use soap or chemicals. Wash your Gravel or sand until it runs clear. Mix laterite with about a third of your substrate and spread it over the base of the tank. Add the remainder of the substrate covering the base layer evenly and landscaping it as you want it. Put a plate in the bottom of the tank and add your water pouring gently onto the plate to avoid disturbing the laterite. Add your water conditioner to remove any chlorine. Once the tank is full turn everything on and let it run until the water is up to temperature. Now add your plants, putting the large ones at the back and leaving space for them to grow.
Now it is time for patience. The biggest mistake that most people make with a fish tank set up it is not cycling the tank properly. Your fish will be living in their own toilet. Their waste together with any uneaten food will rot and create Ammonia which is poisonous to them. So you need to allow the nitrogen cycle to establish fully before adding any fish. There are several ways of speeding this up but I find the household ammonia method the quickest and easiest.
Once your tank is cycled it is safe to start adding fish and start enjoying them. Fish tank set up completed and not too difficult!
If you found this article interesting and would like to know more about starting an aquarium check out my website at http://www.aquariumhintsandtips.com
Nick North is a keen freshwater aquarium enthusiast and spends a great deal of his time writing articles to promote the hobby to anyone interested in taking it up as a pastime. He has now got his own website aimed at the new aquarium enthusiast which gives lots of useful information on starting your first freshwater aquarium. If you found this article useful check out the site at: http://www.aquariumhintsandtips.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_North
Firstly, tempting as it may be to start with marine fish, I would advise against it. The fish are a lot more expensive so any mistakes can be very costly. Secondly, eighty percent of people who start the aquarium keeping hobby give up within twelve months. With marine fish there a lot more to think about, more to learn and the cost of equipment is higher. Make it easy on yourself and start with a freshwater tropical fish tank set up.
Why a tropical fish tank set up as opposed to a cold water fish tank set up, simply because it will give you a much wider choice of fish for virtually no extra effort. First off select your aquarium. Start with something between 20 and 40 gallons. A great size for beginners, big enough to be interesting, small enough to be easy to look after. When you've got the hang of it you can always but a bigger tank or get a second one. make sure that you get an aquarium with a power filter that comes as standard. (You need to|All you need to do is} make sure that it can pump five times the contents of the tank every hour, so if it's a 20 gallon tank, it needs to pump 100 gallons per hour, if its a 40 gallon, then its 200 gallons per hour. Simple maths but important. If you have a pump that is too small your fish will die.
Think about where the tank is going to go. Avoid direct sunlight is crucial and somewhere where you can enjoy it without rearranging the furniture too much. Get it right first time. Moving a full aquarium and stand is not an easy job and one that you should avoid whenever possible. Every gallon weighs ten pounds!
Get an extra Heater. If one fails your fish will still be OK. It's surprising how quickly a tank can cool down if the power goes off or a heater down.
Now, think about the fish which fish you want, don't buy them but do think about what fish you want. Is this going to be a species tank or a community tank. I like community tanks simply because I like to see how the fish interact with each other. Choose some top middle and bottom feeders to balance the tank. Make sure that they all get on together. A bit of research and planning will avoid potential problems later. Most aquarium shops will advice on compatibility of fish.
I say think about the fish because that will effect the next two decisions. Which substrate and plants. Substrate is the gravel or sand that goes on the base of the tank. If you go for fish that feed at the bottom of the tank the substrate needs to suit them as well as the plants. Sand or Fine Gravel is recommended for bottom feeders. Choose the easy to look after fish to start with. They tend to be cheaper and are more likely to survive if you make mistakes.
You'll need enough Sand or Gravel to cover the bottom of the tank. One and a half to two inches deep at the front of the tank sloping up to about four inches at the back for the larger plants. Get some laterite that you can mix in with the bottom layer of substrate to help feed the plants. You won't need a lot. Choose plants that don't need extra light or carbon dioxide. You can always move on to the harder to keep varieties later on if you get the bug.
Ok time to start. Place the aquarium in its final position, set up all the equipment like lights filter etc. but don't plug anything in yet. Clean the tank with clean water. Do not use soap or chemicals. Wash your Gravel or sand until it runs clear. Mix laterite with about a third of your substrate and spread it over the base of the tank. Add the remainder of the substrate covering the base layer evenly and landscaping it as you want it. Put a plate in the bottom of the tank and add your water pouring gently onto the plate to avoid disturbing the laterite. Add your water conditioner to remove any chlorine. Once the tank is full turn everything on and let it run until the water is up to temperature. Now add your plants, putting the large ones at the back and leaving space for them to grow.
Now it is time for patience. The biggest mistake that most people make with a fish tank set up it is not cycling the tank properly. Your fish will be living in their own toilet. Their waste together with any uneaten food will rot and create Ammonia which is poisonous to them. So you need to allow the nitrogen cycle to establish fully before adding any fish. There are several ways of speeding this up but I find the household ammonia method the quickest and easiest.
Once your tank is cycled it is safe to start adding fish and start enjoying them. Fish tank set up completed and not too difficult!
If you found this article interesting and would like to know more about starting an aquarium check out my website at http://www.aquariumhintsandtips.com
Nick North is a keen freshwater aquarium enthusiast and spends a great deal of his time writing articles to promote the hobby to anyone interested in taking it up as a pastime. He has now got his own website aimed at the new aquarium enthusiast which gives lots of useful information on starting your first freshwater aquarium. If you found this article useful check out the site at: http://www.aquariumhintsandtips.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_North
Setting Up An Aquarium Fish Tank
An aquarium fish tank can bring the beauty and splendor of tropical or freshwater fish into your home or office, and if you follow sound fishkeeping principles when setting up your tank it will bring you years of enjoyment.
Planning your aquarium
A visit to your local pet store or specialist fish breeder will help you decide on the type of fish you'd like to have in your new aquarium fish tank. The staff at the store will also help you decide on the right size tank for the space available and supply all the necessary equipment and accessories that you will require.
However, don't buy any fish, yet! You'll need to establish your tank before you introduce any fish into it.
The first step is to thoroughly clean the tank. Don't skip this important step just because the glass of the aquarium looks clean. Use a mild detergent in warm water to scrub out the tank. Rinse out the tank thoroughly to completely remove all traces of debris and detergent. Flush out the cleaned tank several times with fresh water to ensure there are no traces of detergent left behind.
Also clean all equipment that will be used in your new aquarium fish tank and rinse thoroughly. Even a tiny amount of leftover detergent can kill your fish so do not skimp on the rinsing process. Gravel should be rinsed under running water until the water runs clear. Plants can be stored in a clean bucket of water while you set up your fish tank.
Even a small aquarium fish tank is heavy - one gallon of water weighs about 10 lbs - so your new tank will require a sturdy stand. There are dedicated aquarium stands available that will provide a solid base, although a small fish tank might sit on another item of furniture. Use a layer of polystyrene tiles between the tank and the stand to even out any bumps.
When setting up your aquarium try to avoid placing it in direct sunlight, which will cause algae to grow in the tank. Remember it will need to be situated near a power outlet as many items of tank equipment require a power source.
Now you can fill your tank and check for leaks. Leave the water for several hours and confirm that the tank is not leaking and then drain the tank.
If you will be using an under-gravel filter place it in the tank first, following the instructions provided, then add the gravel, piling it a little higher towards the back of the aquarium to give the impression of distance within the tank.
Half fill the tank with water. Ideally, use dechlorinated water, or add chlorine remover in the recommended dosage. Place a dish in the tank on top of the gravel and pour the water gently onto the dish. This will create minimum disturbance to the gravel.
Next, install the filter and the heater if you will be using one. For an indoor freshwater aquarium fish tank a heater is rarely required. Tropical saltwater fish will generally require a heater to maintain the necessary temperature. If you are using a heater you will also need to install a thermometer in an easy-to-read location.
Now you can add your aquarium decorations. This could include a backing picture, rocks or other ornaments on the base of the tank. Create plenty of hiding places with the use of rocks and other decorations. Your fish will be glad of a place to hide from time to time. You can also install plants that need to be buried in the gravel at this time. Floating plants can be added when the tank is full.
Turn on the filter and the heater and ensure they are working before filling the aquarium to the top with dechlorinated water. This will start the process of tank cycling which is the process of eliminating excess ammonia from the tank.
Ammonia can be a problem when setting up a new tank as the bacteria that breaks down ammonia is not yet present. Over several months beneficial bacteria (nitrosomonas) will develop in the tank. The bacteria breaks down the toxic ammonia into nitrites. Because of the time it takes for the beneficial bacteria to develop in the tank it is recommended that you do not introduce fish for at least two weeks after setting up your tank.
When you are ready to add fish to your new tank try adding just a few at a time. You'll bring them home from the store in a plastic bag filled with water. Float this bag, still sealed, on top of the tank until the water temperature in the bag matches the water temperature of the tank. This may take several hours. Don't rush. When the water temperatures are the same you can carefully undo the bag. Let the fish swim out of the bag by themselves before removing the bag.
Watch your fish for several days or even several weeks to ensure they are healthy before adding more fish. Take your time to establish your fish population and you'll give the biology of the tank time to adjust to the new fish and the waste they produce.
Always purchase your fish from a reputable dealer to avoid the likelihood of introducing diseased fish to a tank. Never add plants or fish from wild to a fish tank - the microorganisms and bacteria attached to fish from the wild can be deadly for fish in a tank!
Setting up and maintaining an aquarium fish tank involves a commitment of both time and money but will reward the dedicated aquarist with years of enjoyment.
Alison Stevens is an online author and maintains The Goldfish Site to assist anyone who wants to get started with setting up an aquarium fish tank and keeping goldfish.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alison_Stevens
Planning your aquarium
A visit to your local pet store or specialist fish breeder will help you decide on the type of fish you'd like to have in your new aquarium fish tank. The staff at the store will also help you decide on the right size tank for the space available and supply all the necessary equipment and accessories that you will require.
However, don't buy any fish, yet! You'll need to establish your tank before you introduce any fish into it.
The first step is to thoroughly clean the tank. Don't skip this important step just because the glass of the aquarium looks clean. Use a mild detergent in warm water to scrub out the tank. Rinse out the tank thoroughly to completely remove all traces of debris and detergent. Flush out the cleaned tank several times with fresh water to ensure there are no traces of detergent left behind.
Also clean all equipment that will be used in your new aquarium fish tank and rinse thoroughly. Even a tiny amount of leftover detergent can kill your fish so do not skimp on the rinsing process. Gravel should be rinsed under running water until the water runs clear. Plants can be stored in a clean bucket of water while you set up your fish tank.
Even a small aquarium fish tank is heavy - one gallon of water weighs about 10 lbs - so your new tank will require a sturdy stand. There are dedicated aquarium stands available that will provide a solid base, although a small fish tank might sit on another item of furniture. Use a layer of polystyrene tiles between the tank and the stand to even out any bumps.
When setting up your aquarium try to avoid placing it in direct sunlight, which will cause algae to grow in the tank. Remember it will need to be situated near a power outlet as many items of tank equipment require a power source.
Now you can fill your tank and check for leaks. Leave the water for several hours and confirm that the tank is not leaking and then drain the tank.
If you will be using an under-gravel filter place it in the tank first, following the instructions provided, then add the gravel, piling it a little higher towards the back of the aquarium to give the impression of distance within the tank.
Half fill the tank with water. Ideally, use dechlorinated water, or add chlorine remover in the recommended dosage. Place a dish in the tank on top of the gravel and pour the water gently onto the dish. This will create minimum disturbance to the gravel.
Next, install the filter and the heater if you will be using one. For an indoor freshwater aquarium fish tank a heater is rarely required. Tropical saltwater fish will generally require a heater to maintain the necessary temperature. If you are using a heater you will also need to install a thermometer in an easy-to-read location.
Now you can add your aquarium decorations. This could include a backing picture, rocks or other ornaments on the base of the tank. Create plenty of hiding places with the use of rocks and other decorations. Your fish will be glad of a place to hide from time to time. You can also install plants that need to be buried in the gravel at this time. Floating plants can be added when the tank is full.
Turn on the filter and the heater and ensure they are working before filling the aquarium to the top with dechlorinated water. This will start the process of tank cycling which is the process of eliminating excess ammonia from the tank.
Ammonia can be a problem when setting up a new tank as the bacteria that breaks down ammonia is not yet present. Over several months beneficial bacteria (nitrosomonas) will develop in the tank. The bacteria breaks down the toxic ammonia into nitrites. Because of the time it takes for the beneficial bacteria to develop in the tank it is recommended that you do not introduce fish for at least two weeks after setting up your tank.
When you are ready to add fish to your new tank try adding just a few at a time. You'll bring them home from the store in a plastic bag filled with water. Float this bag, still sealed, on top of the tank until the water temperature in the bag matches the water temperature of the tank. This may take several hours. Don't rush. When the water temperatures are the same you can carefully undo the bag. Let the fish swim out of the bag by themselves before removing the bag.
Watch your fish for several days or even several weeks to ensure they are healthy before adding more fish. Take your time to establish your fish population and you'll give the biology of the tank time to adjust to the new fish and the waste they produce.
Always purchase your fish from a reputable dealer to avoid the likelihood of introducing diseased fish to a tank. Never add plants or fish from wild to a fish tank - the microorganisms and bacteria attached to fish from the wild can be deadly for fish in a tank!
Setting up and maintaining an aquarium fish tank involves a commitment of both time and money but will reward the dedicated aquarist with years of enjoyment.
Alison Stevens is an online author and maintains The Goldfish Site to assist anyone who wants to get started with setting up an aquarium fish tank and keeping goldfish.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alison_Stevens
Fish Tank Supplies That Are Necessary To Keep Your Aquarium Running
If you are just starting out with your first aquarium you may want to know what the essential fish tank supplies are are. This will include such necessities as water filters, air and water pumps, cleaning equipment, and lighting systems. The choice of fish tank supplies that you need will depend on the shape and size of your fish tank.
One of the first items on your list for fish tank supplies should be a fish tank stand. Fish tank stands are available in many materials with metal and wooden tending to be the most popular. When picking out a stand try to choose one that will blend in with the design of the rest of the room.
Fish tank hoods are equally as important, and should be at the top of your list of fish tank supplies. They are necessary to prevent the fish form jumping out of the tank and also to reduce the evaporation of the water. The highest quality hood tends to be those that are made of aluminium. They are fitted with a window for feeding the fish, have a condensation tray, a compartment for installing the lighting unit, and are light in weight.
A critical item on your list of fish tank supplies for medium and larger tanks should be a high quality water filter and pump. This will ensure an effective and efficient disposal of waste, water circulation and, recycling of the nutrients. Fortunately, many of the custom designed fish tanks will be come pre installed with pumps and filters so this is usually something the beginner need not worry about. A simple tap water filter can be used to deionise the water making it safe, and is a useful part of your fish water supplies
It may be a wise investment to select a water testing kit when you are picking out your fish tank supplies. This will enable you to determine the nitrite, PH and salt content in the water. If any problems are detected these can than be quickly corrected.
Lights will add different colours to you fish tank, and form another important part of fish tank supplies. They are available in three colours red, green or blue, and will add an attractive tint to the fish tank. Fluorescent and metal halide fish tank lights seem to be by far the most popular choice.
No list of fish tank supplies will ever be complete unless an assortment of corals, rocks, driftwood and maybe some battery powered toys are included. These accessories include battery powered wheels and divers. Ice shells, ice crystals and tiny fountains are also very popular fish tank supplies and will make your tank look more beautiful. When including any ornaments in your fish tank make sure that they are specifically labelled and intended for use in aquariums.
Do not forget to give your fish tank a green touch by installing some plant life. The plastic plants which are easy to install in your fish tank come in various designs, such as arrowhead, green and yellow spike, hair-grass and many more. They should definitely form a useful part or your fish tank supplies.
Cleaning the fish tank will be more problematic than it needs to be if you do not have the necessary fish tank supplies. Algae growth on the sides of the fish tank and collection of waste material can pose as a threat to the fragile ecosystem if not removed from the tank. Also, your fish tank will look much more attractive when it is not covered in dirt. Your fish tank supplies should therefore include an algae scrapper and also gravel cleaners, which will allow you to clean the tank and remove any dirt that sinks to the bottom of the tank.
It is important not to let the thought of cleaning the tank put you off buying your first fish tank as the pleasures of owning your own aquarium will greatly outweigh the limited amount of time needed for a cleaning routine. An ideal schedule to perform regular fish tank maintenance is every two to three weeks.
The great thing about fish tank supplies is that they are so easy to obtain with so many specialist online stores and local pet stores around, making it simple to set up an aquarium.
Darren Lintern is the author and owner of Aquarium Supplies World. For more information on Aquarium supplies, visit Aquarium Supplies World where you will find a wealth of information on Fish Tank Supplies including Filters, Gravel, Heaters, Lights and other Aquarium supplies [http://www.aquariumsuppliesworld.com/Articles/Fish_Tank_Cleaning_Tips_Cleaning_20_Gallon_Fish_Tank_And_Accessories.php] for a vibrant thriving Aquarium.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darren_Lintern
One of the first items on your list for fish tank supplies should be a fish tank stand. Fish tank stands are available in many materials with metal and wooden tending to be the most popular. When picking out a stand try to choose one that will blend in with the design of the rest of the room.
Fish tank hoods are equally as important, and should be at the top of your list of fish tank supplies. They are necessary to prevent the fish form jumping out of the tank and also to reduce the evaporation of the water. The highest quality hood tends to be those that are made of aluminium. They are fitted with a window for feeding the fish, have a condensation tray, a compartment for installing the lighting unit, and are light in weight.
A critical item on your list of fish tank supplies for medium and larger tanks should be a high quality water filter and pump. This will ensure an effective and efficient disposal of waste, water circulation and, recycling of the nutrients. Fortunately, many of the custom designed fish tanks will be come pre installed with pumps and filters so this is usually something the beginner need not worry about. A simple tap water filter can be used to deionise the water making it safe, and is a useful part of your fish water supplies
It may be a wise investment to select a water testing kit when you are picking out your fish tank supplies. This will enable you to determine the nitrite, PH and salt content in the water. If any problems are detected these can than be quickly corrected.
Lights will add different colours to you fish tank, and form another important part of fish tank supplies. They are available in three colours red, green or blue, and will add an attractive tint to the fish tank. Fluorescent and metal halide fish tank lights seem to be by far the most popular choice.
No list of fish tank supplies will ever be complete unless an assortment of corals, rocks, driftwood and maybe some battery powered toys are included. These accessories include battery powered wheels and divers. Ice shells, ice crystals and tiny fountains are also very popular fish tank supplies and will make your tank look more beautiful. When including any ornaments in your fish tank make sure that they are specifically labelled and intended for use in aquariums.
Do not forget to give your fish tank a green touch by installing some plant life. The plastic plants which are easy to install in your fish tank come in various designs, such as arrowhead, green and yellow spike, hair-grass and many more. They should definitely form a useful part or your fish tank supplies.
Cleaning the fish tank will be more problematic than it needs to be if you do not have the necessary fish tank supplies. Algae growth on the sides of the fish tank and collection of waste material can pose as a threat to the fragile ecosystem if not removed from the tank. Also, your fish tank will look much more attractive when it is not covered in dirt. Your fish tank supplies should therefore include an algae scrapper and also gravel cleaners, which will allow you to clean the tank and remove any dirt that sinks to the bottom of the tank.
It is important not to let the thought of cleaning the tank put you off buying your first fish tank as the pleasures of owning your own aquarium will greatly outweigh the limited amount of time needed for a cleaning routine. An ideal schedule to perform regular fish tank maintenance is every two to three weeks.
The great thing about fish tank supplies is that they are so easy to obtain with so many specialist online stores and local pet stores around, making it simple to set up an aquarium.
Darren Lintern is the author and owner of Aquarium Supplies World. For more information on Aquarium supplies, visit Aquarium Supplies World where you will find a wealth of information on Fish Tank Supplies including Filters, Gravel, Heaters, Lights and other Aquarium supplies [http://www.aquariumsuppliesworld.com/Articles/Fish_Tank_Cleaning_Tips_Cleaning_20_Gallon_Fish_Tank_And_Accessories.php] for a vibrant thriving Aquarium.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darren_Lintern
Choosing A Saltwater Fish Tank
What to Look For in a Saltwater Fish Tank
The decision to purchase a saltwater or marine fish tank for your home or office should not be taken lightly. Marine fish will have requirements far greater than freshwater fish. However, once you've decided to purchase a saltwater aquarium you'll be rewarded with a stunning range of tropical and reef fish to choose from.
But first you'll need to purchase your tank. The selection process can be time consuming and confusing because the range of tanks available is large. The best advice is usually to purchase the largest tank you can afford and that will fit in the available space. There are numerous stories of people starting out their fish tank hobby with a small fish tank only to find in a short space of time that they wish they had purchased a larger tank!
A 30-gallon saltwater aquarium is probably the smallest tank you should consider. A fish tank of this size will provide sufficient surface area to allow adequate exchange of oxygen into the water and to provide a comfortable swimming environment for your fish.
The oxygen supply in the water together with the water temperature will determine the success or otherwise of your fish keeping hobby. Tropical saltwater fish require a water temperature of about 75 degrees F. The warmer water in the saltwater aquarium will tend to deplete the oxygen in the water which means that the surface area becomes important. The addition of aeration equipment is usually desirable to increase the oxygen concentration. Aeration can usually be provided in conjunction with your filtration equipment.
Saltwater fish tanks are available in both acrylic and glass. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Some of the advantages of glass aquariums are
o Glass fish tanks are usually cheaper than acrylic tanks
o Glass fish tanks are more scratch resistant than acrylic tanks
o Glass fish tanks won't discolor with age
o Glass fish tanks won't require as much brace support as acrylic tanks although the stand needs to be able to support a great weight
Advantages of acrylic fish tanks
o Acrylic fish tanks are lighter in weight than glass fish tanks
o Acrylic fish tanks can be custom made in a shape to suit your home
o Acrylic fish tanks are less likely to break
o Acrylic fish tanks can be purchased online
Setting Up Your Saltwater Fish Tank
Bringing your new saltwater fish tank home from the store is only the first step. Never be tempted to purchase fish at the same time that you acquire your aquarium. There are many steps to complete prior to introducing fish to their new home.
First, you need to install your tank in its desired location. Avoid locating your saltwater fish tank in any spot that receives sunlight. Sunlight will cause algae to grow in your tank and whilst this will not usually harm the fish it is unsightly and spoils the appearance of your aquarium. Also avoid any locations close to room heaters or where the tank will be exposed to drafts.
Many acrylic fish tanks come with a built-in stand. Glass tanks will require a sturdy stand and should have a layer of polystyrene or rubber placed between the tank and the stand to absorb any unevenness. If the tank is unbalanced it will eventually crack.
Check your new tank for leaks. Fill it with water and let is stand for a day or two. Once you have confirmed that it is water tight you will need to thoroughly clean the tank and all equipment. Rinse thoroughly. Do not skip the cleaning and rinsing step just because you've purchased a new tank and it appears sparkling clean. Your fish will die if there are any contaminants left in the tank! Don't forget to wash the gravel before adding it the tank. Add all your other equipment in accordance with the manufacturer's directions. Your pet store will have provided advice on how to set up your saltwater fish tank.
After you have added your salt water and confirmed that the salt and chemical levels are correct you'll need to run all your equipment for at least 72 hours to filter and heat your water and stabilize your tank. Let the aquarium cycle to build up the correct biological levels.
The hardest part of setting up your saltwater fish tank is now complete and now you'll be able to go and select your colorful fish!
Alison Stevens is an online author and writes about fresh and saltwater fish tanks to assist anyone who wants to get started with setting up an aquarium fish tank and gain an understanding of fresh or saltwater fish tank maintenance.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alison_Stevens
The decision to purchase a saltwater or marine fish tank for your home or office should not be taken lightly. Marine fish will have requirements far greater than freshwater fish. However, once you've decided to purchase a saltwater aquarium you'll be rewarded with a stunning range of tropical and reef fish to choose from.
But first you'll need to purchase your tank. The selection process can be time consuming and confusing because the range of tanks available is large. The best advice is usually to purchase the largest tank you can afford and that will fit in the available space. There are numerous stories of people starting out their fish tank hobby with a small fish tank only to find in a short space of time that they wish they had purchased a larger tank!
A 30-gallon saltwater aquarium is probably the smallest tank you should consider. A fish tank of this size will provide sufficient surface area to allow adequate exchange of oxygen into the water and to provide a comfortable swimming environment for your fish.
The oxygen supply in the water together with the water temperature will determine the success or otherwise of your fish keeping hobby. Tropical saltwater fish require a water temperature of about 75 degrees F. The warmer water in the saltwater aquarium will tend to deplete the oxygen in the water which means that the surface area becomes important. The addition of aeration equipment is usually desirable to increase the oxygen concentration. Aeration can usually be provided in conjunction with your filtration equipment.
Saltwater fish tanks are available in both acrylic and glass. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Some of the advantages of glass aquariums are
o Glass fish tanks are usually cheaper than acrylic tanks
o Glass fish tanks are more scratch resistant than acrylic tanks
o Glass fish tanks won't discolor with age
o Glass fish tanks won't require as much brace support as acrylic tanks although the stand needs to be able to support a great weight
Advantages of acrylic fish tanks
o Acrylic fish tanks are lighter in weight than glass fish tanks
o Acrylic fish tanks can be custom made in a shape to suit your home
o Acrylic fish tanks are less likely to break
o Acrylic fish tanks can be purchased online
Setting Up Your Saltwater Fish Tank
Bringing your new saltwater fish tank home from the store is only the first step. Never be tempted to purchase fish at the same time that you acquire your aquarium. There are many steps to complete prior to introducing fish to their new home.
First, you need to install your tank in its desired location. Avoid locating your saltwater fish tank in any spot that receives sunlight. Sunlight will cause algae to grow in your tank and whilst this will not usually harm the fish it is unsightly and spoils the appearance of your aquarium. Also avoid any locations close to room heaters or where the tank will be exposed to drafts.
Many acrylic fish tanks come with a built-in stand. Glass tanks will require a sturdy stand and should have a layer of polystyrene or rubber placed between the tank and the stand to absorb any unevenness. If the tank is unbalanced it will eventually crack.
Check your new tank for leaks. Fill it with water and let is stand for a day or two. Once you have confirmed that it is water tight you will need to thoroughly clean the tank and all equipment. Rinse thoroughly. Do not skip the cleaning and rinsing step just because you've purchased a new tank and it appears sparkling clean. Your fish will die if there are any contaminants left in the tank! Don't forget to wash the gravel before adding it the tank. Add all your other equipment in accordance with the manufacturer's directions. Your pet store will have provided advice on how to set up your saltwater fish tank.
After you have added your salt water and confirmed that the salt and chemical levels are correct you'll need to run all your equipment for at least 72 hours to filter and heat your water and stabilize your tank. Let the aquarium cycle to build up the correct biological levels.
The hardest part of setting up your saltwater fish tank is now complete and now you'll be able to go and select your colorful fish!
Alison Stevens is an online author and writes about fresh and saltwater fish tanks to assist anyone who wants to get started with setting up an aquarium fish tank and gain an understanding of fresh or saltwater fish tank maintenance.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alison_Stevens
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