Latest Headlines
0

Choosing An Aquarium Hood

Posted in: Fish Care Articles

tanks.JPG
Creative Commons License photo credit: xmatt

When it comes to choosing an aquarium hood there are really three key elements that you should consider before investing your hard-earned money. The first of these steps is to ensure you have carefully measured your fish tank to ensure you are buying the correct size for your aquarium.

Whilst this may sound basic and simple, aquariums come in such a wide range of sizes these days that it can be quite a challenge to find the right one unless you take careful measurements and this is particularly important if you have an unusually-proportioned fish tank.

The second step in choosing an aquarium hood is to consider the practical aspects. For example you will probably be wanting to include some form of artificial lighting so consider the space and fittings that a hood has to enable you to fit such a system. Is there a lighting unit that comes included with your hood or will you need to fit one separately?

If your hood already has a light fitting then check how easy it will be for you to find replacement bulbs when the time comes as the hoods some manufacturers make require unusual sizes of bulbs.

If you will be adding your own lighting setup then check that it will be easy to clip the tube(s) into place and also consider where the starter unit will sit.

Also consider the issues of both dealing with evaporation by being conscious of whether an aquarium hood has a built-in aquarium tray and also how easy it is to gain access to your tank in order to feed your fish. The more fiddly this is, the more annoying it will become for you.

When you have considered both the dimensions and the practical aspects of an aquarium hood the third and final step is to consider appearance. Try to find a hood which compliments your existing fish tank and that also matches the rest of your room so that the hood adds impact to your tank rather than attracting it away.

Tags: , , , ,
1

Types Of Aquarium Pets

Posted in: Fish Care Articles

Shell Game
Creative Commons License photo credit: laszlo-photo

Whilst when many of us think about aquarium pets we most commonly think of a range of fish – whether that’s coldwater fish, tropical freshwater fish or marine fish – there are actually quite a wide range of other pets that kept be kept in aquariums if you’re looking for something a little bit different.

In this article we’re going to take a closer look at some of the types of aquarium pets for you if for whatever reason keeping fish in your aquarium isn’t quite what you’re looking for.

Crayfish/Lobsters

Some aquarium shops sell these interesting arthropods from time to time. Whilst large specimens are seen from time to time it is most normal to find small youngsters of a few inches for sale. The specimens most normally seen are tropical freshwater creatures rather than their saltwater cousins.

Crayfish are reasonably easy to care for in captivity though have been known to nip at fish so it is recommended to keep them on their own rather than as part of a community fish tank.

A basic set-up of a tropical fish tank works well for these animals though there are a few minor changes that will be welcome. Firstly crayfish can be quite shy animals and like to hide away safely. Because of this a number of flat rocks are recommended behind which your crayfish can hide.

Whilst this will keep your crayfish much happier and healthier than being on display all the time, appreciate that you may only see your pet from time to time. The most likely time to observe your pet will either be late in the evening or whilst feeding.

Speaking of feeding, this is really the second major change you will need to make to your fish tank. Rather than feeding fish flakes or life food, most crayfish are scavengers and so it is best to feed them on sinking catfish pellets which they will readily run over to collect when they are dropped into the tank.

Newts

There are a surprising number of newts available from specialist reptile suppliers and many can be easily kept in an aquarium. Depending on the species involved they may require warm water or cold so check with your supplier before making a purchase.

In addition, many newts appreciate access to dry land where they can climb out of the water which may therefore require some modifications to your fish tank layout. However there are species, like the Japanese fire bellied newt, which are almost exclusively aquatic and a pair will not only live happily in a cold-water tank but well well also mate and lay eggs which can be a fascinating process to watch.

Triops

Triops are shrimp-like creatures which are the bigger, more exciting cousins of “sea monkeys”. These creatures are easy to keep and feed and may grow up to around 2 inches in length in a very short space of time.

Eggs and food can easily be bought from many online aquarium pet suppliers which are then hatched out at home. Unlike many of the other animals here you are unlikely to see too much fascinating behaviour but triops are cheap to buy, easy to care for and can make quite a pleasant change if only for the few months they will live.

Toads

Like newts, some species of toad can be kept in a totally aquatic environment while others will require a dry land area so they can leave the water from time to time.

Also like newts there are a huge range of species offering many different choices for the aquarium keeper. From large, grey clawed frogs that will happily live in the water at all times to the smaller, more brightly-colored fire-bellied toads which ideally like some dry land. As always, carry out suitable research on the species you are considering before investing but for me exotic toads are one of the most exciting types of aquarium pets.

Terrapins/Turtles

The final type of aquarium pet worth mentioning in this short article is the possibility of keeping turtles or terrapins. I mention both these words meaning the same thing: in the USA we typically refer to these reptiles as turtles though in Europe they are generally known as terrapins.

Turtles appreciate warm water together with an area where they can climb out of the water to bask in the “sun”. Because of this additional equipment will be required in the form of a basking lamp and a UV tube though if you already own an aquarium these pieces of equipment should be simple-enough to add to your existing setup.

Whilst some turtles can grow quite large, they are understandably popular as they are one of the few types of aquarium pet that seem to show some real personality. Over time they will gain confidence around you and may even become willing to eat out of your hand.

Tags: , , ,
0

How To Control Aquarium Algae

Posted in: Fish Care Articles

Algae Bloom
Creative Commons License photo credit: nttrbx

For many fish keepers, aquarium algae can become an ongoing problem. This green algae can cover plants or other aquarium decorations in an unsightly film. It can grow on the glass of your fish tank making it difficult to see your fish or can even be waterborne, turning your water into a green soup.

Whichever way you cut it, aquarium algae isn’t good stuff but luckily there are ways to get around this problem.

Light

Algae is green for a reason, and that reason is that just like plants, it needs to photosynthesize to produce enough nutrients for life.

One of the most common causes of algal blooms in aquariums is quite simply that the tank receives some natural sunlight each day. Perhaps it is near a window or against a south-facing wall. Whatever the reasons, direct sunlight can affect the algae in your tank.

Equally, aquarium lights left on all night can also cause problems if the bulb you are using is specifically designed to aid plant growth.

One potential solution therefore is to ensure that no sunlight is able to fall on your aquarium and also to consider ensuring your lights are turned off each night to reduce the speed at which algae can grow.

Nutrients

Just like light, algae also need nutrients just like plants in order to grow. Another common cause of algal blooms is excess nutrients in the water, such as can accumulate in aquariums that are overstocked or have insufficient filtration.

In this way the nitrogen-rich nutrients which your fish excrete are serving as a potent source of energy for the algae that you want to get rid of.

Therefore try carrying out a water test to see if nutrient levels are too high, improve filtration so that excess nutrients are quickly removed, carry out water changes to physically remove these nutrients and also consider adding some live plants which will compete with the algae for the nutrients, thus making the algae weaker.

Chemicals

Lastly there are chemicals that can be added to aquariums which will kill of algae whilst being safe for most fish. However whilst this solution will work over the short term, you should be aware that if you want long-term success, you should fully investigate the other problems mentioned above to ensure that you do not suffer from similar problems again in the future.

Tags: , , , , , ,
0

Siamese Fighter Care

Posted in: Fish Care Articles

Livingston 02
Creative Commons License photo credit: LaMenta3

Siamese fighters, often known as betta fish or Siamese fighting fish, are popular tropical fish with an unmistakable appearance.

Whilst the females are far less showy than the males, these small fish possess long, flowing fins of varying colors. Vivid reds and electric blues are the most common color forms though others are seen from time to time. These fins move elegantly through the water, making it look like these fighting fish are wearing flowing capes.

In short, whilst these fish do not attain a particularly large size, they are some of the most attractive, colorful and elegant fish a tropical aquarium enthusiast can own.

Luckily, these fish can be reasonably easy to care for if one is willing to bear in mind a few basic steps.

Firstly, Siamese fighters are so-called for a reason. Quite simply, two or more males if placed together will fight – often to the death – and so one should be careful to only ever keep one male in a tank.

Secondly, the long, flowing fins of the males can be a source of great entertainment to some other fish such as barbs which may nip the fins of these beautiful fish leaving them looking tired and unwell. Worse, the stress of this harassment has been known to cause death in extreme circumstances.

Fortunately females possess smaller fins and may be kept in multiples though they are far less showy than the males and so typically less popular amongst fish keepers.

The best way to keep siamese fighters is therefore either in a tropical community tank being very careful about the other inhabitants of the aquarium, or in a species-only tank where one male plus a number of females can be kept in the hope that breeding will occur.

Apart from these small steps, betta fish can be kept like most other tropical fish. Warm water of around 25′C tends to work well, with a base food of tropical fish flakes. We aware that color-enhancing foods are available should your siamese fighters start to lose their color with age.

Tags: , , , ,
0

Acrylic Versus Glass Aquariums – Which Is Better?

Posted in: Fish Care Articles

Clownfish
Creative Commons License photo credit: Silvain de Munck

In the past most aquariums were made of glass however modern technologies have enabled manufacturers to start creating acrylic aquariums but which type of aquarium is really best?

On the one hand, glass aquariums suffer from a number of problems. First an foremost they weigh a lot, making the simple act of buying an aquarium and bringing it home something of a challenge. Glass is of course rather fragile and so chips or cracks are not uncommon and an aquarium with a hole in it isn’t going to hold too much water.

On the flip side though glass aquariums come in a massive range of different sizes and shapes and are very reasonably priced. They normally have excellent visibility and are easy to keep clean.

Acrylic aquariums are typically stronger than glass so are less likely to shatter, and they are also normally much lighter and hence easy to bring home.

However one downside to acrylic aquariums is that the surface of the plastic can suffer from scratches which can quickly appear. Not only can this reduce your viewing pleasure but can also make cleaning more of a challenge.

For example many fish tanks develop a “water mark” at the top where minerals deposit themselves and this can quickly look unsightly. Removing it in a glass aquarium is reasonably easy with a scouring pad but great care must be taken with a plastic tank so as to not scratch the surface.

The matter of glass versus plastic aquariums is not a clear-cut one, with many fish keepers having their own preference. Personally I like glass aquariums due to the ease of cleaning and general appearance with the weight being less of an issue as I’m really only likely to need to move the tank when I buy it. But, as the saying goes, the decision is yours.

Tags: , , , ,
0

Do You Need An Aquarium Evaporation Tray?

Posted in: Fish Care Articles

 IMG_0317
Creative Commons License photo credit: Theo R

When it comes to setting up an aquarium most of us put a lot of care and attention into choosing the tank itself, our filtration and our selection of the fish themselves.

However the humble evaporation tray is often an after-thought at best. This thin piece of plastic goes above your aquarium but beneath your aquarium hood, catching any water that tries to evaporate out of your tank.

One of the problems with keeping fish in an aquarium is that of water evaporation which can have a number of negative effects. Firstly it can raise the humidity in your home increasing the chances of mould growing in under-ventilated areas such as behind furniture.

Secondly, evaporating water tends to leave a nasty scummy mark around the top of your aquarium where impurities have gathered and this scum line can be tough to remove without some serious effort and some scrubbing.

In addition, some fish like hatchet fish may try to jump out of the water and so your evaporation tray will prevent them from doing this, thus keeping them safe and sound.

Lastly of course your aquarium hood typically contains your lighting unit, which is electrical. In this way evaporation or even spills of water can cause real damage to your electrics increasing your costs through replacement and possibly even harming your aquarium.

The evaporation tray should therefore be an integral part to any aquarium, the only exception being when your aquarium hood comes with such a device built in as is increasingly the case these days.

Tags: , , , , ,
0

An Introduction To Aquarium Lighting

Posted in: Fish Care Articles

petsmart fish prison
Creative Commons License photo credit: nate steiner

One essential piece of kit for most aquarium owners is a lighting setup which most commonly comes in the form of one or more electric strip lights (tubes) fitted to a suitable starter unit and perhaps a timer to control the period of time that the lights are on for each day.

Lighting in aquariums serves a number of purposes. First and foremost, aquarium lighting serves to create a more natural environment for your pet fish than they might otherwise have if kept in a dark corner of the room.

This simulated sunlight will help keep fish fit, healthy and stress-free though it is equally important to ensure the lights are turned off at night to create a clear day/night differentiation.

Also appreciate that fish may prefer different light levels depending on where they come from. For example fish coming from the typically silty-waters of the Amazon may be used to more subdued light than those from clear, brightly-lit streams and rivers.

Secondly, aquarium lights can simply help your fish tank to look more attractive. Various lights are available to create different effects such as to create a “moonlight” effect in your tank or to bring out certain colours of your fish such as reds or blues.

Lastly, for those who opt to use live plants in their aquaria, the light serves as a source of nourishment enabling aquarium plants to photosynthesize and so grow strongly as well as produce oxygen for your fish to breathe and so without this artificial light aquarium plants are unlikely to survive let alone thrive.

Tags: , , ,
0

Are Longer Or Taller Aquariums Better?

Posted in: Fish Care Articles

 Here they are!! Part 2
Creative Commons License photo credit: bensonkua

Whilst the classic aquarium is a long oblong glass container, more recently a variety of taller aquarium have been appearing on the markets where they tend to be far taller than they are wide.

Understandably these tanks are very popular due to their aesthetics but when it comes to caring for aquarium fish one we must always start from the premise of what is best for our fish, and then find the best ways to accommodate these needs.

There are two factors worth considering in this context. Firstly, your fish tank typically absorbs most if it’s oxygen through the surface of the water and so the larger this surface area, the more fish you can keep in your aquarium, and the healthier they will typically be.

Secondly should you choose to keep aquarium plants, these will require artificial lighting if they are to photosynthesize and hence have a long and productive life. The the longer the distance from your lights to your plants, the stronger the lighting you will need to use to ensure your plants get sufficient levels of it.

Both of these factors mean that while taller aquariums aren’t necessarily *bad* per se, the longer, lower classic aquarium probably is better for your fish and so should generally be considered before taller tanks.

Tags: , ,
0

How To Select Healthy Aquarium Fish

Posted in: Fish Care Articles

 Synchiropus splendidus Luc Viatour
Creative Commons License photo credit: luc.viatour

When it comes to selecting aquarium fish of course it’s not just a matter of deciding which species you want to keep, and selecting specimens that look particularly brightly colored (though often a brightly colored individual is a sign of good health).

You also want to start off with the best possible chance of success with your fish and also reduce the chances of introducing any diseases into your aquarium. So selecting healthy, vigorous fish is a must if you are to enjoy your hobby to it’s fullest potential.

The first step of course is in finding a reputable, reliable fish stockist who is well-known for selling good quality stock. Asking other fish keepers in your area, joining a local aquarist club or asking on one of the many fish forums can be a good way to judge the market and find suppliers worth dealing with.

This alone will greatly increase your chances of success but even then there are tell-tale signs you can look out for when selecting individual fish.

For example a healthy fish will typically be fast moving, alert and generally looking full of life while a sick fish may be slower moving, may skulk at the back of the tank near the filter or may be duller colored or have unusual swellings or growths.

So try to take the time to actually sit and watch the fish you’re considering buying. Certainly picking out individual specimens will make the life of your aquarium shop team a little more difficult but shouldn’t be too much to ask for.

Also, once the fish have been caught and bagged take a few minutes before paying just to look them over one final time for any problems that might be obvious to a carefully visual inspection.

Tags: , , , ,
0

Easy Tropical Community Fish For The Beginner

Posted in: Fish Care Articles

peace with my buddies
Creative Commons License photo credit: Leino88

Getting started with keeping tropical fish can be a very exciting time indeed but it can be easy either to struggle to select appropriate fish from an ever-growing list of species available, or to overstretch yourself and unknowingly take on some of the slightly more difficult species.

The aim of this article then is to provide some guidance on great “starter” fish for the tropical community tank which are typically easy to keep, will live together happily and are also reasonably priced. This list certainly isn’t exhaustive so just because a fish isn’t on the list doesn’t necessarily mean it makes a bad starter fish.

I just wanted to select a range of reasonably-priced and commonly-found fish which most fish keepers should be able to find without problems at their local aquarium shop. So without further ado, let’s jump into the species list.

Neon Tetras

These small, brightly-colored fish instantly grab the eye in an aquarium environment and the fact that they “shoal” loosely means that investing in a number of these fish can really help to provide movement and color in your fish tank.

Guppies

Guppies are the classic tropical fish. Being brightly colored with a huge, showy tail these fish are available in an almost unlimited variety of colors and patterns meaning each one is almost unique so a decent number of these fish provides lots of opportunities for kids to have a “favorite”. Be aware how freely these fish will breed as some aquarium keepers have found themselves overrun by babies in the past!

Platy

The platy may not be the most exciting-looking fish here perhaps packing some of the impact of some other species mentioned here but will grow rather larger than, for example, the guppies and neons. Again, these fish are available in a variety of colors such as a golden yellow and even a black form so once again enabling you to add a variety of color to your fish tank.

Sword Tails

Sword tails superficially resemble the platies except that they male has a long “sword-like” projection from the tail which makes sexing these fish very easy indeed and like guppies they will often breed freely in a tropical community aquarium.

Corydoras Catfish

These ground-dwelling fish are peaceful if a little shy and should have some cover behind which they can hide from time to time. These fish may not be the most colorful available but provide a useful service filtering up leftover fish food from the bottom of the tank thus helping to keep it cleaner.

Danios

These little zebra-striped fish are once again hardy and easy to look after and some fish keepers have even had success keeping them as coldwater fish as a novel alternative (or addition) to standard goldfish.

Red Tailed Shark

Whilst the shark can attain a larger size than most of the fish here, the dark black body with red tail makes him a very attractive occupant and they really can look very shark-like in profile.

Plecos

These “sucker-mouths” look almost prehistoric and really add something to a tank. Just one or two of these fish will slowly work their way around your tank, feeding on any wood you have in your aquarium and also removing green algae from the glass walls of your aquarium. Like the cory catfish then these fish not only look interesting but also provide a useful practical service to you in helping your tank to look as good as possible.

Older Entries
Newer Entries