Saturday, April 19, 2008

Fish Tank Algae ProblemsBy [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Mark_Havens]Mark Havens


Are you having algae problems in your tank?
Do you have green water?
Murky water?
Well some of the most common reason people have have these problems are simple things to fix. This is a list that I've compiled as to why you may have algae, cloudy, green water, murky water problems.
The most common problem is tank placement:
You want to make sure that your tank isn't in direct sunlight. This is usually the cause of most algae problems I see. The sun will make the algae population increase dramatically.
Along with the sun, is artificial light:
Make sure that you don't have your lights on for too long. The norm for light length should be around 10-12 hours a day. For plants there are many other factors to take in to consideration, but this post is just for those who have fake decorations and still have algae problems.
Food:
You don't want to be giving your fish so much food that most of it falls in to the rocks or whatever kind of substrate you have. The rotting food will add nutrients to the water, letting the algae bloom even more.
Temperature:
Try to keep the tank a little on the cool side if possible. The high heat will allow for the algae to grow faster.
The site at the bottom of this article is great if you have more questions on algae problems and how to resolve them. They allow you to comment on anything that you want, so no matter your question you will get an answer. http://www.markspetfish.com/ http://www.markspetfish.com/category/algae-problems/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Havens http://EzineArticles.com/?Fish-Tank-Algae-Problems&id=1094954
Avoid Disease in Your AquariumBy [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Pete_Wright]Pete Wright


The most important objective in keeping tropical fish is to replicate the natural environment that the fish originally came from. There is a natural balance that fish like between water, plants, aeration and quality of water. If the tank is in balance - in general you will not get disease.
Out of Balance
However there are many simple reasons why your tank may move out of balance, causing stress to the fish and encouraging disease in the tank:
* The introduction of a new fish
* Too many fish
* Too little air circulation
* Too small a surface area
* Introduction of new plants
* Poor maintenance regime giving poor water quality.
Most aquarium disease can be avoided by making sure your aquarium water is healthy. Neglecting the appropriate tank maintenance and partial water changes will allow toxins to build up in the water, basically polluting your fish's environment. As the water becomes more toxic your fish become more "stressed", the more stressed your fish becomes the easier it is for the micro organisms present in your aquarium water to infect your fish with various diseases.
However, there are many diseases that can affect your aquarium fish and once your tank is infected, there's a good change that all your fish will get sick. If disease does break out, doing a partial water change and treating the water for the particular disease is the best way to nip it in the bud. If you don't do these two things your tank is liable to fail.
Stressed Fish
In addition to keeping good water quality in your aquarium, you should also keep an eye on your fish each day so that you can be alerted to any signs of stress right away and take the appropriate action.
Stressed tropical fish give out some tell tale signs you can be on the look out for including:
· Rubbing themselves against the gravel or aquarium décor
· Hiding in the corner or under plants or rocks all the time
· Floating at an angle with their fins close to they body
· Any growths or white fuzzy spots.
Of course, the first step in treating aquarium disease is preventing it...
Keep your aquarium in balance and it will help you enjoy beautiful healthy fish for years to come...
Pete owns Tropical Fish Advice which is a resource dedicated to helping individuals interested in all types of [http://www.tropical-fish-advice.com title=Tropical Fish]Tropical Fish
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pete_Wright http://EzineArticles.com/?Avoid-Disease-in-Your-Aquarium&id=1096572
Aquarium Water Changing Tips And GuideBy [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jincheng_Ong]Jincheng Ong


Water changing will vary depending on the type of aquarium you are keeping - tropical, cold water or marine - and whether you use tap water or purified water. Water changes are an essential part of fish keeping and, if done properly, cannot be overdone. Remember that in nature the biggest form of filtration is dilution, as waste products are dissipated by the vastness of the body of water, and even the best filters will not remove nitrates and replace essential minerals in your fish tank.
Frequency
It is advisable to replace about 25 per cent of the aquarium water weekly, as this should help to keep nitrates low. If you are using tap water for the changes, test it to make sure that the pH and hardness are to the liking of your fish. Check also that the nitrate level in the tap water is sufficiently low. If the nitrate is reading at 40 parts per million (ppm) or over, it could actually be contributing to a rising nitrate level in the main tank, and if this is the case you should consider finding alternative water sources or purifiers. If you are in any doubt about the suitability of your local tap water, consult your local authority.
Tips : The most effective way to keep a tank clean is to combine water changing with filter maintenance, algae wiping and gravel vacuuming.
Equipment
Set aside some clean buckets and siphon tubes especially for water changes and do not use them for any other purpose, such as washing the car. If you are using large containers to store water, check that they are made from suitable food-grade plastic, because some plastics may cause your fish to die if the chemicals leach into the water. Keep stored water in dark to stop algal blooms forming and run an air stone into it to keep it fresh. If using reverse osmosis water, an air stone placed within it can help to keep the pH stable. If left for too long without aeration, it may become very acidic
Tip: One natural source of tank water is rainwater. It is naturally soft and devoid of minerals, but should be filtered through carbon to remove any traces of pollutants. If you are collecting run-off rainwater from a roof, check that the roof is made from a suitable clean, inert material.
Tank water Dos and Don'ts
Take note of the following points to help you avoid problems in your water-changing routine. Incorrect water changes may do more harm than good.
Do
* If you are using purified water with all the chlorine and minerals removed, first add a mineral additive to replace essential electrolytes, then bring the water up to the appropriate temperature using a heater/thermostat and thermometer
* If you are using tap water bring the water up to the appropriate temperature by using water from a hot kettle or by using a spare heater. Use a thermometer to check the temperature is the same as that in the main aquarium.
* If you are preparing water for a reef aquarium, use only hot water that is free of copper. For this reason, water from the hot tap if generally regarded as unsafe.
* Always dechlorinate water before adding it to the main aquarium. Untreated water can kill beneficial bacteria on all surfaces, such as gravel and decorations, as well as in the filter.
Don't
* Add water that is too cold. It may cause stress and give your fish an outbreak of white spot.
* Add water that is too warm. It will affect oxygen levels in the tank and may kill filter bacteria.
Interested in reading more about fish keeping?
Visit http://www.fishkeepingtalk.com
For those that are interested in my article and intend to post it in your site or blog, please refer it back to my website at http://www.fishkeepingtalk.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jincheng_Ong http://EzineArticles.com/?Aquarium-Water-Changing-Tips-And-Guide&id=1104235
Cleanliness of Your TankBy [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Derek_Rogers]Derek Rogers


There are many ways that you can keep your fish tank clean. It is important to do so because a clean fish tank means happy and healthy fish. A clean fish tank is also better for your home, as it does not smell and won't produce smells or attract bugs. All in all, having a clean fish tank is very important, and there are several steps that you can take to insure that this happens.
First , use rocks and materials in your fish tank that are made to be in fish tanks. Using regular rocks, dirt, or things that aren't meant to be in the tank can produce filth in your water. It can also be poisonous for the fish. There are rocks that are meant to be put into a fish tank, and the ones that are made out of plastic or other materials will not allow dust or dirt to accumulate. Plastic rocks will also not leave any sand or dirt in the water. Therefore, these are the best materials to use.
Second, be sure to use pure water, or use a water treatment on the water that you put in the tank. Using clean water will be less harmful for the fish, and it will also give less of a chance of dirt building up. Using clean water and treating it will help to eliminate bacteria from growing and will also allow your fish tank to remain cleaner for longer.
Next, if you get an algae eater, such as a plecostomus, you can help your fish tank stay clean naturally. A Plecostomus will eat the algae and the other substances that grow on the sides of your tank, and will keep algae from growing in your tank. This will help you promote an overall clean fish tank, which you will be able to enjoy.
Another good tip to remember when keeping a fish tank is that you should only have the amount of fish that fit well in that tank. A small tank can only hold roughly three small fish, depending on the type of fish and how much space and oxygen those particular fish need. Therefore, be sure that you check with the pet store or the place where you buy your fish to see how many fish of what particular size will work well in your tank. Having too many fish in a small area can be harmful for the fish, and it can also help to promote a very dirty tank. Keeping your tank clean can be much easier if you only have a few fish, and don't keep more fish than your tank can reasonably hold.
Keeping a clean fish tank might seem like a lot of hard work, but if you follow these above suggestions right from day one, you will find that you don't have to clean your tank so often, and in between cleanings your fish tank stays clean and on the hole looks a lot nicer.
Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who represents a number of UK businesses. For advice on cleaning fish tanks, he recommends Seapets, one of the UK's leading suppliers of [http://www.seapets.co.uk/ ]fish tanks.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Derek_Rogers http://EzineArticles.com/?Cleanliness-of-Your-Tank&id=1109516
Buying FishBy [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Pete_Wright]Pete Wright


I use to go into tropical fish shops and marvel at the inhabitants - too frightened to ask the "expert" what all the different fish were and what you need to do to start...there is nothing like feeling small in front of an expert. Or worse still being told rubbish by a so called expert!
You really need to take your time researching questions to ask before getting to the store. There are lots of aquarium stores with staff that know very little about fish, so don't base your decision on their advice alone...and make sure you take a close look at the fish yourself.
Below are some basic guidelines to consider when buying new fish:
• How big does the fish get?
• It may be small now, but will it eat all of them when it is adult?
• Is it a territorial - or will it be happier in a group?
• Will it get along with the current fish in your tank?
• Is your tank at the right temperature?
• Are your water conditions correct?
• Can you supply the right food for it?
Things to ask and look out for:
• Ask where the fish originally came from, the answer usually gives you an idea of how much the staff actually know!
• Does the store have a quarantine tank, if not be wary - or ask where there quarantine tank is. Generally this indicates that the fish are being cared for...
• Look at the aquarium plants, are they well kept?
• Ensure they catch the fish that you want, or better still catch it yourself!
Remember that the key to success is to keep your tank in balance giving happy, stress-free fish, so don't be tempted into buying an incompatible species jut because you think it's attractive - you'll definitely regret it.
Don't try to add too many fish to your tank at once - and always check that the fish are healthy before you buy them. Sometimes it can be difficult to be patient, particularly if the dealer has a species of fish that you really want but TAKE YOUR TIME!
Pete owns Tropical Fish Advice which is a resource dedicated to helping individuals interested in all types of [http://www.tropical-fish-advice.com]Tropical Fish
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pete_Wright http://EzineArticles.com/?Buying-Fish&id=1107652

Monday, March 31, 2008

Aquarium Planting GuideBy [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jincheng_Ong]Jincheng Ong

All plants need a combination of light, carbon dioxide (co2) nutrients and trace elements in order to ensure healthy growth. This is a common knowledge for everyone, but more people do not know that plants need those things in fixed proportions. For instance, if a plant had unlimited amount of light, co2, nutrients and most trace elements but lack of a specific trace element, the plant would not have a healthy growth. The excess nutrient will be wasted and might contribute to algae growth. In general plants need a balance of all its need in order to stay healthy.
Lighting
Light is required by plant for photosynthesis. It gives the plant energy for the chemical reaction involved. Without light, plant will die after all its carbohydrate storage has been fully utilized. Correct spectrum of light is also needed to ensure healthy growth. Plants use light primary in the blue and red spectrum but an aquarium will look better to people if full spectrum lighting is use.
Sunlight contains the full spectrum of colour and would first see as the best choice. But a more experienced aquarium hobbyist (myself) would say that this method has several notable disadvantages. The indirect source is often either too weak or short for plant functioning. Sunlight may also cause significant temperature fluctuations which is bad for both fishes and plants. Another side effect of sunlight is that they usually encourage algae growth.
Artificial light is therefore a more advisable alternative for plants in aquarium. Full spectrum or broad spectrum fluorescent light is the best recommendation from me.
For a sparely planted aquarium, I recommend 1.5w of light per gallon (1gal ~ 3.8L). If you have a densely planted aquarium, you will need somewhere between 3w to 5w per gallon for optimum performance. 10 - 12hrs of light supply per day is necessary for plant growth.
Carbon Dioxide (Co2)
Co2 is another essential component for photosynthesis, without sufficient quantities, photosynthesis cannot take place. During photosynthesis, dissolved Co2 is transformed into carbohydrate which is the energy needed for plant growth. Most tanks will have some Co2 due to fish respiration but it is definitely not enough to get a lush plant growth.
A non Co2 supplemented aquarium usually have between 1-3 ppm of Co2 and most plants will only flourish with an amount between 10-20ppm. Thus, Co2 supplementation is essential if you are serious about having a planted aquarium.
There are generally 2 type of Co2 which are:
Co2 tank which purchase from local fish shop. It is easy to use and need for bigger aquarium. Down side of it is will be expensive in the long run.
DIY Co2 reactor is made by combining Yeast, Sugar and Water. The by product of this mixture is Co2. This Co2 setup is suitable only for smaller aquarium (under 50g) as it is not enough for bigger ones. DIY set up is cheap, easy and most importantly fun to do. A guide of how to set up a Yeast co2 reactor will be posted next week.
Nutrients (Macro Nutrients)
The first three elements necessary is Nitrogen, Potassium and Phosphorus. The plant requires these in large quantities. If you introduce a lot of macronutrients to your aquarium, it can lead to an undesirable 'algae bloom'.
Nitrogen is usually available in sufficient quantities from fish waste in the form of ammonium (NH4+). Most plants will prefer ammonium but some will use the end product of the nitrification cycle, nitrate (NO3-). Ammonium is the preferred source since it takes less energy to use that form of nitrogen. A good test for ammonium levels is to monitor nitrates. If the nitrates are 0 ppm, you know that all the nitrogen is being used. This may indicate that some plants are starving for nitrogen. It also might indicate that a perfect balance has been achieved, but that is unlikely.
Potassium (K+) is also usually available from fish food. Unfortunately, potassium is difficult to measure in the water. If there are enough nitrates, there is usually enough potassium. Some fertilizers contain additional potassium and can be used to be on the safe side.
Phosphorus (PO4) is another Macro nutrient that is sufficient for plant from fish food. It is usually not a problem in getting enough Phosphorus, excess of it can encourage algae growth.
Trace elements (Micro Nutrients)
Nutrients like iron, copper, zinc, sulphur calcium and magnesium are some of these. Excessive amounts of these can prove harmful for the plants.
Iron may be present in tap water in the correct ionic state (Fe++) but will quickly oxidize to a form unusable by plants. To prevent this, chelated iron mixtures can be used. The chelator prevents the iron from oxidizing and makes it easy for the plants to assimilate. The iron concentration should be less than 0.2 ppm.
Sulphur, calcium and magnesium are usually found in tap water. If the water has too little hardness (less than 3 degrees dGH), calcium and/or magnesium may be in short supply. This can be remedied by adding calcium and magnesium sulphate in small quantities.
Other trace elements are needed in extremely small quantities and can usually be provided in fish food or specialized trace element formulations. Note that some of these elements are toxic in anything but trace amounts so the addition of trace elements should be done very carefully.
Interested reading more about fish keeping?
Visit http://www.fishkeepingtalk.com
For those that are interested in my article and intend to post it in your site or blog, please refer it back to my website at http://www.fishkeepingtalk.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jincheng_Ong http://EzineArticles.com/?Aquarium-Planting-Guide&id=1061085

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Easy Ways of Setting Up an AquariumBy [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Julie_Dodds]Julie Dodds

When thinking about a hobby to pursue, many people turn to reading or writing, or probably pursuing a new sport. Still others might turn to keeping pets. But even when pets are involved, rarely do people opt to have fish, most of them would choose to have dogs or cats or even bunnies. Although hairy and cuddly pets are highly therapeutic, this doesn't diminish the fact that fish can equal this effect. So if you are undecided whether to buy that white bunny or to keep some cute fish, better read this first.
When you would want to have fish in your home, what is the very first thing that you should consider? Of course, the fishes' home! Aquariums come in many varieties and they also come with different accessories. Here are the most common but useful tips in setting up your new pets' home:
1. Before barging into the nearest pet shop, be sure to know what type of fish you want to keep in your aquarium. Another thing to consider is, can my choices of fish live together or will they eat each other? Know which ones can live symbiotically.
2. Prepare the aquarium together with all the other equipment that you are going to use. It is highly advisable that you start out with an under gravel filter. Also, be sure to provide ample lighting by putting a fluorescent lamp on the aquarium's plastic top. A heater and an air pump will also be necessary purchases.
3. As soon as you have the fish tank (a.k.a. the aquarium) be sure to wipe it clean with freshwater and sponge. Wipe it dry.
4. Mount your choice of background. Be creative. Make sure to put in the design that will match all the other accessories and equipment (and your mood, too!).
5. Prepare to put the tank on its stand. As soon as you are decided on where to best enjoy your aquarium, level both the tank and the stand. Just be sure that the tank is away from direct sunlight, as this will greatly increase the growth of algae.
6. If you have purchased an undergravel filter, make sure to place it as soon as you have set up the tank on its stand.
7. Next, put two lift tubes (this is when you are using an air pump) in their sockets. If you have a power head instead of an air pump, then one lift tube would be sufficient.
8. Put in the gravel. Make sure to wash the gravel thoroughly before putting it in.
9. It's now time to put in the heater and the water pump. Be sure to place the water pump above water level (for safety reasons).
10. For starters, you can begin practicing a tank set up by using plastic plants, wood and stone decors instead of using the 'real thing' immediately. Get a 'feel' of how to keep an aquarium balanced. If you are bolder, then you can opt to have live plants and real rocks. Now it's time to set them all up inside the tank. Remember that plastics float once you put the water in so don't be dismayed to see them floating all around. To avoid this, make sure that they are weighed down by gravel.
11. Put in water but the water treatment should only be added when the tank is full.
12. You should be ready to test your mini-marine world. It is highly preferable that you test the aquarium for a couple of days before purchasing the fish that will go in it. Once the tank is operating smoothly, it's time to add in your choice of fish.
13. Welcoming home your pets doesn't end your commitment in keeping them. In fact, everything has just begun. Be patient in the next couple of weeks as this will test whether you can begin the cycle process.
Now that you have set up your new hobby, it is time to sit back, relax and enjoy the view. Looking at your new pets would have a calming effect on you that will sweep away the hours, even days that you've spent in setting up your new pets' home. http://aquarium-care.blogspot.com/ is a very useful site if you are thinking of setting up an aquarium. If you would like to learn more about different types of aquariums and how to care for your fish then please visit http://aquarium-care.blogspot.com/ for more tips and advice.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julie_Dodds http://EzineArticles.com/?Easy-Ways-of-Setting-Up-an-Aquarium&id=997677