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
Saturday, April 19, 2008
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
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
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
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
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
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