Investing in a freshwater fish tank can provide an attractive feature to your home or office. Fresh water tropical fish are an excellent choice for first time pet owners (adults and kids), with little maintenance, you can enjoy the beauty of tropic fish from a foreign land for a reasonable price of course. Although, a fish tank aquarium can’t be just set up and left with little care, a balance has to be kept in their natural environment. You wouldn’t want your first aquarium experience to go belly up.. would you.
Protecting the freshwater aquarium fish from dust and debris is one of the most important things to remember. It’s common place to have goldfish bowls uncovered, and that is acceptable – when keeping tropical fish, protecting the water from dirt is going to be your first move. When purchasing a fish tank aquarium, the majority will come with a cover, often fitted with lamp or light.
After unpacking you new fish tank aquarium, you will probably be pretty excited to pick some tropical fish. Never be too hasty when selecting species of fish. It’s probable that your knowledge of fish is lacking somewhat and it’s vital to seek out professional advice before purchasing any marine life. If you didn’t know, certain tropical fish have the tendency to fight with other fish. Coming home one day to see a whole species eaten or damaged isn’t on anyone’s wish list – so always be cautious when selecting your fish.
When purchasing freshwater aquarium fish, you’re sure to find that different shops and stores specialize in specific species and varieties. Take the time to browse the opportunities available online today. It sure is important to know as much about your new pets as possible, so always read the descriptions.
Another point to make is to not over fill your freshwater fish tank with fish. Just like human beings, tropical fish require their own space. If you are going to have many tropical fish in your aquarium, include many plants to keep the oxygen in the water at a healthy level.
Different decorations can be added to your aquarium, avoid getting too carried away with plants and sunken treasures, the fish inside your aquarium require enough free space to swim. After adding a few items, you still think that the fish tank looks a little bare, you can try adding another piece – or try an underwater background cover as an attractive backdrop.
With the correct ratio of marine life and fish tank decorations, two main points need to be discussed – filters and temperatures. Keeping your aquarium in good condition you will be required to install the correct water filter and air pump. A decent water filter will keep the water fresh and your freshwater wildlife happy. An air pump will keep the oxygen flowing in the water and also circulates the plants with fresh air – which happens in its natural environment.
With the key points now discussed, let’s take a quick look at everything you need to start your fish tank aquarium.
Aquarium – Larger tanks are easier to maintain, in the fact that life in smaller tanks are hit harder from water parameters changing and or temperature change. Larger tanks can withstand these changes for much longer.
Aquarium gravel or sand – A form of ground is going to be required, whether you like coloured stones or sand, there are many different options to choose from. Sand will take longer to settle when filling the tank with water.
Filters – Seek advice on which filters your fish tank aquarium needs, there are many variables that decide on what is required, number of fish, the type of fish and the tank size. Filters come in internal, hang-on and external models.
Filter media – Replaceable filter media.
Fish net – A fish net is required for removing your fish to bag up when changing the water, can also be used to fish out debris.
Fish food – Always research the fish you are keeping as pets, find out how much they eat and what they eat. Fish flakes are common for most tropical fish tank species. Avoid over feeding, it’s a common mistake made by most new fish tank owners. If your still unsure about feeding habits, ask in your local pet store.
Heater – A heater is needed to keep the water temperature at the level to replicate your pets natural environment.
Fish tank decorations – Decorations will make your fish tank aquarium come alive, will your fish explore the depths of a sunken ship? Perhaps your fish can swim in amongst a collection of seaweed and exotic plants.
Aquarium test kit – An aquarium test kit will allow you to find out the levels of ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and phosphate in the water.
Water conditioner – Water conditioner is required to remove chlorine and chloramines from the tap water in your home.
Bucket – You will need a bucket to fill the fish tank for its initial fill and also to change the water.
It’s important to express that fish are the same as all animals, and needed to be treated with care like you would a cat or dog, there are of course responsibilities that come with owning a tropical fish tank and its contents. Changing the water once a week is a general rule, and feeding once a day (although seek advice on your species of fish).
When you do go to buy your new pets, you need to ask what stage of growth the fish are at, some species can grow 10-12 inches, which will obviously require a much bigger tank.
Once you have figured out what size tank you need, and learnt a little about the species of tropical fish you will be caring for, it’s time to think about placement. It’s vital to place your freshwater aquarium away from windows or any source of strong light. You definitely don’t want temperatures to rise; extra light can cause algae to grow at an increased speed.
Have you thought about how much the freshwater fish tank is going to weigh? You will definitely not be able to move it once it’s filled, the unit it will be sitting on needs to be strong and sturdy. A 100 gallon tank will weigh around 1000 pounds, which is including water. Using this maths a 20 gallon tank should weigh 200 pounds. There are several fish tank stands on the market that are built to take this weight and are worth purchasing if you don’t think your current units can take this kind of stress.
Are you going to clean your fish tank aquarium or its decorations? Cleaning should be done with tap water only, do not use any household cleaners – the chemicals in them will cause an upset in the water chemistry when you eventually fill the tank.
After cleaning your fish tank and filling with water from the bucket, add the decorations and attach the heater and filters. Avoid turning on the heater till the thermostat gives a true reading (20 minutes after pouring water inside the tank).
With the freshwater fish tank setup and ready, it’s time to add your fish. When purchasing tropical fish, they usually come in plastic bags. To add the tropical fish to your aquarium, don’t simple open the bag and pour them in. It’s important to leave them in the bag, and place them inside the tank for around 15 minutes. This allows the water in the bag to meet the temperature of the water in the tank, it’s vital to not shock the freshwater fish with sudden climate change. Add fish in couples, never add a large group at once, patience is required, but it’s almost always worth it.
Friday, 15 May 2009
Saltwater Fish Tank Care
Keeping a saltwater fish tank requires the understanding of its natural water chemistry. Not knowing how to maintain a saltwater aquarium will only lead to disaster, marine life is very fragile; in the wrong environment they cannot and will not survive. A tropical fresh water aquarium might be a better solution, as only the temperature and algae levels need to be monitored, which is more forgiving when forgetting or incorrectly changing the waters chemistry.
When starting a saltwater fish tank, ammonia and nitrite levels need to be checked. These levels will go to zero in new aquariums after the original nitrogen cycle. Nitrate (which is the result of the nitrogen cycle) must be monitored and kept below 0.5ppm. One of the easiest ways to keep the nitrate levels low is to regularly change the water.
Checking Phosphate levels.
Having high phosphates in the water will cause living corals to die. Corals can resist small amounts, but it is recommended to keep consistently measuring the levels before it gets out of hand.
Phosphate levels can be reduced easily with Rowaphos (ask in your local pet store – or any online saltwater fish store). This product absorbs phosphates until full, which it will then require replacing.
Salinity levels are the key to keeping your saltwater aquarium alive, without it – nothing can survive. Salinity needs to be at a constant 1.025 measure. Refractometers can be used to accurately measure the salinity of the water.
Balancing magnesium, alkalinity and calcium is another vital aspect of your new pet’s home which requires observing. These impact each other and affect the life of its occupiers.
Always check these in this order – magnesium, alkalinity and calcium (MAC for short), if you do not change the levels in this order, the sea life could be damaged.
Magnesium is used to keep the balance of the other two. Without maintain the magnesium levels, keep alkalinity and calcium at the correct levels will be a much harder job. As a general rule (but always check the conditions required for your chosen marine life) Magnesium levels should be between 1300ppm and 1500ppm. 1350ppm is the average level of natural sea water.
Alkalinity must be kept at a level an average of 7dKH - 10dKH (again, always seek advice for specific species).
Hard corals, like us; require Calcium to create and maintain their skeleton. Calcium levels should be at around 400ppm.
PH levels constantly change as they are affected by many varying factors, which include; light, oxygen, magnesium, alkalinity and calcium (MAC). It is obviously recommended that results should be collected at the same time of day, to counter the varying factors (ie, light).
In short; how to: maintain a saltwater aquarium:
Check ammonia and nitrite levels when first installing a kind of saltwater aquarium
Then consistently check:
Salinity levels
Phosphate levels
Magnesium, alkalinity, and calcium levels
PH levels
Easy, huh? Saltwater aquariums require a little more upkeep that the usual fresh water fish tank. The reward for this heavily maintenance is a unique marine life experience.
When starting a saltwater fish tank, ammonia and nitrite levels need to be checked. These levels will go to zero in new aquariums after the original nitrogen cycle. Nitrate (which is the result of the nitrogen cycle) must be monitored and kept below 0.5ppm. One of the easiest ways to keep the nitrate levels low is to regularly change the water.
Checking Phosphate levels.
Having high phosphates in the water will cause living corals to die. Corals can resist small amounts, but it is recommended to keep consistently measuring the levels before it gets out of hand.
Phosphate levels can be reduced easily with Rowaphos (ask in your local pet store – or any online saltwater fish store). This product absorbs phosphates until full, which it will then require replacing.
Salinity levels are the key to keeping your saltwater aquarium alive, without it – nothing can survive. Salinity needs to be at a constant 1.025 measure. Refractometers can be used to accurately measure the salinity of the water.
Balancing magnesium, alkalinity and calcium is another vital aspect of your new pet’s home which requires observing. These impact each other and affect the life of its occupiers.
Always check these in this order – magnesium, alkalinity and calcium (MAC for short), if you do not change the levels in this order, the sea life could be damaged.
Magnesium is used to keep the balance of the other two. Without maintain the magnesium levels, keep alkalinity and calcium at the correct levels will be a much harder job. As a general rule (but always check the conditions required for your chosen marine life) Magnesium levels should be between 1300ppm and 1500ppm. 1350ppm is the average level of natural sea water.
Alkalinity must be kept at a level an average of 7dKH - 10dKH (again, always seek advice for specific species).
Hard corals, like us; require Calcium to create and maintain their skeleton. Calcium levels should be at around 400ppm.
PH levels constantly change as they are affected by many varying factors, which include; light, oxygen, magnesium, alkalinity and calcium (MAC). It is obviously recommended that results should be collected at the same time of day, to counter the varying factors (ie, light).
In short; how to: maintain a saltwater aquarium:
Check ammonia and nitrite levels when first installing a kind of saltwater aquarium
Then consistently check:
Salinity levels
Phosphate levels
Magnesium, alkalinity, and calcium levels
PH levels
Easy, huh? Saltwater aquariums require a little more upkeep that the usual fresh water fish tank. The reward for this heavily maintenance is a unique marine life experience.
Thursday, 14 May 2009
Fish Tank Aquariums
An aquarium fish tank can create a magnificent impact to any room of the house, setting the scene with the lights down low. Purchasing and installing a fish tank aquarium will please the whole family.
Home aquariums have wide possibilities which are affordable to any budget, ranging from the popular goldfish fish tank bowls, to huge tropical reefs built into structures.
Building your own fish tank could be an option if you want to create a large fish tank on a tight budget. Always seek professional advice before building a large aquarium.
Salt water and fresh water fish tanks
The term; tropical fish, refers to the fresh water environments. Although in nature, tropical fish are species found around the equator both in fresh and salt water. It’s expected that when we speak of keeping tropical fish as pets, we are talking about fresh water fish tanks.
The term; marine fish, refers to salt water environments, expect as above.
Fresh water fish tanks (tropical fish tanks), are more popular and what we usually picture when imagining fish tank aquariums. Tropical fish tanks accommodate bright and vibrant, attractive fish, a good example of the typical tropical fish kept as pets are illustrated in the well known kids film, Finding Nemo.
Tropical fish tanks have to be carefully monitored for harmful bacteria, algae and fungie. Keeping your fish tank aquarium away from strong natural light will reduce the speed in which these spread.
Saltwater fish tanks require a little more work, not only do you need to replicate the natural temperature; you also have to keep the salt levels exact. Salt levels should be at a consistent ‘salinity of 1.025’. This can be measured accurately with a Refractometer.
Other chemical levels you will definitely have to measure are; Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, Magnesium, Alkalinity, Calcium and Phosphates. Follow this link for more information on salt water fish tanks.
Glass or acrylic aquariums
Glass fish tanks are heavier compared to an acrylic fish tank. Also, glass tanks are always at risk of a heavy blow – shattering into pieces. Not recommended around children.
Acrylic tanks being light weight and stronger do have their weaknesses, such as being very easily scratched. Small rocks inside the bowl or box can scratch up against the plastic when being moved around. Although repairable, extremely scratched tanks lower the viewing experience.
Glass or acrylic comes down to personal tastes, home situations and budgets. It’s recommended to take a look at both options.
Common mistakes
A common mistake for new owners of fish is to over feed them, this opens the door to health problems within the fish, as you would expect with any animal. Seek professional advice for the specific fish you are caring for and keep the food away from children.
It’s highly recommended that you read up on the health and stability of your new pets, in the nature of the tropical fish breeding business, the health of the pet comes second to profit. Understanding and knowing how the fish should act and behave is the key to purchasing healthy long-living fish.
Don’t be afraid to ask the shop owner questions about the pets and ask for them to be feed in front of you. It’s been known that some unhealthy fish will not eat at the given opportunity.
Hopefully you have now discovered a little more about fish tank aquariums, stick around as we will be discussing saltwater and fresh water aquariums in more detail.
Home aquariums have wide possibilities which are affordable to any budget, ranging from the popular goldfish fish tank bowls, to huge tropical reefs built into structures.
Building your own fish tank could be an option if you want to create a large fish tank on a tight budget. Always seek professional advice before building a large aquarium.
Salt water and fresh water fish tanks
The term; tropical fish, refers to the fresh water environments. Although in nature, tropical fish are species found around the equator both in fresh and salt water. It’s expected that when we speak of keeping tropical fish as pets, we are talking about fresh water fish tanks.
The term; marine fish, refers to salt water environments, expect as above.
Fresh water fish tanks (tropical fish tanks), are more popular and what we usually picture when imagining fish tank aquariums. Tropical fish tanks accommodate bright and vibrant, attractive fish, a good example of the typical tropical fish kept as pets are illustrated in the well known kids film, Finding Nemo.
Tropical fish tanks have to be carefully monitored for harmful bacteria, algae and fungie. Keeping your fish tank aquarium away from strong natural light will reduce the speed in which these spread.
Saltwater fish tanks require a little more work, not only do you need to replicate the natural temperature; you also have to keep the salt levels exact. Salt levels should be at a consistent ‘salinity of 1.025’. This can be measured accurately with a Refractometer.
Other chemical levels you will definitely have to measure are; Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, Magnesium, Alkalinity, Calcium and Phosphates. Follow this link for more information on salt water fish tanks.
Glass or acrylic aquariums
Glass fish tanks are heavier compared to an acrylic fish tank. Also, glass tanks are always at risk of a heavy blow – shattering into pieces. Not recommended around children.
Acrylic tanks being light weight and stronger do have their weaknesses, such as being very easily scratched. Small rocks inside the bowl or box can scratch up against the plastic when being moved around. Although repairable, extremely scratched tanks lower the viewing experience.
Glass or acrylic comes down to personal tastes, home situations and budgets. It’s recommended to take a look at both options.
Common mistakes
A common mistake for new owners of fish is to over feed them, this opens the door to health problems within the fish, as you would expect with any animal. Seek professional advice for the specific fish you are caring for and keep the food away from children.
It’s highly recommended that you read up on the health and stability of your new pets, in the nature of the tropical fish breeding business, the health of the pet comes second to profit. Understanding and knowing how the fish should act and behave is the key to purchasing healthy long-living fish.
Don’t be afraid to ask the shop owner questions about the pets and ask for them to be feed in front of you. It’s been known that some unhealthy fish will not eat at the given opportunity.
Hopefully you have now discovered a little more about fish tank aquariums, stick around as we will be discussing saltwater and fresh water aquariums in more detail.
Welcome to fish tank aquariums for beginners
Thanks for visiting, this site (fish tank aquariums for beginners) is designed to help even a novice succeed in keeping various fresh and salt water fish happy. If there are any questions or topics i haven't yet discussed - feel free to email me at frankinstereo@googlemail.com.
Tuesday, 12 May 2009
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy for fishtankaquariumbeginners.blogspot.com
The privacy of our visitors to fishtankaquariumbeginners.blogspot.com is important to us.
At fishtankaquariumbeginners.blogspot.com/, we recognize that privacy of your personal information is important. Here is information on what types of personal information we receive and collect when you use and visit fishtankaquariumbeginners.blogspot.com/, and how we safeguard your information. We never sell your personal information to third parties.
Log Files
As with most other websites, we collect and use the data contained in log files. The information in the log files include your IP (internet protocol) address, your ISP (internet service provider, such as AOL or Shaw Cable), the browser you used to visit our site (such as Internet Explorer or Firefox), the time you visited our site and which pages you visited throughout our site.
Cookies and Web Beacons
We do use cookies to store information, such as your personal preferences when you visit our site. This could include only showing you a popup once in your visit, or the ability to login to some of our features, such as forums.
We also use third party advertisements on http://fishtankaquariumbeginners.blogspot.com/ to support our site. Some of these advertisers may use technology such as cookies and web beacons when they advertise on our site, which will also send these advertisers (such as Google through the Google AdSense program) information including your IP address, your ISP , the browser you used to visit our site, and in some cases, whether you have Flash installed. This is generally used for geotargeting purposes (showing New York real estate ads to someone in New York, for example) or showing certain ads based on specific sites visited (such as showing cooking ads to someone who frequents cooking sites).
DoubleClick DART cookies
We also may use DART cookies for ad serving through Google’s DoubleClick, which places a cookie on your computer when you are browsing the web and visit a site using DoubleClick advertising (including some Google AdSense advertisements). This cookie is used to serve ads specific to you and your interests (”interest based targeting”). The ads served will be targeted based on your previous browsing history (For example, if you have been viewing sites about visiting Las Vegas, you may see Las Vegas hotel advertisements when viewing a non-related site, such as on a site about hockey). DART uses “non personally identifiable information”. It does NOT track personal information about you, such as your name, email address, physical address, telephone number, social security numbers, bank account numbers or credit card numbers. You can opt-out of this ad serving on all sites using this advertising by visiting http://www.doubleclick.com/privacy/dart_adserving.aspx
You can choose to disable or selectively turn off our cookies or third-party cookies in your browser settings, or by managing preferences in programs such as Norton Internet Security. However, this can affect how you are able to interact with our site as well as other websites. This could include the inability to login to services or programs, such as logging into forums or accounts.
Deleting cookies does not mean you are permanently opted out of any advertising program. Unless you have settings that disallow cookies, the next time you visit a site running the advertisements, a new cookie will be added.
AdSense Privacy Policy Provided by fish tank aquariums for beginners
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)