Saltwater Tank Purchasing Considerations

A saltwater tank purchase,What Kind Of Saltwater Tank Should One Consider,The main advantages of owning a glass tank aquarium over an acrylic one are as follows:-...

Saltwater Tank Purchasing Considerations

A saltwater tank purchase should be thought about very carefully before you go out and invest your hard earned money in one. Certainly this is the kind of purchasing decision that one should not take lightly as saltwater tank fish have a larger number of requirements than freshwater fish have.

Certainly when it comes to choosing the right tank for your home, it will take some time and you may well come away feeling somewhat confused because there are so many different ones to select from. The best advice that any aquarist will give you when it comes to purchasing a tank in which you intend to keep saltwater fish and other saltwater sea life, is to buy the largest one that you can possibly afford.

For someone who is just setting up a saltwater tank, then purchasing one around 30 gallons in size should be the smallest size that they should consider. This will provide the fish with a comfortable swimming environment and the surface area is large enough that sufficient exchanges of oxygen in the water can take place. How much oxygen there is in the water along with how well you are able to control the water's temperature, will determine if your tank is a success or not.

What Kind Of Saltwater Tank Should One Consider

When it comes to buying a tank in which to keep some beautiful saltwater fish, you have a choice of either one made from acrylic or one made from glass. Both come with their own particular advantages and disadvantages.

The main advantages of owning a glass tank aquarium over an acrylic one are as follows:-

* The price of a glass tank is generally less than that of an acrylic one.
* Glass tanks are actually more resistant to being scratched than acrylic ones are.
* A glass tank does not need as much brace support, although the stand on which it is placed does need to be able to bear the weight of the tank when it is full of water.

Whereas the main advantages of owning an acrylic tank are as follows:

* They weigh much less than a glass tank does.
* You can actually get these custom made to a shape which better suits the location where the tank is to be situated.
* The chances of an acrylic tank breaking are far less than that of a glass one.
* You can easily purchase such tanks online.

Things To Do With Your Saltwater Tank Before Introducing Fish Into It

The first thing to do is actually make sure that you locate the tank in the most appropriate position in the room. Never place it somewhere where it is going to be receiving sunlight continuously, as this will result in algae growing in the aquarium. Also do not place them too close to where you have a heater in the room or close to where there may be drafts (doors and windows).

If you purchase a glass saltwater tank, you need to make sure that the stand comes with the appropriate layer to place on the stand to protect and help keep the tank level. If the tank is not level, the chances of it cracking are greatly increased.

Once you have set up your saltwater tank in the right position, you now need to fill it with water and allow it to stand like that for a couple of days, and this will ensure that the tank is water tight. Now you need to get rid of that water and thoroughly clean it and rinse all the other pieces of equipment, such as the filters and the gravel, which are going to be immersed in your tank and will ensure that any contaminants in them are removed, which could actually cause harm to your saltwater tank fish, plants and other marine life.

For more saltwater aquarium tips and saltwater aquarium supplies visit The Aquarium Lady.
By Trish Hunter
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

How to Clean Your Fish Tank - The Secret is Easier Than You Think

Golden Algae Eaters are a prime sucker fish to scrape the algae clean. The Golden Alae eater has distinct Gill openings that most fish don't have...Obviously Algae Eaters eat the algae in your fish tank. These Herbivores like to chow on veggies too...

How to Clean Your Fish Tank - The Secret is Easier Than You Think

Keep your Fish tank Fresh and Clean with an Algae Eater!

Golden Algae Eaters are a prime sucker fish to scrape the algae clean. The Golden Alae eater has distinct Gill openings that most fish don't have. These gills are special in a way that there is a unique opening in the gill so they do not loose grip while clinging onto the plants, rocks and aquarium wall. They clean the gravel and the sides of the tank. Perfect little algae scrubbers they are! Golden Algae eaters get up to 6? long. These fish are tropical when they are young and become semi-aggressive as they mature. You don't want them to attack the smaller fish so be wise when selecting the fish to place in your aquarium with the Golden Algae Eater.

Obviously Algae Eaters eat the algae in your fish tank. These Herbivores like to chow on veggies too. They don't just clean the algae from the aquarium. Golden Algae eaters are bottom swimmers that have been known to hang from plants using their suckermouth to stick to matter. Algae eaters are usually placed in larger fish tanks and aquariums because they are like mini carps that clean and scrub the algae from the tank keeping the tank clean looking. Consider these fish the housekeepers for your tank. Algae eaters should be fed twice a day. Alter the feedings between pellets, lettuce, zuccini and fish flake food. Make sure you clean out the left over food when the feeding is over for the Algae eaters. Feedings can last up to 5 minutes.

If you really want to learn about Tropical Fish Then Look no Further. http://www.FishPlenty.com/wordpress lists over 20 Diffent Tropical Fish that you can put in your Aquarium. Learn about Fish Tank Setup, Fish Diseases and More

By Nathan E Peterson
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Tropical Fish Fun - The New Tank

Tropical Fish Fun - The New Tank

My wife and I had kept tropical fish before, but we wanted to do something different. So we decided to reconstruct the fireplace - a typical modern affair with no real quality or style - into a 7 foot long 4 foot deep paradise for fish and eventually into an African Cichlid sanctuary...

Having got some real clever mathematician to work out that the weight of the water and tank was indeed supportable in our house (! - you'll never believe how many people don't check that out, especially those in apartments), we set about planning the aquarium with delight...

The tank was to stand on ornamental stone blocks which a local builder fixed in place. We needed to talk to a specialist tank supplier as the tank we were building was just a little out of the ordinary - and finally several weeks later the tank arrived.

The first trip to the store

My excitement was extreme as we made our way to the local store to get the bits and pieces we would need to start off:

• the gravel

• the filter and aerator

• the lighting

• the heater

• the cleaner (gravel vac).

When I got home I scrubbed the tank, and checked to make sure there were no leaks, then started to lay the gravel (having first washed the gravel through to make sure the dust was removed). At this time there was no need to be particular as water disturbs the gravel when it is first added. I then added about a third of a tank of water and started to mould the gravel to the way I wanted it. At this point I added some water purifiers and de-chlorinator to the tank.

Ok so then I put in the filter and aerator in, and also added the heater. These all remained switched off until I was finished in the tank. The rest of the water was then added - and I used a plastic tray floating on the surface to make sure there was not too much water movement which meant my sculpted gravel remained the way I wanted it.

Next all the equipment was turned on and left for two days.

The it was back down to the store for two more things:

• lots of plants and:

• CO2 diffuser to help with plant growth

The next day the plants were now neatly arranged and growing in my warm tank, so off down the shop again to get my first fish.

The first fish.

I love platies, the variety of colors is fantastic - but any live bearers are a good place to start. Mollies, swordtails, platies or guppys are ideal to get your water up to scratch. This is generally called cycling and is really the growth of good bacteria in your tank - which in turn break down the waste. So only add a few fish at first or the waste will kill the fish before the bacteria gets to work.

Five platies later and they are floating in their plastic bags on the surface of the tank. This was just to get the water temperatures equalised, and then over a period of a couple of minutes I let some of the tank water in the bag a couple of times. Finally out the five popped and made their way in the new tank.

Technically the fish waste is ammonia and needs to be broken down by bacteria into nitrite, and then later on into nitrate which is what helps the plants grow. This cycle needs to establish in your tank if you are to keep healthy and happy fish and generally this takes about 8 weeks to settle down. Even then my advice would be to add fish slowly til the are all established.

Eventually and with patience.

My wife and I eventually decided that tanganyika cichlids and malawi cichlids were our real tropical fish hobby (with some dwarf Kribs thrown in) and we managed to breed a few different types including labidochromis caeruleus or more commonly Canary cichlids, and also neolamprologus leleupi or the tanganyika yellow. At one point our tank was a huge splash of yellow delight.

In the evenings now we just switch the television off, cuddle up and watch the fish tank - and soothe our worries away.

Pete owns Tropical Fish Advice which is a resource dedicated to helping individuals interested in all types of Tropical Fish.
By Pete Wright
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

The Dumb Mistakes Most Owners Make When Caring For Goldfish

The Dumb Mistakes Most Owners Make When Caring For Goldfish

Do you know how to care for your goldfish? If you think that it is all about buying some bright colored fish from your local pet shop and then throw it in your aquarium then you are in for some surprises. Although goldfish is a sturdy fish, it demands some special care on your part. If you want to learn more on goldfish care then this article should really interest you.

First, you should make sure that you buy fish that are in excellent conditions. Before choosing, your fish watch them for a couple of minutes as they swim in the tank. If you find something unusual such as the tails are ripped or there are unusual swimming pattern then it is better to avoid these fish. It will be stupid to spend time caring for goldfish that is already suffering from diseases.

It is also important that you do not buy goldfish that have just arrived in a pet shop. Although some pet shops put their fish in some kind of quarantine when first received, others do not. These fish may be suffering from stress and are therefore vulnerable to diseases. Once in your home aquarium, they can develop any disease and then die unexpectedly. That is why it is important to wait for some time before buying your fish. This is indeed, where the actual goldfish care begins!

One thing to remember though. These new goldfish if already contaminated can cause havoc in your aquarium.

Once at home make sure that your fish is acclimated. You could do this by keeping your fish bag on your aquarium for about five minutes and then put some of your aquarium water in the bag and then wait for another five minutes. After that, you just remove the fish and put them in your aquarium taking care to throw away the water. Indeed one of the most important tips on goldfish care is water quality.

Most owners also like to feed their fish on the first day. It is advisable to avoid this, as the goldfish will definitely not eat the food. This will only cause your aquarium to become dirty. You can feed them as usual on the next day.

Goldfish is indeed a great fish but many enthusiast just give up when it comes to caring. However, this should not be the case if you only know some tips and some general information on goldfish care.

Did you know that most of the diseases that goldfish developed can be prevented? There are some small tips that can prevent you from losing your money. Find out how by visiting http://goldfish-keeping.blogspot.com
By Elijah Bitson
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Diagnosing and Treating Common Goldfish Diseases

Diagnosing and Treating Common Goldfish Diseases

Being able to diagnose cases of disease is a crucial part of goldfish care. You can achieve this by becoming knowledgeable regarding the symptoms of common goldfish diseases. Knowing how to properly treat your goldfish if they have indeed been inflicted with illness is equally important.

Anchor worms is one common goldfish disease. If you see that one of your goldfish has short string-like worms with forked tails embedded in its flesh, this is a clear sign that your goldfish has anchor worms.

These worms can be a variety of colors, including brownish-red, clear, or greenish-white and can cause ulcers and severe pain. This goldfish disease can be treated by purchasing a gyrase inhibitor from your local pet store. You simply add this inhibitor to your fish tank and the parasites will be killed within several days.

You should also regularly check your goldfish for signs of fin rot, another common goldfish disease. This can be seen in the fraying or tearing of your goldfish's fins. You might be able to prevent fin rot before it even sets by keeping an eye out for white discoloration on your goldfish's tail. To treat this goldfish disease, simply purchase antibiotics, which are available at the majority of pet stores.

A third goldfish disease to be on the lookout for is swimbladder. The main symptom of swimbladder is your fish's inability to stabilize itself in the fish tank. A fish that floats belly up very likely has swimbladder. This disease is most commonly found in fancy goldfish.

Swimbladder is often caused by an imbalanced or insufficient diet, hereditary conditions, or water impurity, which leads to bacterial infections. This goldfish disease can be treated, first, through fasting your fish for one or two days. Also, feeding your goldfish peas has been reported to induce the destruction of impacted feces. The most effective treatment, however, is to seek the help of a veterinarian.

If you want to learn more about goldfish or more specifically goldfish diseases then check out http://www.secretsofgoldfish.com
By Dane J Stanton
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

How to Care For White Goldfish

How to Care For White Goldfish

The spectrum of colors that goldfish come in ranges from white to yellow-orange to blue to black. Among these colors, white goldfish seem to be one of the most striking and unique. The white skin color of this type of goldfish is a result of the lack of skin pigmentation.

Ryukin, comet, and oranda goldfish are the species that may often be found to have white bodies. White goldfish make great pets as long as you're willing to give them proper care.

Selecting a fitting tank is the first step in taking care of your white goldfish. A tank suitable for a single goldfish will be able to hold at least 10 gallons of water. The popular bowl-type tanks are definitely not suitable for your white goldfish, as these offer such a limited living space. Purchasing a large tank will be very beneficial to your goldfish's overall wellbeing.

Supplying your goldfish with high quality water - that is, water that is clean and well oxygenated - is another important part of goldfish care. Quality tank water can be achieved by changing your goldfish's water at least once a month and by using an air pump or air stone to increase the level of oxygen diffusion in the water.

In terms of feeding, you can give your white goldfish pellets, fish flakes, and even some vegetables, like romaine lettuce. A good balance and variation of food will contribute to the health of your goldfish.

If you plan to feed your goldfish pellets, be sure to soak the pellets in water before you give them to your fish. Soaking the pellets for about 10 minutes should do the trick. Doing so will actually help minimize the chances of your fish getting the swimbladder goldfish disease.

Unknown to many, the skin color of white goldfish may actually change over time. Hence, do not be alarmed if you see that your goldfish's skin is beginning to discolor. There are cases, for instance, where white goldfish acquire black spots on their bodies after they grow to be three inches in length.

If you want to learn more about goldfish or more specifically white goldfish then check out http://www.secretsofgoldfish.com
By Dane J Stanton
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

The Essentials of Breeding Goldfish

The Essentials of Breeding Goldfish

If you're interested in breeding goldfish, which can be a joyous and profitable venture, it is important that you know how to go about this the right way. This article explains the essentials of breeding goldfish.

The early part of summer and the latter part of spring are the best times for breeding goldfish. One of the best ways to check if your goldfish are ready for mating is by looking at their bodies. If you notice small white spots on your male goldfish, this is one good indication that they are ready.

These spots are a bit like pimples and they are the roughly the size of a pinhead. You may have difficulty spotting these white spots most especially on white goldfish. For this type of goldfish, be sure to look really closely for the spots. A swollen abdomen is a sign that your female goldfish are ready for mating. This swelling means they are carrying ripe eggs and you can thus begin breeding goldfish.

Before you start breeding goldfish, it is best to separate you female goldfish from the males. Feeding your fish a good variety of foods will also get your goldfish conditioned for mating. A healthy variety combines both dry and live food.

Once your goldfish are well conditioned, you can start breeding goldfish. What you will need to do first is set up an aquarium or pond filled with mesh water. It is strategic to place about three males for every two females in the tank or pond.

Once the water's temperature has increased about two degrees Celsius, spawning will take place. You can either let this temperature increase occur naturally or induce the temperature change yourself. 10 to 26 degrees Celsius is a good temperature range. 20 degrees is the optimum temperature.

Goldfish tend to scatter their eggs all over the aquarium or tank, so you'll want to keep a good number of plants in the water. These plants should be soft so that the fish eggs are not at risk for damage. Soft willow plants are ponga fronds make excellent plant choices for breeding goldfish.

If you want to learn more about goldfish or more specifically breeding goldfish then check out http://www.secretsofgoldfish.com

By Dane J Stanton
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

An Overview of the Different Types of Goldfish

An Overview of the Different Types of Goldfish

If you are looking to buy your very first aquarium, or even if you have owned one for a long time, you might be looking for goldfish to buy. However, you probably do not know the extent of the varieties of fish that are available.

There is more than just the little orange fish that comes to mind for most of us. Most pet stores sell a variety of different types of goldfish. Some will even keep supplies used in breeding goldfish.

There are four different groups to look at when examining the different types of goldfish:

1. The Single Tailed Goldfish - Having a very slender body, there are many different colors available, from orange to variegated. The single tailed goldfish are the Comets, the Commons, and the Shubunkis - either Bristols or Londons

2. The Double Tailed Goldfish - Also slender bodied, this group comes in orange, white, white with orange, and white with red lips, gill covers, and fins. The double tailed goldfish are the Wakins and the Jikins varieties.

3. The Double Tailed Goldfish with a Dorsal Fin - This group has egg-shaped bodies and the fins are very long and billowy. The colors will vary. The names of the fish are Pearlscales, Ryukin, Telescopes, Demekins, Fantails, Orandas, Moors, Pompoms, and Veiltails.

4. The Double Tailed Goldfish without a Dorsal Fin - This group is similar to group three in that they also come in a variety of colors and have egg-shaped bodies and long, billowy fins. The names of these fish are Lionhead, Celestial, Bubble Eye, and Eggfish.

Anyone who looks into and truly discovers the vast number of types of goldfish may become overwhelmed at the selection. You aquarium can be filled with such a unique variety that you will impress anyone who stops to have a good look at it. If you prefer only one type of goldfish over the others, you should easily be able to find one that suits you well.

If you want to learn more about goldfish or more specifically Types of Goldfish then check out http://www.secretsofgoldfish.com

By Dane J Stanton
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Uncommon Foods to Feed Goldfish

Uncommon Foods to Feed Goldfish

You may have thought your hard decisions were over after finally selecting the perfect goldfish to take home. But, although all types of goldfish eat pretty much the same things, more choices are available when it comes to the food to feed goldfish.

There are several types of dried foods available. And you can even find food to feed goldfish in your refrigerator and outside in your yard. There are many uncommon foods available to feed goldfish that many people do not realize.

Of the dried food variety the most common types of food available to feed your goldfish are those in pellet form and flakes. Goldfish are quite hardy and can eat a variety of foods and remain healthy. Some of the more uncommon dried foods that you can find at your pet store include tubiflex, blood worms, spirulina and daphnia. Other dried foods that are more like treats for your goldfish include brine shrimp, plankton and krill.

There are also a lot of fresh foods that you can feed goldfish that you will not find at your local pet store. Instead you need to look in your refrigerator. Like us, goldfish enjoy eating a variety of fruits and vegetables such as Romaine lettuce, cucumbers, cooked peas, eggs, grapes, spinach and oranges. And if your mom does not want you to feed your goldfish a salad, then you can search your yard to find earthworms and insect larvae to feed it.

What you want to feed goldfish is entirely up to you and you can opt to feed it some of the more uncommon foods and still keep it healthy. The best rule of thumb for feeding your goldfish is moderation. Only feed it a little bit once a day and you could even go every other day.

This will also help to keep his living environment (the aquarium) clean and allow you to go for longer periods of time without cleaning the fish tank.

If you want to learn more about goldfish or more specifically feed goldfish then check out http://www.secretsofgoldfish.com

By Dane J Stanton
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

How to Choose Fresh Water Aquarium Fish

How to Choose Fresh Water Aquarium Fish

There are hundreds of varieties of fresh water aquarium fish available in pet stores across the country. How can you possibly choose the ones for your tank without extensive research? It is possible to create a happy community tank without going through all that trouble.

Fresh water aquarium fish come in several main varieties based on temperament and compatibility. Most aquatic life you find in your local pet store will be suitable for a community tank. That is, one where multiple species can live harmoniously together. And pet store worth their weight in shrimp pellets will have more aggressive species marked as such.

The beginning aquarium hobbyist should focus on community fish, or create a one species tank for a more garrulous variety.

After you decide that you want a community of different types of fresh water aquarium fish, you must pick out the ones you want. Many people do this based on appearance alone. This is a mistake. Of course, you should buy the pets that you want to look at and find attractive, but living conditions must be considered.

Buy fish for all levels of your tank. Some fish are bottom dwellers that enjoy scooting along the gravel and eating the food that falls down to the bottom. These are usually algae eaters and catfish varieties. Some fish swim at the top levels of the water, such as danios and hatchetfish. They are usually quick swimmers who are fun to watch. The majority of fish swim in the mid levels or in all levels of the tank. Purchasing a good mix of fresh water aquarium fish is ideal.

Take some time to research water parameter needs, temperature preferences, and diet before buying a selection of fresh water aquarium fish. To maximize health and minimize maintenance, grouping species with the same needs makes sense.

Do you want a sparkling tropical aquarium but end up with a slimy mess of dead fish? Learn how to care for your fish tank with limited fuss and money with the Ultimate Tropical Fish Guide.

By Lori Marlowe
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

How to Care For Aquarium Fish

How to Care For Aquarium Fish

The easiest way to have a pet without sacrificing too much of your time is to have an aquarium. Just ensure you follow these guidelines to provide a healthy and conducive environment for your marine friends. There is some maintenance work to be done daily, while others requires some of your time weekly. The daily actions you need to do daily is actually very simple. Observe your fish tank everyday for a few minutes to check that all the fish are looking good and showing no health problems. It may be surprising for you to know that fish do suffer from stress as well. Check the lights and the filters of the aquarium daily to see if they are working correctly and they are properly plugged. Feed the fish daily. Your fish must be able to consume the food you give them in 2 to 5 minutes. Excess food that is not consumed will sink to the bottom and become debris, adding to the nitrate levels and rising the toxicity of the water. Perform a pH test every week to see if the water pH level is still good. Make it a habit to make the necessary changes immediately. Ask the pet store where you got your fish from and they will tell you the exact pH for your fish. Not all species of fish require the same conditions.

Filter cleaning is extremely important. Filters do the all-too important job of accumulating all the excretory wastes of the fish. Since the filters will get accumulated with debris over time, they will not be able to filter properly if you don't clean them. Another job that the filters do apart from removing the waste is to circulating oxygen into the task. With bunged filters, you will not be able to have as good transmission of gases in your tank as you have with clean ones. Due to this, the available oxygen in the tank can go down. If you do not correct this, your fish may die. Do not keep the same filter for more than two to three weeks in the aquarium. As soon as your water begins looking dirty and has an offensive odor, you must clean your filter. The kind of filter you are using will decide whether you need to simply clean the filter with water or to replace it entirely.

The proper way to change water in a tank is to do it gradually. Before cleaning your aquarium, make sure to unplug all lights and other fixtures. Change only about one in three parts of the water of the fish tank on a weekly or biweekly basis. If you are adding tap water, you may need to treat it before putting it into the aquarium. When purchasing fish for your aquarium, ask your local retailer about the water requirements. Short term treatment for the tap water could be for about half an hour, but you may sometimes need to treat the water for the whole night too.

When cleaning the tank, clean from the sides to scrub out any buildup of alga. Be careful not to disturb or scare the fish. You will have to move about the rocks in your tank too because this loosens the residue collected under them and make them come to the surface from where you can remove them. A siphon or a small bucket may be used to remove this debris which you can do when you are replacing the water. An important part of cleaning is to remove the withered leaves from the aquarium plants. Clean the outside of the tank with a squeegee and clean tap water. Do not forget to clean the cover of the tank, from the inside and the outside. Plug everything back into the aquarium, sit back and take the pleasure of your newly cleaned aquarium.

For more great aquarium fish articles, pet grooming articles, pet health articles, go over to hotpetsupplies.com. While there don't forget to sign up for our bonus free dog training report.
By Victor Emmanuel
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

Bubble King Protein Skimmers

Bubble King Protein Skimmers
Bubble King has made a huge name in the aquarium industry. Coming all the way from Germany where many of the greatest high end products are manufactured for aquariums, Bubble King sets the standard for any serious enthusiast. Each skimmer is made with cell cast acrylic with a thickness from 4-6mm, and come standard with an oxygen partition plate as well as a conical counter to reduce turbulence.

Royal Exclusiv looks back on over 25 years manufacturing freshwater aquariums and 20 years in saltwater. Combining their hobby with their job is what helps them strive for perfection. Formed in 1986 Royal Exclusiv manufactures only the best equipment used in the hobby.

Each skimmer uses a CNC lathed screw connection which enables the user to remove the collection cup with one hand if needed. From personal experience these cups are the easiest to remove than any other skimmer on the market. Most models also come standard with an optional drain for waste collection.

Adjustment of the skimmer is extremely easy and accurate. Most models allow a water level adjustment as well as a fine tune adjustment to allow extreme performance you won't find anywhere else. Each deluxe model has an adjustable overflow which allows you to run into carbon or other types of media. This also allows less fluctuation in performance if the water level chances.

The highlight of these amazingly built skimmers is the pump. Red Dragon pumps are the most efficient pumps on the market. With the 300 external pump pulling only 58 watts, this is unheard of from any other competitor.

In essence Royal Exclusive/Bubble King has made a huge impact on the hobby. Providing an extremely efficient and powerful skimmer that even the most discerning hobbiest will put his name on. These skimmers are more functional than any skimmer on the market so start saving today as they also carry one of the larger price tags in the market.

Aquarium Supplies at Salty Supply.com Bubble King Protein Skimmers
By Richard Gilliland
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Crucial Saltwater Aquarium Supplies

Crucial Saltwater Aquarium Supplies,Saltwater Aquarium Supplies - - - Pumps,Saltwater Aquarium Supplies - - - Filters...

Crucial Saltwater Aquarium Supplies
Saltwater aquarium supplies are essential if you want to maintain the integrity of the tank, which will ensure that your fish will live long and healthy lives. There are a number of pieces of equipment that you will need to purchase which are critical saltwater aquarium supplies, and which should be of the best quality possible.

In this article we are going to be taking a look at both the pumps and filters which you will need to purchase as part of your saltwater aquarium supplies. Not only are we looking at what kinds of pumps and filters you can purchase, but what you should be looking for when buying them.

Saltwater Aquarium Supplies - - - Pumps
It is important that you choose the right pump carefully for installing into your aquarium. There are a number of things which you will need to take into consideration when looking at purchasing an aquarium pump. First, you need to look at how much resistance the pump offers, also how much heat it generates, how many returns does the pump have, and finally just how much noise does this particular aquarium pump make.

The biggest mistake made by many when they are purchasing an aquarium pump for the first time, is to buy the largest one possible no matter what size aquarium they have. However, this should not be the case - - remember, these actually produce a lot more heat and can therefore really cause problems for the marine life (corals and plants) along with the saltwater fish in the aquarium.

Ideally what you should be doing is purchasing a pump from a saltwater aquarium supply company that is capable of dealing with the volume of water that is held in the tank. Certainly a good company will be able to recommend a pump that is perfectly adequate to do the job it needs to do in your tank.

Saltwater Aquarium Supplies - - - Filters
As with the pump, it is important that you choose the right kind of aquarium filter. However, when you do come to getting one you may find it somewhat confusing, simply because there are so many different kinds of special filters to select from.

When it does come to your selecting an aquarium saltwater filter, there are certain factors which you should be keeping in mind with regard to this particular kind of saltwater aquarium supply. Along with the price you are paying, think about how efficient it is and also how adaptable. Plus when purchasing any kind of saltwater aquarium supplies, you need to think about just how easy it will be to maintain them.

The other thing you need to be considering when purchasing filters from any aquarium supplier or from a supply company, is the size of the filter channels within it. Although the smaller the channels may look useful, the problem with these are that they can become easily blocked. However, generally the filters within these are made from a biological material and these particular filters can be very quickly and easily cleaned.

If you really want to maintain the quality of the water in your tank to prevent the buildup of algae and waste, then when buying your biological filter also buy a good quality mechanic filter as well. This will again help to maintain the water and salt levels in the tank to ensure that all the, plants and coral you have in the tank remain healthy.

When it comes to buying saltwater aquarium supplies you can purchase discount aquarium supplies, however it is advisable to do some research on the product in question before you make your purchase. Although you may feel that you are getting a bargain initially, these types of saltwater aquarium supplies may not last and you might end up having to spend more money because you need to replace them.

For more saltwater aquarium tips and saltwater aquarium supplies visit The Aquarium Lady.
By Trish Hunte
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Along With the Tank, What Other Saltwater Fish Aquarium Equipment Do You Need?

Along With the Tank,
What Other Saltwater Fish Aquarium Equipment Do You Need?
Saltwater fish aquariums are not as easy to look after as you would first imagine. In fact it is best before you go out and buy a saltwater fish aquarium, that you spend time learning about all the aspects of having one.

Unfortunately when it comes to keeping a saltwater fish aquarium, it is not a simple case of your bringing the tank home, filling it with water and putting the fish into it. You need to learn about how to set it up correctly, as well as learning about how to maintain your aquarium once it is set up.

Heating And Lighting For Your Saltwater Fish Aquarium
The most popular type of heater used in aquariums that contain tropical fish, is the submersible ones which contain a thermostat. These particular types of heating systems that are available for your tank help to keep the water within, at a temperature which the live fish find comfortable.

All species of marine life like to be kept in water that is at a constant temperature of around 75 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit. These conditions are ideal for the saltwater fish in your tank, as this is the temperature at which they were kept in the tanks at the tropical fish store where you purchased them.

If you have a large sized aquarium, then it is crucial that, rather than purchasing one heating system for it, you purchase two. These should then be placed at either end of the tank to ensure that the water within is heated to the correct temperature at all times. Plus it is advisable to have a thermometer (some of which stick to the outside of the aquarium) to help you monitor the temperature within.

Lighting is crucial in any tank as not only does it make it look good, but also you will find that it is important to the health and well being of the fish kept within. Through the use of the right lighting, then the correct 8 to 10 hour light cycle can be produced, which will then simulate the conditions of life in the wild for the species that you have in your saltwater fish aquarium.

You have a choice between either installing fluorescent lights in your tank, or the much newer form of lighting known as metal halide. Certainly the metal halide lights are the right ones to have in a reef tank where corals live. This is because it helps to promote the growth of algae which the coral requires in order to thrive.

Other Important Equipment For Your Salt Water Fish Aquarium
Another important piece of equipment that you will need for your aquarium is something to cover the base of the tank. When it comes to keeping tropical aquarium fish, then you have the choice of two different ways of covering the base of the tanks to start with.

Generally most people who have a saltwater fish aquarium in their home choose to have both marine sand and live rocks in theirs. Not only do the rocks look great but they have a function to help maintain the tank and ensure it remains safe for the fish that are kept in the aquarium.

As well as being suitable for use in a saltwater fish aquarium, the marine sand and live rocks are suitable for use in reef and coral tanks as well. The rocks actually have their own bacteria living on them which helps to filter the water within the tank, and reduces the levels of ammonia and nitrate which can build up in a saltwater fish aquarium.

For more saltwater aquarium tips and saltwater aquarium supplies visit The Aquarium Lady.
By Trish Hunter
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

How to Choose the Right Saltwater Aquarium Fish

How to Choose the Right Saltwater Aquarium Fish

Saltwater aquarium fish are actually very difficult to keep; the problem is that the majority of tropical saltwater aquarium fish and invertebrates will become damaged when being collected, handled and shipped. Plus there are a number of species of saltwater aquarium fish that are for sale which have certain requirements that you as an aquarist will not be able to meet.

A Guide To Selecting Your Saltwater Aquarium Fish
1. It is crucial that rather than purchasing new aquarium fish, you go for ones that have been in the shop for some time, around about two weeks or more. Although the new ones may survive being captured, handled and shipped, they become infected with diseases that you are unaware of and which the owner of the shop can easily deal with.

2. It is vital that when you go to the store to select your aquarium fish, that you spend time inspecting all the live species that they have. So if you are buying some angel fish, hawkfish, butterfly fish, clown fish or any other kind of marine fish that are for sale, spend time watching how it swims and breathes and the way it is behaving.

3. It is a good idea to spend some time, if you are able, watching the fish eating. Make sure that the fish are alert and will eat the food that has been given to them. If you can, avoid having any of the coral feeding fish or sponge eating Rock Beauties in your tanks.

4. When you go shopping for any kind of fish for your saltwater aquarium, it is a good idea to learn a little bit more about the ones you are considering. You should be aware of things such as what they will require in order to survive, and what other saltwater aquarium fish and invertebrates they are compatible with. Also you need to spend time learning about their overall hardiness.

Generally when it comes to keeping aquarium fish, it is best to put in the tank those which have a similar temperament. So those fish which eat slowly, need to be put with fish of a similar nature, while the aggressive varieties such as chow-hounds should be kept together.

What Kinds Of Saltwater Aquarium Fish Are Suitable For Your First Tank?
When it comes to which are the best types of saltwater fish to keep in an aquarium, there are several that are ideal when you first start your hobby.

Below we look at just a number of the different species that one should be considering for keeping in a saltwater aquarium.

* Damsels -
These are one of the best of all the types of saltwater aquarium fish that someone who is just starting up an aquarium, should have in their first tank. Of all the various different types of tropical fish one can purchase today, these are one of the hardiest of them all. The actual price of purchasing such fish is relatively inexpensive and you should only purchase a couple, as any more than this will tend to make them fight.

* Mollies -
Although these are freshwater fish, they can be acclimatized to live in saltwater aquariums also. Again the price of these fish is relatively inexpensive and to get them ready for salt water, retain them in the bag in which they were purchased, and slowly drip in some saltwater over a period of six to eight hours. As time passes you need to increase the amount of salt that is in the water and this will help to get them familiar with their new environment.

* Angel Fish -
Although these tropical fish come in a wide variety of colors, if at all possible, these should be avoided initially when you are starting to keep saltwater aquarium fish as a hobby. Yes, even though the Bicolor Angelfish, Black Nox Angel Fish, Blue Fin Angelfish, Cream Angelfish and Cortez Angelfish are wonderful to look at , they are very delicate tropical aquarium fish and will find it extremely difficult acclimatizing to a new environment.

Above we have offered some information that you may find extremely useful when setting up your first tank containing saltwater aquarium fish. If you want to ensure that your aquarium fish live, then make sure that you know how to care for them and make sure that they get the necessary proteins, minerals etc required. A good policy is to actually learn everything you can about each species before you purchase them.

For more saltwater aquarium tips and saltwater aquarium supplies visit The Aquarium Lady.
By Trish Hunter
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

The Best-Kept Secrets About Goldfish Care

The Best-Kept Secrets About Goldfish Care

If you're looking for a great pet to keep, you might want to consider goldfish. Goldfish are especially great pets for kids. In order to ensure that your goldfish are always in good health, you'll need to know some of the best-kept secrets about goldfish care. Continue reading if you're hoping to learn more about successful goldfish care.

An animal's home or habitat plays an important role in its wellbeing. Accordingly, an essential part of goldfish care is finding a tank that suits the needs of your goldfish. Generally, your goldfish should be given a tank that has a sizable surface area where air touches the water. This kind of tank allows for more well-oxygenated water for your goldfish. Taller tanks, even though they may be able to hold the same amount of water, do not provide as large a surface area as longer tanks. Hence, opt for longer tanks rather than taller ones. Bowls seem to be commonly used, but beware of these, as the space they provide your goldfish is very limited.

Ensuring that your goldfish always have clean water is another best-kept secret in goldfish care. Clean water can be achieved by, first, changing at least 25 percent of your goldfish's water once a month. Next, avoid overfeeding your fish. This results in wasted food, which sinks to the bottom of the tank and decays. Also, overfeeding causes goldfish to create more feces. These likewise pollute the water. If you can be sure to keep your goldfish's water pure at all times, you are on the right track to effective goldfish care.

The last secret on goldfish care involves closely monitoring your goldfish to prevent or spot potential illnesses. A goldfish found to have small white spots could be at risk for ichtyopthirius. If you think your goldfish might have this disease, you need to have it treated right away. The PH levels and overall temperature of your goldfish's tank should also be monitored. Regularly checking in on your fish is imperative in goldfish care.

If you want to learn more about goldfish or more specifically Goldfish Care then check out secretsofgoldfish.com.
By Dane J Stanton
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Everything You Need to Know About Goldfish Food

Everything You Need to Know About Goldfish Food
As is true with any pet, proper feeding is crucial to your goldfish's health. Overfeeding, underfeeding, or using the wrong type of goldfish food is often the reason why some goldfish don't live past several months.

Read on if you want to learn how to choose the type of goldfish food best suited for your fish and be knowledgeable on the basics of proper goldfish feeding.

Flakes are one of the most commonly used kinds of goldfish food. This is largely because flakes are easy for goldfish to consume. Additionally, flakes provide your goldfish with essential vitamins and minerals.

In addition to being easy to eat and containing an optimum nutrient level, flake goldfish food prevents your goldfish's water from additional contamination. This is because flakes stay at the water surface long enough for your fish to eat the entire amount during a particular feeding session. As a result, less food sinks to the bottom where it will simply become a water pollutant.

You might also want to consider pellet goldfish food, which seems to be a popular choice for feeding larger goldfish, such as those kept in outdoor goldfish ponds. Japanese Koi is an example of these large fish. Pellets, just like flakes, are a great way to ensure that your goldfish receive a sufficient amount of nutrients on a daily basis.

When selecting pellet goldfish food, it is important to note that the fact that pellets sink to the bottom of the tank faster than flakes means this type of food could lead to added water pollution. The uneaten pellets decay and create bacteria that could be harmful to your goldfish.

In terms of feeding your goldfish, one tip to bear in mind is that goldfish cannot differentiate real goldfish food from objects or scraps that are not made for eating. Accordingly, be careful not to accidentally drop anything that is not food into your goldfish's tank. If you inadvertently do, scoop it out right immediately.

Regardless of whether you choose to feed your goldfish pellets or flakes, just a finger-full should suffice. If you overfeed your goldfish, you could be putting them at risk for disease.

If you want to learn more about goldfish or more specifically goldfish food then check out http://www.secretsofgoldfish.com
By Dane J Stanton
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Spice Up Your Tank With Fancy Goldfish

Spice Up Your Tank With Fancy Goldfish**fancy goldfish are sarasa, pearl-scale, moor, shubunkin, oranda, bubble-eye, butterfly, fantail, ryukin, and lionhead.

Spice Up Your Tank With Fancy Goldfish
There is a wide variety of goldfish to choose from, but if you really want to add variety to your goldfish collection, you should consider fancy goldfish. This article presents the essentials of caring for fancy goldfish.

The length of fancy goldfish can be anywhere from three to six inches, depending on the particular species. These goldfish are double tail-finned. Their fins can be either short or long. The most common kinds of fancy goldfish are sarasa, pearl-scale, moor, shubunkin, oranda, bubble-eye, butterfly, fantail, ryukin, and lionhead.

You can pretty much feed fancy goldfish the same way you would feed any other species of goldfish. Fish flakes and pellets are great fancy goldfish food choices. Additionally, you can mix in some peas, fresh zucchini, or even romaine lettuce to add variety to your goldfish's diet. They will also eat animals, such as freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex worms, mosquito larvae, and daphnia. When feeding your fish, be sure that you don't overfeed them, which could put your goldfish at risk for sickness.

Fancy goldfish usually swim at the middle area of the fish tank. This is why they have been classified as middle swimmers. When buying a fancy goldfish, make sure you already have, or will soon purchase, several other fish that it can share a tank with. These can be of any other species, as long as the particular species is known to get along with goldfish.

Monitoring your fancy goldfish is very important, as you want to be alert regarding indications of possible sickness. Symptoms include gold-colored specks, red lines, or white spots on your goldfish's skin. Additionally, goldfish who continuously scrape their bodies against rough surfaces, such as rocks, or who have gill spasms could be ill. You need to have your goldfish treated immediately if you notice any signs of sickness.

If you want to learn more about goldfish or more specifically fancy goldfish then check out http://www.secretsofgoldfish.com
By Dane J Stanton
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Choosing the Right Fish Tank Supplies For Your Aquarium

Choosing the Right Fish Tank Supplies For Your Aquarium,The Tank, lid and lighting,Filter,Water testing kit,Air Pump/Air stone, Food,

Choosing the Right Fish Tank Supplies
For Your Aquarium

If you're determined and ready to begin setting up your own aquarium, There are six important fish tank supplies you will need for your aquarium before you begin. Never be tempted to buy fish at the same time that you acquire your aquarium.

There are many steps to complete prior to bringing fish to their new home.

1. The Tank, There are many fish tanks to choose from so choose whatever you feel comfortable with and make sure you have chosen a sturdy stand and designated area that gets a lot of traffic for your tank. while any tank is acceptable, what some people don't know is that the larger tank you have, the less chemical and biological maintenance you will need to give it.

2. hood/lid and lighting, you will need one that fits your chosen fish tank. Most come with the aquarium itself but depending on the size of your fish tank may have to look for one that fits your chosen size. what the hood does is it prevents evaporation of water and protects fish from jumping out of the aquarium, it also keeps anything else from entering the aquarium such as dust and cats!. Lighting is not absolutely necessary but having one is natural for the fish as it stimulates daytime and nighttime, It also looks much better with the proper lighting.

3. Filter,The Filtration systems are usually the most complex component of the aquarium and also the most essential in order to create and maintain a clean, healthy aquarium environment for your fish. There are three stages to filtration. They are mechanical filtration, chemical filtration, and biological filtration. Thanks to technology most filters take care of all of this for you with the simple push of a button For smaller fish tanks you will want to go with "power filters" for larger tanks you will want to go with a "canister filter".

4. Water testing kit and Thermometer are another important factor for your fish tank supplies. These measure the balance of temperature, Ph, Hardness, Alkalinity, Ammonia and Nitrite levels in your freshwater or saltwater aquarium setup. Keeping both chemical and water temperature balance is the key for keeping the fish healthy. There are many different kits available, So be careful what you choose depending on if you are going to use saltwater or freshwater.

5.Air Pump/Air stone, Deciding if you need these or not depends on what type of fish your getting, what the shape/size of your tank is, and what type of filter you get. Usually your filter will provide enough oxygen for your fish, but it just so happens live plants actually provide more oxygen to your tank than an air pump. The choice is yours.

6. Food, The type of food you buy relies directly on the type of fish you purchase and I would suggest only feeding them once or twice a day. Most of the time fishes look hungry, but You should be careful not to overfeed your fish as fish can't self-regulate how much they eat and could literately eat themselves to death! If you plan to go out of town for more than one week you can get something called an automatic feeder. They can be set on a timer to release a chosen amount of food for your fish each day.

I myself am a novice, not an expert fish keeper. While this article should be a good starting point for choosing your fish tank supplies, it should certainly not be your only stop or source of information. With that said, good luck with keeping fish, and I hope you enjoy your new hobby!

To find the fish tank supplies you are looking for and learn more advice/tips about fish keeping visit http://www.fishtanksuppliesinc.com
By Tynad Torgeson
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

Knowledge to Have Before You Buy Goldfish

Knowledge to Have Before You Buy Goldfish,There are 125 types of goldfish available. They range from common to fancy varieties...Keeping the water in good shape will aid in keeping your fish healthy...

Knowledge to Have Before You Buy Goldfish
Knowing where to buy goldfish is important. Usually, your best bet is to buy goldfish in a store that specializes in fish. The store will be able to provide knowledge about how to care for your goldfish and their fish will have a tendency to be healthier. They will also be able to advise you on how often to feed goldfish.

Goldfish are usually easier to care for and are hardy. Their life span can be up to 25 years. If provided enough room, they can grow up to two feet in length. This is an inexpensive fish to buy, but there are varieties of the fancier goldfish that can cost up to $1000.

There are 125 types of goldfish available. They range from common to fancy varieties. The comet is the most common type. The shubunkin is blue and speckled in color and is straight tailed. They are both easy to care for and can grow quite large if enough space is provided. The bulging eyed goldfish is not a pretty fish, but is valuable to most breeders.

Fancy goldfish are usually smaller and have a rounder body and long fins. They are not as hardy and are susceptible to getting ill, especially with bacterial infections. Keeping the water in good shape will aid in keeping your fish healthy.

Common goldfish and fancy goldfish can be kept together, but it is not recommended. Since the straight-tailed fish can swim faster, they will often bully the fancy fish.

Watching for the following things will help you when you buy goldfish -
• The dorsal fins should be erect. If not, the fish may be sick.

• Don't buy the fish if they can't swim to the bottom of the tank easily.

• Compare size of the fish in the tank. They should be relatively the same size for the same age. Don't buy a fish that is smaller.

• When buying a bulging eyed fish, make sure that eyes are not too small or large. It can interfere with how they are able to swim later.

• If a fish is ill in a tank, don't buy from that tank, as that fish can pollute the water and cause the other fish to be ill.

When you buy goldfish, make sure to remember to keep a well-maintained tank. It will ensure the health of your fish. The size of the tank is important too. It is recommended that your tank be at least a 20 gallon tank. Use de-chlorinated water and a good filtration system. No gravel is needed for the tank. If goldfish are provided with an adequately sized tank that is maintained well, they can live seven to ten years and grow six to fourteen inches in length.

If you want to learn more about goldfish or more specifically buy goldfish then check out http://www.secretsofgoldfish.com
By Dane J Stanton
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

A Child's First Goldfish Pets

A Child's First Goldfish Pets,Are you ready for your new goldfish pets?,How Do I How to Buy Goldfish?,Does My Tank Need a Lid with a Light?**

A Child's First Goldfish Pets
Goldfish make the best pets when your children are looking for their first pet. Goldfish pets are great for teaching daily responsibilities, and the time and cost involved in caring for them is very minimal.

Are you ready for your new goldfish pets?
You should have a tank that is at least 10 gallons in size. Make sure that you have filled it with water the day before you go to purchase your goldfish. This will give the minerals and chlorine in the water time to evaporate and the water will be just the right temperature. While you will not need a heater for your tank, you should have the proper filter assembly to keep your tank clean.

How Do I How to Buy Goldfish?
When you are at the pet store and you are looking at the goldfish in the tanks, you should be looking for the liveliest ones in the bunch. As goldfish are typically very active, a lethargic fish is probably a sick fish. The pet store owner should know enough to scoop the fish out or catch them by hand. Using a net can damage the protective coat (slime) on the fish. Finally, the pet store owner should be full of information about what to feed goldfish.

Does My Tank Need a Lid with a Light?
No, it is not always necessary to purchase a lid for your tank. However, if you have no light set up over your tank, you should place it nearby to a window so that your fish will get lots of natural sunlight. This will help to keep their colors bright. You will need to put something over your tank to keep your goldfish pets from jumping out. You can use a loosely folded piece of aluminum foil to accomplish this.

You may also wish to put some sand or gravel in the bottom of your tank to make it look nice, as well as place a few decorations or plants in the tank for your goldfish to hide or play in. Just be careful not to crowd your aquarium with so much stuff that your goldfish has no room to swim.

If you want to learn more about goldfish or more specifically goldfish pets then check out http://www.secretsofgoldfish.com
By Dane J Stanton
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

How to Clean a Fish Tank Fast

How to Clean a Fish Tank Fast** Make a Schedule,Buy a Longer Hose,Vacuum Last,Use Live Plants in Your Tank,


How to Clean a Fish Tank Fast
Learn how to clean a fish tank fast, and never compromise the health of your aquarium through procrastination again. Aquarium owners dread the weekly chore of cleaning the tank to maintain optimum health and beauty. Carrying heavy buckets full of water, juggling hoses and algae scrapers, and stressing out the fish is no fun. But cleaning the fish tank is still a vital part of keeping aquatic pets.

Step One: Make a Schedule
This step is rather simplistic, but more people procrastinate on cleaning their aquarium than get it done on time. Pick a day during the week when you will, without question, perform maintenance and stick to it. It only takes one hour, or less, to properly clean the tank.

Step Two: Buy a Longer Hose
Eliminate the mess and back-breaking labor of bucket carrying by buying a longer vacuum hose. A two foot piece of tubing should make you scratch your head and wonder how to clean a fish tank properly with such insufficient equipment. Instead of running the hose from the tank to a bucket, run it all the way through the house to the sink, bathtub, or straight outside into the garden.

Step Three: Vacuum Last
I have witnessed people struggling to vacuum their aquarium and then go back and scrape algae or prune plants. Vacuum last and you can clean up all the waste caused by other maintenance jobs. Figure out how to clean a fish tank to reduce time and effort.

Step Four: Use Live Plants in Your Tank
While this is not exactly a step in how to clean a fish tank, it will drastically cut down on the time it takes to do so. Live plants help use up waste at the bottom of the tank and improve water quality. The best way to keep your aquarium sparkling clean is to prevent mess to begin with.

After you know how to clean a fish tank quickly, you won't have any excuses to maintain your tank for optimum health and beauty. Your back will thank you, and so will your fish.

Do you want a sparkling tropical aquarium but end up with a slimy mess of dead fish? Learn how to care for your fish tank with limited fuss and money with the Ultimate Tropical Fish Guide.
By Lori Marlowe
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

What You Need to Know About Feeding Goldfish

What You Need to Know About Feeding Goldfish
Knowing how much food to give when feeding goldfish and how often to feed is tricky.
Goldfish pets are very sensitive and will eat more than they need to if it is offered to them. When you overfeed your fish, you open the door for digestive problems which can cause disease and even death. However, younger fish will require more food to grow at the proper rate.

Overfeeding causes the food to not be digested properly. This, in turn, causes the food to move through the digestive system quickly and can affect water quality and cleanliness. Any food that remains can get into and clog the filtration system. When feeding goldfish, remember to remove the remaining food from the tank.

The two types of food are -
• Dried food - flakes, pellets, tubliflex, krill, plankton, brine shrimp, blood worms, spirulina and daphnia
• Fresh food - romaine lettuce, cooked peas, earthworms, eggs, cucumbers, insect larvae, grapes, oranges and spinach

A good rule of thumb when feeding goldfish is to feed no more than the fish can consume in three to four minutes. Only feed the fish one time a day or once every two days. Because the food is digested very fast, overfeeding can cause a lot of extra waste in the tank.

Goldfish diets need to have protein and a variety of vitamins and carbohydrates. Your local pet store owner is a good source of information on what is best to feed your goldfish.

Flake food or pellet food needs to be soaked first. Otherwise, this food will lay on top of the water. When the fish feeds at the top of the tank, it will collect air in the swim bladder, which often leads to disease or even death. Give vegetables once every three to four days and fruit no more than once a week. Offering boiled peas is a good remedy for constipation problems.

If you want to learn more about goldfish or more specifically feeding goldfish then check out http://www.secretsofgoldfish.com
By Dane J Stanton
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

How to Treat Fin and Tail Rot on Goldfish

How to Treat Fin and Tail Rot on Goldfish,How To Treat Fin and Tail rot?,Melafix Treatment,Malachite Green Treatment,Salt Treatment....


How to Treat Fin and Tail Rot on Goldfish
Fin and tail rot is one of those problems fish owners face when taking care of goldfish and there will come a time when fish get sick and you will need to treat them. Fin and tail rot is one of those goldfish diseases brought on by bacterial infections that has set in and slowly eats away on the fins and tail. Bacterial infections usually occur due to improper goldfish care due to poor water quality, overcrowding fish tanks and fish ponds. Once fin and tail rot has begun on your goldfish you will need to learn how to treat it and begin treatment right away.

How To Treat Fin and Tail rot?
To treat fin and tail rot on goldfish you will first need to buy some proper medication specifically used for the treatment of this bacterial infection. Some of the fish medications used to treat fin and tail rot are Melafix, Malachite Green and Aquarium or Pond Salt. Melafix is highly recommended over the Malachite Green as it's an antibacterial remedy for the treatment of koi and goldfish diseases, an all natural medication which will not destroy your biological filter. You see when you begin fish treatments this adds additional stress to the already sick goldfish. Sometimes the added stress can put the goldfish over its breaking point. So you will need to use fish medication that is safe not only for the fish but for plants as well if you have some in your aquarium or pond. Sometimes the best idea is to have a hospital tank set up for fish treatment depending on the disease that you are treating for. Simply quarantine your fish in a spare tank and begin goldfish treatment.

Melafix Treatment
To treat fin and tail rot with Melafix use 1 teaspoon (5ml) for every 50 gallons of water. For more advanced stages double the dosage to 2 teaspoons (10ml) per every 50 gallons. Make sure you also remove the activated carbon from your filter and shut off uv sterilizers as this will remove the medicine from the water making treatment ineffective.. When you begin treating your fish with Melafix you will notice that the water will begin to foam up. This is completely normal! You will also notice that it smells like cough syrup or a little like black licorice. You should always have a bottle of this medicine on hand in case bacterial infections arise on your fish. Melafix also treats bacterial infections like ulcers, cloudy eyes, mouth fungus, open wounds and damaged fins. A great product to have on hand when taking care of goldfish and other types of fish. Melafix will treat a variety of fish diseases and bacterial infections that will cure your goldfish of fin and tail rot as well as other goldfish illnesses.

Malachite Green Treatment
Malachite green as mentioned earlier is a stronger chemical used in the treatment of goldfish, koi and other types of fish. Malachite green should not be used for fish treatment when dealing with fish for human consumption. Malachite green is a carcinogen, meaning a cancer causing agent. If using malachite green to treat fin and tail rot make sure you wear gloves, wear eye goggles and be careful not to getting any on your clothes or skin as it stains. Perform a 25% water change before you add your malachite green. When beginning treatment add 1 teaspoon (5ml) for every 50 gallons of water. A good suggestion is to mix this in a jug of water to dilute it rather then simply pouring the medicine right into the tank. It eliminates fish stress in case a goldfish were to swim right through the super concentrated solution when added in. Make sure aeration level is at its peak as when treating fish diseases it can reduce the amount of oxygen in your aquarium or pond. After treatment has been issued you will need to carefully watch your fish for any signs of stress like clamped fins or gasping for air. If you suspect serious stress is occurring add your activated carbon in the filter right away and perform a 25% water change. If fish seem fine continue observation and perform treatment for 7 days doing a 25% water change daily. If after 7 days fin and tail rot is still there, begin treatment again.

Salt Treatment
Another way to treat fin and tail rot is to use aquarium salt or pond salt. This is one of the safest alternatives then using medications that can add additional stress to fish. Using salt will reduce the stress and help heal your goldfish. When we go to the beach the salt water helps treat our cuts and scrapes and the same goes for fish. To begin treatment with salt use 1 tablespoon for every 5 gallons of water and heat the temperature of the water up to 80 degrees fahrenheit. Salt can be used to treat a variety of goldfish issues and problems.

Jamie Boyle is an online author who writes and maintains his Goldfish Care Information blog to help people answer questions involving goldfish. If you need more information on goldfish please visit http://goldfish-care-information.blogspot.com
By Jamie Boyle
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/