Water Test Kits For Aquariums

Water changes can raise or lower the pH level, as does the addition of specific chemicals to the water. The right pH level depends on the type of fish you have in your tank.....

Water Test Kits For Aquariums

Each test kit is rather expensive, although it's possible to save some money if you purchase a master test kit.

How do aquarium test kits work? The process is very easy - all you have to do is dip the strips in a test tube containing your aquarium water, and compare the color on the strip to the information cards that come with the package.

Another type of test kit comes with liquid droppers containing a solution you drip into a test tube of sample water. Then you just shake and wait a few minutes for the results. Again, match the color in the test tube to the color on the card to find out what the results mean.

Saltwater master test kits look for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, and even alkalinity.

Ammonia builds up in a saltwater aquarium from fish waste and leftover food that has begun to rot. It's extremely important to keep your tank free of ammonia, as it's the main reason why fish die. Readings should always be 0.

Nitrite develops when bacteria present in the tank feed off ammonia. In new tanks that have not been cycled, nitrite levels are very high. Nitrite is toxic to fish just like ammonia. To remove nitrites from the water you have to conduct a water change. Bacteria in the water and filters eventually transform nitrites into nitrate. A nitrite reading must be 0.

Nitrates are produced, as mentioned above, during the natural cycling process. While not as toxic as nitrites and ammonia, nitrates can cause your fish stress in high amounts. A partial water change will get rid of nitrates, which should be less than 20 ppm. Reef tanks should have a reading closer to 0.

pH refers to a water's acidity or alkalinity. The pH scale is between 0 and 14. Zero is the most acidic, seven is neutral, and fourteen is alkaline. Water changes can raise or lower the pH level, as does the addition of specific chemicals to the water. The right pH level depends on the type of fish you have in your tank.

An alkalinity kit tests the stability of your water in regards to a changing pH level. Essentially, this type of test specifically looks for your aquarium's capabilities for stabilizing the pH in the water. The reading in saltwater tanks should be between 7 and 12 dkH.

Testing the water in your aquarium is an important part of maintaining the tank and keeping your fish safe and healthy. Regular maintenance will ensure your aquarium continues to run smoothly, but you always have to double check by carrying out the required tests.

By Expert Author: Richard Gilliland
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com

Having A Freshwater Fish As A Pet

Exotic fish submit to the water creatures that aren't found in the spot or country. These come from other countries of assorted locations, typically from Africa, Asia or South America.**Freshwater on the other hand means that the exotic fish is not full from the brine or the sea.....

Having A Freshwater Fish As A Pet

Aquarium and fish, they say, are the best additions to the household that can contribute to have a still and calm atmosphere. This consideration makes owning a fish a good judgment.

Sometimes however, it is better to get something more than a goldfish. Sometimes, it pays to get exotic fish as pets, better yet, make it exotic freshwater fish.

Exotic Freshwater Fish Pet

Exotic fish submit to the water creatures that aren't found in the spot or country. These come from other countries of assorted locations, typically from Africa, Asia or South America. They can penetrate the vicinity moreover through lawful or banned means.

Freshwater on the other hand means that the exotic fish is not full from the brine or the sea. It is easier to swear a freshwater fish as saltwater is more demanding to reach and claim.

Here are some other things to think:

1. Legality There was legal matters to take memo of. Some fish aren't allowable as pets because of their scenery or menace to humans.

They could belong with the carnivorous species and introducing them on waters will be a big threat. Even if they are reserved in the aquarium, they aren't tolerable to be in detention or under the check of mundane citizens.

Some exotic fished, while not carnivorous, are also considered as threats to the water system. They could materially change the tally of the population. This isn't good for the narrow environment.

2. Specific Needs Take reminder also of the necessities of the fish. They must be reserved in aquariums that are large enough to the kind. The water must be suitably cleaned and treated. They should also be fed evenly.

3. Commitment Owning an exotic freshwater fish also entails commitment. They have to be maintained and full treatment of. Even if they get too plentiful or fractious to supervise, they must be right treated.

It is actually criminal to start exotic fish into confined waters. Thus, it is best to ask for assistance from a local aquarium store or from authorities.

4. Pick a Specie There are hundreds of exotic freshwater fish to desire from. Pick one according to their flush or look. Take message also of other features like the exclusive home requirements and their feeding lifestyle. Be wary also of the age and advance factors. These should correctly costume the requests and capabilities of the household.

Conclusion

People have different reasons to own a pet fish, particularly the exotic freshwater print. The beauty mesmerized some. Some like the exotic reason. Many reasons can be had. Just be responsible owners for the security and allowance of the community.

By Expert Author: Jason Swanson
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com

Fish Can Make A Colorful Pet

Fish Can Make A Colorful Pet,universal because each species act differently and has different wants:What do we necessary?,How do we nourish fish?,How do we nourish fish?....

Fish Can Make A Colorful Pet

If you want something new for your house, think about fish and aquariums... Big aquariums, because they go with the epoch' rage.

The little fair fish wondering abandoned around his bowl seems to be long onwards.

Instead of the little bowl, there are now titanic aquariums, mounted on the walls or even enclosed in them, containing oodles of dyed fish, sandpaper, lights, little shingle and marine vegetation. Optionally you can prefer a little castle of house to make the décor single and fantasy-lie.

This idea has been adopted from restaurants, clubs or other broadcast locations, but now it applies to home of animal lovers, fish lovers especially.

You have decided to adopt fish because you like them or, because you heard they transport prosperity and well-living to your life. Either way, you have to know how to take thought of them because they are not just a decorative intention; they are living beings that can't take control of themselves.

They are vacant to poverty your full interest and precision, they will entirely depend on you.

Here is some frequent opinion, universal because each species act differently and has different wants:


What do we necessary?

We poverty an aquarium, a thermometer, a heating usage, a water filter, and plants to oxygenate the water, polish and little gravel, and an informant of light for the plants.

How do we actually do it?

Before placing the fish in the aquarium, the water requests to be left forlorn 24 hours and its temperature has to be of a smallest of 22-23 Celsius (it can vary for some species). The water is not misused all at the same time, it desires to be changes in some stages, 20% on each juncture.

How do we nourish fish?

Twice a day, we give them the dried food, the life food or the frozen one, depending on the species.

How do we remedy sick fish? The most common illness encountered with fish has as an outside achieve the apparition of some white depths on the flippers of the fish. In such situations, treatments are administrated in the aquarium to inhibit the illness from diffusion to the other fish too. For the right healing, you have to go to a fish heath store. Another ruling in fish illnesses of any sort is too just nurture the temperature of the water in the aquarium and to melt some salty in it.

By Expert Author: Jason Swanson
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com

Looking At A Very Ugly Fish

Looking At A Very Ugly Fish

The ling or "eelpout" is lacking a suspect a disgusting, repulsive, maddening, oily, smelly and unattractive fish in the sea. Despite these unhelpful qualities, it has a delicious lobster-like taste and boasts its own yearly festival near Walker, Minnesota. Why? The eelpout may be menacing, but its positive qualities far outweigh any appearance deficiencies.

Eelpout, also known as boneless catfish, lawyer or burbot, cultivate to reside generally in the deeper waters of scrub cold Northern lakes. Their appearance is part eel, part catfish, sporting one boundless jowl whisker known as a barbel. Its shape incline and mean with considerable asset, challenging anglers with a foolhardy ready of rawhide-and-take. Its chief draw for many anglers is the alleviate with which they are wedged. During the frost months, eelpout relocate into water 25 to 50 feet serious for spawning. As a result, anglers can expect to discover large records of these plain swimmers, often weighing in the lookalike digits.

Early nightfall and after brown are peak time for successful eelpouting. These ugly creatures of the booming are known carnivores; if it's devious and hysterics in their mouths, they will eat it. While this makes baiting them fairly easier, it is this trait which also makes them an unwelcome guest to other anglers, as they lean to pilfer attracting. Like other night creatures, eelpout wish to sneak up on their victims while they support.

The force, power and aggressiveness of this species entail stronger equipment than most willing fishing. Stronger appeal jointed with leaders of at least three feet and a pivot will keep the strike online and preclude decoy from twisting with the fish. Glow hooks and rattle spoons with minnows top off the pull, which is then permitted to free-call to the base. The lure mingles with the muck and is then snapped back to the emerge, at which show an eelpout may already be on board. During the spawning time in postponed February, a hold of 100 or more is not uncommon, weighing on mode between 3 and 8 pounds.

Those who ardor the ling are greeting to pay its esteem at the annual International Eelpout Festival on Leech Lake in Walker, Minnesota. Three bursting years commemorating the ugliest fish in the sea open with an Opening Ceremony, undamaged with Torch Lighting. Entrants are encouraged to use their imagination when constructing their fishing shelter, as prizes are awarded for the most heap formation built on the lake. Extra points may be earned if the shelter sports a logo from one of the sponsoring companies of the tournament. Prizes are also awarded for the only glower with the most burden, for the most mutual pout tonnage by a solitary angler and for most united pout tonnage by a lineup of anglers.

If actually catching these despicable creatures is not on your agenda, the Festival offers several activities to help celebrate the eelpout in approach. The Eelpout Peelout is a 5K run which challenges its contestants to be the first to win the contest and win the angling contest. The Snowmobile Radar Ran, Eelpout Bowl Rugby Tournament, the Polar Plunge, a black-tie feast on the ice and an "On-Ice" Auto Race ensure there is something fun for participants of all ages, whether an angler or bystander.

Few creatures are as unappealing, yet suggest so much in the phantom of fishing. There is nothing refined or expensive about fishing for eelpout; it is purely fun. For those who like to fish, enjoy the outdoors, and hook a lot of fish without gaze to species, the eelpout is a charming thing indeed.

By Expert Author: Jason Swanson
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com

Make An Acrylic Fish Tank The Right Way Glass and Acrylic Fish Tanks

Fish tanks are normally made from transparent materials popularly of glass structure. Glass panes that are bonded together using silicone are popular raw materials in the construction of aquariums particularly fish tanks...Acrylic fish tank is the closest rival to glass fish tanks in home fish-keeping....

Make An Acrylic Fish Tank The Right Way

When fish and other aquatic creatures are collected for display, it is perhaps viable to place them in an enclosure that can be filled with water. A bowl and fish tanks are choices of structure for an aquarium. A glass bowl may have certain limitations depending on the size while fish tanks are popularly preferred for its cube-like form, easy maintenance and convenient integration of aquarium equipment.

Fish tanks are popularly seen in cuboid form. However, the aquarium can be shaped differently and can be cylindrical, hexagonal, octagonal or any shape as the aquarist may desire.

Fish tanks are normally made from transparent materials popularly of glass structure. Glass panes that are bonded together using silicone are popular raw materials in the construction of aquariums particularly fish tanks. In recent years, however, many fish tanks made from acrylic can be found and have been preferably used by some aquarists. Acrylic fish tanks are transparent materials similar to glass but they are deemed to be stronger than glass in composition.

Acrylic fish tank is the closest rival to glass fish tanks in home fish-keeping. The material, aside from its better strength quality than glass, is lighter than the latter. Easy transportability can be experienced when using acrylic fish tanks.

Moreover, acrylic fish tanks are not as fragile as glass fish tanks. Thus, cracks and leaks that could occur in glass fish tanks may not come with acrylic fish tanks. Scratching can happen in acrylic fish tanks which could diminish the appearance of an aquarium, however, there are ways to remedy this problem.

Acrylic fish tanks can be customized. It can be shaped differently according to the preference of an aquarist. It has been deemed to be preferred for beginner aquarists.

There are different companies that manufacture acrylic fish tanks. There are companies that can produce fish tanks made from acrylic of any shapes and sizes for homes, buildings, resorts and any commercial establishments. One of the companies that manufacture acrylic fish tanks and that serve high-end clients is Acrylic Tank Manufacturing.

Based in Las Vegas, Acrylic Tank Manufacturing or ATM has over a hundred years of experience in aquarium industry. Its people are skilled in the manufacturing and installation including design of custom aquarium systems. Its location in the popular entertainment capital of the world is a strategic one. However, it has clients in various parts of the world spanning the America and Asia-Pacific.

ATM is one of the companies with highly-skilled expertise in manufacturing acrylic fish tanks.

The choice for purchasing acrylic fish tanks is not limited to one company. You could find other companies near in your area or on the Internet that can provide this material in fish-keeping.

Learn more about Reptiles Amphibians and Pets at ArticlePaw.com.

By: Marlene Deidre
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Clownfish Care

Clownfish are a very popular saltwater fish--You need to look up the specific instructions for the type of clownfish you want to house and then adjust accordingly with your aquarium size.....

Clownfish Care

Clownfish are a very popular saltwater fish. They are very peaceful and colorful additions to the aquarium. Clownfish are normally found in the Eastern Indian and Western Pacific Ocean. Clownfish have been growing in popularity over the years to become one of the most kept saltwater fish. Before you start to head out and pick up your very own clownfish, there are a couple things you should consider. In this article I will offer a bit of advice to owning clownfish.

Clownfish do need a fair amount of care as opposed to other fish. You will need to provide a stable saltwater aquarium for them to live in. You need to look up the specific instructions for the type of clownfish you want to house and then adjust accordingly with your aquarium size. After you pick out the aquarium, you are going to need to find the appropriate lighting and filtration systems to place in the aquarium. You have to have a good filtration system to provide the best possible environment for the clownfish.

Once you get the hang of the basics, you should add a sea anemone that is compatible with the species of clownfish that you pick. Clownfish have a symbiotic relationship with Sea Anemones and it is recommended that you place the two together for the best possible results. Also you can see how the clownfish interacts with the anemone. Anemones can be very hard to keep alive in the aquarium, and it is definitely not recommended for beginning aquarium owners. Sea Anemones generally do not live more than 2 years even with the experienced aquarium owner.

You should provide a mate for your clownfish. Clownfish do much better in pairs, and they can also produce their offspring in the aquarium. Clownfish have an amazing ability to switch sexes, but all clownfish are first born as males. You can pair a male and a female together and then breed them to keep or sell their offspring.

It is quite a sight to see parent clownfish swimming around with their litter in the aquarium. The fry will take some time to grow up, and if you are serious about breeding your clownfish, there are some very interesting and in depth guides on the internet that I would recommend looking at.

I hope you found this article helpful in your pursuit of owning clownfish. Anemones are definitely not required to enjoy the ownership of your clownfish. Just setup your aquarium with plenty of rocks with nooks and crannies for your fish to swim through. Owning a clownfish will take a little bit of practice to get the hang of, but don't be discouraged.

If you pay close attention to your pets needs, you should never have a problem with keeping the clownfish. I recommend you browse many sites on the internet to get a better picture on the specific needs of your clownfish, there are plenty of online retailers that are more than happy to go through all the details of keeping this fish. Thank you for reading the article, and good luck with your new pet!

Getahugetank.com offers acrylic aquariums, large fish tanks and aquarium supplies.

By Jake Wilson
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Aquarium Stands - Choosing the Right Stand For Your Aquarium

Aquarium Stands
Choosing the Right Stand For Your Aquarium

When you are purchasing your aquarium, you are naturally going to be caught up in the selection of filters, fish, plants, hoods, lighting and all. A common mistake people make is overlooking where they are going to actually place their aquarium. Have you guessed what I am talking about yet? That's right folks, I am talking about aquarium stands.

Aquarium stands are just as important as any other part of your aquarium setup. There are many different sites on the web that offer aquarium stands. In this article I will offer a couple points to consider when looking for your aquarium stand.

There are two main types of aquarium stands open and closed. Open stands are usually pre-made for smaller sized aquariums (up to 40 gallons) and normally made out of metal. Closed stands are crafted most of the time using pressure-treated wood, and cover both the top and bottom of the tank. You must make the closed stand out of pressure treated wood, as normal wood will rot with all of the moisture it is exposed to.

Closed stands are normally pre-made in rectangular shapes to fit most aquariums. The bottom portion of the aquarium stand normally extends at least a few inches past the size of the aquarium to maximize stability.

The interior part of these aquarium stands normally features a support bar for the middle of the aquarium to further stabilize it and prevent too much movement. Closed aquarium stands are normally made for larger sized aquariums, and most of the time they have cabinets and drawers built in to hide the other equipment required to run the aquarium.

Open and closed aquarium stands are good if you are trying to have a pretty standard shape aquarium. For those of you out there who are out there requesting custom jobs, try to get your aquarium builder to build a stand for you as well. Most custom aquarium designers on the web will also offer custom aquarium stands.

Make sure to mull over a few different design options for your aquarium stand, aquarium stands can be pretty pricey. However, I am sure that any company you are purchasing your custom aquarium from can have special discounts when you purchase the two together.

Many people choose to use a metal aquarium stand for their setup. Metal is a very strong material and can support much more weight per pound as opposed to wood. With metal, you do have to make sure you pick the right material as some metal aquarium stands can rust when continuously exposed to moisture. To avoid this problem make sure you use rust resistant metals for building your aquarium stand.

I hope you found this article on the different types of aquarium stands helpful. I personally recommend anyone looking for an aquarium stand for a tank over 40 gallons, to call one of the custom aquarium stand makers.

Getahugetank.com offers large fish tanks, aquarium stands, and aquarium supplies.

By Jake Wilson
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jake_Wilson

Selecting the Right Types of Fish For Your Aquarium

Temperament and size are only two of the things you should check for when you are selecting the fish for your aquarium.,type of aquarium you are going to be housing these fish in, you can start to narrow down your search.....

Selecting the Right Types of Fish For Your Aquarium

Making sure that the fish you put in your aquarium are compatible is a very important step when setting up your fish tank. There are many things to take into consideration when you are going through the fish selection process.

Temperament and size are only two of the things you should check for when you are selecting the fish for your aquarium. In this article we will cover some of the factors you will need to consider.

The first thing you need to consider, is what type of aquarium do I want? Do you want to have a saltwater aquarium? A freshwater aquarium? A marine aquarium? Once you pick one of these it should narrow down your search for the right type of fish.

I have found various sites have a very large cross section of fish. It is not generally a good idea to go for specialized retailers (such as sites that sell only saltwater fish, or just Betta Fish) for purchasing fish, as they generally charge more than websites with a broader selection.

After you settle the type of aquarium you are going to be housing these fish in, you can start to narrow down your search. Now you have to take into account the size of your aquarium. Do you want just a few fish? Or do you want a whole community aquarium?

Places on the web will tell you the size and temperament of the types of fish you are looking to purchase. I can tell you from personal experience, community aquariums or fish that swim in schools provides a much more visually stimulating aquarium.

Another thing you need to consider when you are picking out fish for the aquarium, is the level of care you are willing to deal with. Some fish, especially tropical fish, are very tedious when it comes to care. In my experience, having more difficult to care for fish gives you a sense of accomplishment when you can make it work in your aquarium, but it can be quite a headache to get used to.

Owning fish is definitely as big of a responsibility (if not more so) as owning any other pet. Purchasing easier to care for fish is a great idea especially if you are new to the hobby, and once you get some more experience you can start to care for the more difficult fish.

You should also make sure that the fish you pick for your aquarium get along. When I was starting out I made the mistake of putting two very aggressive fish in the same tank, and it was not pretty. Compatibility charts are everywhere around the web and you can easily find out which fish are best suited to be housed together.

All in all, if you follow these guidelines into consideration when you are selecting fish for your aquarium, it can make the process both easy and rewarding.

Getahugetank.com offers custom fish tanks and aquarium supplies.
By Jake Wilson
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

How to Select a Fish Tank

Fish selection should be the first priority when thinking about starting up your new fish tank.**To make sure you are getting exactly what you want out of your fish tank, you should always go with a custom aquarium....

How to Select a Fish Tank

There are many factors to consider when you are trying to set up a fish tank for the first time. The main questions you want to ask yourself before searching online; what type of fish do I want? What type of environment do I want? How much time do I want to put into this fish tank? Owning an aquarium is a commitment, it takes a bit of dedication and patience for even the most basic setups.

Selecting the proper type of fish and environment for your aquarium can make a world of difference. To make sure you are getting exactly what you want out of your fish tank, you should always go with a custom aquarium.

Fish selection should be the first priority when thinking about starting up your new fish tank. There are many different care and compatibility issues you have to take into consideration. Some fish are very rugged and can survive in many different water conditions, others are extremely sensitive to their environment and require constant care.

You should start off by asking yourself "Do I want a freshwater fish? Or do I want tropical fish?" Figuring out this question at the start will make it a lot easier to narrow your search down.

After deciding what fish you want to have in your aquarium, you can start to pick out the appropriate environment for them. If you have freshwater fish and you want to start a community tank, you can start looking for other fish that will be compatible.

If you choose to pick a saltwater or reef aquarium, you can start to figure what coral and other creatures you can fit into the tank. It is always good to do your homework to avoid any difficulties when housing aggressive species of fish.

Another important part of your fish tank is definitely going to be the filtration and pump system. After selecting the types of fish and other creatures you want present in your aquarium, you can go through and select the appropriate filtration and pump system.

With heavier concentrations of fish, you are typically recommended to get a more heavy duty style filtration system. It is generally recommended that you select fish from around the same type of habitat as not have too many conflicting points when setting up the water flow. Some species of fish must have lower water flow to be healthy, and others need a faster pace water flow system.

Lighting your fish tank is a very important step when you are thinking about buying a new setup. You should make sure that you pick a good spot in your home, business, or office to place the aquarium.

Make sure to factor in lighting needs during placement, it is recommended to have controlled lighting in your aquarium rather than placing it in direct sunlight. You can purchase the correct lighting and hood for your aquarium at many places online. Ordering your own custom aquarium is a better way to optimize the space needed for lighting.

Well, there you have it, a few points to consider when you are trying to pick out which aquarium and setup would be the best for you.

Getahugetank.com offers help in choosing a custom aquarium, large fish tank or aquarium supplies.

By Jake Wilson
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

crylic Aquariums - Why Choose Acrylic Over Glass?

Acrylic aquariums can be a great choice for your home for several different reasons...Whereas acrylic aquariums are often constructed in one molded piece, glass fish tanks can have many pieces to keep together the various sides and surfaces of the tank...

Acrylic Aquariums - Why Choose Acrylic Over Glass?

Step beyond the world of plain old glass aquariums and into the realm of acrylic aquariums. With more and more options available on the fish tank market beyond the oldies but goodies you may be familiar with, it pays off to consider all options.

Acrylic aquariums can be a great choice for your home for several different reasons. As you consider those reasons, you will be able to determine if this is the right choice for your home and your commitment to creating a healthy environment for fish.

The first consideration you'll want to ponder is that acrylic materials are often more cost effective than glass materials. Whereas acrylic aquariums are often constructed in one molded piece, glass fish tanks can have many pieces to keep together the various sides and surfaces of the tank.

More pieces equal more money. In addition, acrylic aquariums can be more cost effective over time in terms of avoided replacement and heavy maintenance costs.

The second consideration that is important when thinking about acrylic aquariums is the strength of acrylic versus the strength of glass. Even if tempered glass is used in the design of an aquarium, it will likely not be as durable or strong as an acrylic aquarium.

This is the case for several reasons. First, because acrylic aquariums can be constructed as one mold instead of joined together pieces, there is less of a likelihood that the fish tank will develop a leak or go through issues of structural integrity.

The silicone and solder that can be used to join the various pieces of a glass fish tank can break down over time if not properly maintained, while acrylic will last for many years without any risk of a breach.

In addition, consider the breakability of acrylic materials versus glass materials. If an object is sharply thrust into the glass wall of an aquarium, there is a better than even chance that it will create a crack or even shatter the tank.

With acrylic, objects that bump the tank are far less likely to breach the shell and far more likely to simply be deflected. For this reason, acrylic aquariums can be considered stronger than many glass aquariums.

In terms of future maintenance and upkeep, acrylic aquariums will take less time and commitment than glass aquariums. While glass can be permanently stained by certain colors and substances, acrylic is far more likely to maintain a clear appearance.

Glass also has a tendency to pick up impressions from anything that comes in contact. If a fish bumps into the tank wall, it can leave a lasting impression. If an object is scraped by, again the tank will have a lasting impression. Finger prints are also easy to transfer to glass and hard to keep off.

Acrylic aquariums avoid those types of problems by being very hard to stain or to hold an impression. This means that you will need to spend less time cleaning tank walls in the future, and more time simply enjoying the beauty of acrylic aquariums.

Getahugetank.com offers acrylic aquariums, large fish tanks and aquarium supplies.

By Jake Wilson
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/