Month: April 2018

The Wonderful World Of Tetras And How Best To Keep Them

Posted on by admin

Many different tetra species are popular in aquariums, including the well-known Neon tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) and Cardinal tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi), as well as rarer species such as the Congo tetra (Micralestes interruptus) and Serpae tetra (Hyphessobrycon eques).

All tetras are found in a family named Characidae in the order Characiformes. They are comparatively small fishes and many species are popular due to their striking coloration.

The Neon tetra is one of the most popular fish species among novice aquarists since it is sturdy, adaptable and will stay smaller than 2 inches (5 centimetres).
It is also beautiful and will add colour to the aquarium with its vibrant blue and red colouration. Using a dark substrate is a way of making this fish look even more stunning.

Another reason behind the popularity of this fish is its peaceful and non-aggressive temperament that makes it suitable in any peaceful community aquariums.

The Neon tetra should never be kept alone since it is a schooling fish. Get at least ten Neon tetras, preferably even more. They will also look much more stunning when they can form a big school in the aquarium, and since they feel less stressed and frightened in a group they will spend more time out in the open.

The Neon tetra is a South American Tetra native to warm rivers in Peru, Colombia and Brazil. The water temperature in your aquarium should therefore be in the 22-25 degrees C range if you want your Neon tetras to thrive.

Your Neon tetras will do better in a planted aquarium than in a barren tank. Sturdy plant species like Java fern can usually be kept even by very inexperienced aquarists. Artificial plants are another alternative that will provide your Neon tetras with a sense of security.

Ideally use both substrate plants and floating plants in your Tetra aquarium. The floating plants will dim the aquarium light and thereby make the fish feel safer.

As mentioned above, it is an adaptable fish and it can live in acidic as well as slightly alkaline water, from pH 5.5 to pH 7.5. Feed this fish a high quality flake food suitable for tetras, and make sure not to over feed your fish since obesity will seriously harm their health.

If you want to try a more unusual tetra you can for instance choose the Congo tetra. The Congo tetra is not as commonly known as the extremely popular Neon tetra and is usually kept by more experienced aquarists.

The Congo tetra will require a more active keeper than the Neon tetra; the water must for instance be changed very often since the Congo tetra is sensitive to high levels of soluble waste.

The Congo tetra will do best in an aquarium with strong circulation. Keep the water temperature from 23 to 26 C and the pH in the 6.0 to 7.5 range. Even though your Congo tetra will tolerate a pH above 7.0, it is recommended to keep the water slightly acidic, since this will make the Congo tetra less sensitive.

This tetra is native to the Zaire River basin where the water is quite soft, but it can adapt to harder waters in captivity. Always keep a school of at least five Congo tetras together.

Make Your Aquarium Beautiful With Artificial Plants

Posted on by admin

Fake aquarium plants are most likely more common than live plants, especially for those who are looking for fish tank plants to provide protection for their fish and add some adornment to their fishbowl or aquarium tank. There are many people that prefer artificial plants as they are easier to maintain and they don’t offer the risks of parasites that live specimens do. Because there are a selection of attractive choices you’re your exclusive aquarium tank artwork, there are various kinds you might like to select.

Eatable Alternatives:

There are a few man-made plants that really serve as weekend feeders or snacks for your fish, which is beneficial whenever you will be away for a couple of days. This is one reason that some people like to use real plants, rather than fake, but now this issue may be resolved. Produced from dehydrated seaweed, edible plants are perfectly safe for the fish to eat as a result of processing, which removes unwanted organisms. They can adorn your fish bowl or aquarium tank as artwork, without the risks that are associated with living plants.

You’ll discover most of these fake plants commonly called deco feather plants, and even though one can choose from eco-friendly colors like green, there are plenty of them in violet, making your aquarium tank more colorful. Most of these may also be used in garden fish ponds, should you be raising tadpoles and also frogs, but even Koi ponds can benefit from most of these colorful plant-like ornaments that you can get for your fish tank.

Man Made Plants:

Acquiring useful details to help make the best choice ahead of acquiring man made plants for your fish tank might seem challenging, having said that there are a few facts to consider. You need to guarantee the types you end up picking will not discharge virtually any toxic compounds, which might kill the fish. Because of this, you may want to take into account fancy sea gardens as well as aqua plants which are particularly sold by aquarium tank supply resources.

These artificial plants will come in colorful themes and have a natural look, when submerged. While they can be used to hide your air stones and other tank equipment, you want to be sure the aquarium plants you select don’t introduce toxins that can be released from some of the cheaply made plants you might find in the craft store. For this reason, you want to buy those that are specifically made for aquarium use.

Pretty Decoration Bases:

When you are searching for decorative artificial plants for your aquarium, don’t forget to consider some of the ornamental bases that are available, such as those that look like coral or driftwood. In fact, there are some aquarium plants that are offered as systems that include non-toxic, durable plastic plants, along with bases that enhance the grace and movement of your plants. Finding air stones that provide oxygen can also include those that contain bases for your artificial plants. When you are decorating the landscape for your fish, don’t forget to think about the “terrain” because this can give your aquarium a natural look and provide a fun underwater sanctuary for your fish.