Month: May 2019

Spruce Up Your Fish Tank With A 3d Aquarium Background

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It can be a lonely life being a fish. Your career options are limited, the opportunities for travel slim and the only lasting relationships you can hope for are distinctly arranged. On the other hand, you have a lovely tank, food delivered daily and a nice view. Alright, so the exact dimensions of your tank may vary according to budget, but wed all have a bigger flat if we could afford it. And how much space do you really need? Once youve found somewhere to put the castle and the gravel, you only need some communal living space to swim around in. Whats really important is what you do with the space you have. The usual Vettriano prints are ill suited to an aquatic environment and water features are largely redundant. You could try a lava lamp, but I wouldnt advise it if you want to keep your gills intact. No, what you really need is a 3D aquarium background.

Were all leading busy cosmopolitan lives, but its still good to have a little reminder of the old country on your wall. A little bit of the ol big blue that ma and pa used to talk about. 3D aquarium backgrounds are available which mimic the coral reefs of the Galapagos Islands. So what if youre a goldfish with no heritage more dignified than the display tanks of Westfield? Therere any number of New Yorkers who claim Scottish blood on far more tenuous grounds. Even if some snooty swordtails should question the efficacy of such a display, you can simply point out the additional benefits beyond the simply baronial. For a start, theyre incredibly attractive things. The urban minimalism of your flatmates bedsit might not speak of your own aquatic roots, but a finely sculpted, fully three-dimensional backdrop can lend your little corner of it a certain underwater charm. And itll probably create a soothing atmosphere for him, as well. Thats why he has you after all; a calming fin at the end of a wearying day. Its just the way you swim, you laidback beast you.

There are also the remarkable health benefits. Were always being told that we need to keep our scales clean, but how many of us have the time? Its a sedentary life in a tank and there just arent the rocks you need to exfoliate. The protruding surfaces offer just the sort of abrasive surface to rub against; shed those scales and keep that streamline form. The textured backdrop is also a great environment for fostering friendly bacteria. Beats tipping a tub of Yakult into your tank every day.

There really is no better way to stay stylish, happy and healthy in your little fishy world than to invest in a 3D background for your aquarium. Youll love it, your tankmates will love it and your owner will love it, too. Which is just as well theyre paying after all.

How to Select Saltwater Aquarium

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Although the installation and repair off a saltwater aquarium may be a little more intricate than the usual freshwater aquarium, you will find several benefits. The dog owner will keep a larger selection of marine existence. Seafood could be stored along with other creatures like sponges; sea anemones and other marine life tend to be more vibrant and fascinating than freshwater marine life.

The Placement of the Saltwater Aquarium is essential

Where the aquarium is placed can also be important. The aquarium can’t be placed in sunlight or near an Air conditioning component such as a radiator. It ought to be include a place where it may have ready use of both water and electricity. The aquarium should not be placed flush against a wall because which will restrict the owner’s access if this involves setting up filters and maintenance work.

The aquarium owner also needs to make certain their floor supports the load from the tank when it’s filled which the ground is level. The number of floorings that aren’t level, particularly in old houses, is stunning. When the aquarium is not level it should be made so, either by shifting it to some place in which the floor is level or placing shims underneath the feet of the aquarium stand.

The aquarium ought to be setup based on your marine life’s requirements. Numerous types of fish like to reside in schools and therefore are quite suitable for seafood of various species. However, you will find seafood like triggerfish, that have to definitely be by themselves and can’t even be with their own species. Fish also have different needs involving light levels and nutrition. Therefore the owner ought to know what kind of marine life is going to be entering their saltwater aquarium.

The owner should fill the tank one-third of the way, and then look for leaks. If the tank leaks it ought to be returned or delivered back to the store and changed. If there aren’t any leaks, the aquarium owner can install the filter without activating it. They ought to add the substrate then any adornments. They ought to fill the tank the relaxation of how and give a special salt solution or pour in artificial sea water from the place that is an expert in marine aquariums. Regardless, the aquarium owner shouldn’t visit the beach and collect sea water.

The owner should allow the aquarium about twenty-four hours to sit before testing the salinity. Following this they are able to install the thermometer, lighting and also the heater, then plug and activate it all to view the results for yourself.

The owner should then wait approximately two days to introduce their marine life, to make certain that all things in the saltwater aquarium have become stable.

For more information about a fresh water aquarium and good tips to use when maintaining an aquarium visit our website

Tropical Aquarium Plants From Cuttings, Floating And Rooted Types

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Four tropical aquarium plants from the cuttings, floating and plant types available are selected and described in this article. These will add variety and beauty to your planted aquarium.

Floating Plants
There are quite a few benefits to incorporating floating plants in your fresh water aquarium.
a) They supply an area of shading for those species of fish needing seclusion and shelter
b) They provide a site for spawning for fish that use this process
c) They give fry a place of refuge in their early days
d) They do not need to be established as they float or attach to rocks or wood

The Java Moss (Vesicularia dubyana) is very common in freshwater aquariums. Like Riccia, it attaches itself to driftwood, rocks and roots. Java Moss has no onerous requirements or any special attention as it will survive in varying water conditions, even weakly brackish, and under all sorts of light levels. But it thrives better under low to moderate light conditions and a temperature range of 21 to 24 degrees centigrade but it can survive temperatures of up to 29 to 32 degrees centigrade.

As you do not plant the Java Moss, you will need to fix it temporarily, for example, to a rock with some fishing line. Then, when it has used its own tiny roots to adhere to the rock you can remove the fishing line. You can also produce a moss wall effect by adding the moss to a net which is fixed to the tank wall by suction devices and nylon string.

It is an excellent plant in which spawning can take place and in which the hatched fry can shelter and hide afterwards. Egg laying fish that scatter their eggs would benefit most from this plant. From a maintenance point of view you need to keep it clean of algae which will have a detrimental affect on it.

A floater, Crystalwort (Riccia fluitans) is also known as Liverwort and Riccia Moss. It is popular in breeding tanks in particular as a shelter for fry and will float unless you physically attach it to under water items such as logs and rocks until in due course it attaches itself. This is similar to the way you would treat Java Moss and both would make attractive plants for your foreground in the tank. It can also be used to hide any protruding items in your aquarium.

On the surface it will quickly form a thick green mat and is ideal for nest building fish. It will adapt adequately to a wide range of light levels, a pH range of 5 to 8 and a water temperature of between 10 and 28 degrees centigrade. As with Java Moss, from a maintenance point of view you need to keep it clean of algae which will have a detrimental affect on it.

Rooted Plants
Straight Vallisneria (Vallisneria spiralis) is also known as Eel or Tape Grass. Its leaves are straight and narrow with colors varying from red to light green and have rounded tips. If not kept in check it can soon populate large areas of your aquarium as it is quite invasive and can grow up to an average of about 60 cms in length. It reproduces via runners along the substrate.

White female flowers (single) can grow to the surface on long stems. Because this plant can thrive in a range of water conditions (15 to 39 degrees centigrade, soft to hard water, 6 to 9 pH) and light conditions they are really good plants for aquariums for beginners.

The Dwarf Anubias can be fixed to wood or rocks by nylon line initially until established but be careful not to cut through the rhizome. Lighting should be somewhat subdued. Plants like the Dwarf Anubias (Anubias nana) are good for giving height to your planting layout. They have rhizomes (horizontal stems) sprouting small roots that will attach themselves onto wood or rocks. And of course, fish that dig around in the substrate will not affect these plants.

Identify Goldfish Diseases And Keep Your Aquarium Healthy

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The amount and type of care necessary to maintain a healthy aquarium and avoid goldfish diseases will depend both on the type (saltwater or fresh water) and size of the tank and the number and type of fish that it contains. In general, after the initial startup period, regular aquarium maintenance should be fairly straightforward. In fact, an aquarium that is properly set up should eventually reach a state of balance that requires only routine maintenance.

Water Quality: The Key To Goldfish Health

Regardless of the style of fish tank, the type of fish it contains or the theme your aquarium follows, it is absolutely essential that you maintain the proper water balance. If you equate your aquarium to a swimming pool for your fish you will quickly understand what happens if you don’t test the water regularly. The swimming pool will quickly fill wish algae and create a poisonous environment for your fish.

Many pet stores will be happy to test your aquarium water free of charge if you’d rather not tackle this job yourself, however, you’re first guide to a problem with your tank is usually visual. Look at your tank and your fish every day and you’ll identify goldfish diseases and an unhealthy tank quickly. If you get your tank water tested at your local pet store you will build a rapport with the staff and you’ll find them helpful if you require medication for your fish or treatments for your aquarium. Generally, however, it is best to avoid adding unnecessary chemicals to your tank and they can unbalance the water and lead to further problems. Your pet store will usually test your water for free and recommend solutions for problems when they arise, as well as offer advice on the basics of fish tank care.

As a basic rule you will need to always de-chlorinate water when topping up the aquarium, and monitor the pH, ammonia and nitrate levels. These easy steps will go a long way to reducing goldfish diseases.

In addition to monitoring the water quality, avoid falling prey to some of the common misconceptions about goldfish and aquarium care. Contrary to popular belief, you will not need to drain the fish tank of all its water, scrub it and refill it with fresh water. Although this approach may make sense at an intuitive level, it is not the right approach. First, removing fish from the tank is traumatic for your tank’s inhabitants. Second, no soap or other cleaner should be used on the inside of a fish tank. Soap residue is almost impossible to remove completely from the walls of the tank and it will contaminate the water.

A properly maintained and balanced tank will essentially look after itself and will require very little care. Partial water changes every week or so, water testing and watching your fish is about all you should need to do under normal circumstances. At the first sign of distressed fish it is important to identify goldfish diseases and remove sick goldfish to a separate tank so they don’t spread disease amongst the rest of the fish.

Lastly, make sure your aquarium has a proper filtration unit installed. Your pet shop will be able to advise of the right size of filter for the size of the tank and the number of fish it supports. Circulating and oxygenating the water are crucial to the health of the tank and the survival of your goldfish. Proper circulation ensures waste products are removed from the system and helps prevent the formation of algae.

Following these simple guidelines will ensure you can gain all the benefits of aquarium ownership and the enjoyment that a tank of healthy fish provides.

Led Aquarium Lights

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Your new saltwater system is finally ready. You”ve cured the live rock, added your cleaning crew of invertebrates, chosen compatible fish, and even added a breathtaking assortment of live coral. You”ve successfully started one of the most fascinating and rewarding hobbies around.
And if you”ve done your homework, chances are you”ve realized that recent advances in aquarium LED lighting have put them in the lead when it comes to the best and most economical choice for the corals in your saltwater tank.
New developments in LED lights have made them as powerful as they need to be to provide the intense lighting needed to show off the brilliant color of your corals, and LED lights can be placed much closer to the water than metal halide lights, resulting in a more compact and well designed look for your tank.
LED fixtures come in various sizes, usually 24, 36, or 48 inch lengths. They are capable of producing a natural shimmer effect on the water while enhancing the color of the coral and fish. Even with this power, LED aquarium lights remain energy efficient, and LED lights not need to be replaced nearly as often as their metal halide counterparts. Often they will be equipped with a broadcast reflector that diffuses the light evenly throughout the aquarium.
Your aquarium lighting is truly one of the most important aspects of saltwater fish and rare coral reef keeping. Not only do LED lights bring out the vibrant colors of the livestock, plants, and coral, but they also provide vital light energy to tank inhabitants.
When choosing a LED aquarium light for your tank, a good rule to follow is to provide 1 to 2 watts of lighting for fish-only aquariums, 2 to 5 watts per gallon for freshwater-planted aquariums, and 4 to 8 watts per gallon for reef aquariums.
So if you want to instantly add shimmer to your tank, promote colorization and growth for your corals, and find an economical way to easily take care of your saltwater aquarium”s lighting needs, then LED lights are something you should be very interested in purchasing. The best way to safely make your decision about which LED lights to purchase is to seek the advice of an expert fish store.