Early Freshwater Aquarium History

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If archeological records are true, the history of freshwater aquarium can be considered to coincide with the dawning of mankind’s true civilization way back some 2,500 to 3,000 years ago in Sumer, Mesopotamia.

Fish keeping, then, were more for economic reasons (food source) rather than entertainment, although it cannot be discounted that the royals and their children did engage in such activities as keeping fish as pets.

Moreover, the ancient Egyptian paintings (and carvings) depicting fishes among the other animals would imply their admiration for the beauty (in color and shapes) of these finned creatures. Adding credibility to this would be the fact that ancient Romans were also known to have traded live fish as commodities in their marketplaces.

The many ancient drawings, carvings and pictures of aquariums from places in antiquity like Eqypt and Sumeria show us that these past peoples knew the beauty of the tanks and they also desired to maintain that beauty and pass on the secrets of these creatures. The ancient Romans were also known to have traded live fish as commodities in their agoras (markets).

Goldfish and Koifish

In another part of the world, the art of selective breeding began in China around 2,000 years ago. They had been known to produce the now-famous goldfish developed from the regular carp. By the 18th century, goldfish as an ornamental fish was common in Europe and later became popular in America.

Cultured live koi that familiar fish with the red, white and black colorations was already a commercial item in the old trade routes that spanned China, Japan and Europe around the 16th century. Later, its reputation also grew and became very popular. Much later, it was also exported to Europe and America.

Crude Beginnings

In the early 19th century, aquarium-keeping began. England, Germany and France all vied to top themselves in mounting exhibits of public aquariums. It did not get a good reception as many were appaulled by it.

At that time, there was very poor understanding yet on the various roles of water chemistry, the nitrogen cycle, filtration and aeration. The size of the tanks was also limited by the holding power of the construction materials then.

The First Aquarium

In 1850, a Mr. Harrington declared through a paper he wrote for the Chemical Society of London that he had successfully maintained a stable aquarium. Fish-keeping suddenly became a popular hobby.

Three years after, the London Zoological Society had built and opened the first public aquarium, followed by another. Soon, public aquaria were all over the major European cities patronized by eager but intrigued visitors.

Household Items

It was not long after when the aquarium became a fashionable household item in Victorian England. Curiously, there were no tanks for sale then, although there were various books and other how-to manuals already available for constructing aquariums.

In the early days of fish tanks, the first tanks were more for entertainment value that functional value and it was a detriment to the fish and the care takers of the fish. Most early designs featured a glass front and three wooden sides (They were sometimes constructed from slate). They were coated in pitch to make them watertight.

Tank Basics

Soon, these construction problems were overcome little by little. There was a real breakthrough with the development of silicon sealants.

It became possible now to manufacture an all-glass aquarium in all sizes and shapes. Bulky steel frames became obsolete and tanks can now be moved without the danger of breaking the seal.

Understanding Technology

At around this time, better understanding on the needs of the tank’s fish inhabitants led to the invention of the heater and the thermostat, as postulated by a Mr. Humphreys. In maintaining fish, this person would be the one to mention the signifigance of the tanks chemistry toward the safety of the fish.

With a deeper understanding on water chemistry and other related matters, filtration and lighting were soon recognized as additional important elements to the total upkeep of the fish in the aquarium.

The Modern Aquarium

Today’s modern aquariums are made mostly of glass. However, more and more units are being made from acrylic instead of glass. This is because acrylic is pliable and can be used to manufacture unusual shapes. (Acrylic aquariums are mostly used in big showrooms in business and office buildings today.)

Nowadays, aquaria made of acrylics are regarded as the lightweight alternatives to those made of glass. This is especially true now that manufacturers had produced harder and scratch-resistant plastics. Perhaps, they would replace the unwieldy glass in the future.

Improved Technology

Also, there had been such long strides made in the improvement of the accompanying technology related to aquarium keeping: heating, lighting, filtration, and aeration among others.

Apart from the technology, there is now a better understanding of marine life and ecology that pushed the hobby into what it is today. Taking together both marine and freshwater aquarium varieties, the simple hobby of keeping a living fish in a bowl had become the world’s 2nd most popular hobby. (Gardening is number one.)

The Future Of The Aquarium

There is now a growing number of fish varieties available for keeping in aquariums and the size and shape of aquarium tanks have evolved, too.

However, according to experts, the future of the hobby is still focused on the next advances in water purification, nutrition, lighting and other related matters. Fish breeding is still limited to the good old natural selection and mutation. (Genetic manipulation is still frowned upon.)

Whatever direction the hobby is moving into, today’s hobbyists are reminded that they are part of a thousand-year-old freshwater aquarium history as they tinker their aquariums and feed their aquatic pets.

The Wonderful World Of Tetras And How Best To Keep Them

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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

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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.

How To Shake The Winter Blues By Breeding Goldfish

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How often do you find yourself stuck in the house on them cold winter days, suffering from the winter blues? I bet you said quite often, if you did then your answer is like that of most people during the winter months. I want you to stop right now and think about what you just read, if you do find yourself stuck in the house during the winter with nothing to do, you should consider yourself very lucky. Most people are always complaining that they don’t have enough time in the day to get things done. So, according to a lot of folks, if you have nothing to do in the winter because your stuck inside, you are indeed a very lucky person.

Now, if this is true and you find yourself in the winter with nothing to do, and you need an idea to help shake the winter blues, why not take up a great activity like breeding goldfish. Breeding Goldfish is pretty easy and quite fun to do, if you currently have adult goldfish that do well in their tank or aquarium then you already have passed one major hurdle, because you already know how to feed, treat and raise goldfish. Adult goldfish that are foraging around your tank hunting for food will eat any eggs they find, almost as soon as they are laid, and large goldfish will also eat any young that do survive and hatch, so if you have had goldfish for awhile, you have already been breeding without even knowing it. So, before you can start breeding them the first thing you must get is another tank, a small one is fine, nothing fancy.

The next important item you should buy is either a spawning mat or a spawning mop, both work equally well and can be purchased at most large fish supply stores or online. A spawning mat or mop looks just like it’s name suggests, either a small mat or mop. You can make a spawning mop from pieces of an actual clean, new string mop, or just use a bunch of rolled, and cut yarn, that it made into a small mop shape. When using a spawning mop you have made, either from a real mop, or yarn or string, you should boil it in hot water to remove any dyes, or chemicals in it, then let it cool. Once you have either a spawning mat or mop, place it into the aquarium that has your large goldfish in.

When female goldfish lay eggs, they love to lay them in thick weeds, or others areas whey they will be the most hidden or protected, in a tank without a spawning mat or mop. The eggs are often just deposited in the water, or near a plastic plant, where they either float around and get sucked up the filtration system, or are eating by the other large goldfish. The eggs will stick to the spawning mat or mop, giving them a much safer environment to be deposited in, and easily removed later.

Some signs that goldfish are ready to spawn and lay eggs are; the males will start chasing the females around for long periods of time, and they will usually bump or push against the females stomachs. Males often get white specks or spots on their gills or fins. When the time comes the female will lay or deposit her eggs around the strands of the spawning mat or mop, and the eggs will stick to it like tapioca pudding. The eggs will look like small bubbles that are transparent in color. Soon after the eggs are laid, the male goldfish will fertilize them, you will notice when this has occurred either by seeing a milkish substance being sprayed over them, or you will notice the tank has suddenly become cloudy.

When the eggs have been fertilized, you can gently remove and transfer the spawning mat or mop into the other tank, where the eggs can mature without the threat of being eaten by the adult goldfish. Once the little fellas hatch, you can start feeding them a little brine shrimp powder, or some other baby goldfish food that is available from fish supply stores or online. Once you get the hang of breeding your own goldfish, you can sell the young to fish stores in your area, or give them away to friends, the choices are up to you, either way, it’s a great fun activity, that can help you to shake the winter blues.

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Oceanografic – Europe’s largest aquarium

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Overview

The interesting and uniquely shaped aquarium in Valencia is officially called L’Oceanografic and is a very popular open air marine park. Located in the huge City of Arts and Sciences complex the aquarium is officially the largest of its kind in the EU, and also one of the largest worldwide. The park attracts a large amount of visitors daily. Its unique design has led it to be compared to Barcelona’s landmark signature buildings designed by Gaudi, and Oceanografic’s designer Felix Candela has created a similar masterpiece. The City of Arts and Sciences complex is very easily accessible to those coming from Valencia by public transport or on foot via the Turia gardens. The Aquarium has a good range of facilities in order to welcome its many visitors including ocean themed restaurants and bars which have viewing tanks integrated into the walls.

What to see at the Oceanografic

The aquarium is itself divided up into different areas each with special features to delight adults and children alike. Officially called -Mediterranean’ the aquariums themselves house sea life typical to the Mediterranean region including some beautiful fish and scorpions. The Ocean section is a thrill for the kids as they can see the penguins act as if they were in the wild and watch them flop into the water or lounge on the rocks. The Arca del Mar section is an area dedicated to maintaining many different ocean creatures that are unfortunately in danger of becoming extinct and the Oceanographico area shows good examples of wetlands and natural swamps.

From Oceanographico, head to the Artic section which has been constructed in the style of an igloo. Here scientists analyse sea creatures including walruses. A large section dedicated to dolphins, called the Dolphinarium, is also a treat. Here you can see the dolphins perform tricks in the large arena. Other sections of the aquarium cover the other oceans and seas of the world, and their fish that live in their deep waters. The aquarium is a definite must do for families visiting Valencia, and there is enough to see and do to fill a whole day! If you have time you can also head over to the other facilities and attractions in the City of Parks and Sciences and take a tour of the other sites in the complex or simply marvel at the wonderful architecture in this modern complex.

About the author

Club Villamar offers many holiday villas dispersed all over location espagne piscine and whether on the location javea. For all these reasons, thousands of vacationers choose to spend their holidays in a beautiful location l estartit.