Tropical Fish Information – Your Fish Tank Guru

The Nitrogen Cycle Part of the Ecosystem of a Freshwater Aquarium
By Jason MacParland

The nitrogen cycle is a natural process in any aquarium. It begins as soon as you add the first fish to the tank. Their waste products include ammonia, which starts the nitrogen cycle. During the initial setup period, it is important that you test the water quality daily, so that you can watch your tank progress through the stages of the nitrogen cycle.

In addition to simply adding fish to the aquarium, there are other ways to jump-start the nitrogen cycle. Those with saltwater aquariums can add live rock to begin the process. If you are setting up a freshwater tank, it is possible to add a cup of gravel from an established tank. Although it will contain the beneficial bacteria necessary for the nitrogen cycle, it may also contain unwanted bacteria or parasites, so this method should be used with caution.

When your new aquarium is first set up, it’s important not too add too many fish. Adding too many fish results in high levels of waste, which your new tank ecosystem may not be able to handle. As the ammonia levels spike, your fish could die. In fact, many experienced fishkeepers recommend beginning with a few inexpensive fish to begin the nitrogen cycle if you plan to keep exotic tropical fish in the aquarium. This way, if your first nitrogen cycle does not go as planned, you won’t kill off an expensive and rare fish.

As you add fish to the aquarium, ammonia levels will start to rise immediately. All of the food you put into the tank will eventually be converted into ammonia by your fish. You can expect ammonia levels to fluctuate as the aquarium ecosystem settles into a routine. However, ammonia buildup is dangerous for your fish. Signs that the ammonia is too high include red or bloodshot eyes, red inflamed gills, or red streaks on the sides of your fish. Ammonia levels of 0.25 to 0.5 parts per million (ppm) can stress your fish, while above 1.0 is considered lethal. Although it’s best to let the beneficial bacteria eat the ammonia, continuing the nitrogen cycle, if the levels get too high you should change 15 to 25 percent of the water to reduce ammonia levels. Reducing the amount of food you are feeding will reduce future ammonia levels.

Within two weeks of introducing the first fish to your new aquarium, a beneficial bacteria will start to eat the ammonia. This nitrifying bacteria converts ammonia into nitrites. Your tank may become cloudy during this stage in the process, as the bacteria multiply quickly to eat the excess ammonia. At this point, nitrites should begin appearing on your water test results.

In another week or two, you will start to see increasing nitrate levels on the water test strips. Moderate levels of nitrates cause no harm to your fish. They can build up, however, especially if you are not diligent about changing the water in the tank. If levels go above 80 to 100ppm, a water change can help increase the water quality in the aquarium. In addition to regular water changes, live plants can also remove nitrates from the aquarium environment.

The nitrogen cycle is a very important process in your aquarium. You can expect the full cycle to take anywhere from three to six weeks to become established. This step is crucial if you want the aquarium to be healthy, and it must be monitored closely with water test kits.

James MacParland is a freshwater aquarium expert. For more great information on ecosystem of a freshwater aquarium, visit http://www.easyfreshwateraquariumcare.com to learn more about setting up and maintaining a freshwater aquarium. Check out my site to learn more about the ecosystem of a freshwater aquarium and more.

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Introducing New Freshwater Fish to an Established Tank

By Jason MacParland

Aquarium owners wait for the day their tanks complete the nitrogen cycle so that they can finally add colorful fish to their aquariums. Although most people are in a hurry to add their newly acquired fish to their established tank but there are a few things that have to be kept in mind before putting your new fish in your tank. This article will elaborate on some things to keep in mind while introducing new fish to an established tank.

Quarantining New Fish

Fish purchased from the local fish shop should be first quarantined for a week before adding them to your established tank since many store bought fish are stressed out. A quarantine tank will allow your new fish to get used to your water parameters and this step will also ensure that parasites don’t enter your established tank. The quarantine tank should preferable be an established tank with a sponge filter and a few plastic plants. While putting the new fish in the quarantine tank you should first acclimatize your fish slowly to your water conditions so that they do not get more stressed.

Acclimatizing New Fish

The best way to acclimatize your new fish is to float the bag full of fish in the quarantine tank for 15 minutes so that the temperature of the water in the bag matches your aquarium’s temperature. You should then open the bag and add a cup full of water from your quarantine aquarium into the bag. You will need to add a cup full of water every 15 minutes to the bag full with fish so that the PH of the water in the bag matches the PH of your aquarium. After adding 3 – 4 cups of water you will need to net out the fish carefully and add them to your tank. It is advised not to empty the bag of fish directly into your established tank since store water usually contains pathogens and parasites. Aquarium salt can be used to de-stress your fish while they are in the quarantine tank. Aquarium salt also prevents the onset of various fish illnesses. The right dosage is 1 teaspoon aquarium salt per 10 gallons of water. It is always advised to mix the salt in a bucket of water and then pour the water into the tank.

Things to Remember

While introducing new fish to an established tank you should remember that quarantining your fish prevents them from getting stressed and this step also prevents your other fish from getting illnesses. After quarantining your fish for 1 week to 10 days you should net them out carefully and add them to your main aquarium. Many aquarium owners prefer to use a cup to scoop out fish rather than netting them since scooping out fish with a cup is less stressful. Fish that are hard to catch can be caught using the net and cup technique. This technique involves using a net to chase the fish into a cup. Fish nets should not be used for species that have barbs on their mouth.

James MacParland is a freshwater aquarium expert. For more great information on aquarium freshwater fish, visit http://www.easyfreshwateraquariumcare.com to learn more about setting up and maintaining a freshwater aquarium.

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Treating Common Ailments in Freshwater Aquarium Fish
By Jason MacParland

Although partial water changes and good quality food lower the chances of fish ailments, fish keepers should always know ways to treating common ailments in freshwater aquarium fish. There are many diseases that can strike fish and while some of these diseases are rare, others are more common. This article will elaborate on all you need to know about treating common ailments in aquarium fish.

Illness in Fish

Aquariums contain many parasites that cause diseases like hex, ich, hole in the head disease, velvet and dropsy. Fish that have a healthy immune system fight off these parasites but fish that are stressed out get affected by these parasites. Partial water changes and good food ensure that your fish have a strong immune system.

Treating Ich

Ich is also known as white spots since the main symptom of this disease is white spots on the body of the affected fish. Fish that are affected by ich often scratch their bodies on decorations and the glass which causes wounds along with secondary infection. Treatment of this disease consists of raising the temperature of the water by 2 – 3 degrees and using 1 teaspoon aquarium salt per gallon water. If the affected fish does not improve with this course of treatment then you can use malachite green or methylene blue to treat the fish.

Treating Hole in The Head

Hole in the head is caused due to a lot of factors but the most common cause is bad water conditions. The main symptom of this illness is a hole in the forehead of the fish. Angelfish, Oscars and discus are often affected by this illness. Treatment of this illness consists of improving water quality by changing 30% water every 2 days for 1 month. While changing the water you should also use 1 teaspoon aquarium salt per gallon water. After this disease has been cured you should continue to maintain water quality so that your fish are not affected by this illness again. A combination of Marcyn medications are sometimes used to treat hole in the head disease.

Treating Dropsy

Dropsy in fish is caused due to bacteria and symptoms of dropsy include a swollen tummy and scales that protrude like a pine cone when looked from above. This disease is considered fatal and hard to treat if not caught in time. Treatment of dropsy consists of using Epsom salt to extract water from the body of the fish. Anti bacterial medicines like teramycin can also be used but antibiotics should be used if Epsom salt does not work.

Assembling a First Aid Kit for Fish

Your first aid kit for treating common ailments in aquarium fish should contain aquarium salt, Marcyn I, Marcyn II, teramycin, metronidazole and Epsom salt. You should replace medicines whenever you use them and you should replace medicines that have expired.

Note

While treating common ailments in aquarium fish you should partially change the water once to keep the nitrate levels in control. It is important to remember that copper based medications kill invertebrates, plants and scale less fish so these medicines should be used with caution.

Jason MacParland is a freshwater aquarium expert. For more great information on home freshwater aquariums, visit http://www.easyfreshwateraquariumcare.com to learn more about setting up and maintaining a home freshwater aquarium.

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How to Select Fish For Your New Freshwater Aquarium
By Jason MacParland

New freshwater aquariums owners often can’t wait to add a lot of colorful fish to their established tank. While it is tempting to add the best looking fish to the first aquarium it is beneficial to select compatible fish so that the chosen fish live happily. This article will provide information on how to select fish for your new aquarium.

Requirements of Various Fish

Barbs are tetras are small colorful fish that look very beautiful. The tetras available in local fish shops are usually less than 1.5 inches while the barbs available in local fish shops are usually less than 2.5 inches. Barbs make great additions to a community tank but some barbs like tiger barbs are known to nip fins so they should be kept in a species only tank. Tetras on the other hand do well in small schools since they feel comfortable when they are with others of their own species. Small loaches and cory cat fish can be kept with barbs and tetras.

Livebearers like guppies and swordtails can be kept in community tanks since they are peaceful. Since mollies require brackish water to grow well it is recommended not to keep mollies with freshwater fish.

Goldfish are cold water fish that should not be mixed with tropical water fish since their temperature requirements are different.

Bettas a very beautiful and common fish are very territorial fish and males should be kept alone. Female bettas can be kept in groups of five or more provided there is enough place to hide.

Cichlids are aggressive fish that need to be kept with compatible tank mates. Oscars are large cichlids that should be kept alone. Cory cat and clown loaches fish do well in small schools.

Things to Keep in Mind

While learning how to select fish for your new aquarium you should remember that your aquarium should not be over crowded. Fish in overcrowded aquariums are prone to illnesses due to stress and bad water conditions. The fish you choose should also be comfortable in the aquarium you have. Small fish like neons and barbs can be kept in aquariums more than 10 gallons but Oscars or other larger fish need bigger aquariums. Plecos that are commonly sold as sucker catfish grow to a length of 24 inches and they should not be kept in tanks that are lesser than 60 gallons.

While selecting fish for your new aquarium you should stock your tank based on the adult size of the fish. Oscars are large fish that reach a size of 12 inches and Australian arowanas can reach a size of 26 inches. The inch per gallon rule is not the right way to calculate the number of fish you can keep since this rule is only meant for slim bodied fish like tetras. As a general rule you should give 20 gallons of water per goldfish, 55 gallons of water per Oscar, 2 gallons of water per tetra or barb and 5 gallons of water per betta. Small sized loaches and cory cat fish should be given 5 gallons of water per fish. Since clown loaches can grow to a size of 18 inches and they need to be kept in small schools these fish should be kept only in large tanks.

James MacParland is a freshwater aquarium expert. For more great information on freshwater aquarium fish, visit http://www.easyfreshwateraquariumcare.com to learn more about how to pick the right freshwater aquarium fish as well as properly setting up and maintaining a freshwater aquarium.

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As well as any other hobby, aquariums require a great deal of attention and care. There are so many peculiarities and care requirements, typical of this or that breed of fish and that must be observed in order to have healthy fish. Most people start up aquariums, because they think that it is going to be the most suitable variant for occupied people, who have no time to care for cats and dogs. It is the greatest delusion that can be imagined. You have to pay much more attention to your fish tank than you think. Moreover, there will be some unplanned investments into your fish tank, like additional filters, lighting equipment, new species, etc. The greatest difference between the maintenance of aquariums lies in their types. There are two general types of aquariums – freshwater and saltwater aquariums. As you understand, there are a lot of factors to consider, when choosing the type of aquariums. Freshwater aquariums are very popular nowadays and this popularity is mostly predetermined by the simplicity in maintenance. When it comes to saltwater aquariums, we have to admit that they are much more difficult to be kept, because of specific conditions preferred by exotic species. The first and the most important thing about the both types of aquariums is the acid-base level, also known as PH level of water. Fish are extremely sensitive to PH changes of water and can experience shock or even die because of these changes. Irrespectively of what type of aquarium you choose, you have to buy the PH measuring device in the first place. Water hardness is one more factor that must be considered in definite cases. The thing is, there are several breeds of fish, which are intolerant of certain hardness rates. Anyway, there are ways to help you with the maintenance of the water on one and the same PH and hardness level. There are special PH buffers available in most of pet shops, so if you see that there are considerable changes of PH level, you can buy a buffer and normalize the situation.

The third important factor that can influence the health of your species is the temperature of water. It is necessary that you examine some literature of an aquarist and get the information on temperature preferences of fish. Different breeds like different temperatures and if you don’t maintain the temperature average for all your species, or choose the fish that are not compatible, the problem will arise and you can lose the most beautiful species because of your carelessness. So, think twice before choosing the right type of aquarium for you, and if you are a business person and go on business trips often, you’d better choose a freshwater aquarium for your home.

For the info about fish aquariums, freshwater aquarium tips and resources to get fish tank table – please visit this blog.

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The great thing about having fish is that they are easy to care for and they can add vitality and life to any home. Cleaning and feeding is going to be necessary. If you do a bit of cleaning every week, your regular maintenance does not have to take more than half an hour.

It is a good idea to feed your fish every day. It is very easy to over feed fish so be careful. Fish flakes are the most commonly used food but there are a variety of other things you can choose from. Like most pets a variety of foods has benefits. You can choose things like pellets, freeze dried, live or frozen.

When you are feeding your fish take a minute to check that all your fish are healthy. Watch to make sure that all the fish in the tank are swimming and eating well. Look at each fish for any growths or abnormal behaviour. You want to detect any problems as soon as possible.

The water in your aquarium should be tested every week. You want to check the pH, nitrate and ammonia levels. Any major change in these conditions can result in potentially dangerous or toxic situations. 20% of the water in the tank needs to be changed every week.

Once a week you should also check and see if all the equipment in your tank is functioning correctly. Check to ensure that your filter is in good condition. Not every filter will need to have a weekly cleaning, some may only need to be cleaned every second week. Take a moment to make sure that all plugs and electric cords are in good shape.

Cleaning everything in your tank at once is never a good idea. Each week you should clean only one or two items in your tank. The reason you do this is to prevent your chemical levels from spiking. You also want to make sure that you clean the glass. You should scrape the sides of the glass to remove all the algae.

These are the basic fish care routine things that you should do to make certain that your fish have a healthy, happy life.

Tropical fish are among the more renowned options of pets. This is mostly because of they can be put in one tank without making any mess at all. Tropical fish do not need any high preservation as other pets. They are also soothing to watch.

Tropical fish are among the numerous of more renowned kinds of fish that are kept in a home aquarium. They have brilliant colors and wide-ranging shapes and sizes. That is why they are extremely entertaining to watch by numerous aquarium proprietors. Many people are also extremely glad to watch their tropical fish swim around for hours at a time.

There are lots of different kinds of tropical fish. These animals can come from fresh water and salt water as well as long as the species come from the tropics originally. Because of the high demand for tropical fish, lots of of them are bred in the USA and are technically not from the tropics anymore but with tropical origins. The following fish belong to the freshwater variety.

Barbs

Under the barb family there are lots of different kinds of tropical fish. These fish are generally put as a school in a fresh water aquarium. A lot of of the barb fish have strong colors or patterns on their body. They can be rather aggressive to other more fragile fish. That is why you may require selecting which other species of tropical fish are well-matched with barbs.

Livebearers

Livebearer tropical fish are a little of species of fish that do not lay eggs. As an option they give birth to their young much like mammals do. Guppies, swordtails, platies and mollies belong to this group of tropical fish. In the fish group the females are normally larger and less showy. As a result, you can hope to see a dull female followed around by a little of males. This group of fish prefers to live in schools. As a result, it is best to keep more than four fish of this variety in the tank.

Tetras

Tetras are beautiful fish that come in dazzling sometimes neon colors. You might require particular lights to bring out a little of of their neon colors. These tropical fish prefer large spaces. Nonetheless, they may also require a number of places to hide. That is why a little of vegetation might be relevant. You can put these small fish in schools. Nonetheless, they can also survive separately.

Tropical fish are highly renowned for hobbyists. There are lots of accessories and much equipment that is relevant for the aquarium to function well. Preservation of a fresh water aquarium is less thorny than that of a saltwater aquarium. The fish species explained above are marvelous for novice aquarists and also for hobbyists.

Are you still at sea of knowing more about tropical fish? Just look around and click the links your best answer herein!

Did you know that the history of placing fish in containers goes back more than 2000 years? For research, as pets and fr religious significance. The Romans were the first to place Sea-Barbels in their homes and contained them within small marble tanks. Over time, they designed these small tanks with glass panes on one side of the containers to allow for better viewing of the fish. Millennia then passed before the Chinese reinvented these tanks into tub shapes and then they were gradually reformed by other people into the shape of the modern fishbowl that we know today. As more time passed, other designs were invented and during the Industrial Age, the modern fish tank aquariums first came into being.

Getting started

The main reason for having an aquarium and placing fish in them is nowadays usually for reasons related to a hobby. Although you cannot simply pick a fish and throw them all into one tank. You need to research the kind of fish that’ll fit perfectly in your aquarium because if you have no idea how big it’s going to get, then you’ll be in trouble. You will also have to ask the fish store owner the possibility of the fish frightening the other fish or especially if they have a penchant for bullying them. It happens, and sometimes they actually prey on them. Choosing the right group for your aquarium is very important. Never hesitate to ask the fish clerk’s opinion to make sure that the fish can all live comfortably with one another within the same habitat. Ask other people who have fish tank aquariums too. Their insight can be helpful especially when it comes to the feeding requirements of a particular fish.

Know the trade

However, not all fish clerks are experts especially when it comes to most exotic fish that catches one’s eye. Most stores that have large chains of aquariums employ people who have little knowledge of the trade. Privately owned stores (usually the smaller ones) tend be more intimate with this craft and are generally helpful, and not to mention the fact that you can probably bargain with them if a particular fish that attracts you sounds a bit high priced. Also, if it’s possible, bring a large sample of your own water (in a clean jar) that you plan to use for the fish and ask them to test yours and their water right in front of you. See how much different the two samples are (compare the nitrate, pH, and ammonia readings) to make necessary changes for acclimating your desired fish to your own water.

Finally, there are a number of other things you need to know that can be helpful when choosing the right fish for your aquariums. Take your time when choosing a fish. Observe it if it looks healthy or weak. Make sure it isn’t too aggressive and note its body characteristics. And also, don’t forget about the plants in your aquarium. Try to copy the plant variety and placement of the store’s fish tank aquariums to make it easier for your new fish to settle in. Armed with all this knowledge, one can be ready to go out and confidently buy the fish of your heart’s desire.

Learn more about Tropical fish and more details on how you should choose your new Tropical Fish and take care of them a long time join our email list and tune into our radio show coming soon to Blog Talk Radio. Times will be posted soon on our site.

Hello all, well I was reading where PETA wants to name fish sea kittens well this is a noble idea. Since it is true that fish are put to death so much more then dogs and cats together. A couple of cruel things done to fish in the wild.

1 Small fish are thrown back, right after they had a huge hook in there mouth. If you ever had a fish hook in you that is hurts like hell. Just think you are a lot bigger then most fish.

2 Sharks are almost extinct, and some times they are killed for there fins.

3 Some pet stores would get rid of tropical fish by throwing them in the wild or down the toilet.

Even though I think PETA is a little nuts, I do agree that fish are treated worse then dogs and cats. So next time you are in a pet store with fish think about adopting some. As well as stop eating shark fins if you do. Also why catch a fish just to through them back. I don’t really see the need to call them sea kittens, but I like that PETA is not just thinking of land animals.

Click Here are some good places to adopt Sea Kittens and the place they need caring.

Hello

I was just asked by what to use if you had Parasite and the product I use is Tank Buddies Parasite Clear from Jungle Labs which I only found at 2 places That Pet Place in Lancaster, PA or only online at PetSmart.

Tank Buddies Parasite Clear from Jungle Labs

Also another thing you could do to help get ride of Parasites is to increase the tempature of the water in your fish tank to 86 Degrees or higher and add a teaspoon of aquarium salt.