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Category Pets

January 14, 2008

Introduction

People consider algae to be hostile to their aquarium's environment; however, all healthy aquariums should have some algae. Algae serves an important roll in an aquarium's health, consuming nutrients that can be harmful if allowed to accumulate. Good levels of algae grow naturally in a healthy aquarium. Bad levels of algae grow in poorly maintained aquariums. Follow these steps to control algae and maintain a healthy balance in your aquarium.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Steps

1

Step One

Provide light to promote growth of healthy algae. Leave tank lights on for 8 to 10 hours, but no longer. Keep your tank out of direct sunlight to prevent excess algae.
2

Step Two

Maintain proper levels of nutrients, such as nitrates and phosphates. Algae require phosphate and nitrates to grow, but algae grows in excess when there are too many nitrates and phosphates.
3

Step Three

Replace 10 percent of the water each week or 25 percent of the water every three weeks with clean distilled or de-ionized water. Vacuum the gravel in the tank when you do water changes.
4

Step Four

Place a small submersible pump in your tank to increase movement of the water. This prevents too many algae spores from settling in your aquarium.
5

Step Five

Add plants or coral to your aquarium. Plants compete for nutrients and algae can't grow in excess. They also support the growth of healthy green algae.
6

Step Six

Remove excess algae no more than once per week. Excess algae should be removed with a algae scrubber.
7

Step Seven

Get some algae eaters such as Siamese algae eaters, American Flag Fish, or Otocinclus. They consume hair, thread and black brush algae. Watch any algae eaters you add to the tank to ensure they don't eat your plants.

Tips & Warnings

  • Using copper to treat excess algae can result in the degradation of healthy green algae.
  • Don't use algaecides to remove excess algae. Algaecides may remove too much algae as well as kill your plants.
, Pets, Pet, Fish, Aquariums,
sb
January 14, 2008

Introduction

There are many good reasons why you should decorate an aquarium. First, it makes the fish more comfortable and less stressed. They are more likely to behave naturally and be more active in a well-decorated aquarium. Second, a nicely decorated aquarium will serve as an attractive accent to any room.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Steps

1

Step One

Read books or online guides about the best decorations for your type of tank and fish. Consider talking to an expert at your local fish store for additional advice.
2

Step Two

Attach a background to the tank's back wall to conceal tubing, outside filters and electrical cords. Use a vinyl tape, such as plastic tape or electrician's tape, to make it stick to the aquariium.
3

Step Three

Find out what kind of decorations are best for your fish. Fish from slow water prefer plants and other flexible materials. Fish from faster or deep water prefer hard cover. Some species prefer to have their own areas in the tank, or may like to eat live plants. Try to make your decorations mimic the natural environment of your fish.
4

Step Four

Be aware of requirements for freshwater and saltwater aquariums. For example, driftwood tends to acidify water, so do not use it in saltwater. Seashells and coral should not be used in a freshwater aquarium.
5

Step Five

Avoid potentially toxic decorations. Stones that are water soluble could dissolve into a toxic substance or reduce the water's ability to carry oxygen. They also can become soft enough for the fish to chew on them and cause injury. Avoid items not designed for aquarium use.
6

Step Six

Prepare natural decorations. Rock or wood must be rinsed under pressure. Wild driftwood must be boiled several times and immersed in water for several weeks.
7

Step Seven

Decide whether to use fake or organic decorations, or a combination of the two. Organic decorations look more realistic but can sometimes negatively affect the aquarium environment.
, Pets, Pet, Fish, Aquariums,
sb
January 14, 2008

Introduction

Natural driftwood makes a beautiful addition to any fish tank, but it is very important to bleach the driftwood before using it in your tank. Natural organisms and germs living on the driftwood are very dangerous to the fish in your tank. Take the time to properly treat the driftwood for a safe and attractive addition to your tank.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You'll Need

  • Large tub
  • Water
  • Bleach
  • Driftwood piece

Steps

1

Step One

Pour 5 gallons of water into a large tub.
2

Step Two

Mix in 1 cup of bleach.
3

Step Three

Place the driftwood piece into the bleach solution.
4

Step Four

Allow the wood to stay in the bleach solution for several days, and rotate the wood a few times each day.
5

Step Five

Remove the driftwood from the bleach solution and thoroughly clean the container.
6

Step Six

Fill the tub with clear water and soak the driftwood for several more days and change the water daily.

Tips & Warnings

  • Another method of preparing driftwood for a fish tank is the boil and soak method. Boil the piece of driftwood for 8 hours and then allow it to soak in the water until it rests on the bottom of the container. It is important to change the water daily.
  • Driftwood that you purchase in pet or fish stores does not need any treatment before it is used in a fish tank.
  • It is very important to kill any living organisms or germs that may be on the driftwood before you put it into your fish tank.
  • If your water does become tinted a brownish color, it's from the tannin that is in the wood. The color will dissipate, but it could take several weeks. Change the water and use a carbon filtering system to clear the color of the water.
  • Remember the bleach is poison. This method should not be used if there are children or pets in the area.
  • Make sure that all of the bleach is removed from the driftwood before putting it into the fish tank, or the bleach could kill the fish.
  • Never use driftwood that you have found in polluted water.
  • Make sure to always thoroughly rinse off the bleach solution that you use on your driftwood.
Pets, Pet, Fish, Aquariums
sb
January 14, 2008

Introduction

Fish make wonderful pets. Colorful, interesting and typically not difficult to handle. Fish add charm and sense of calm to any room. Many people find that the gentle hum from a well-maintained aquarium helps them sleep and relax. Once you have discovered the joy of a fish tank, you may wish to add more fish to your tank.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You'll Need

  • Fish in water in a sealed bag
  • small net

Steps

1

Step One

Purchase fish that are from a fish farm. Stay away from fish that are captured from the wild. Make sure the temperaments of your fish are compatible.
2

Step Two

Keep the chlorine level is at zero. Maintain the correct pH balance and temperature level for the specific type of fish.
3

Step Three

Place a sealed bag with the fish into the aquarium, and let it float for about ten minutes to acclimate the fish to the new water temperature.
4

Step Four

Add small amounts of the tank water to the bag containing the fish, and allow the tank water to mix with the bagged water for ten more minutes. Repeat the process at least one more time.
5

Step Five

Use a net to transfer the fish one at a time into the tank.
6

Step Six

Dispose of the water from the bag into a sink not the aquarium.

Tips & Warnings

  • Goldfish are generally good in a variety of temperatures, but tropical fish will require heated water.
  • Start your tank with community fish such as guppies or mollies.
  • Let the filter run for at least a week if you are adding fish to a new tank.
  • Let the fish swim in darkness for a few hours to decrease shock.
Pets, Pet, Fish, Aquariums
sb
January 14, 2008

Introduction

Having fish for pets is fun and relaxing. You don't have to walk, groom or bathe them. Most pet stores sell aquariums in a variety of sizes and shapes, but if you want to get a little hands-on and DIY, you can put together an aquarium of your own.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Steps

1

Step One

First off, you'll want to decide if you would like to have a freshwater or a saltwater aquarium. Freshwater tanks are easier to maintain, but saltwater fish are usually more exotic and colorful.
2

Step Two

Determine what size you want. Aquariums come in all different sizes ranging from 5 gallons to 100 gallons and more. Of course, space in your home is a factor along with the weight of the aquarium. Make sure your floor can support the weight of the tank you select. Also, if you live in an apartment and you want to go with a huge tank, make sure your renter's rules allows for fish tanks and their maximum size. Many apartments don't allow water beds or large-scale fish tanks due to possible water damage.
3

Step Three

Visit the pet store, and buy the aquarium with the proper specifications. Also, buy the accessories you need: pump, gravel, plants and filter. Most tanks come with these items as a package, but you're not going to get the highest quality of merchandise. Instead, go into the shop with a list of what you want after lots of research and don't get roped into buying stuff you don't need by pushy salespeople.

Do not buy your fish yet though. This is important. Wait until you get your tank set up at home and you're sure the filter is working properly.
4

Step Four

When you get the tank home, make sure it is balanced and secure where ever you set it. Get a carpenter's level if you have to. And make sure the stand or base it's on is rock solid.
5

Step Five

Fill the tank with water, and start the pump. Ideally, you should let the water filter for at least 48 hours, but the longer the better.
6

Step Six

Now buy your fish. Place the bag of fish into the aquarium. Leave them in this bag for at least 10 minutes so they can gradually get used to their new surroundings and the new temperature of the water. Then release them from the bag, and watch them swim.
Pets, Pet, Fish, Aquariums,
sb
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