Andrew Bicknell asked:


There is more to a new fish tank then just a tank filled with water sitting on a stand in your living room. There is a certain amount of equipment needed such as a heater and filter to keep your fish healthy and happy. With the proper equipment your tank will become a healthy water filled paradise for your tropical fish. Most tropical fish are imported in small boxes which can be quite a shock to their systems. By providing an environment much like their natural environment your fish will thrive and become an active part of your everyday life.

Getting the right type of heater is an important part of setting up your fish tank, unless of course you are just putting gold fish in it. Nearly all tropical fish require a water temperature between 70 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. They will die if they are kept in water cooler then that for any length of time.

You need to be aware that there are different sized heaters for different sized tanks, make sure you get one that will work for the fish tank you decide to go with. If you get one that’s too small or does not have a high enough voltage rating for your tank it will not be able to adequately heat the amount of water needed. On the flip side if your fish tank heater is to big for your tank you stand a good chance of boiling your fish. If you are unsure of what size heater to get ask some one who works at your local fish store.

The second major piece of equipment you will need is a filter of some sort. A filter keeps the water circulating and helps filter out the ammonia and nitrates that build up in a fish tank. This is particularly true in new tanks which haven’t had a chance to get established with the beneficial bacteria that break down these natural by-products of fish waste. If too much ammonia and nitrate builds up your fish will have trouble breathing and could die. The beneficial bacteria actually build up in the filter system and break down these poisons as the water cycles through the filter.

If you do nothing else when it comes to equipping your new fish tank you need to have at the least a heater and filter. Without these two vital pieces of equipment you will be hard pressed to keep your fish tank warm enough and clean enough to successfully keep healthy happy fish.



RUSSEL

Iszuddin Ismail asked:


I wanted to talk a little bit about fish that might look tempting in the store, but should probably be avoided by beginning aquarists. All of these fish have their good points too, or the fish stores wouldn’t be stocking them at all, but it’s best to have a little more experience before adding these, or setting up a new tank for them.

If I start with goldfish, you’re going to say “What? Goldfish are difficult? Since when?” Well, they certainly can be if you try to put them in a tropical tank with other fish. First of all, goldfish like colder water than other tropical freshwater fish, and trying to compromise on a temperature will make both sets of fish unhappy. Secondly, goldfish are DIRTY – they add too much ammonia and other wastes to the water for a delicate biological filtration setup to handle, and will require you to do a LOT more tank scrutiny and maintenance if you don’t want a catastrophe on your hands. In short, get them their own tank and you’re good to go.

Mollies are sweethearts, and very social, but they tend to do well in water that’s a little more brackish (that is, salty) than what other tropical fish like. Like the goldfish, they’ll be happier in a tank that’s set up specifically for their needs. Setting up a brackish water tank is a really interesting process for the dedicated hobbyist, but again, not the best first stop for the beginner.

A discus is a beautiful fish, but they can be very expensive, which means that any newbie’s errors you make in water care, maintenance, or overcrowding are going to be very expensive for you too. I’d recommend the inexpensive angelfish instead, which are similar in shape and a little hardier.

Birchirs are fun, but you need to remember that they will eat any smaller fish they can catch up with. Unfortunately, a birchir can grow quite rapidly, and fish that weren’t “smaller” when you introduced him may soon find themselves in danger. These guys are also famous for jumping out of the tank.

The plecostomus is an amiable and hardy bottom feeder, but they also grow quickly, and most will outgrow the standard 40- or 55-gallon tank long before you’re ready to start a larger one. Similarly, Bala Sharks and Hatchet Fish can grow to up to 10-12 inches long before you know it. With any fish it’s important to learn the maximum size they’ll grow to, and the speed of growth, before you lay down your cash.

Like with everything else about aquariums, the key to choosing the right fish is to do all the research you can before adding anything new.



MORRIS

Xx_aLLtimELoWLUvEr_xX asked:


I’m doing a research report and I need some help please answer the question above! Also, I have a BONUS QUESTION!!!!! The BONUS QUESTION IS: Are goldfish harder to care for than tropical fish? Please answer the BONUS QUESTION & the question above!

Thanks !

STEVIE

Jody Siena asked:


Harlequin fish or Rasbora Heteromorpha groups come from Thailand, Sumatra, and the Malayas. The fish are smaller breeds, which grow around 1 ¾ inches in size. Harlequin fish is one of the aquarium keeper’s favorites, since the fish have colorful figures. The fish are shaped like wedges, which blue-black shades setoff its rosy pink and violet forms. Harlequin fish are easily trained; as well, the fish do well in communal tanks. The species however are beautiful formed and colored that residing in a sole tank could produce natural effects to your home area. The fish will dine on all foods, and prefers water conditions such as soft water, sensibly acid waters, and peaty waters. Harlequin fish are not much for breeding. The fish pair in well-conditioned waters, or peaty waters. The balance preferred is pH-6, pH-2, or hard water at 40-ppm. Harlequin fish mate while turned upside down at a leaf surface. The fish typically lay less than one hundred eggs, which are fry in one day. The Harlequin fish group is commonly referred to the Red Rasbora fish.

In addition to the Harlequin, is the Cobitidae family. This fish will help keep tanks clean by gnawing at algae. The scavengers are similar to Carps, in that the fish have teeth. This family of fish also has four barbel located in its upper jaw. The fish are akin to any European freshwater Cyprinids. Cyprinids are family to minnows and Carps, which the fish sometimes have round scales, softer fins, and toothless jaws. Spiny Loach is the family of Cobitidae. This fish composes bifid spines, which is located beneath the eyes. The bifid will erect from its folded, flat position if the fish is put to the test. Predatorily fish will not like the results produced by this fish in the event they decide to challenge the Spiny Loach. Spiny Loaches and Cobitidae fish tend to surface often to seek oxygen. The fish prefer to live in murky, mud-spattered waters. The murkiness and mud limits oxygen, which is why the fish surface often. Weather Fish is amongst the group of Spiny Loaches, which this fish will not adapt well to atmospheric situations, which cause stress.

The Loach fish include the group of Acanthophthalmus Semicinctus family. The fish come from the east parts of India and grow up to 3 ½ inches in size. The fish is popularly called the Half Band Coolie. The Coolie fish have bodies shaped like a snake, which the body covers yellow and black marks. You can find the sub-species of the Coolie family in the Kuhlii family. Kuhlii fish tend to fall into the Salmon category, since the fish may have pink bellies, as well as yellow and black marks. Coolie fish are communal tank fish, which have a peaceful nature. The tanks should be limited to plants, since this fish will hide in closed spaces. You should at deposits of compact decomposed organic debris at the bottom of the tank. (Peat) These fish tend to eat Tubifex and algae, which makes the fish a good cleaning system. As well, the fish will eat all foodstuffs. Coolie fish do not place a high demand on water condition, yet they tend to do well in moderate or neutral waters. The water temperature should remain at 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

In addition to the Coolie fish is the Clown Loach, Tiger Botia, Siluridae, and so on. Over the Internet, you will find a wide assortment of information related to freshwater fish, which include tropical fish, Coldwater fish, sea, or saltwater fish.



DONNIE

Abhishek Agarwal asked:


When you are sure to shop for a fish aquarium, you must know the right equipments and accessories that would enhance the longevity and health of your fishes and aquarium.

These accessories include:

1. Heaters

2. Buffers

3. Filters

4. Gravel

5. Floss

6. Food, etc.

In order to ensure the hygiene of your fishes, you must also know all the tips and techniques to keep the aquarium clean and the fish healthy.

The experts always advice you to research well before purchasing the fish and the aquarium. Here are some useful tips that would help you take good care of your fishes and the aquarium:

1. Some essentials for the aquarium include the following:

1. Ornaments – Decorations to add beauty and to give playful spots to your fishes.

2. Plants – You can choose from live and synthetic plants. Though live plants need lot of care they perform several functions for the benefit of your fishes.

3. Gravel – Gravel forms the base of the aquarium. The depth of this layer is defined by several factors like the plants you place in, the number of fishes you add to the aquarium, etc.

4. Test Kits – This is helpful in testing the water of the aquarium at regular intervals.

5. Water Treatment – These systems are available in various techniques and is quite essential to maintain the purity of the water, else the ever growing bacteria and ammonia in the water would kill your fish unexpectedly.

6. Food – Like all living beings fishes need food, so you must have a good supply of food for your fishes. Make sure to read the contents of the food you purchase for the fishes and supply it to the fishes as per the instructions mentioned of the details you receive with the fishes.

7. Heater Accessories – In order o maintain the temperature of the water in the tank, you would need to plant a heater in the fish tank. This is a must buy in case you are considering to keep some tropical fishes. While purchasing the heater you must take care that the heater’s size fits in to the fish tank. It must not take a lot of space, else it would make your fish uneasy in the tank. Also check that there are various types of heaters in the market, you must know which one suits the best to your requisite.

Some points to remember about maintaining the fishes and the aquarium are as follows:

1. Gravel maintains the natural resources in the aquarium. You can also consider adding some decorative ornaments in the aquarium.

2. Adding live plants t the aquarium makes your fish lively and more playful.

3. In case you are fortunate enough the fish might lay eggs in real plants, they do not do so in the synthetic ones.

4. Make sure to offer the right amount of food to the fishes. The remaining food settles down in the gravel and generates harmful bacteria.

5. Most oft you would use tap water to fill in the tank and that contains lot of bacteria and germs, so water treatment is very essential.

6. Choose your water test kit with lot of care as it must be very effective and should give most accurate results.

Here follows the procedure of making the aquarium:

1. First of all fill a bucket of water and rinse the gravel washing of the dirt, grime and germs.

2. Then add water to your tank, once the gravel is purified.

3. Further add half of the water actually required for the tank.

4. Next add the ornaments & plants to your aquarium.

5. This makes the job of additives completed for the aquarium.

6. Now finally add the tank with the water in full quantity required.

7. Now use the manual that you have received with your tank. Follow the outlines mentioned in this manual to fill your tank properly.

8. Next move to placing the heater & filtration systems in the tank.

9. In order to fit in the heater and filters safely and properly, follow the instructions mentioned in the manual you have received with these equipments.

10. Finally you add the water treatment system to the tank. This purifies the harmful chemicals form the water like metal, copper, metal and other related elements.

11. Now before adding the fish to the tank either make use of the specialized products that enable you doing that safely, else we recommended you to wait atleast a few weeks prior to adding life to your tank.

12. A tank filled with water has some natural bacteria that produce naturally. These bacteria must be filtered out of the water so as to keep your fish healthy and safe. So once the water in aquarium is settled, use your test kit to check if the water is perfectly clean or not, it must also be checked that the water has the right temperature and all the chemicals in it are balanced.

13. Now after the final verification of the water in the tank, add your fish in small quantities.

14. It is always advisable to keep passive fish in the aquarium rather than the aggressive ones. Some common passive fishes most advisable for the starters are goldfish, otocinclus, plecostemas, etc. These not only are easy to maintain but also keep the aquarium clean.



DAVID

Groshan Fabiola asked:


Salt water fish tanks are not only a desirable decorative element in the home, but they also house something that is buzzing with life and activity. Setting up a salt water fish tank is by no means easy, and the fish themselves are a bit pricy, but the amazing results are completely unique and gorgeous. Novices may want to start small with a beginner salt water fish tank, though, before installing a complex aquarium with many breeds of exotic fish.

Maintaining salt water fish tanks is vastly different from taking care of that goldfish in a bowl that many of us had as children. The maintenance goes far beyond daily feeding, to say the least. Setting up a salt water fish tank requires checking water temperatures and nitrate levels using a test kit, for starters. Someone also has to clean the tank every week, and the water quality should be tested on a regular basis.

The cost of purchasing, equipping and maintaining salt water fish tanks is more than that of any fresh water aquarium, which should definitely be noted. This should not discourage anyone who truly wants to enjoy the beauty and variety of tropical fish, though. Starting with a beginner salt water fish tank that is small and houses a limited number of fish is a good place to start. Then over time you can upgrade to a larger and richer aquarium.

With proper ongoing research, salt water fish tanks will give you and your visitors many hours of pleasure and provide you with an interesting hobby.

For more resources about Saltwater fish or about Coral reef fish and especially about Tropical fish coral reef please click these links.



DION

Erik Willis asked:


Tips for Good Fish Care

Always inspect a fish before you buy it to check for any physical problems. It is important that you do not start off with a fish that is already injured. If you bring a new fish into your aquarium that already has a disease or infection, it is likely to spread it to your other fish as well.

Ensure that fish you buy are compatible with each other. Putting incompatible fish together is a common mistake and will likely result in one eating another.

Read as much as you can about fish care tips and the fish you wish to buy so you understand beforehand any necessary requirements. Temperature is also a major concern as tropical fish generally have low tolerances when it comes to water temperature.

Regularly monitor your fish for signs of disease. Many parasitic infections have very few signs before it is too late. You will also need to monitor the activities of the fish because changes in behavior can often indicate a health problem.

Buying your First Fish

Do not buy a fish from an aquarium where dead or dying fish are. Even fish that appear to be healthy are likely to have been affected.

Before buying a fish, be sure to inspect its physical condition and avoid any with visible signs of damage.

It is important to slowly add new fish to an aquarium. They will almost certainly fall victim to new tank syndrome. Adding too many fish can also disrupt the balance of the aquarium.

Overfeeding your tropical fish causes the tank to become polluted and can also cause significant growth of algae which can be damaging to the fish. Read up on fish care and feeding tips.

Setting up Your Aquarium for Tropical Fish

Do not place the aquarium in a place where it will receive excess sunlight. Sunlight will increase the rate at which algae grows in your tank, requiring frequent cleanings. Incoming sunlight will also make it difficult to maintain an appropriate temperature inside the aquarium.

Place the tank away from windows, doors, vents and radiators. Also place the tank in an area that does not have people walking around frequently or in an area in which doors are often opened and closed. All of these actions cause vibrations which disturb your fish.

Cloudy Aquarium Water

If the water in your aquarium is cloudy or has a green tinge, you most likely have an abundance of algae growth. Generally this will not negatively harm your fish. However, if the algae growth continues over time, it can become harmful to the fish.

Replacing some of the water over the course of a few days will help reduce this problem. Approximately twenty-five percent of the water should be changed daily until the water clears up. You should also put less food in the tank as any excess food will only promote algae growth. Try leaving the tank light off as much as possible. Implementing these tips should be enough to clear your tank up over the course of a few days.

If all else fails, there are always additives you can buy from your local pet store that will clean the algae up fairly quickly. More fish care tips can also be found by asking your vet or visiting your local pet store.

For more information visit http://www.animal-world.com.



ELOY

Holman Craig asked:


Tropical islands are surely one of the most popular vacation destinations for people all over the world. The warmth, bright sun, white sands, and clear water all combine to create some of the most beautiful places on earth. Many people choose to bring this beauty into their homes by decorating in a tropical decor theme. Being able to look at a lovely white sand beach from the comfort of your living room or den brings a sense of calm and relaxation, while coordinating decor brings a splash of color to the home.

Types of Tropical Decor

Many items of home decor can be classified as being tropical decor. The most common item type of decoration in this category is one with a view of a tropical beach. These beach views can be in the form of a painting, a print, or a photograph and come in many styles, shapes, and textures. One person may prefer a painting of a beach at sunset while another may prefer a view of the water at noon. Some beach paintings focus on the scenery beneath the water while others set the attention on the sky above. There are a number of different ways to look at a single beach and the artists that specialize in tropical scenes have learned to capture them all.

Another popular item included in many tropical decor themed rooms is a type of decoration that displays images of tropical fish. These fish can vary in color, style, and size. They are usually created out of glass, metal, wood, or ceramic. They can be direct reflections of creatures that live in the sea or vivid perceptions of the artist’s imagination. Some individuals choose to house tropical fish in an aquarium in their home, but salt water aquariums require a lot of maintenance to keep them in the perfect condition that will allow the fish to survive.

Many decorators like to use seashells as part of their tropical themes. Seashells come in many different colors, from black to red to white with shades of blue. They also come in a variety of different sizes and shapes, each one unique to a different type of marine animal. Seashells are typically used to complement some other piece of tropical decor, such as a seascape painting or used as curios. They can also be used as a focal point, such as in a curio cabinet or as a table centerpiece.

The most common item found on tropical beaches, sand, is rarely used for tropical themed decor decor. The primary reason is that there is a good chance that it will eventually wind up on the floor, and not only destroying the decoration, but also creating a mess that would take a lot of work to clean up. Items containing sand are usually made of heavy glass or plastic that won’t break easily if dropped, and are sealed with no openings so that the sand will not leak out. Sand comes in very few colors, limited to brown, white, and, in rare cases, black.



MARION

Jakob Albertstein asked:


If you have always though that a prefabricated vinyl lined pool meant that you were stuck with one color choice “blue”, then you are in for the shock of your life. Take a look at what todays visionary pool designers have cooked up to make your backyard the envy of the neighborhood!

They are Wild!

It’s new multi colored decorative heavy plastic pool liners that come in a myriad of design choices, from all types and varieties of incredibly realistic looking tile and stone to absolutely “wild” tropical lagoon. If you have kids, then you would be well advised to take a good look at what is available in these tropical lagoon pool liners.

A Rainbow of Colors

These new pool liners are an absolute splash of virtually every color in the rainbow, from the floor all the way up the sides. All manner of species of tropical fish and sea life covers them in their entirety. These aren’t stylized fish either but exact replications of the real thing!

Kid Tested and Approved

Rocks, sand and coral cover the bottom of your pool and up the sides are streamers of vibrant green seaweed. Starfish cling to the rocks as the fish appear to swim along on the sides and the result is a virtual underwater fantasy aquarium that has already been kid tested and approved literally millions of time the world over.

One Problem

So what do the kids have to say about these amazing fantasy pool liners? What do you think!!?? They absolutely love them and the problem that you are going to have is getting your kids out of the pool when it is finally time to come in.

Memories to Last a Lifetime

Every day is a swim party with your kids and their friends when you have one of these pool liners, so make sure to stock up on snacks for all of them. Your kids will never forget the good times that they had in their above ground pool when it comes equipped with one of these above ground pool liners.



ABEL

newf_chick_1987 asked:


Does anyone have any tips for the care and also certain tropical fish that they would recommend for beginners?!?

HERIBERTO