Mark Grover asked:


If you are into tropical fish, you may have already heard about Discus Fish Secrets. It is currently the #1 ebook available for the keeping and breeding of discus fish. For those who love discus, you probably have found that it’s hard to find specific information from an experienced source. This book is a complete  step-by-step guide to caring for, raising, and breeding discus fish, and is full of practical advice to help you to raise happy and healthy fish.

Discus Fish Secrets was written by tropical fish enthusiast, Rob Clark. Rob has kept and bred discus fish for more than 10 years, and has substantial first hand knowledge of what works and what doesn’t.

The book covers topics such as what size tank is best for discus, filtration methods and tricks for getting the cleanest possible water, and what types of discus are best for beginners. The manual also discusses what foods are best for discus, how much they should be fed, and how often.

In case you are interested in breeding, Discus Fish Secrets has got that covered. Rob discusses how to tell when your discus fish are ready to breed, gives several common mistakes to avoid when breeding, and even how to care and raise fry into strong discus.

In addition to the book, there is some bonus information included. You will learn how to artificially raise fry away from their parents so that the eggs aren’t eaten by the adults. You will discover a unique method to setting up a discus hatchery that will save you a ton of electricity. And finally, if you live in hard water areas, Rob has an all natural way to reduce hardness to discus loving levels.

If you are new to discus fish, or if you have tried breeding unsuccessfully in the past, Discus Fish Secrets is a great resource to have. It contains practical advice and information from an experienced expert who has organized everything for you in one place. Truly a must have for discus fish lovers.



WINFRED

Alyssa Davis asked:


The interior wall of a room, house, or office is practically a blank canvas. By putting some artwork on it, you can add character to any place in the house. That artwork can be a beautiful design painted over a part or the entirety of the wall; a sculpture, a painting, a picture, or a mosaic hung over it; or even an artful display of light projected on the wall.

One of the best themes of wall décor art is a tropical theme. This theme goes very well with houses, condominium units, studio rooms, and apartments on the beachfront.

There are many decorative wall décor items on sale that gives a wall a beautiful tropical theme. Here are some of them that you can order through the Internet.

1. Palm Grove Wall Art Set

This is a two-piece wall panel set from the Palm Grove Collection. The resin set features Sago palm shaded with warm, tropical colors of palm green, sage, and bisque. The frame is bordered square shapes made of faux coconut shell. A set costs around $129.

2. Finches in Tropical Foliage Metal Wall Sculpture

This beautiful sculpture features three Gouldian finches top of foliage of tropical plants. The foliage includes papaya colored orchids and fruitwood for added dimension. The tropical wall decor, which costs around $94, is handcrafted and hand-painted by Joanne Ferrara.

3. Tropica Three-Piece Wall Art

This framed sculpture consists of three panels with stunning works of art. Lush tropical leaves are formed from welded metal with shades of greens, browns and tans. The frame is made of bronze with an antiquated tone. A whole set includes one large 31-by-19-inch frame, and two smaller 31-by-11-inch frames. A set costs $56.

4. Beach Room Faux Window

Even if your home is not in the tropics or is not located on a beachfront, you can still incorporate a tropical theme to it. The beach room faux window frame constitutes a tropical beachfront view through an open window. In other words, it is like looking through a tropical ocean through a window! The artwork is original and features a pretty color palette.

5. Sea Shapes

This simple but handsome décor features a nautilus shell. The border is silver in tone while the background features a calm sea green color. It is covered in tough clear acrylic which is shatterproof.

6. Three Dimensional Tropical Fish

For a really unique tropical wall décor, try this new Outer Edges home décor. The set, which consists of sculpted wooden fish, is hand painted and three dimensional. The colorful tropical fish can be installed on any wall very easily. When placed on wallpaper with a marine theme, it would look like fish swimming on your walls. This is indeed a very unique décor.

7. Isle Tropical Mural

This large mural can cover an entire wall. That means, every time you wake up facing the wall, you will face a peaceful lush seashore with tall palm trees, blue waters, verdant hills, and cotton clouds. It can act as a wallpaper.



VITO

samnickel6 asked:


Tropical Beach Parties:

The summer is a fantastic time to have a tropical beach party. The weather generally cooperates, enabling you to use the outdoors as part of your decorating scheme, and you have easy access to your grill. Without too much effort, your guests are sure to feel tropical…. beach sand is optional! Tropical Beach Parties all share certain traits. All can use tropical, slushy drinks, lush foliage, food from the grill and music to set the tone. Just alter the specific details of your tropical beach party to the particular theme.

Tropical Party Food:



Theme party is the latest in-thing as far as a celebration is concerned. It adds the extra touch of spark and excitement to a party. One of the most popular party themes these days is the tropical party theme, which can remind you of sun-kissed beaches, cool waters and a gorgeous sun-tan, even in winters. Decorate your house with bright, big flowers, plant cutouts of coconut trees along the walls and cover the tables with a bamboo blind. Voila, you have the perfect set-up for a tropical party. Now, the next, and a very important, task is to decide on the party menu.

Choose reggae and steel drum band music as the soundtrack for your party. Both will get your friends into the rhythm of the islands, making it difficult for them to stay seated between courses. Decorate with tropical fish or parrot-themed party goods. During the summer season, many stores that sell home accessories feature tropical-themed melamine dinnerware that work great for outdoor entertaining. Visit your favorite online or retail party goods store to find palm trees, tropical fish or birds to add to your decor. Tell your guests that shoes are optional and cut-off shorts are encouraged.

Caribbean (Rum and Reggae) theme party!

For a very cute invitation, go to your local discount store and purchase several cheap rubber flip flops - any color! Write your invitation details right on the sole (use permanent markers) and deliver them out as a creative and funny invitation! Tell your guests that shoes are optional and cut-off shorts are encouraged. Funtoos are a cute item to put inside your purchased invitations for an island twist. Ask your guests to wear them in a unique place on their body that day and let the fun begin! We especially like our pink flamingos and pineapples for this theme.Don’t forget to include the dress code in your invitations. Tropical and bright colored clothing are a must. Dreadlock wigs are optional, but a big plus!

Tropical Hawaiian party theme disposable cups, plates and other tableware, party decorations, games, balloons, loot bag fillers & fancy dress up ideas.Buy everything you need for your Tropical Hawaiian party from this themed party page. Make your own personalised banners, invitations and stickers to complement your celebration too.

Decorations

Tiki lamps and fishnet at the door help set a tropical theme. Tropical flowers throughout the house provide bright colors and wonderful scents and create an exotic atmosphere. Seashells look great everywhere, including the bathroom. Fill fishbowls with party favors, flowers or floating candles.



JACKSON

Low Jeremy asked:


You need not to purchase the most expensive kinds of fish just to set up the best aquarium. This can be luxurious already. What you need to know is the proper way of maintaining your aquarium to make it pleasing to the eyes at all times.

Besides all other aquarium supplies, the fish is the most important. It cannot be called an aquarium without the species that will swim into it. This can come in varying types depending on the aquarium you put up.

Aquarium fish can be purchased in extraordinary color patterns. It comes in red, white, green, purple and even blue. In most cases, the male fish has brighter color and longer fins than the female fish. Typically, the more vibrant is the better because it can add appeal inside the aquarium.

There is a specific lifespan for the fish. However, it can be changed through your maintenance. There are times that fish has longer lifespan but due to your negligence, it can be shorten to months instead of years. This will just be a waste of money so better to take note of this factor.

Below are some reminders for proficient care of your aquarium fish:

1. Have regular check for the unnecessary things that may fall into the aquarium.

Cleanliness is very essential for your maintenance. This will not concern the pleasing appeal of the aquarium alone but most particularly the health of the species residing in the habitat. You can use filtration supply on this matter. Cleaning habit can be done weekly or you can do it gradually if you see some falling food remains at the top of the aquarium.

2. Beware from buying aggressive species.

Peaceful types of fish are more advisable because aggressive specie can affect the entire habitat. One can kill the other. Prevent this scenario to happen because you can probably end up with your aquarium to nothing.

3. Do not overfeed the aquarium fish.

Some fish are only required to be fed once a day although others are for twice. Overfeeding is not helpful nor will it make your fish grow larger instantly. Many cases have shown that it can cause death to your fish.

4. When changing the water, add product that will remove chlorine in the water.

Chlorine can be toxicant for your fish. You can purchase products from pet stores in order to eliminate the amount of chlorine in the water.

If you care for your fish, then better follow the advice that will cater your aquarium fish needs. Everybody understands the reason why most plants can be seen in many aquariums. Healthy plants and their lush are beautiful to look at when they are in an aquarium. They also create a natural setting in the aquarium.

Most of the fishes feel secure, less stressed and safe whenever they have plants to hide in. Some species of fish do not survive in an aquarium without any plants.

Aquarium plants will not only give the fishes a helpful shelter and make your aquarium look attractive but they can maintain the quality of the water as well. Plants and fish both exist on the wild and they will surely match well in your aquarium.

The wastes discharged by the fish contain compounds that are useful for the plant’s nutrition. Therefore, the organic wastes can be contained in the plants instead of seeing them float in the water. The plants must be pruned regularly and the dead parts must be eliminated from the aquarium ASAP.

Not only that, the aquarium plants will also provide a shelter to many micro organisms which are useful for the ecology and environment of the aquarium. In addition, plants have also the capacity to inhabit the growth of ugly algae since algae and plants compete for similar nutrients.

Most species of fish will never reproduce in an aquarium without plants. This is because some species need plants for them to feel secured enough to reproduce, while other species need the leaves of the plants to place their eggs in. An abundantly planted aquarium will also enhance the survival growth of the fry especially if you want to increase the number of fry in a similar aquarium like with the adult fish.

However, we all know that plants rely too much to light and photosynthesis. An aquarium with no plants will only need little. But if you are planning to have an abundant number of plants in your aquarium, you will be required to put new lights. A fluorescent light will be better to your planted aquarium, make sure that they are made especially for aquariums.

If you are a beginner, the plant species that will be suitable for you are the Java Moss and the Java Fern. These are strong plants that can survive in water hardiness and pH values. They can even be placed in a brackish aquarium like the Molly aquarium.

Aquarium plants are very important to the survival of most fishes in the aquarium. It does not matter what aquarium plant you choose, the important thing is you know how to maintain your aquarium as naturally as the fishes and plants habitat.



VANCE

Michael Singer asked:


Have you recently decided that you would like to purchase an aquarium, which will be used to display a collection of your fish? Whether you are interested in owning tropical fish, saltwater fish, or even freshwater fish, an aquarium is an important part of fish keeping. That is why, when it comes to purchasing an aquarium, a lot of thought and consideration should be put into your purchase.

Although it is important to focus on the type of aquarium that you would like to purchase, it is not the only thing that you should examine. In many cases, you will find that the fish tank accessories you choose are just as important as the fish tank that you choose to purchase. In fact, there are some fish that cannot live a long and healthy life without certain fish tank supplies. These fish tank supplies tend to include aquarium lights, heaters, aquarium chillers, and filtration systems. It is also important to note that additional fish tank supplies may be vital to the survival of your fish, but it tends to depend on the fish in question.

If you are unfamiliar with the aquarium supplies or accessories that you may need to purchase, you are advised to do a little bit of research. The purchase of a fish keeping resource guide or a standard internet search should produce informative results. Depending on the fish tank manufacturer or supplier that you are interested in doing business with, they should also be able to give you assistance with what you should or shouldn’t purchase for your new aquarium.

Speaking of buying fish tank supplies, when it comes to making your purchases, you will find that you have a number of different options. In the United States and all around the world, for that matter, there are a large number of individuals and companies who specialize in selling fish tank supplies and fish tank accessories. In fact, there are so many different individuals and companies, that you may have a difficult time deciding who do business with. To make your decision easier, you are advised to examine the advantages and disadvantages of each of your options. Doing so may help make deciding who to purchase your fish tank supplies from one of the easiest decisions that you will ever have to make.

As previously mentioned, fish tank supplies can be purchased from fish tank suppliers or fish tank manufacturers. Fish tank manufacturers are individuals or companies who actually construct the fish tank that you are about to buy. A large number of these individuals and companies not only specialize in the construction of fish tanks and aquariums, but they also provide additional fish tank accessories. If these accessories are not developed by the fish tank manufacturer in question, the manufacturer likely partners with another company to give you easy access to the fish tank supplies that you may need to make your aquarium a safe home for your aquatic friends.

In addition to fish tank manufacturers, fish tank suppliers typically offer a collection of fish tank supplies available for sale. These suppliers, in a way, act as a middle man. They purchase their products directly from the manufacturer and then they turn around and sell them to you. Fish tank suppliers often give you the largest selection of fish tank supplies and accessories to choose from. This is often because they tend to do business with multiple manufacturers, not just one. For an even larger selection of aquarium supplies and accessories, you are advised to shop online, but if that isn’t an option, your local pet supply store or fish tank supply store may have want you need in stock.

Whether you make the decision to purchase your fish tank accessories and supplies directly from a product manufacturer, or an online or retail storefront, you are advised to choose who you do business with carefully. Doing business with a reputable company, such as Tenecor, helps to ensure that you purchase the quality fish tank supplies that your fish need and deserve to have.



SETH

Allen Jesson asked:


Purchasing a fish aquarium may seem like an easy task however tropical and saltwater fish need special care and attention to live a happy life.

The first thing you will need to decide is whether you plan on keeping fresh water fish or saltwater fish. Generally speaking freshwater fish are a lot easier to keep so if this is your first fish aquarium I would advise a fresh water fish aquarium would be a good place to start.

You will need to make sure you do not add too much food to your fish aquarium, research the type of fish you are keeping before throwing in too much or too little food, adding too much food could be harmful to your tropical fish as they can over eat, also adding to much food could potentially pollute the tank.

Having a balanced diet is essential for aquarium fish, I would recommend that you buy any fish food in small bags or containers rather than bulk buying, this is because over time the vitamin content will gradually decline so to keep your fish food in optimum condition and as fresh as possible buy smaller bags and keep them in a cool dry place.

Anything that is introduced into your fish aquarium should be properly taken care of and monitored, it is important to keep the water in the tank clean by checking for parasites, fungi and bacteria.

Although maintaining a fish aquarium is an ongoing task certain fish can lighten the load, it is well worth investing in fish that scavenge as they will clean the tank for you however it is vital to research the type of fish you buy to ascertain if they can live peacefully with the other fish residing within your tank.

It may be a good idea to create yourself a daily monthly and weekly ‘to do’ list so you can be sure that you have made all the necessary checks on the temperature control, lighting and feeding.

Toxic and harmful products can be caused by the breakdown of protein, investing in a protein skimmer can be extremely effective, a protein skimmer will remove impurities and residue from the aquarium and will purify the water.

Never keep your tank in direct sunlight, this will increase the growth of green algae making your tank unattractive and hard to see into. Having a fish tank in direct sunlight will also cause the water temperature to rise making it harder to control

The bigger the fish aquarium the easier it ill be to maintain a stable water temperature, having a larger tank will also give your fish more room to move, it is also very important to give them lots of places to hide, believe it or not the more places they have to hide the less they will hide.

If you can keep on top of the maintenance then you are sure to have a clean and happy tank.



GARRY

Sarah Munn asked:


Betta Fish, also known as Betta Splendens, Beta Fish and Siamese Fighting Fish, are inexpensive pets and can be quite lovely. Technically, the Betta name refers to about fifty species, but is commonly used as if only Betta splendens is meant. The biggest are normally only around three inches long. Even though there are many stories of the fish surviving in very small containers, experts do recommend a three-gallon tank for best results and there is some controversy about how small a tank is really still acceptable. Betta Fish are native to low oxygen waters, and don’t normally need any aeration. They are tropical fish, and are best kept warm, however. Some owners do claim that their Bettas act happier with an air filtration system even if the fish don’t need it to survive. Bettas normally live two to three years, but in well cared for conditions, some have lived as long as ten.

Betta Fish are native to Thailand and Cambodia. The common name comes from the name of Siam, which is now Thailand, and the territorial battles the males conduct. Like many members of the animal kingdom, the males are the gaudier looking, to better attract females. The females tend to appear rather dull, and almost all Betta Fish sold are males for that reason. In the wild, they are dull greens and browns, but breeders have produced far more stunning color schemes.

Some believe that Bettas cannot be kept with other fish. This is not true. Multiple male Bettas is a precondition for battle. Bettas with other fish around will still display and flare their fins, but won’t see this as a mortal insult. They should not be kept in a tank with fish that are aggressive or that nip fins, and only one male should be present. Female Bettas can usually play well with others, and there are cages to be used to separate male Bettas if they are kept in the same tank. These should prevent the fish from seeing each other.

Betta Fish can handle a surprising range of water conditions, but the water should be changed once a week or so, more often if the fish is kept in a small container. They can be fed once a day, or twice if you desire, and aren’t especially fussy about their food. There is specially formulated Betta food on the market. In the wild, Bettas eat live food, insects and their larvae, and like it in fish tanks, but they will eat flakes and frozen food as well. Do not overfeed as this will require cleaning the tank more often. When changing the water, remember to let the water sit for a day before using it in the tank with the fish to allow the chlorine to evaporate. Good choices for Betta food are brine shrimp, Daphnia, plankton, tubifex, glassworms, and beef heart, and may be used frozen or freeze dried. Flakes should be supplemented with other foods from the list.

Many note the odd bubble structures that male Betta Fish build in the water tank. This is perfectly normal. The male is building a nest in which to place eggs, once he successfully impresses a female.

Bettas prefer a pH between 6.8 and 7.4 and a hardness less than 20 dGH. The temperature should be between 75 and 86 degrees, or twenty-four to thirty for those who prefer Celsius. In the wild, they live in rice paddies, ponds and slow moving streams, and are most comfortable near the surface. One of the main arguments about the minimum size for the fish’s tank is heat. Below 75 degrees, the fish are increasingly listless and it is much easier to keep a larger tank at a stable temperature. Bettas also require access to the surface, and will drown without it. There is a special organ, the labyrinth organ, allowing and requiring them to take oxygen from the air. Because they live in still waters, power filters and power heads are not suitable.

Betta Fish are known for their lovely colors and fins, with a wide range of colors available. Blue to red with white are normal, and more spectacular colors like yellow and orange exist.

Metal poisoning easily kills betta fish, and exposed metal should not be used in decorations within the tank. Decorations are important as they allow the fish places to hide, and a layer of gravel helps to provide surface area to grow nitrifying bacteria. Decorations must be smooth and lack sharp points that can tear fins. Silk is preferred to plastic for artificial plants for this reason.



BILLY

Alison Stevens asked:


Fish tank maintenance is the first step in goldfish care and is an important part of owning a tank of healthy fish. If maintained regularly, aquarium and goldfish care is relatively easy and takes little time.

If you prefer you can hire an aquarium maintenance service to come to your home or office and care for your fish tank and its occupants. On the other hand, taking care of your aquarium fish yourself can be a satisfying and rewarding experience.

The Steps In Goldfish Care

The most important piece of equipment in your fish tank is the filtration system. There are several different types of filtration system. A type of filter that you will frequently encounter is a box that fits over the side of the tank. The water circulates through the filtration system, which usually uses charcoal or a similar filter media to filter out the impurities in the water. Another type of filtration system is a biological filter. Biological filtration can be used in conjunction with a charcoal filtration system, and permits good bacteria to grow in the tank which helps to keep the tank clean.

The number of fish you have in your aquarium can impact on the water quality, especially if you have too many fish in a tank that is too small. It is important to ensure that you have the correct goldfish population for the size of tank you own. Do not overcrowd your fish. After overcrowding, the next most likely cause of problems with your goldfish is overfeeding. Fish should only be fed an amount they can eat within a few minutes. If you feed your goldfish too much, the uneaten food will fall to the bottom of the tank and turn into sludge which will not provide a healthy environment for your fish to live in. Uneaten food can also lead to algal growth.

Partial Water Changes

You will need to perform partial water changes every two weeks or so as a central part of your goldfish care. This keeps the algae level down and helps to maintain a healthy environment for your goldfish. Typically, siphoning off about 20 percent of the water is adequate. Replace with fresh water. If your tap water contains chlorine it is imperative that you add a chlorine neutralizer when adding fresh water to your fish tank.

Observe Your Fish Daily

Observe your goldfish on a daily basis. Ensure that all your equipment is running properly. Always make sure your filter is running as it can sometimes lose its prime if there is a power outage. Make sure your air pump is working properly, too, to ensure your goldfish have plenty of oxygen. Goldfish don’t need a heater but if you have tropical fish they will require a heater to maintain the water temperature.

Just keeping an eye on your fish on a daily basis and observing their behavior can help with your goldfish care and tank maintenance. If you notice any behavioral problems with your fish, take a proactive approach to determine what is wrong with them and treat the symptoms immediately. Sick fish should be put into a quarantine tank if possible while being treated.

Maintaining a clean aquarium and a healthy living environment are not difficult tasks in goldfish care, and a little preventive fish tank maintenance on a regular basis will keep your fish healthy and disease free.



MILES

painful dreaming asked:


i have a semi aggressive tropical fish tank. i was wonderin if you can change the rocks. my rocks are becomin colorless and the are starting to disenagrate. i have a molly, a platy, a corydora, a guppy, a angelfish, pink glo fish tetra, and a tetra. so thanx if you answer
can you change the gravel, because i have heard different stories. so please help me. my rocks are turning to sand and clogging up my filter

EARLE

Renske Buursma asked:


Little do you know, but the goldfish and other finned friends have served as pets for more than thousands of years. From the simple bright orange companion to the colorful display of bright shades of tropical specimens, pet fish are popular. Having a fish for a pet is one of the most relaxing and less time-consuming commitments to make when you’re ready to embrace the animal world into your home. To date, there are more than 120 varieties of goldfish and an endless supply of tropical fish selections to consider.

Out of all the fish choices one can bring into their home, the common goldfish is one of the easiest types of pets to consider because it is the only kind of fish that can reside within a home setting in an uncomplicated cold-water living environment. This is why goldfish are also considered one of the best pets to allow a young child to learn about responsibility.

When it comes to tropical fish, a simple bowl with tap water will not do. These kinds of fish thrive in saltwater, meaning specialized tanks and aquariums are needed to accommodate their well-being. While some individuals feel threatened by bringing a large tank into their home, bigger options are actually easier to maintain than a smaller selection. Plus, the visual intrigue of a large aquarium with an assortment of colorful creatures shimmying and gliding through the water makes a calming scene or impressive conversation piece when family and friends are visiting.

As you ponder the type of fish to select or how to take care of your new pets, below you will find a few suggestions to follow that might make life much easier:

1) You should never handle pet fish with you hands. Whenever they need to be transported, a plastic bag containing water is reasonable. Some people place their bags inside a polystyrene container to help maintain temperature when cleaning tanks or transporting.

2) Refrain from overfeeding your fish because the uneaten leftovers only sit in the water, causing contamination.

3) When looking for a proper place to situate your fish tank, remember to avoid locations with direct sunlight or cold drafts.

4) If your goldfish should reach the size of 12 centimeters or more, they should be relocated to a pond. As a rule of thumb, every 4.5 liters of water should accommodate 2.5 centimeters of body length.

5) To ensure the health and safety of your pet fish, it is important to pay attention to their actions. Healthy fish easily move throughout their environment. When they appear to gulp at the surface of the water, they might need more oxygen in their tank. To remedy this problem, changing the water or adding more plants can increase tank oxygen.

When it comes to fish, you can build a creative and relaxing collection to decorate your home. The beauty of their graceful swimming skills, curious-looking eyes, and delicate nature is what makes the intriguing world of pet fish all the more appealing.



ELMO