Aquariums

The hardness of water refers to the level of dissolved minerals that it contains. The amount of hardness your water should contain depends on the kind of fish you keep in an aquarium, and can be…

In general, when done properly, aquarium sealing should last about 20 years. If your aquarium is cracked or leaking, it may be time to reseal your aquarium. Many people will mistakenly assume that…

An overabundance of air bubbles in your saltwater aquarium can have adverse effects on the aquatic habitat. It can result in trapping the saline properties of the water and forcing them up to the…

The water in freshwater aquariums has almost no salt content. At times, it becomes necessary to add salt to kill bacteria or because of problems with parasites that cause aquarium fish to lose their…

As exotic as squid may be, it can be feasible and practical to raise this delicate marine animal in an aquarium at home. Squid are not the most low-maintenance type of aquatic indoor pet, however, so…

Pet fish are enjoyable and don't require as much care as other types of animals. Many sizes of aquariums are available and are often measured by how many gallons they hold. If you want to fill an…

Seawater naturally contains optimal levels of calcium, bicarbonate and magnesium. These elements combine to determine the level of alkalinity. Owners of a reef aquarium must maintain the conditions…

Fluorescent lighting helps illuminate your aquarium, putting your fish and other creatures on display. In addition, some aquatic plants need lighting to strive and grow. Replacing the fluorescent tube…

Adding an overflow box and sump to your aquarium is a ideal if you are planning on being more serious about keeping fish, as circulating the water helps keep the tank clear and makes adding chemicals…

Aquariums are a wonderful addition to any home because they add aesthetic appeal to your decor while also giving you a new pet or two. However, filling your aquarium can seem like a daunting task.…

Ich, a protozoan parasite, is the most common form of fish illness that occurs in captive aquariums. While ich may exist in all aquariums, it generally doesn't appear until fish are under stress. Once…

A leaking fish aquarium can be a nuisance, but the process of resealing one isn't difficult or complicated, although it can be time consuming. It takes at least 48 hours to see the process through,…

Terrariums and aquariums are both used for housing pet chameleons. Glass and plexiglass terrariums and aquariums are virtually the same in terms of construction. Aquariums tend to be sturdier, as they…

Cloudy aquarium water provides an unattractive focal point in your home, while crystal-clear water goes unnoticed. Cloudy aquarium water is caused by tiny particles from various substances such as…

Gerbils, like all other rodents, require very specific habitat conditions in order to survive and even propagate if the owner desires. Having a habitat specifically designed for the species and a…

In addition to those awarded on the basis of academic record or financial need, some college scholarships are awarded primarily on the basis of the hobbies or interests of the applicant. At the time…

Sometimes circumstances dictate moving a reef to a larger aquarium. Although the process isn't a particularly complicated one, it can be very time consuming. Many parts of the reef, such as the…

If you keep a fresh water aquarium, you may have a population of aquarium snails that breed and multiply in the water. If you add live plants to your aquarium, snail eggs often are hidden within the…

Tenecor acrylic aquariums consist of 100-percent, top-grade acrylic. These tanks come with all the necessary bulkheads, overflows, inlet ports and additional plumbing components that an aquarist may…

Calcium is an important building block for a wide variety of aquarium life but especially for many corals and invertebrates. Low calcium levels can be dangerous, especially if you have a lot of marine…

Aquarium owners often install sumps to help regulate the environment in the aquarium. The additional water stored in a sump acts a reservoir and aquarium owners can use it to introduce additives into…

When deciding which pet to take home from a pet shop, consider how much space and time you'll have to dedicate to your pet. Pets require you to play with them, feed them and keep their living areas…

In addition to contacting old and new friends, viewing photos and commenting on the statuses of others, Facebook users can play games on their Facebook pages. One such game is Happy Aquarium, which…

The glass pieces of most aquariums are sealed with a silicon adhesive in order to ensure that the tank remains watertight. Over time, this sealant can degrade, potentially causing a leak. If you have…

Finding the ideal pH balance in your aquarium's water is the key to your fish having a long and healthy life. Too low, and the water can become alkaline; too high, and it can become acidic. Numerous…

Crawfish — also called crawdads or crayfish — are found in abundance in their natural habitat. For people who don't live around rivers or lakes where the crayfish reside, raising them in a…

Pearls are well-known for their milky luster and perfectly spherical shapes. While pearl-producing oysters are typically harvested in natural environments, some pearl lovers choose to grow their own…

Nitrites are a highly toxic byproduct of ammonia in aquariums. Bacteria in the tank will take ammonia and convert it to nitrite over time. Too much nitrite will almost inevitably kill your fish, with…

When you set up an aquarium, you're establishing a miniature ecosystem. In nature, such a system provides its own checks and balances. An aquarium, however, has the limitation of being a closed…

A terrarium is a see-through container used to grow plants, which the Greeks first used more than 2,500 years ago. Terrariums are used to create mini landscapes or gardens that flourish not matter…

Algae are organisms which look a lot like plants. They can grow in both saltwater and freshwater, and require light and nutrients to grow. A small amount of algae in an aquarium is a sign that the…

Movies like "Happy Feet" and "March of the Penguins" have garnered increased attention for the waddling birds, who most commonly inhabit the southern coasts of Africa, South…

Teeming with all kinds of strange and wonderful marine life species, aquariums are institutions that entertain and educate visitors. It requires an army of staff to keep an aquarium operating…

Ponds defined as “dirty” or “scummy” usually have a lot of duckweed in them. This plant, made of little leaf-looking petals that stick together, can cover a pond with a layer…

From killer whale exhibits to awe-inspring dolphin feats, aquariums feature both common and rare examples of marine life from throughout the world. The director of an aquarium is responsible for…

Aquariums are a high maintenance pet habitat that are more intricate than the typical fishbowl. They contain several species of fish and plants that require specific water conditions in order to…

Contrary to the name, Peacock Bass are not actually bass but are part of the cichlid family. This species of fish is found in northern South America and southern Florida. Certain fish enthusiasts…

Aquatic moss makes a hardy living decoration for any freshwater aquarium. Not only does it add a natural aesthetic to your tank, but it also provides shelter for small fish and shrimp. There are…

Ich, or ichthyophthiriasis, is a fish disease that results in the presence of white spots on the skin, gills and fins. Ich is caused by the presence of a protozoan, or amoeba-like organisms called…

Keeping fish in an aquarium is a hobby that requires less work than other pets, such as dogs or cats. But maintaining an aquarium does require some work, including cleaning the tank and feeding the…

An aquarium sump is a container or reservoir placed beneath or behind the display aquarium. This remote reservoir is connected to the main aquarium via inflow and return pipes and tubes and contains…

A fish is a common choice as a first pet because you don't need to potty train it or teach it not to ruin your personal belongings. However, fish still require an adequate amount of care to keep them…

Clams are intriguing coral reef invertebrates. The term “cherrystone” refers to the size of the clam, and about six to 10 of them will weigh a pound. These creatures are slow-growing, do…

Fish are common choices for pets because they're relatively low maintenance, but don't let this confuse you. Fish need to be fed and their habitat must remain clean for them to thrive. If you have…

Preschoolers often take several field trips during the school year. The public zoo, the local museum and nearest public aquarium are a few often-visited field trip destinations. At a public aquarium,…

Background scenery in an aquarium serves a number of purposes. Scenery adds to the aesthetics of the aquarium, and allows the aquarist an opportunity to hide unsightly pieces of equipment, such as…

Many aquarists prefer to use live plants in their aquariums. Live plants provide a very natural look, but can be difficult to maintain. Designing a planted aquarium is mainly a matter of preference,…

Sitting back and watching fish swim around inside an aquarium makes for a relaxing time. But to see the fish at night you need light up your aquarium. A lighting canopy sits flat on top of the…

While they are known for improving aquarium water quality, snails are not good for aquariums for several reasons. Primarily, since snails have both male and female reproductive organs, they can…

Clams are popular pets to keep in saltwater aquariums because they filter organic material from the water. They are passive, low-maintenance pets, but they require some specific conditions to thrive.…

Mussels are a mollusk found in freshwater locales such as ponds and streams. They are considered to be a bivalve, which means they have a hinged outer shell. Mussels are a seafood delicacy and are…

Algae is a natural part of an aquarium's ecosystem, and will grow even in well-maintained tanks. Small quantities of algae, particularly green algae, are not dangerous. Algae is closely related to…

Cactus is a desert plant that thrives in dry and warm environments. Cacti are often grown as houseplants that last for years with the proper care. Many grow a grouping of cacti in special containers…

An aquarium requires the perfect balance of chemicals if you're going to keep its inhabitants healthy and happy. Calcium is a mineral that often makes its way into home aquariums via tap water. While…

Planktonic algae, always present to some degree in freshwater aquariums, are natural inhabitants of every water ecosystem on our planet. In a healthy aquarium, these microscopic, photosynthetic…

Aquarists use hydrometers to accurately determine the salinity of the water in their marine aquariums. A swing-arm hydrometer -- essentially a hollow acrylic box that contains a needle or pointer that…

Keeping pets happy and healthy is an important part of showing your love for the animals, and each animal comes with its own set of specific instructions for how to show it the best care. Fish and…

The Top Fin aquarium kit is available with virtually everything the hobbyist requires to begin fish keeping. The all-glass aquarium has an attractive black finish and is sealed with non-toxic, 100…

Zoologists study all animals, their behavior and their evolution. While some zoologists work in zoos, many also work in aquariums, museums, animal theme parks, conservation groups, scientific research…

Moving an aquarium waterfall is similar to moving homes. You need to pack everything up and unpack to the new location. The main components of aquarium waterfalls are a submersible pump, false bottom…

One of the keys to keeping tropical fish is to maintain a steady temperature in the aquarium where they live. Tropical fish come from climates where the water is warm, and if the temperature drops too…

Fish in freshwater and saltwater release nitrates and ammonia into the water when urinating. This can quickly turn the tank water into a toxic living environment that can kill the fish. One way to…

Backdrops add depth and beauty to an aquarium, and they also hide filters, tubing and power cords, which are unattractive when visible. Fish are comforted by a backdrop as they know there is one…

Newts are small amphibians averaging about a few inches in length. There are three types of newts: aquatic, semiaquatic and terrestrial. Aquatic newts live their entire lives in water, semiaquatic…

Planaria are small flatworms that often take up residence in aquariums. These creatures -- usually sustained by the overfeeding of resident fish -- are extremely difficult to get rid of once a…

Slate is a natural stone that is commonly used as decoration in fish aquariums. The stone does not alter the pH of the water, and can provide hiding places for fish. Fish owners can use slate found at…

Mainly at night, tiny shrimp-like crustaceans may arise from their under-gravel homes to explore your aquarium tank. About 90 species of these thin, often transparent, amphipods are found in North…

Keeping aquarium shrimp is a rewarding hobby for beginning aquarium keepers. Most aquarium shrimp are fish-friendly and may help clean up the waste produced by their scaly tankmates. However, shrimp…

Nuisance algae is the bane of reef aquarium hobbyists. Algae grows in the presence of light and nutrients. Reef aquariums require intense lights, including powerful metal halide lamps, to allow…

Lobsters are interesting invertebrates to keep in a marine aquarium. The smaller reef-dwelling lobsters, such as the Debelius' or purple reef lobster is a peaceful little crustacean which does not…

Tropical ferns and other aquatic plants help reduce stress for aquarium fish. Reduced stress aids the fish by helping or eliminating parasite attacks, infections and other health conditions. Small…

Copepods are tiny crustaceans that form a significant part of the zooplankton in the oceans. Copepods also form an important food source for numerous fish and invertebrates, including many animals you…

"Insaniquarium Deluxe" from PopCap Games features a virtual aquarium in which you breed and raise fish, while protecting them from invading aliens and also collecting the egg pieces you need to…

Marine fish and invertebrate animals, such as starfish and sea anemones, originate from the stable environment of a coral reef. These creatures are unable to adapt to the changing conditions that are…

One of the many charms of Mystic, Connecticut, is the Mystic Aquarium, specifically for its collection of beluga whales. The whales perform in shows daily, and in standard form with all aquariums, the…

Shedd Aquarium is a popular family-friendly attraction in the Chicago area. If you're planning to visit the city in the near future and plan to visit the aquarium, keep an eye out for discounts. There…

Freshwater aquariums provide habits for freshwater fish. Whether you choose a small five-gallon tank or an elaborate 100-gallon freshwater aquarium, freshwater fish are easy to care for and enjoy.

The most colorful fish you can find in the world live in the saltwater oceans and seas. From Clown Fish to Gobies, there are a number of awesome fish species that can make the ocean waters look like a…

Aquariums are used around the world to view and care for water plants and animals. Aquariums can safely house fish, marine mammals, amphibians, plants and invertebrates. Families typically use small…

Despite devastating losses following Hurricane Katrina, the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas as been revitalized to again be one of the top aquariums in America. Located at the foot of Canal Street…

Ripley's Aquarium has two locations you can visit. One aquarium is in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and the other in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. At Ripley's Aquarium you can encounter marine life up close…

The Vancouver Aquarium in Vancouver, B.C., is a must-see attraction if you will be visiting this area of Canada or are close by in the United States. This is a truly unforgettable experience, since…

Newport Aquarium is a fascinating place to visit with family, friends or business associates. Located on the Kentucky/Ohio border just outside of Cincinnati, this aquarium is a jewel tucked away in a…

A saltwater aquarium can be a beautiful addition to almost any room. Certain additions to a saltwater fish tank, such as corals or anemones, require supplements in order for them to survive and…

Under the sea and across the ocean is where you'd see most of these watery wonders. However, rather than travel miles deep and to foreign coasts, you can see strange creatures from down below by…

Nestled in the picturesque New England countryside is the wonderful town of Mystic, Connecticut. At one time, a bustling fishing village, it now relies on the steady traffic of tourism for its…

The Newport Aquarium, located just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati in Newport, Kentucky, has been named the best aquarium in the Midwest by the "Zagat Travel Guide." The facility showcases…