Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
Betta fish are known for their flowing tails and fins, as beautiful and delicate as lace. Under optimum conditions, bettas can live for two or three years. If you are fortunate enough to have your betta that long, you might at times notice small holes and tears in his fins and tail. There are a number of causes, but thankfully tears are simple to repair and easy to avoid.
Orange barb fish are commonly called tiger barbs or Sumatra barbs; they have the scientific name Barbus tetrazona. Originating from Indonesia and Malaysia in Southeast Asia, the colorful orange barb has four vertical black stripes on its body, similar to the stripes on a tiger. Tiger barbs can have orange and black fins and may have light orange or gold bodies with black stripes.
Cichlids are widely known among aquarium hobbyists for being aggressive. In tanks where more than one male is present, one of the males usually establishes dominance and the other becomes subordinate. Dominant male cichlids typically exhibit enhanced coloration and receive more attention from females in the tank. These fish can also become aggressive and antagonistic toward other fish, especially other males, in the tank. Removing a dominant male cichlid from the tank will not solve this problem, but there are several things you can do to make the presence of a dominant male cichlid easier on your other fish.
Goldfish are amusing pets that display many different types of behavior, such as swimming at the top of the water when you approach the tank in anticipation of feeding time. Like all animals, goldfish need to have periods of rest in order to conserve energy. When a goldfish hovers in the corner of the tank and moves her fins only occasionally, it may be that she is resting or sleeping.
Tetras are tropical freshwater fish, part of the Characidae family in the Characiformes genus. A popular fish for aquarists is the neon tetra, a bright silver fish with delicate-looking fins, a brilliant neon blue vertical stripe running along the center of the body and an iridescent red stripe starting at the center of the body and ending at the caudal fin. While there are a number of fish now commonly sold under the name "tetra," the fish's name origin may actually surprise you.
The ryukin goldfish, commonly referred to as a fantail goldfish, is frequently confused with koi because of its long, elaborate tail and brightly colored body. You can differentiate between ryukin goldfish and koi and other goldfish by the hump on top of the ryukin's body and by the three to four lobes on the caudal fin. Unlike other goldfish species, ryukins can live several years in captivity if they receive proper care.
A koi pond drain is not a "drain" in the typical sense. It does not empty the pond, but works in conjunction with the pond's filter to keep the ecosystem clean for healthy koi fish. The bottom drain collects the heavy waste that sinks to the bottom of the pond and flows down the drainpipe to a basket that catches the waste. The water then filters back up into the pond by way of a water pump and filter bed, which removes smaller particles from the water.
Cichlids are freshwater fish found in tropical regions throughout the world. However, many that are kept as pets originate from Africa. There are more than 900 African cichlid species that display varying degrees of aggressiveness and territorial tendencies. Though cichlids are popular among aquarium hobbyists, owners of these fascinating fish must provide tank conditions with their potentially-aggressive behaviors in mind. Creating an aquarium substrate with adequate hiding places is vital for cichlids to thrive and reproduce. Because cichlids can be disruptive to aquarium decor, rocks arranged to create safe hiding places make an ideal cichlid substrate.
Nano-reef aquariums are saltwater tanks that are much smaller than typical reef tanks. Nano-reef tanks may be as small as five gallons (19 liters) but no larger than 30 gallons (114 liters). Many aquarium hobbyists enjoy keeping these types of reef tanks because they are primarily self-contained and require little care. When nano-reef tanks are set up correctly and maintained with proper lighting, cleaning and water-changing techniques, the aquatic life in these aquariums will thrive.
Cichlids are medium-sized semi-aggressive fish that can be safely housed in small groups. Most species in the pet trade are from the Amazon River Basin and require a warm, tropical aquarium environment. Although these fish are relatively hardy, proper husbandry is vital to maintaining fish health. With the right tools, a cichlid aquarium can function as a miniature ecosystem that requires only minimal intervention and treatment.
Considered an easy fish to maintain, both mollies and guppies are desired by first-time aquarium owners as well as seasoned fish owners. Both are live breeders, meaning offspring or "fry" are birthed directly into the water, swimming immediately, rather than laid as a fish egg to emerge later. While they do not do well in the same tank -- mollies can be aggressive and nip the long fins of guppies -- their habitat requirements are strikingly similar.
The Super Red Empress, the protomelas taeniolatus, is a variation of Red Empress cichlid bred specifically to have bright red coloration on its body. Also known as the Spindle Hap, this tropical freshwater fish is favored by aquarium hobbyists for its beauty and easy care. In addition, with proper tank size, hiding places, water conditions and adequate male-to-female ratio, the Super Red Empress is easy to breed in captivity.
Texas has only one native species of cichlid, called, unsurprisingly, the Texas cichlid (Herichthys cyanoguttatus). In fact, it is the only cichlid in the United States. However, the species comes in two varieties, which need similar housing and care. The main varieties are the red Texas cichlid, which is a hybrid, and the blue Texas cichlid. A third fish goes by the same name; this is the green Texas cichlid (Hericthys carpintis), which is actually a completely different species, originally from Mexico. Note that aquarium suppliers often misidentify their fish, so always check a guidebook before purchase or, preferably, buy…
The Texas cichlid is the only species of cichlid native to the United States. These fish are popular in the aquarium hobby and are relatively easy to breed if you are able to find a compatible pair. Matching a pair of Texas cichlids can be a tricky process, but if you are able to do it successfully you may be rewarded with a healthy clutch of eggs. While adult cichlids will guard their eggs, there are a few things you can do to increase the chances of the eggs hatching and the fry being raised to maturity.
Guppies are one of the most proliferate fresh water fish you can buy. Most female guppies breed every 30 days and can give live birth to as many as 200 fry in a single liter. In large tanks it’s possible for multiple guppies to be pregnant at the same time. Separating pregnant guppies from each other and from other community fish is necessary to ensure fry grow into adult guppies, rather than become food for mom or other tank-mates.
Though it can be difficult to distinguish between a sleeping goldfish and a dead goldfish, there are numerous ways to determine if the fish is truly dead. While a goldfish can simply die one day, he may appear sick in the days leading up to his death. A dying goldfish may remain behind aquarium rocks or plants, as most animal species will attempt to "hide" when ill or dying. A fish that does not eat is also a sign of illness or impending death. Take measures to ensure the fish really is dead before you remove him from the tank.
As the name suggests, peacock cichlids (genus Aulonocara) come in vivid colors, especially the males. Females and young males have muted colors, but adult males have nearly neon scales in vibrant yellows, blues, golds, reds and oranges, attracting aquarium owners as well as the target audience of females. These species are native to the same huge lake, Lake Malawi in Africa, and are relatively straightforward to care for.
A garden pond at the edge of a wooded area looks appealing, but less so when you're the one who has to maintain the pond. Leaves that fall into ponds can clog filters, cause water to become murky, and even harm fish and other pond inhabitants when large quantities of them decompose over winter. Gardeners with ornamental ponds can solve leaf problems before they get to their pond's filter by constructing a simple leaf guard for use in the fall.
A koi pond is not just a water feature, it is a focal point to build your landscaping around. Connecting two koi ponds with a waterfall makes an impressive custom-designed centerpiece for your yard. It is not just a spot for observation, conversation and reflection, it also provides the gentle white noise of falling water, which can help cover background noises from nearby houses and roads.
Air scrubbers remove particulates, gases and other contaminants from the air in a building. The air scrubbers draw air from the environment and pass it through a series of filters to remove the contaminants, and then send the air back to the building. Often the air scrubbers are combined with cooling and heating towers for a total environmental control system. When the cooling towers are located outdoors, the water in the towers is exposed to sunlight and algae can result. The algae, if not controlled, decreases the efficiency of the unit and can get into the filtered air.
Pumps help circulate water within ponds, an essential function for bodies of water without natural movement. This circulation prevents the pond from becoming stagnant and helps supply oxygen to the water. Two types of pumps exist for koi ponds -- external and submersed. Plumbing for external pumps requires a set up that takes water from the pond, pumps it through a filter and returns it to the pond. Setting up an external filter and plumbing is relatively simple.
Bull, or bullhead catfish, is a medium to large catfish, large enough to be considered monster fish, but not so large that it can't be handled. Ranging in size from about 11 inches to 25 inches, bull catfish are popular as aquarium pets. Bullheads are easy to catch with a basic hook, line and a worm. If you plan to keep a bull catfish as a pet, use a barbless hook so you don’t damage his mouth.
Ultraviolet light (UV) pond clarifying filters help kill microscopic organisms in pond water, particularly algae. Algae, although a tiny single-celled plant, is a big problem in ponds because it multiplies so rapidly. It not only looks unsightly, but can use up the available oxygen content in the pond water, causing fish to gasp at the surface for air. No matter what type of UV filter is used for a pond, it is still no substitute for algae control techniques such as regularly skimming fallen plant material out of the water.
Koi aren’t known for their ability to leap great heights so you’ve probably never heard of the orange fish escaping their ponds. Fact is, a koi pond collar isn’t just for aesthetics or installed to keep fish contained; it’s insurance for folks who don’t want to see a landscaping investment head downstream as a result of soil erosion, rock wall collapses, disintegrating waterfall components, and decomposing design features. You’ve likely spent plenty of money on your koi pond; add a structural finish that can add years to its life and your enjoyment.
Even a single goldfish requires a lot of room for its living space. A single goldfish should have at least 20 gallons of water for the aquarium it resides in. Additional goldfish should have their own 10 gallons of space, even though they both reside comfortably in the same space, suggests Doctors Foster and Smith of Pet Education.com. However, goldfish tend to grow, sometimes quadrupling in size. As the goldfish grow, so does the amount of waste material they produce. Eventually, especially if you decide to keep a few goldfish at one time, you will need to upgrade your goldfish…
Adding a railing to the perimeter of your outdoor goldfish pond allows you and your family to observe the beauty of the fish while protecting you from an unplanned dip in the pond, much as zoo railings keep you from getting too close to exotic animals. Instead of paying hundreds of dollars for a professional to make a custom handrail, create your own in little time using PVC. PVC is inexpensive, easy to assemble and won’t rust like metal railings.
The African butterfly cichlid (Anomalochromis thomasi) is a member of the Cichlid fish family, one of the largest vertebrate families in the world. Like most in its family, the African butterfly cichlid is a tropical fish in its native environment and must have similar feeding and living conditions for survival in captivity. An African butterfly cichlid coexists peacefully with other fish close to its own size.
Goldfish are among the hardiest of fish, which has led to myths that goldfish can survive in most environments. Goldfish are also cheap, easily replaceable and believed to have short lives, so some might think that it is not worth the effort to create an ideal goldfish environment. Despite the myths, a goldfish can live twenty years or longer with proper care, and fancy goldfish can cost more than tropical fish.
Peering through murky, algae-ridden water in your fish tank to try and spot your goldfish is far from ideal. Excess algae can result from the water not being changed often enough or from overfeeding your fish, both of which ultimately provide algae with the nutrients it needs to thrive. Keep in mind that a little bit of algae in the tank can be healthy for your fish, since they eat it and it serves as a digestive aid, so you don't need to eliminate it entirely.
Aquatic plants, including microscopic algae, oxygenate water and absorb wastes excreted by fish and other pond life. When nutrients overwhelm the system, algae blooms lower visibility in the pool and can turn the water dark green. Biological and mechanical filters, along with aeration, help control algae growth in decorative ponds, but the water returning to the pool still carries both bacteria and algae. Ultraviolet light sterilizers installed in the return line clarify the pond water without chemicals.
Koi are gleaming, colorful pond fish and digging your own koi pond can add a relaxing focal point to your yard without a major investment. But there are a few precautions to take when planning a koi pond, most involving choosing a site and depth. A pond that will hold more than 1500 gallons of water could be a big enough job to warrant a backhoe. Get some brawny help for the big dig, rent a machine to do it for you or tackle it in stages if your pond project is a solo effort.
Fantail goldfish are easy to pick out in an aquarium by their shape, their color patterns and, of course, their tail. They are oval -- almost egg-shaped -- and come in a variety of colors, most prominently a reddish orange and matt, which is almost white in color and the tail fin is split in two distinct sections that are long and slightly forked. Fantail goldfish are very hardy and adaptable to minor changes in water quality or temperature. With proper care, a red and white fantail goldfish can live up to 10 or more years.
The filter tube on a fish aquarium is part of the filter and pump system that sucks the soiled or dirty water up from inside the aquarium and then distributes it through the filter system. The filter tubes typically extends downward at least half or three-quarters of the depth of the aquarium. Longer filter tubes, which rest several inches from the bottom of the tank, are efficient because they help to collect the waste that tends to gather at the bottom. Many pet shops sell filter tube extensions that simply attach to the existing filter tube. Be sure to write…
Sharpnose Puffer fish are native to the reefs of the Caribbean, Hawaii and throughout the Indian Ocean. This fish grows to be nearly five inches long and requires a special diet to maintain good dental health. In the fish’s native habitat the puffer feeds on mussels, shrimp and a host of other small reef inhabitants as well as graze on the ocean floor eating algae and sea grasses. This diet is also necessary for captive puffers.
Croaking Gourami grow to reach 2.5 inches. This small fish shares its native habitat with the Betta in Southeast Asia. This interesting little fish is also known as the talking Gourami due to the clicking sound makes as it swims. While breeding the Croaking Gourami may be difficult, feeding the fry (newly hatched Gourami babies) doesn’t have to be. Commercially prepared fry foods and homemade fry food recipes are easy to make and even easier to feed to the young Croaking Gourami.
Goldfish are a common and inexpensive children’s pet. You can win them at a local fair or carnival or buy them at the pet store. They are relatively simple to care for and prefer their tank water at about 70 degrees. Goldfish require a high-fiber diet, prefer still water, are susceptible to diseases from algae and move more slowly than other fish. Goldfish also eat smaller fish. All of these factors mean that there are only a handful of fish that make good tank mates for common goldfish.
African cichlids require a high pH between 7.0 and 9.0 on the pH scale. While not all cichlids require the same pH, the majority of cichlids are comfortable with ph levels around 8.5. Several factors affect the pH in a cichlid tank. Reducing the pH level in steps by altering only one tank factor at a time can increase your chances of obtaining and maintaining an accurate alkalinity.
Feeding goldfish can be a challenge when no matter how much or how little you feed they seem to be ready to eat. Overfeeding your goldfish can result in poor tank conditions and dead fish. Incorporating a feeding schedule that maximizes the health of your goldfish can be achieved by keeping a few trusted rules in mind during routine feedings and learning your tank's feeding behaviors.
African Cichlids are a popular aquarium fish due to their wide variety of vibrant colors and patterns, hardiness and engaging personalities. They are also known for their aggression, which can make mixing new African Cichlids into an existing aquarium population challenging. Due to their aggression, African Cichlids cannot be kept with all species of tropical fish, and some aquarists even recommend keeping only African Cichlids species of the same African lake together. Before mixing African Cichlid fish into an aquarium, make sure all species are compatible.
A koi pond is not only an aesthetically pleasing addition to your garden or patio but also a soothing one. Koi are colorful, delicate fish that inspire serenity with their graceful movements. Creating an elevated wood koi pond is not a project for the novice builder. In addition to some previous woodworking experience, those wishing to tend koi must have a good knowledge of the care koi require to thrive.
Fading colors or lethargy in freshwater angelfish may be signs of stress. Fish do have feelings and constant stress is not only unpleasant for them but can lead to physical problems, notably infections. To de-stress your fish, or to ensure they don’t get stressed in the first place, provide a suitable habitat with plenty of hiding and resting places. Angelfish also need companions of the same species because they are social animals, forming close bonds with their partners.
Goldfish hold the distinction of being the first foreign fish species introduced to North America, and they have been resident on the continent since the early 1600s. All goldfish are from the same species, but more than 20 different varieties exist, of which fantail and veiltail are just two. Fantails and veiltails have much in common, including their single dorsal fin, their metallic or calico color scheme and their minimum body length of around 2.25 inches. However, once you know what to look for, it’s easy to tell the difference between the two.
Though koi are resilient fish that survive well in a wide range of environmental conditions, it is important to construct a pond that facilitates healthy water quality and provides enough space for the fish to develop. While building a round koi pond yourself may seem like a daunting task, with careful planning and construction, adding a water feature to your landscape that is easy to manage and keeps fish healthy is a simple process. And in the end, you will have an attractive centerpiece for your home garden.
Goldfish originate in Asian fresh water sources such as cool streams, rivers and ponds. They are also omnivores, which mean they eat anything and everything. In the wild as well as in tank conditions, goldfish graze and eat continually. Nevertheless, this appearance of hunger should not be recognized as starvation. While it is unlikely that a goldfish will starve to death, some situations occur when a goldfish may not be feeding or is incapable of feeding due to illness or pecking order.
Backyard water features are not only stunning landscape focal points, they often help bring your family closer to nature. Koi ponds are particularly beautiful, providing year-round interest. Although koi are ornamental versions of the common carp, their intense coloring in shades of orange, red, white, black and gold sets them apart from other fish. Building a koi pond may be a labor-intensive project, however, the results are well worth it. A rigid, pre-formed liner is not only easier for beginners to install, it also ensures that you'll have the perfect, symmetrical pond.
Care for your freshwater newt by creating a habitat with plenty of clean, fresh water. According to "National Geographic," newts, which are amphibians, need to be near water to keep their skin moist. Like other amphibians, newts are cold-blooded, which means they are dependent on their environment to stay warm.
A koi pond is an elegant addition to your yard. It is also a practical addition, because freshwater koi can thrive in tap or hose water. However, you still need to maintain a koi pond as you would any other fish environment. That means you'll need a water purifier. This keeps the pond clean and filled with nutrients. You can build an inexpensive water purifier for your koi pond in minutes.
Goldfish are cold water fish that can live 10 to 20 years if cared for properly. While some people put goldfish in a bowl with little else, part of proper care is providing the right sized aquarium with effective filtration, pump and lighting systems. The aquarium should contain both gravel and hiding places.
Most fish enthusiasts keep aquatic pets in an aquarium or outdoor pond. However, many types of fish can be kept in completely different containers, such as troughs, as long as proper care is given to ensure their health. Keeping fish in troughs is easier to manage than a full pond. Some fish are even kept in horse or cow water troughs, in order to help keep mosquitoes from developing in the water. In many ways, keeping fish in a trough is very similar to keeping them in an aquarium.
A goldfish is a perfect starter pet for young children, as they don’t require excessive cleanup, won’t make noise or destroy the child’s toys -- and they're amusing to watch. They also require enough work that the child learns the responsibilities required of a pet owner. Children don’t need fancy aquariums to care for their first fish. A simple fish tank you allow the child to decorate will make the child feel more responsible and involved with his pet.
