Use technology

If you don’t have time to keep your tank clean there are ways to makes the task easy or less frequent. All you need to do is get a few filters, aeration pumps, etc. They will keep your fish tanks cleaner for a long time by getting out all the debris.

You will still need to clean it once in a while but not as often as otherwise. Cleaning a tank is not very difficult but will take about half an hour to one hour as you will need to be thorough with the cleaning.

Do not use chemicals

This is an important point which doesn’t get stressed enough. You need to clean the hood and the tank with just water. You can use the help of paper towels or a scrubber to get rid of stubborn dirt from the fish tanks.

Chemicals are very harmful and you may end up killing the fish that are not used to it. Use a siphon to clean the walls and just by using a vaccuum for the debris, you will have a tank ready to take in the fish.

Handling the fish

When you plan to clean the fish tanks, make sure you use a fish net and not your hands as you may end up hurting the fish. A little water should be kept out in a bowl where the fish should be transferred while you clean the tank. If you live in extreme temperatures, put the fish back in the tank only when the temperature is stabilized.

Cleaning accessories

You may have used rocks, artificial grass and other toys in the fish tank which need cleaning as well. This can be cleaned using running water and can be left to dry. You don’t need to empty the water completely as removing just 50% will be sufficient.

The solid filter media will have to be cleaned as well. After you replace everything and connect the electrical equipments, you can transfer the fish back into the fish tanks

About the Author:

There are many verities of the fish tanks at Bits for Pets where you get the best for Your Fish. For more information about fish tanks Visit on Bits for Pets Shop .
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Behavior

The Glass catfish is timid and pefers to be in a small shoal with its own kind but is alright in a community aquarium. Its is a delicate tropical fish that will grow to about 11 cms. It has an unusal behavioral mode as it sometimes rests on the tank bottom, quite still, in the plants.

They may even be leaning to one side or have their head down and appear to be in poor health r even worse, dying! However they are not. This is normal for them and they will suddenly shoot away when disturbed.

Water and Tank Conditions

A temperature range of 25 to 29 degrees centigrade is suited to this fish. Because it is shy you need to provide plenty of hiding places, whether that be by plants or aquarium ornaments

Features and Colors

The most unusual characteristic of the glass catfish is its transparency. Quite often, under certain light conditions, it will appear practically invisible. And at other times you will be able to see its skeleton. Another stand out feature is its two long barbels (whiskers) projecting from the front.

Fin wise, the lower part of the caudal fin is larger than top one. And if you notice black spots on the flanks of the fish then your fish is ill and you need to take action.

Feeding

If you sprinkle food on the surface this fish will eat it as it drops down. Its preference is a diet of small live food.

Breeding Conditions

It appears that the Kryptopterus has not been bred successfully in captivity.

Glass Tetra – Roeboides microlepis (Family: Characidae)

Behavior

Also known as the small scaled glass tetra, its is a sturdy fish that can be argumenatative and cause trouble at feeding times so keep an eye out for that. It likes to stay around the bottom of the tank with its head in a downward position but is quite different in looks from the ‘headstander’ fish.

Water Conditions

Standard tropical tank temperatures will suffice.

Features and Colors

Its has a big mouth, curved back, long body with small scales. Can grow up to 10 cms when adult. Not a true ‘glass’ species as the glass catfish is, as you will not see its skeleton. The yellowish body has a blue-green band along its side and under certain lighting conditions you will see tiny shiny black spots.

The female is a bit thicker in the body than the male and when it is in a breeding status the color in the fins of the male become deeper.

Feeding

Its diet should have a high percentage of live food. Note its quarrelesome nature at feeding times, as mentioned above.

Breeding Conditions

Not easy to breed but not impossible as there have been reports of success. Due to their argumentative nature its is essential that a compatible pair is identified and used to imorove the chances of success. Conditioning and separation of the sexes prior to courtship is also likely to be beneficial. A big tank is preferable and you should note that the courtship is likely to be rough.

Golden Otocinclus – Octocinclus affinis (Family: Loricariidae)

Behavior

Also known as the Dwarf sucking catfish there are other species of the genus Ocycinclus that are nearly identical in all ways to the species described here. Although not a true ‘upside down’ fish it will take up this position below the surface. Even though it is a scavanger your plants should be safe as long as it has vegetable matter to have a go at.

Water and Tank Conditions

It doesn’t like bright light and will need plenty of foliage and places to hide. It can endure a wide range of water temperatures, even lower levels, if there is enough oxygen in the water.

Features and Colors

It will grow to about 4.5 cms, has a long slender body with an overall brown color. It has a dark brown back with a lighter shade underneath and darker mottling. All species of the Octocinclus genus do not have an adipose fin.

The female is a bit bigger and fuller in the body than the male. As a scavenger it has a sucking mechanism formed by the lips and as an armored catfish its scales are rough bony plates. Its eyes are small and its snout is pointed.

Feeding

It is not fussy about food but really prefers vegetable matter and tubifex.

Breeding Conditions

There is not a great deal of information regarding breeding this freshwater tank fish but it has been bred in captivity and reports suggest that sticky egges were laid on the sides of the tank and that the eggs hatched after about two days.

About the Author:
Get your FREE E-Course on fresh water aquariums for setting up a beautiful aquarium with the healthiest, happiest fish around. Paul Curran is webmaster at Fresh-Water-Aquariums-Guide.com and provides a care information system for fresh water aquariums and you can learn about more freshwater tank fish
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Tilapia are usually though of as being a fish for your plate more than an aquarium fish, but these fish can also be good in aquariums. Tilapia are very hardy and strong fish that can adapt well to many conditions and will eat just about anything.

This can make tilapia good to keep in an aquarium but they are not so good as community fish since they can be territorial and because they will eat just about anything.

Tilapia are native to Africa where they can be found in streams, rivers and lakes. Tilapia can be very prolific and have been introduced into parts of the world, often to control aquatic vegetation. In many of these areas populations have exploded and they have become invasive pests.

Tilapia aquariums are best if they can be large enough to give the fish plenty of free space to swim. Keeping plants in a tilapia tank can be a problem since they will likely be eaten or dug up or most likely both. If you do have plants you will probably want to protect the roots with rocks or similar objects that will keep these fish from digging them up.

Expect the plants to be kept well mowed. If you are able to have plants, even if it is temporary, the tilapia will appreciate them for food. Plants that are hardy will be best and you will probably want to avoid expensive plants.

In a tilapia aquarium it is good to have rocks and other objects like driftwood for hiding places. Positioning them to make caves for the fish is good but keep in mind these fish can be diggers and may be likely to rearrange things.

Tilapia are mouth breeders and are an easy fish to breed and can be very prolific breeders. Because of this, tilapia are often used as fish food.

Learn about tilapia farming.

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About the Author:
aquarium driftwood
buy manzanita aquarium wood.
Tilapia Aquarium Fish
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Fish Tanks

Before investing in a tank for your fish, you’ve got to think about the type of fish you want to put in it. Some salt water get very large and you’ll want to have a tank large enough to accommodate your fish.

Once you’ve purchased your tank, make sure that you have a good place in your home for it. It should be kept away from direct sunlight, which can raise the internal temperature significantly.

Also make sure that you have a quality stand for the tank. A 25 gallon tank can weigh as much as 250 pounds and you certainly don’t want that to spill.

Setting the Tank Up

Once you’ve filled your tank with water, add the premixed salt mixture to the tank and allow it the settle for a few days before adding your fish. Then set up the plants and decorations you would like to use. Allow them to acclimate to the environment for a couple of days.

Once you’re ready to add your fish, make sure to do it slowly. You may want to add small amounts of the tank water to their current housing space every ten minutes or so. After about an hour, begin adding them to the tank.

Upkeep and Maintenance

Check the temperature and cleanliness of your tank on a daily basis. The key to happy healthy fish is an ideal living environment. Every three weeks or so you will need to remove about 25% of the tank’s water and replenish it with new water. As long as you are diligent, perceptive and knowledgeable, your fish will be fine.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/salt-water-fish-fish-tanks-and-maintenance-1682559.html

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The downside to owning a large fish tank is that it is more work to clean it every week (preferable.) If you want your fish to live a long time and your tank to look clean and clear and free from algae overtaking your habitat then you’ve got to properly clean your tank. Here are the basics.

Siphoning

At least once a week you should siphon out 20% of the water from your tank into a giant bucket and then replace that old water with new tap water that has been properly treated to remove the harmfull acid and iron from the water. When siphoning make sure you dig around into the rocks to get all the waste and leftover food out that has fallen to the bottom.

Don’t worry about scaring your fish they should be fine with your sticking your hand and siphon into the tank and going over it thoroughly. When you put the new water into the tank don’t just pour it in which can upset the landscaping but use the siphon to slowly filter the new water into the tank.

Algae scraper

These tools are cheap and effective. Use a squeegee like algae scraper to clean up the walls of your tank from being overrun with algae which not only looks bad but can be harmful to your tank. If you are looking for an easier solution invest in buying an algae eater fish like a pleco which will roam around your tank at night and help to keep it clean and free from algae.

Don’t overfeed

The amateur mistake of first time fish keepers…don’t overfeed your fish as it can lead to waste buildup in your tank. Feed them a small amount of flakes or pellets about twice a day to keep them healthy and satisfied. Remember that it is always more safe to underfeed than to overfeed.

Alan McGee is a freelance writer from MN.

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1. If the “glass-like” material is too cheap, it won’t be able to hold much and it could bust open when you add water leaving a stinky mess on your freshly vacuumed carpet.
2. Your fish could become really ill from particles of cheaply made accessories contaminating their water and their food source.
3. It might not be way too small for your fish.
4. It could be stylistically way too different from the rest of your rooms, making it a forced, and honestly an ugly addition to your home.
5. It will become dirtier much faster and most times they are actually harder to clean due to the cheap faux glass that they are made with.
6. Your fish will begin to rebel and cause much more trouble in the tank than if you had the proper, more expensive materials present.
7. Your fish may not reproduce or decide to boycott eating any of their food leaving you with a super cloudy tank and a lonely couple of fish.

Getting cheap fish tanks is really not recommended. There are some deals out there but just be sure they are using real glass and that it is put together properly. The last thing you need is a leaking fish tank that leaves a horrible stank in your house for weeks on end. Do the right thing, spend a little more on your fish tank. It will save you time and money in the long run.

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1. Fish tanks impress kids who love animals and drunk people who are easy to entertain.
2. Creative people are usually intrigued by fish tanks, although sometimes they like the colors and backgrounds more than the fish themselves.
3. Toilet fish tanks have become popular because they keep things interesting, no matter what you are doing in there.
4. Some people make it a full on bathroom theme and get an entire fish tank to make up their sink and toilet areas.
5. Toilet fish tanks definitely stir up conversation.
6. Kids love toilet fish tanks.
7. Newer types of fish tanks can be put into old TV or computer monitors to make for an interesting conversation piece.
8. Fish tanks are expensive over time so serious fish lovers or people with children generally invest in them.
9. Certain fish such as the betta fish are not allowed to be in the same tank as one another, they will indulge in murder.
10. Places like the Rainforest Café are known for having extravagant, swirling, blocks long fish tanks that are cooler than any other fish tank that can fit into a home.
11. Fish tank stands are great because the provide a lot of room for other things such as shelving space, storage cubberts, and not to mention a decorative element.
12. Some people take over five years to create the perfect, sustainable fish tank stand for their home.

Fish tanks aren’t for everyone but they sure are fun to have and fun to look at!

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/random-things-about-fish-tanks-1646193.html

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1. Before you bring your betta fish home, make sure that you’ve got all of the necessary equipment. Betta fish tanks are relatively inexpensive; just make sure that it holds at least 3 gallons of water. Make sure to wash it out if you’ve purchased it used, but avoid using soap as it may be toxic to your fish. Just use piping hot water instead. Next fill it up with tap water or bottled water. Avoid distilled water. If you use tap water you will need to add water conditioner. Follow the directions on the bottle for specific amounts.
2. Next you will need to purchase a water heater for the tank. Bettas are happiest in water temperatures of 78 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat the water up with your water heater and be sure to check the thermometer daily to ensure the temperature is stable. Do not place the tank in direct sunlight as this may affect the water temperature as well.
3. Once you’ve prepared your tank, you can go out and purchase your male betta. Make sure that the fish appears healthy. Check for a bubble nest at the top of the aquariums as this is a sign of happiness. Make sure that the betta you choose is lively and brightly colored.
4. When you bring your betta home, place the closed travel container into the tank. Allow the travel container temperature to adjust to the tank water temperature. Allow your new betta to get used to the tank water by adding a little bit of tank water to its travel container. After about ten minutes, remove the fish and place it into the tank.
5. Purchase betta fish flakes to feed your betta. Follow the directions on the bottle for specific instructions on how much and how often.

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1. First you will need to look at fish tanks for your new fish. You may want to invest in an aquarium kit. Tetras are tropical fish so their aquarium needs differ from most fish. A kit will come with everything that you need for the ideal tropical environment for your fish. Make sure to set up the tank before you bring your tetra home. You will need to line the bottom of the tank with sand and fill it with de-chlorinated water. Make sure to add plenty of plants so that your tetra will have several hiding places. Make sure to cycle the water so that the nitrogen and ammonia is diluted properly.
2. Next go out and purchase your tetra fish. Make sure that you go to a reputable pet store with a knowledgeable staff on hand. Look for signs of neglect as this may have an affect on the health of your tetra.
3. Once you’ve purchased you tetra, allow it some time to get acclimated to its new environment. You may want to place the travel container into the tank and allow it to heat up to the same temperature then slowly add small amounts of the aquarium water to the container. After about ten minutes place the fish into the tank.

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The most important thing to bear in mind with plants is to form an attractive background, leaving ample space so the fish can swim undisturbed and be seen. The tall, grassy type is best planted at intervals in rows, while the feathery ones look better when they are bunched into small clumps, which makes them to appear like branching bushes.

When planting rooted plants, hold the tips of the bunch of roots between the thumb and second finger and rest them on the sand. Now with the first finger push the upper part of the roots (where they join the stem) about 2cm into the sand. Without moving this finger scrape with the thumb and second finger some sand over any uncovered portion of the root.

When putting in rootless plants in bunches, the method explained above is repeated, but this time the lower ends of the stems are placed together and treated exactly as if they were roots.

It is important that the water surface should be right up to the lower edge of the top angle iron of the tank, so that looking from the front the water surface can not be seen and the viewer gets the impression that there is no water in the aquarium. If the level is allowed to fall below the top angle iron the tank looks like a container holding water.

Aquarium Lighting is also important for aquarium plants

This depends greatly on whether you intend to successfully grow plants or not. Lack of light causes colorful fish to fade and clanch-reds to pink, green to white. The two main methods of lighting aquarium are by the INCADESCENT and FLOURESCENT.

The total amount of light required is a matter of trial and error. Too much light will turn the water green; too little will stunt plant growth.

The lighting can be natural or artificial or a combination of both. The best position is near a north facing window. This should provide the ideal amount of indirect lights which an be supplemented by artificial light.

The lighting should be housed in wood constructed stylishly with the furniture and placed above the tank. if there is no natural day light, the lights should be left on for approximately eight hours per day.

If the water turns green, you cut down on the light.

The best light for showing off an aquarium comes from behind.

Read about jugging for catfish and how to catch catfish at the Types Of Catfish website.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/a-guide-to-aquarium-lighting-and-plants-1595004.html

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