Reef Fish

Dangers in the Marine Underworld

2010-04-05T19:20:00.000+02:00

Marine life is extremely different from that of terrestrial life. The underwater experience is like no other. Coral reefs have diversity that is only comparable to the diversity found in the rainforest.

Coral reefs house animals of every shape, size, and color. The Coral reef has been around for an enormous number of years. Some of the reefs have been forming for the past 25 million years. Diving to see this amazing environment is extraordinary because of all the diversity that you can see in one area.

Some of the animals you may encounter on a dive will be beautiful, but dangerous. It is a good idea to know what sea life to watch out for. Don't be scared just be educated about what kind of sea life there is and the potential danger that may arise from it.

Probably, the most widely known animal a diver may encounter is the shark. The majority of species of shark are harmless, even though many people have a great fear of them. A diver that comes face to face with a shark does not have a great chance of being bitten. The chance of being bitten by a shark is actually very slight.

Sharks are unpredictable creatures even though they don't typically attack humans. When a person is attacked, it is usually at dusk when the visibility is poor. The shark cannot see very well and thinks the diver is a fish or food.

Eels are another animal a diver may encounter underwater. The moray eel is the most common eel encountered in temperate waters by divers. Several species of this eel can be up to ten feet long. Eels are nocturnal animals roaming the waters at night and not coming out too much during the day. They typically stay in their holes during the day. Divers that get bitten are usually those that pry off an oyster or abalone, and then reach back into the hole to get it. The eel mistakes the diver's hand for food and then bites it.

Electric rays may be encountered on a dive also. They are animals that have the ability to shock you. This shock is something that a diver definitely wants to avoid. It's not going to kill the diver; it's just going to be very painful. It's best to avoid the electric eel all together.

Jellyfish are another animal to avoid. Jellyfish are free-floating in the open sea. They drift wherever the water takes them, and can often come in contact with divers. Depends on the species, the sting can be mild to severe. Two forms of jellyfish should be avoided at all costs. Those are the Portuguese-Man-of-War and the sea wasp. The Portuguese-Man-of-War's sting can put a diver in the hospital for a while, and the sea wasp can kill a diver in less than either minutes. No jellyfish sting is pleasant, but these two are by far the most dangerous.

Other animals in the sea that can be potentially dangerous are the sea urchins, mollusks, sea lions, and others. Diving in the sea can be an experience like no other, but precautions need to be taken in it like anywhere else. Divers should learn about their surroundings before entering the sea and be aware of potential dangers. The only way to know what to do when encountering a potentially dangerous animal is to educate yourself before the situation occurs.

About the Author

To read about dog stroke symptoms and bronchitis in dogs, visit the Dog Illness site.

Saltwater Reef Aquarium Setup - Beauty and Color

2010-04-05T19:16:00.000+02:00

If you are getting to a more advanced level in aquarium hobbies, then you might venture into the vivid and wonderful world of saltwater reef aquariums. This type of aquarium is really a microcosm or small scale model of a coral reef, containing organisms both live and inanimate such as fish, invertebrates and beautiful corals.

In a reef aquarium, a marine ecosystem is simulated by the organisms as they interact with each other. Well-studied lighting, excellent water conditions, proper filtration and oxygen levels must all work together to contribute to a healthy, vibrant reef micro-system.

What's In A Reef Aquarium?
The saltwater reef aquarium community is made up of corals, anemones, sponges and fish that are normally found in reefs. This type of aquarium has a natural coral rock base on which a variety of organisms thrive. Moving along the corals and sponges are an assortment of colorful fish such as clown fish, Purple Tangs and angel fish, among others. Other invertebrates such as clams, snails, starfish and hermit crabs may also be included in this living scenery. All of these thrive in simulated seawater substitute that is specifically formulated for reef aquariums. This special mix of deionized water and sea salts mimics actual ocean water and contains the necessary natural chemicals of saltwater.

Saltwater Aquarium Lighting - The Importance of Proper Lighting
In a true reef, life thrives due to lighting by the sun, but in saltwater reef aquariums, the marine fauna must rely on the light that comes from aquarium lighting. Photosynthesis - which is at the heart of the food cycle in a reef - cannot occur naturally without sufficient light, and this will be detrimental to the life of the aquarium. Controlled lighting of very high levels is needed in order for saltwater reef aquariums to successfully host life. Controlled lighting simulates the cycle of the reef: at the beginning of the day, invertebrates absorb simulated sunlight. During this time, the fish become increasingly active. At the end of the day, simulated dusk and moonlight levels cause the invertebrates to reproduce thus sustaining the life cycle of the reef.

Aquarium Maintenance - Temperature - PH - Filtration
Keeping the saltwater reef aquarium livable requires proper maintenance. Temperature levels should be kept between 76 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Acidity or pH levels should be maintained at about 8.4, while salinity should be kept constantly at 1.021 specific gravity. In order to control algae from becoming too plenteous, a twice-weekly scrub to clean the tank should be practiced. Installing a few algae-eaters such as snails and crabs will also help keep algae levels down. Since the aquarium is teeming with life, toxins from the waste products will abound unless properly cleaned by filtration methods. A protein-skimmer achieves this by passing air bubbles through a column of water so that the pollutants catch on, float to the top of the skimmer and are subsequently removed. The inclusion of a biological filter known as a live rock is also essential to the saltwater reef aquarium. This type of rock plays host to nitrogen-eating bacteria, which remove carbon dioxide, nitrogen, phosphorus and other harmful chemicals. The more live rocks that are in an aquarium, the better.

More modifications may be made to this type of aquarium as long as the tank does not become overcrowded and the aqueous environment is not rank with too many additives. The saltwater reef aquarium is a satisfying achievement for any aquarist so long as it is setup after doing proper research and it is maintained correctly.

About the Author

Denis Gardner is a saltwater reef aquarium enthusiast and enjoys helping others get started in the amazing hobby. His newest book, "The Ultimate Guide to Saltwater Aquariums", teaches aquarists everything they need to know about starting and maintaining a beautiful, thriving saltwater aquarium.

Learn About Live Coral Before Setting Up a Reef Tank

2010-04-05T19:14:00.000+02:00

Live coral can create a beautiful and mystical underwater scene in your home or office, and once you have set up an aquarium and filled it with some of these wondrous creatures you might find that you don't need any fish at all. You may also find that some fish, like the Golden Butterfly, are not compatible with reef aquariums because they like to eat the corals. So before you go looking for live coral for sale, you will want to learn as much about caring for these saltwater animals as possible.

The first thing you will need to do before you shop for live coral is set up your aquarium. Most hobbyists suggest getting at least a 50-gallon tank, but if you really want to create a good visual impact, you will probably want something bigger. Then you will need the rocks, filters, temperature gauge, lights, skimmer, salt mix and other tools. Decorations and plants can also give the tank a really authentic underwater look. Once you have the water at the right conditions for your specific types of corals, then you can place them in the aquarium.

Some of the live coral for sale in the local fish store and online will be better for a beginner's reef tank than others. Most of the preferable choices will be in the soft coral family, although there are certain hard corals such as the Montipora and Pagoda that are also good for beginners. The most well known soft corals that beginners usually start their tanks with are the Mushroom Corals, Colt Corals, Star Polyps, Zoanthid Polyps, Button Polyps and Flower Leather Corals.

There are various books and guides that will help you set up your reef aquarium correctly, and there is additional information about fish like the Golden Butterfly that you will want to avoid. There are also many types of fish you can learn about that are very appropriate for cohabitating with corals.

About the Author

For more resources regarding Echinophyllia corals or even about Tropical fish coral reef and especially about live cultured corals please review these pages.

Scuba Diving around Artificial Reefs

2010-04-05T19:12:00.000+02:00

Last year I managed to get a trip out to Florida to do some diving, Being quite an experienced PADI Diver I decided to go and have a look at the Oriskany reef.

The Oriskany Reef is an artificial reef made from and old air craft carrier its quite a huge "wreck" I use the term loosely as it was deliberately sunk to produce a new reef environment.

The Oriskany reef lies off the coast of Florida and is not recommended for novice divers as by US Marine Law it has to be a minimum of 55 feet navigational clearance from the surface to allow shipping to pass comfortably over it.

Having said that it is that far down you do not have to go down very far to get a good view of it. The massive air craft carrier is very awe inspiring site under water and although it had only been there for a short time in relative terms a lot of fish and reef organisms have made it there home.

Although I'm an experienced Wreck Diver I did not plan to go into this wreck merely to observe from the safest outside distance was enough for me. This was a really strange feeling to just above the top of the island of the flight deck.

These artificial reefs are going to transform the diving industry and also do a lot for the oceans ECO system, we need to see more developments in this field as more and more of the reefs that are current around the world do get damaged by inconsiderate divers.

By replenishing and conservation of existing reefs we may enjoy the spectacular array of life that manages to exist within the depths. I must admit I would quite like to do a wreck dive and penetrate the vessel just to see the varieties of fish that have made it there home. Not a deep penetration as this is highly not recommended but more of just inside to see a hanger deck.

This would require technical diving skills and a lot of good experts to get advice from before tackling this proposition I hope to be able to come back to this wreck within the next two years as a to have a more intense experience with this wreck.

The Oriskany when it was reefed landed in the upright position as this is an air craft carrier and the top of the ship is broader than the base it was not known if it was going to do this. It's good that it did because it's more familiar shape that seeing a wreck on its side.

I have dive many wrecks some of the best ones can be found at Scapa Flow in Shetland Islands. After the war a lot of German ships were scuttled there and remain as wrecks they are very popular with divers but it's a hell of a long way to go to get there.

You sometimes think about flying but that cuts down the amount of diving you can do, as most of the Scapa Flow ships are deep dives too.

I hope to find some more artificial reefs to explore and take more photos and keep a good record to see how these artificial grow in diving popularity.

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Learn about cardiac arrest and cardiac asthma at the Cardiac Problems site.

Saltwater Aquariums Known as Reef Tanks

2010-04-05T19:09:00.000+02:00

A reef tank is a popular type of saltwater aquarium typically found among hobbyists within the aquarist community. Specifically, a reef tank consists of fish and live rock. This includes corals, so we of course want to make sure that our selections for fish include those that are compatible with our specific choices of corals.

A reef tank has certain particular lighting requirements, depending upon the types of inhabitants. The corals will be the members of the tank that require the highest extent of our attention to lighting. The generally accepted rule for reef tank lighting is that most soft corals should be given 3.5 watts per gallon of tank water. The majority of harder corals should be given 4.5 watts per gallon.

The quality of the water in our reef tanks is of great importance. This is because corals cannot typically tolerate the levels of phosphates, nitrates, and other such toxins that can be tolerated by most fish and invertebrates. We therefore want to thoroughly take advantage of all possible factors in maximizing the likelihood that we will be creating optimal water conditions. This can most effectively be accomplished through the use of any number of various filtration systems that are used to purify our tank water prior to subjecting our livestock to the water.

It is not entirely necessary to invest large sums of money in our water filtration systems for reef tanks. Some very effective and practical systems are available at reasonably modest prices.

When changing the water in our reef tanks, the filtration system will be invaluable. Changing the water is an important and ongoing process, as doing so provides solutions to many challenges that are commonly encountered, as well as prevents such challenges from occurring in the future.

Water changes should be done in small increments, with no more than about 10 percent or so of the total tank water being changed at any one time. This minimizes the likelihood that our livestock will suffer from shock resulting from detrimental environmental changes related to the water changes. The minimization of detrimental possibilities during water changes is most effectively accomplished by thoroughly testing the chemical balances of the current tank water, filtering the new tank water, and appropriately adjusting the new tank water to be as chemically similar to the current tank water as possible.

Possible exceptions to the steps of changing reef tank water as described above would include the water being incrementally changed for purposes related to correcting a chemical imbalance in the current water. Should this be the case, particular care and forethought should of course be given to the process.

In order to make the creation and maintenance of a reef tank less demanding and more enjoyable for the beginning aquarist, many types of tanks are available for purchase that have the lighting and water filtration systems already in place. Many of these tanks greatly simplify the overall process, significantly increase our margin for error, are affordable, and therefore make excellent options for getting us started.

About the Author

Pet Fish Aquarium Supplies, Discount Aquarium Pet Fish Supplies, Eheim

Wonder of the Great Blue Hole Belize

2010-04-05T19:04:00.000+02:00

Great Blue Hole Belize is the largest blue hole in the world. It is a huge underwater sinkhole near the coast of Belize. It is situated near the center of Lighthouse Reef, which is a small atoll 60 miles east of the mainland of Belize. Great Blue Hole Belize is perfectly circular in shape. It is 480 feet deep and the diameter comprises 1000 feat.

Great Blue Hole Belize is caused by repeated collapses of a limestone cave system formed during the course of the last ice age.

The outer edge of the blue hole is barely a few feet underwater at high tide. The depth reaches 480 feet as the atoll lies on a geographic fault block, which has subsided into the basin through geologic time. It is quite difficult to get there.

This wonderful natural phenomenon is home to a premier diving site. It was made famous by Jacques-Yves Cousteau, who declared it to be the among the top scuba diving sites on the planet. He brought his ship called Calypso and one-man submarines in 1971 to explore the hole. The depths were charted out and the stalactites hanging from walls were examined.

In a sharp contrast to rumors, Cousteau's son, Philippe, did not die here. He was killed in a helicopter accident. It is also unlikely that Cousteau used explosive to destroy the patch reefs. However, he did remove a tiny area, which helped the Calypso reach the Blue Hole.

The journey to the great blue hole belize has been equated to a prehistoric one in terms of time and place. These formations are called blue holes due to the deep blue color caused by the amazing depth. Coral surrounds the hole, with the exception of two narrow channels. At low tide, it breaks the surface into many areas.

Pederson's cleaning shrimp abound in large numbers. They inhabit the ringed and knobby anemones. In addition, neon gobies display their cleaning prowess from the numerous coral heads. Also seen in large numbers are the angelfish, butterfly fish, and hamnlets. Elkhorn coral tend to grow on the surface, while purple sea fans sweep at the water surface.

The deeper areas within the blue hole do not have the same profusion of life. This can be attributed to poor circulating water and a scarcity of light.

Local inhabitants are of the opinion that Great Blue Hole Belize should be one of Seven Wonders of the World. For years, it has been protected by the Belize Audubon Society. It was assigned world heritage status in 1997.

The Blue hole served as a dry cave for millions of years. Stalactites and stalagmites formed slowly over the course of years. With the end of the Ice Age, sea levels rose and covered the cave.

The cave ceiling collapsed due to a massive earthquake. This gave rise to the sinkhole. The Lighthouse Reef subsequently tilted by 12 degrees. Ledges and overhangs adorn the walls of this former cave. There are plenty of Pleistocene stalactites, stalagmites, and columns.

About the Author

You might also like to read about Puerto Rico Vacations: Into the Island of Enchantment

Great Public Beaches in Sharm el-Sheikh

2010-03-04T09:00:00.000+02:00

As early as the 1760's the name of Sharm el-Sheik could be found on European maps, but it remained a very quiet fishing village until recently. Since the late sixties however, the town of Sharm el-Sheikh has gone on to become one of the most widely known and visited beach resorts in Egypt.The Egyptian government has both developed and encouraged the further development of quite a number of other beach resorts in order to try and spread the visitors around, but none the less Sharm still remains the number one tourist spot in the Sinai area.

Nearly all beaches in Sharm el-Sheikh are the property of the hotels and so remain for the exclusive use of their guests. Fortunately however there are also a few wonderful public beaches, and here are a some of the best ones.

Sharks Bay - Without the sharks
The beach at Sharks Bay is operated by local Bedouins, and for a modest charge you can stay at the beach all day. The entry fee includes the use of a sun bed. If possible you should try to get one of the spots under the parasols made from old palm trees. The sand on the beach is somewhat coarse and burning hot to the feet, until with a sigh of relief you reach the edge of the water. At Sharm el-Sheik the coral reef generally reaches all the way in to the coast, but there is a wide stretch at Sharks Bay where there is a break in the reef, and where the water remains shallow enough for kids to paddle around and snorkel. Be aware that it suddenly gets deeper however.

Ras Umm Sidd - The spectacular depths of Sharm el-Sheikh
In contrast the coral reef rises up from the blue ocean depths just a few meters from the coastline at the rocky beach at Ras Umm Sidd. Before getting to the edge of the reef, you will have to swim with some care over a wide reef platform, where the currents can be quite strong. At the edge the currents are also rather strong, and the place is a lot more demanding that the smaller reef at Sharks Bay. At the same time however, this place is both wilder and more beautiful: The sea is bluer, the fish are bigger, and the corals themselves are in better shape.

Naama Bay - at the centre of everything Sharm el-Sheiks central Naama Bay beach is buzzing with life throughout the day. Sun beds and parasols are located one besides another, and energetic animators are trying to encourage the sweating beach-goers to participate in water aerobic not to mention beach volley, while the waiters at the neighboring beach restaurants and bars are busy. The beach in the bay is one large sandy beach, with shallow water and thus very family friendly. On the beach diving shops and excursion vendors compete to take you away - with no end to the possibilities, be it going on a sailing trip in a boat with a transparent bottom, water skiing, riding the banana-boat, going on a desert safari, and or camel and horse back riding.

About the Author

Mike Burlaugh works as a Programmer and Systems Administrator. In his spare time he also enjoys traveling and writing. Take a look at his latest project at www.outdoor-electric-grill.net, which helps you with tips and ideas when buying and using an outdoor electric grill

Fascinating Coral Reefs and Diving in Beruwela

2010-03-04T08:57:00.000+02:00

Beruwela, a village on Sri Lanka's west coast, despite attracting a considerable number of tourists yearly, has by and large retained its quaint fishing village charisma. Visitors may see the vividly coloured fishing boats bringing in the daily catch in the early hours and take in the sights and sounds of the local markets. The Beruwela beach is one of the longest in the country and its tranquil grandeur contrasts with the activity of the busy commercial center of the village. The vast inviting expanse of the Indian Ocean is always a delight for the swimmer, and the refreshing sea breeze ensures that even a mid-day visit will be pleasant and welcoming.

Beruwela is a recognized centre for scuba diving and one of the highlights of the area is its magnificent coral reefs. Coral reefs are composed of living organisms, and are seen in ocean waters containing not many nutrients. In these reefs, the dominant life forms are corals, which produce the hard material that make up the reefs. This accumulated material forms a foundation for the living corals and an array of other marine life. Most common in tropical waters, coral reefs form one of the most diverse kinds of ecosystems in ocean waters even though they occupy areas with scarce nutrients. Many coral reefs are beautifully picturesque, with many colourful fish and other organisms inhabiting the reef.

Sri Lanka as a tropical island is fringed by many of these beautiful coral reefs, which may be considered to be national treasures. Many of the beaches of Sri Lanka are ideal for a diving expedition to view these miracles of nature up close. Beruwela is one of the renowned diving destinations in the country with a multitude of scenic coral reefs in the vicinity. No visitor who embarks on a diving excursion at Beruwela will never leave disappointed.

When searching for a Beruwela hotel an ideal choice would be the Jetwing Tropical Villas & Ayurveda Spa. Among Sri Lanka hotels, the Jetwing Hotel Group stands out as a unique establishment with a relaxed ambience.

About the Author

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

Main Attractions with Scuba Diving in Australia

2010-02-13T10:56:00.000+02:00

Scuba diving in Australia offers so much to see. Great Barrier Reef is of course one of the main attractions for divers. This is comprised of more than 2,900 separate reefs along with 900 individual islands. The location tops for the number of different marine species that dwell in it.

Here you can spot hundreds of types of coral. Along with the coral there are thousands breeds of fish as well. Every dive has its own sole view with no two dives are ever exactly alike. This is a very good cause to go scuba diving in Australia.

To enter the Great Barrier Reef take a trip into Queensland to Cairns. Many dive stores and centers can be found in this bustling tourist town to assist divers. Bookings can be made from here to visit many of the areas for the reef. You can do this either with day trips or actually living on board ship.

Great Barrier Reef's whole area is protected by being on the list that World Heritage puts out. It is among the great wonders of the world that everyone should see. Have the treat for a close-up view through scuba diving in Australia.

A diver should go to the Coral Sea as well along with the Great Barrier. Mountains, sheer walls, and pelagic fish abound the sea. Sharks can also be viewed in this underwater area. In fact, among the reefs all sorts of marine life are there. A diver has plenty to enjoy exploring.

You can come across various sites to dive at too. Just to mention a few are Flinders Reef, Cod Hole, and Ribbon Reefs. Whether you are a student diver or an expert diver, there is something for you take delight in seeing.

Not far from Moreton Island is Flinders Reef and is a rather isolated reef. It is located about 5km in a northwesterly direction from Cape Moreton which is in Southeast Queensland. This reef has been a very known destination for divers due to the coral species found here.

At the northern edge of the famous Great Barrier Reef and on the #10 ribbon reef is Cod Hole located. It is acknowledged for the numerous potato cods that inhabit the area. This fish can weigh anywhere from 6 to 30kg differing on how much the divers feed them.

In the Great Barrier Reef's northern area is where the Ribbon Reefs are located. They range eastern from Cooktown to the Torres Strait; this is 670 kilometers in expanse. These Ribbon Reefs are along the continental shelf's edge. Coral sprouts so well in part of the area that the reefs reach quite high to make narrow walls. This makes quite a barrier that has just a few breaks in it along the way. These are actually big enough and of the right extent that ships can move through them.

Indulge yourself with scuba diving in Australia today! You will be in for an amazing quest of a lifetime between the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea alone. There are still many more wonderful spots you are about to explore along with what has been mentioned here.

Looking to find the best deal on scuba diving in Australia, then visit www.MyDiveBuddies.com to find the best advice on scuba diving for you.

About the Author

Allyn Cutts is a scuba diving enthusiast, traveling the globe with his wife checking dive destinations off thier bucket, list one at a time. He is also the Dive Master at www.MyDiveBuddies.com, a private social networking community specifically for scuba diving fanatics.

The Blue Tang

2010-02-13T10:54:00.000+02:00

Amongst the family acanthuridae (Surgeonfishes), there a few that really stick out as brilliant beauties. The blue tang is among those that are unfailingly treasured for their remarkable coloration alongside with their prominent cousin, the yellow tang. These two surgeonfish are the faces of the surgeonfish family of marine fish, as a result, they are extremely popular amongst saltwater aquarium hobbyists.

Given the scientific name Paracanthurus Hepatus, the blue tang fish is a staple offering in the saltwater industry that is caught in large groups from the Indo Pacific. As such, they generally are thought of a cheaper than normal tang fish to buy. You'll probably have to fork out somewhere between $30 to $50 for each specimen depending on size. They are also known as the Regal tang fish and the blue hippo tang fish.

They are stunningly colored. Their complete body is a bright electric blue in addition to a prominent black marking on its higher half of the body that stretches next to to the back of the surgeonfish. The caudal fins on this tang are entirely yellow. There are a quantity of variants that are recognized as the blue bellied blue tangs that do arrive into the industry from time to time. These fishes usually are sold for quite a bit more than standard specimens.

Thought of as a large surgeonfish, they can top out at a length of 12 inches in captivity. Tangs in captivity typically do not reach lengths of wild collected specimens so expect an typical mature length of about ten inches. Comparable to all members of the surgeonfish family, they can be vulnerable to saltwater parasites along with lateral line erosion.

Lateral line erosion is thought to be a outcome of a nutritional shortage which is why it is exceptionally vital to attempt to copy their usual diets in the wild. They are a grazing fish that group in great shoals in the wild where these fish roam the reef in search of algae to feed on.

As they are chiefly vegetable eaters, such bias must be shown throughout feeding to make certain a lengthy and healthy time in captivity. They are generally straightforward eaters and will eat a broad range of fish feeds including dry pellets, frozen meat items as well as seaweed strips.

About the Author

For additional details on the lovely Blue Tang and its similarly stunning cousin, the Yellow Tang, do drop by the writers online resource center linked above.

Planning Out Your Reef Aquarium

2010-02-13T10:51:00.000+02:00

Maintaining a saltwater aquarium could require a lot of effort but starting out a new aquarium needs a lot more. This is why extensive if not intricate planning is required to start out a new aquarium.

Planning for a reef aquarium can be organized in a lot of ways but the best way to do it is by asking the what, where, when, how, and how much. To be straightforward, keeping a reef aquarium will cost you some money, a little of your time, and a lot of determination. Only the aquarist serious and diligent enough best achieves a goal of a sustainable reef aquarium.

First off, you will need to decide where you will put your aquarium. Space can be everything for saltwater creatures so pick a spot wherein you can fit about 55 gallons of water. A 48" x 18" 55 gallon tank will suffice. Greater volume is always better. Pick also a spot away from both direct and indirect sunlight. Places near windows are out especially because they will make the temperature in your tank fluctuate.

With this knowledge, look for a fish that well suits the place where you will put the tank. If you are eyeing a specific fish, make sure you can support it. Some of the fishes to avoid are all angelfish, all butterfly fish, pipefish, seahorses, long-nosed filefish, blue ribbon eels, stonefish, Moorish idols, and mandarin fish. These types of fishes are extremely hard (if not impossible) to keep alive for long enough.

Consider adding janitors in your tank. Get fishes that eat algae so you can cut down on maintenance, especially in the part of algae overgrowth.

Your reef will also look more exciting with invertebrates in them. Some 'inverts' such as snails, shrimps and hermit crabs also eat algae. Adding invertebrates, however, needs supplementation. They need calcium. You can give this to them through supplements or by using calcium carbonate reactors. Inverts also need trace elements which will readily be available in the form of additives.

Adding plants to your reef aquarium will also give it a more natural look as well as a more stable oxygenation. Plants will also absorb organic wastes from your animals. Your plants will need proper lighting, preferably 4 to 6 watts per gallon of water in your tank.

You can also get some ornaments. Live rocks are usually thought of as only decorations but they actually complete the nitrogen cycle in your tank. With live rocks, you can prevent or at least delay ammonia poisoning of your fishes.

Appliances will also be needed to sustain your reef. You will need filters, a heater/chiller, powerheads, air stones, and measuring devices (hydrometer, pH testing kit, et cetera). Invest in good quality appliances. They may be pricey but they will save you a lot in the long run.

Where you will buy all these is up to you. To buy a tank, it is better to go to the shop nearest you; just make sure you buy a quality tank. This will significantly lower delivery costs. You can check online for the best deals on aquarium sets. Quality secondhand aquarium sets are also sold often in forum sites so it is worth checking out.

Generally, it takes a month from buying an aquarium set to the introduction of the fish in the aquarium. This time is needed to start the nitrogen cycle in the aquarium. In the interim, you can check out other fishes that you may actually like more.

Look for reef aquarium maintenance handbooks. These materials have the information you need on how to keep you afloat in the reef business. For reef aquariums, like in everything else, forewarned is forearmed.

About the Author

Gary Lock is a lifelong Saltwater Aquariums lover. For more great saltwater reef aquarium information, visit http://www.saltwateraquariumeasy.com.

Wonders of the Underwater Coral Reef World

2010-02-13T10:08:00.002+02:00

The wonders of the underwater coral reef are plentiful, and many of the mysteries of this relatively small segment of the world's oceans are still unsolved. If you have a reef aquarium, you surely know just how unique the live corals and tropical fish that reside in your home are. Reef fish are unlike any other fish in the world because the environment they come from is unlike anything else in the world. The coloration of the fish alone is enough to cause disbelief and awe the first time you view them.

When it comes to reef fish, there is no feature as striking as the variety of brilliant and sometimes bizarre color patterns. This is a big part of the reason why a reef aquarium looks so unlike any other type of aquarium. The color patterns you find in reef fish sharply contrast with the usual color patterns that you would find in open water fish. Whereas the fish found in open oceans and freshwater bodies are usually a silverfish color, tropical fish that reside in coral environments can be any color of the rainbow.

There is no definitive answer as to why the fish you'd find near an underwater coral reef are so brightly colored with so many different shades and variations. The patterns sometimes seem to help conceal the fish under certain conditions, such as when the fish is resting in a particular place of a similar color. But in other occasions it appears as if the colors are meant to help the fish from each species determine who they should be mating with. And in other cases it appears to be a means of warding off predators and reminding other fish of their venomous spines.

There are many things that make the fish and other creatures from underwater coral reef environments so unique. They are a wonder to see indeed.

About the Author

For more resources regarding Exotic salt water fish or even about Beginner salt water fish tank and especially about Salt water fish aquarium please review these pages.

Things to Consider Before Visiting the Saltwater Fish Store

2010-01-20T15:15:00.001+02:00

If you are an experienced reef aquarium hobbyist, you can walk right into a marine fish sale at the local pet store and tell whether the species of fish that are on sale will be compatible with your tank at home. If you are new to the world of saltwater fish, however, you might not have such an easy time figuring out which species are right for your aquarium and whether you will be able to maintain them. When you walk into a saltwater fish store you should know what size fish are appropriate for your tank, for starters, and what species get along with the fish you already have. And that is just the beginning.

The eating habits of various saltwater fish species is a very important thing to consider before making any sort of purchase. Some of the species at the saltwater fish store are carnivores, while others are herbivores, and some will eat anything and everything in sight including smaller fish. So you not only need to consider what they eat for your own maintenance concerns, but you must also be aware of the fish species that might eat the fish you already have at home.

To make things even more complicated, some saltwater fish like to be on the surface when they eat while others are bottom feeders. Some of the fish you find at a marine fish sale might also be very young and will grow quite a bit after a few weeks of hearty meals. So this must be taken into consideration when planning the underwater community that will now be in your home.

Before heading to the saltwater fish store you always need to do some research into the territorial nature of the fish you are thinking about buying. The more territorial species will need more aquarium space so they can designate their own section and live happily with the other fish. Some fish are also just natural enemies and you must not put them together regardless of the amount of space they have to roam around, because they will instinctively want to fight each other.

A successful saltwater aquarium requires a lot of planning before every purchase of new fish. You must choose your fish and equipment only after you have chosen the perfect spot for your aquarium, and choose your fish only after you know whether they will be compatible.

About the Author

For more resources regarding Exotic salt water fish or even about Beginner salt water fish tank and especially about Salt water fish aquarium please review these pages.

Live Coral for Beginners

2010-01-20T15:09:00.000+02:00

It's possible to maintain a beautiful reef aquarium with nothing but live coral; you really don't need fish to create a colorful and lively environment. Before you start looking at all the live coral for sale, though, it's important to learn a few things about this fascinating animal and find out which varieties are better for beginners. It's also good to learn about the species of saltwater fish such as the Golden Butterfly that are known to nip at sessile invertebrates including coral and tridacnid clams. There is no reason you can't combine fish and coral but you must know which varieties are compatible with one another before putting them together.

If you're looking at live coral for sale and this is your first time setting up a reef aquarium, it would be wise to consider breeds such as the Bubble Coral, Soft Corals and Green Star Polyps, because they are easier to maintain for a beginner. Bubble Coral is a large polyped stony coral that comes in white, tan and green, and it is a good variety for a beginner because it is easy to care for, will eat solid foods and will tolerate lower light levels. Soft Corals include many types of live coral that are ideal for beginners because they grow fast and are easy to care for in medium light settings. Green Star Polyps, which are an exotic shade of neon green, will grow fast and thrive in almost any type of aquarium system as long as there is good water flow to keep dirt and debris away.

Once you figure out what kind of live coral you want for your aquarium, then you can decide whether you also want to add fish or if you just want to stick with corals. Some species of fish such as Golden Butterfly require large amounts of live rock for grazing and are known to nip at sessile invertebrates including coral, so they might not be a good idea if you want your corals to thrive. But for every fish that is not compatible with coral there are several other varieties that are perfect when paired with live corals in the home aquarium.

Basically, you just want to get some advice from the experts before taking home any fish or coral. This will help avoid disasters and disappointments down the road.

About the Author

For more resources regarding live cultured corals or even about los angeles fish store and especially about Marine Fish Sale please review these pages.

The Reef Aquarium - Supplements, Chemicals & Care - Some Work and Some Are A Waste Of Money!

2010-01-19T17:43:00.000+02:00

I started in the Reef Keeping hobby in in 1988. I was in college and wanted to have a really neat and unusual pet in my dorm room. I had always kept tropical fish when I was younger and this seemed like the answer. I ventured out to a local pet store and began looking at tanks and fish. I had planned to spend about $100. Somehow I began looking at the saltwater fish and corals. Everyone said it was way too hard and I should not try it. At the time it seemed like a challenge and I was hard headed enough to try it. I bought a tank, some crushed coral, the dried bacteria starter, some sea salt, a power filter a heater a hydrometer and a fluorescent hood. I went back to the dorm and with some help was able to sneak the tank and supplies into my dorm room. I spent the next few hours setting up and filling my tank. I was majoring in biology and chemistry in college, little did I know that the aquarium hobby would be as close to actually using my education as I would ever come.

To no surprise of everyone, I had problems keeping even a damsel alive in the early days of my reef keeping. If I made it a month with a fish I was doing well. I would spend my free time asking questions at pet stores, reading books and getting information online. It became more of an obsession for me to be able keep fish than an actual hobby for awhile during those days. Eventually I became very knowledgeable about the water chemistry, filtration, water movement and lighting. I read about natural filtration from a sand bed being the hot topic overseas in reef keeping. When I spent time in pet stores I knew as much or more than the supposed saltwater experts they had working for them.

As time went on and my income become more substantial, my setups became more intricate and elaborate. I had huge overflows, refugiums, sumps and such before it was widely used and accepted as a great practice. I also used high amounts of water movement. During this time I worked as a Golf Professional and had lots of time and money during the winter to spend on the hobby and gaining knowledge. I spent time in a few different specialty stores every day and eventually even began to work for them. I would work for the discount and for the access to the knowledgeable owners and managers of the stores. Eventually I would end up with 2 separate 250 gallon reef set ups and 1 100 gallon fish only tanks. I had every immagineable apparatus and gadget available for reef set ups. I also had purchased and used every immagineable chemical, slat mix, additive and supplement available to man. I kept very detailed results and studies on the products I used. This was the height of my involvement in the hobby.

Eventually I changed jobs and was married. Along with these changes I was also limited to only 1 250 gallon reef tank. This is what I still have to this day. My corals propagate in my tank, coralline covers the back glass completely, fish thrive, my water quality is almost perfect all of the time and the tank is a complete enjoyment. My spending level on chemicals and supplements is way down from previous years, however, the ones I still use are the most effective and cost effective ones on the market. There are many products that I recommend greatly and many others that I steer people away from. It has cost me thousand of dollars to come up with the recipe for my tank and what products to use. It has also taken years of constant study and documentation to be able to make these recommendations.

Unfortunately there are many products, both chemicals and equipment, that are out there on the market that are complete wastes of money and time. They are sold as "hope" to the reef keepers to make their tanks looks better and stay healthy. There are also some great products out there that are unadvertised and hardly used. Some have a high dosing rate that will empty the product quicker than needed to encourage more sales of the product. Some chemicals work well with others and some combinations will cause problems in your tank. These are all things that trial and error, along with a bunch of time, money and experience have taught me.

There are also many combinations of fish and inverts that have been rumored to be incompatible for years. I have broken many of those rules and have had no problems. I have kept multiple dwarf angels together with out any aggression or coral munching. I have kept several tangs together with no issues. I have kept Butterflies and coral together with no issues as well, including the Racoon and Copper Banded Butterflies. I will discuss my feeding regiment and menu as well as why I believe that these combinations of fish and corals work under the right circumstances. Keep what you want no matter of compatibility as long as you meet certain requirements and follow certain guidelines.

It is my hope to help you better enjoy this hobby as well as save money and headaches. I have compiled lists of do's, don'ts, chemicals to use, equipment to use, fish to keep, inverts to keep and much more. I have a detailed recipe for the water that will make coralline grow like crazy and make your corals and other inverts thrive as well. Almost eliminate fish death for good with the exception of age. Spend the correct amount of money needed and stop wasting money on poor advice and poor quality products. This is a proven regiment of chemicals, supplements and additives that will make your life easier and keep your wallet healthy as well.

I will detail all of my findings, studies, recipes, menus and equipment lists as well as all of my knowledge in this ebook. I feel it will make your hobby more fun and allow you to better keep the inhabitants in your tank. It will also cut down on the senseless money you spend and waste each month on ineffective products and chemicals. You will have the tank you always dreamed of and at only $10 you can't pass up this opportunity. Please email any questions to ndfanatix@yahoo.com and I will return you email as quickly as possible. Payment will be accepted by either money order, cashiers check or paypal. Please email me for my paypal address and instructions. Good luck and I hope you will enjoy the information and it will help you to better enjoy your hobby!

Sincerely,
Matt Kay

PS Again, email me with any questions, concerns or payment questions at ndfanatix@yahoo.com

Would you like to use the same exact chemicals, additives, salt mixes, products, menus and equipment that I have used for the past 20 years with great success? Do you want your tank to look like a show piece instead of just a piece? Please email now and receive your information and instructions on exactly how and what to use to make your dream come true. Please contact me at ndfanatix@yahoo.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Kay

Coral Reef Fish - Adaptations For Life on the Reef

2010-01-19T17:39:00.000+02:00

Of the myriad creatures that inhabit coral reefs, none are more obvious, colorful, or fascinating to watch than the fishes that live there. Hundreds of species may be found in relatively small areas of reef, with many of these small, well camouflaged, or hidden.

Coral reefs are unusually complex and colorful marine environments. The physical structure of these unique marine habitats differs radically from the open water habitats that comprise over 99% of the world's oceans, with a diversity of life unmatched in any other marine ecosystem. Therefore, it is not surprising that resident fishes have developed a number of specialized adaptations for life in these colorful and complex habitats.

Body Shape
The body shape of most species of fish that associate closely with coral reefs differs substantially from the shapes of "typical" open water fishes. The latter are generally built for speed, and have evolved appropriate torpedo-like shapes that offer low frictional resistance to movement through water. However. in the complex reef environment, a premium is placed upon maneuverability rather than sheer speed. Thus, coral reef fish have evolved a body plan that maximizes their ability to make rapid turns, avoiding swift predators by quickly dodging into fissures in the reef or swiftly circling around coral heads.

The essence of this design is a deep and laterally compressed body (shaped like a pancake), as well exemplified by the angelfishes and butterflyfishes. A less obvious but critical aspect of this altered body plan includes a shift (compared to open water fishes) in the placement and orientation of the pectoral and pelvic fins, which act in concert with the flattened body shape to maximize maneuverability.

Coloration
Perhaps the most striking feature of coral reef fishes is the variety of brilliant and sometimes bizarre color patterns that adorn them. Again, the use of such color patterns in reef fishes contrasts starkly with the usual color patterns of open water fishes which typically are silvery.

The reasons for such bright and varied color patterns been debated for some time. In some cases, the patterns appear to facilitate concealment under certain conditions, as when the fish is resting in particular places. In other cases, coloration may be used in species recognition to assure mating success. Sometimes, bright contrasting colors are used to warn predators of venomous spines or flesh so as to avoid "mistaken" attacks.

Feeding Structures
With the unusual variety of prey items available to coral reef fishes, it is not surprising that many species have evolved highly specialized jaws, mouths and teeth suited to particular kinds of prey.

For example, "food specialists" like the butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae) have evolved protruding mouths that are in essence forceps armed with fine teeth - a combination well suited to nipping the coral polyps that are the primary food source of these fishes. Similarly, the parrotfishes (Scaridae) have evolved a beak-like mouth ideally suited for scraping algae from hard coral surfaces.

In contrast, many other common reef-dwelling fishes such as snappers (Lutjanidae) are generalized feeders that have retained a more "typical" mouth and jaw structure that enables them to utilize a wide variety of prey.

There is still much to learn about this fascinating group of fishes, and the adaptations that have collectively made them such a diverse and successful part of the reef fauna.

For more information on the biology and ecology of coral reef fishes, visit:

http://www.coral-reef-info.com/coral-reef-fishes.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Alevizon,_Ph.D.