Jump to 0 top | 1 navigation | 2 content | 3 extra information (sidebar) | 4 footer | 5 toolbar

Content

Fish Aquarium

A fish lovers work is never done, some of us that love and appreciate fish know this for a fact, the never ending search for new kinds of fish to place in our aquariums alone is enough to make some people tired already. The maintenance and energy that one needs to put into having an impressive aquarium in his house is something that easily equals a full time job. Nevertheless it is a passion that has touched many, and many more discover that there is something very special and unique to growing fish and having an aquarium of any size in your home.

Fish are very common pets when you think of it, in almost any pet shop you will find an abundance of fish, someone can foolishly think that this means that most people are familiar with the knowledge of growing them, it is not necessarily true. While most of the fish growers enthusiasm starts at a young age, and in fact most of the lovers of fish start as young boys and girls staring at the pet shop window wishing to get some fish, once you have a couple of fish you start realizing that you will have to do much more than just fill a tank of water and feed the fish every couple of days.

With this realization you would also understand that the sum of money that you have intended for this purpose is probably going to be a little bigger than what you initially planed, and form here the story starts. The passion is to have a unique aquarium that holds many different types of fish, to add as many features to the aquarium and make it as harmonious as possible, even as natural as possible to reflect a true way of living in a sense.

Since the fish market has much to offer a aquarium fish grower can almost never run out of more options to make his aquarium richer and more colorful, but also healthier and stronger. The race in the technology in providing better aquarium equipment that we maintain the aquarium needs better is never ending, the products are not very expensive at first but as you start to grow you aquarium to larger sizes you will need to invest wisely in the maintenance produces you use.

The last part of the article is devoted to the design of the aquarium, we have all seen those movies in which the bad guy has a huge aquarium with sharks swimming round in it, this is somewhat the average dream for the average fish grower, and although it is not probable that many growers will get this, some will, but everyone tries and makes their fish aquarium look better. The design of the aquarium has a lot to do with the person that has it, it is not only the basic design of the aquarium, but of what is in it, what it uses as an aquarium stand and the placing of the whole thing. A lot of effort goes into this part and I hope that when you spot a nice aquarium you let the owner know he is doing something right.

posted by xgjcpet on Sep 22, 2008 6:19 AM | 0 comments

  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • 0 ratings

Arthritis In Dogs – What You Can Do To Help Your Dog

Canine Arthritis is a common ailment as dog’s age. It is similar to humans as calcification and inflammation cause joint pain and reduced activity. Some forms of arthritis like Canine Hip Dysplasia can develop early in life due to genetics and diet. Fortunately, arthritis in dogs can be treated.

Treatments for canine arthritis range from natural supplements using chondroitin and glucosamine, to veterinary prescribed drugs such as Rimadyl and Deramaxx. Studies and actual results have shown that natural supplements can be extremely effective in fighting the effects of arthritis in dogs without the potentially dangerous side effects of Rimadyl and Deramaxx. Before deciding which treatment option is best for your dog, you should observe the signs of dog arthritis.

Signs of Dog Arthritis

1. Limping and general reduced activity.

2. Favoring one or both of the front or back limbs.

3. Morning activity or cold weather makes the dog less active.

4. Difficulty rising from a resting position, especially in the morning.

5. Pain to the touch.

6. Reluctance to jump.

If you suspect your dog has arthritis, you should know the different forms or types of arthritis. The most common disorders are listed below.

Types of Dog Arthritis

1. Osteoarthritis – Also known as canine arthritis or dog arthritis, it is the most common form of arthritis and most easily treated. Develops slowly as the dog ages.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis - This is an immune mediated disease and can affect the whole body. Several joints can be affected and the lameness can come and go without notice. Considered a more serious condition than dog osteoarthritis.

3. Degenerative Disc Disease - This is where the discs in the vertebrae develop calcification and become rigid. They become less able to withstand compression. This can lead to a severe injury and paralysis if the discs rupture or become herniated.

4. Stifle Joint Disorder - This is a condition in which the knee and joint becomes unstable. This is usually from a stretched or torn ligament. This can also cause the joint cartilage to become damaged and inflamed.

5. Canine Hip Dysplasia - This is caused by looseness in the socket connecting the thighbone and hipbone. This development usually occurs when the dog is young but can develop at any age. A common sign is to hear a clicking sound when the dog walks.

Treatment Options

1. Natural Supplements – Most natural supplements use chondroitin and/or glucosamine as its primary ingredient. All of the glucosamine forms originate and are extracted from shellfish. Chrondroitin is derived from animal cartilage. Many products like Free and Easy for Dogs use glucosamine and chondroitin and combine additional supplements to provide a synergistic effect. Besides glucosamine and chondroitin, some of the more popular and effective supplements added are msm, ester-c, and hyaluronic acid. Many studies have been done which have proved the effectiveness of these supplements in humans. Dog owners have also reported many positive outcomes for their dogs using these natural supplements.

2. Rimadyl & Deramaxx - These drugs are obtained by prescription only. They are called NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). Rimadyl was introduced by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals in January 1997 to help treat dogs with inflammation and pain associated with surgery or canine arthritis. It is effective but it must be used with caution. Search Google for "What Your Vet May Not Tell You About Rimadyl" for more detailed information. At a minimum, you need to have blood work done to monitor the liver enzymes to ensure your dog doesn't have a toxic reaction to the drugs.

3. Surgery - Surgery can be an easy decision or a very difficult decision. Often, money is a concern and some surgeries like disc surgery can cost around $3,500. Often, the age of the dog has to be considered when making this decision. And the outlook and prognosis is very important. You do not want the dog to suffer unnecessarily. At the very least, you should only consider surgery after ensuring an accurate diagnosis has been made. This may involve taking x-rays and a myelogram. A myelogram is done by injecting dye in the spinal canal to enable your doctor to detect abnormalities of the spine, spinal cord, or surrounding structures.

Summary - Dog Arthritis can be a very debilitating disease if left untreated. Dog owners should pay close attention to their animals and take prompt action when symptoms are noticed. Often a natural supplement is all that is needed to help your dog. Sometimes more aggressive treatments are needed such as surgery. The most important thing is to notice and diagnose the problem and then decide what treatment is best for your dog.

posted by xgjcpet on Sep 14, 2008 9:22 AM | 0 comments

  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • 0 ratings

When quadras yield to the mode of tattooing

There is not that young people who have tattoos in the skin. Today, 40 years and more reluctant less and less to “decorate” their bodies. “Even if this is not the generation most represented, the average age is expanding,” says Roberto Dardini, professional tattoos artist in Paris.

There are of course those who have started younger and who do not stop, but there are also those who engage finally after years of hesitation. This is the case of Isabelle, 46 years. It was decided six years ago, after lengthy prevaricated. “I could not, especially vis-à-vis the eyes of others. Yet I am laboratory, so I wear a blouse and it is not. It’s finally my husband who has pushed me. “Then comes the question: where to place the drawing? For Isabelle, no real hesitation: “I wanted something visible. For, when the tattoos is well done, as long as it is seen, at least the summer! I opted for an edelweiss, a mountain plant white star-shaped, on the left shoulder. ”

“The desire to reclaim his body”

This is often a change of life or an event which is behind the decision. Some are waiting to be separated from their spouses who opposed it, or be installed professionally. “A policeman of some fifty years came to see me, remembers Dominica Chapaton, tattoos artist in Lyon. He asked me to draw any one side of the forearm. I think he wanted to do for a long time and has benefited because it was well in his post. ”

For Danielle Rapoport, psychologist, is in the ownership of his body. “The quarantine is a breaking point. This is the beginning of the first rides or the first divorce. There is therefore a twofold: on the one hand, ageing, we can not prevent, and, secondly, the desire to control his body, to reclaim it. “A way to say” this is my body, I do what I want. ” But it is also a way to assert his personality. Whatever the age, “the tattoos is used to be shown, to tell something. A sort of exorcism, revealing his personality in the eyes of the world. “

for:http://www.bestpicturesoftattoos.com

posted by xgjcpet on Sep 5, 2008 9:21 AM | 0 comments

  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • 0 ratings

Those Comfy Things Called Beautyrest Dog Beds

Just as you crave for a long hour of sleep before an important date or a business appointment, that furry friend of yours needs to have one, too. You see, being a dog is not an easy task at all. Think how hard it is if you're the one performing all those dog tricks to satisfy your master, or staying up till dawn keeping watch over your owner's house. Think about these highly stressful tasks, and you'll realize what a great service your trusted pooch has been giving you and your family all these years. This is when you should think about having those Beautyrest dog beds.

Beautyrest dog beds may be in the forefront of designer dog beds category today. Their fine features appeal to most dog owners. But, why do pet owners go crazy over these beds? These are among the many reasons for the popularity of Beautyrest dog beds:

1. They are more comfy compared to others.
These dog beds are particularly known for the high degree of comfort they provide to dogs. Your beloved dog will surely be pampered with these beds that have individual and patented pocketed coil springs. The seamless blend of fine features such as high-memory foam, fleece, and quality fabric, definitely put Beautyrest dog beds on top.

2. They are great for physically-challenged canines.
Regardless of the breed of your pet, injuries and physical handicaps do occur. As such, Beautyrest dog beds would be a fine purchase as they are a fusion of luxury, comfort, and orthopedic support. Having one of these fine beds will assure your pet of healthy joints and back, whether it is hyperactive, old, injured, or simply having those joint problems.

3. They are easily washed.
You will never have a hard time cleaning and washing these beds as they have completely washable and removable covers. This will give you enough time to do more important things, like taking your family to the mall or simply cuddling with your prized pooch right on its own Beautyrest dog bed.

4. You can have them custom made.
A bed that has all your pet's dream specs can be very hard to believe at. But, making your pet and your dreams come true is what Beautyrest dog beds is all about. All you have to do is ask yourself these questions: Do you like it oval or bone shaped? Or, perhaps, you want to have a wrought iron for its frame and some fleece for the fabric? You and your pet's wishes are the Beautyrest dog bed manufacturers' command. It will only take you one to two weeks of waiting to have one of these beds custom made and delivered right at your doorsteps. The package will carry out everything the master and the pet would wish to have.

posted by xgjcpet on Sep 3, 2008 6:20 AM | 0 comments

  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • 0 ratings

Pets Help Heal

Therapy dogs are dogs that are canine good citizens and are well trained and of a nature that is suitable for interaction with humans who are unwell. Studies have shown that interaction with pets and the special bonding it brings, helps the sick heal faster and trauma patients are known to come out of silence, grieving, or shock by interacting with pets.

An innovative program set up by Therapy Dogs International is “children reading to dogs.” Handlers and their dogs visit libraries and schools regularly and interact with children who have trouble reading. The dogs make friends with children who are encouraged to read the dog a story. The friendship and bonding between the child and dog as well as the non judgmental attitude of the happy animal encourages the child to read aloud to the dog who sits with a smile on his face and a wag in his tail. The interaction instills confidence in the child as well as improved learning.

Therapy dogs also provide valuable relief during disasters by helping affected families and persons as also relief workers. The animals provide comfort and an understanding that is invaluable in sad situations. Petting and hugging or grooming the dogs provides release of anxiety and stress. Dogs help heal and overcome problems and grief. It is unbelievable the kind of understanding a dog can show. So, dogs regularly work at bombing sites, earthquake affected areas as well as places whether flood or hurricanes have struck.

There are therapy dogs who regularly visit hospitals, old age homes, and nursing homes to help heal. The interaction with dogs brings a smile to face of patients and many dogs participate in physical therapy programs as well as in children’s wards where there are many children fighting illnesses. The dogs instill a positive attitude in patients and many look forward to the visit each day. Patients are encouraged to talk to the dogs, pet them, or even groom them. Bonding with the dogs speeds up healing and brings happiness. Many of the dogs are natural clowns and perform tricks to entertain the sick.

To be a therapy dog, both the handler and dog have to undergo special training, be of good health, be well groomed, and be dedicated to the cause. The dog must have a clear health certification and not be shedding his coat or have any allergies. The dog needs to be calm and obedient as he will have to take hospital activities and noise in his stride. The handler will need to devote time in training the dog, enjoy the work, and take insurance against unforeseen accidents. Owners interested in pet-therapy work will need to register with a group in the area where they live and find out from their dog club or trainer whether the dog they have is of a suitable nature and breed to be a good and successful therapy dog.

Therapy dogs show great patience, love, and understanding and the interaction is magical as even terminally ill patients are known to get better. Dogs boost morale, provide affiliation and touch, encourage love and communication, stimulate activity and exercise, help patients deal with depression, loss, and grief, and lower hypertension as well as blood sugar levels.

posted by xgjcpet on Aug 29, 2008 5:56 AM | 0 comments

  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • 0 ratings

Separation Anxiety in Canines Gets the Treatment

Domesticated animals are not immune to many of the same illnesses that plague their human counterparts. Whether physical or psychological, our pets are at risk for developing any number of diseases and other disorders. A common psychological problem that afflicts our beloved animal friends is separation anxiety.

The occurrence of separation anxiety is well documented as it relates to human. This common anxiety disorder occurs most often in toddlers and babies. Many mental health professionals consider instances of this behavior in very young children to be normal behavior. When the disorder strikes older children, it may be a symptom of other, more serious mental disorders such as depression.

It is very common for very young puppies to feel anxious or abandoned when their humans are away. Having broken the maternal bonds that developed between their mother and littermates, young pups are in the middle of a very critical transition period. Having received the proper training and finally bonded to their humans, most dogs settle into a normal routine. This is not to say that your dog should not be excited when you return home. My dogs are down right happy to see me and show it with lots of enthusiasm.

There is a difference between an enthusiastic welcome and coming home to find that your dog has eaten the sofa. It was once thought that such destructive behavior was simply the result of poor training. Inappropriate behaviors associated with canine separation anxiety can include destruction of household items, urinating or defecating in the house and incessant howling or barking.

Dogs suffering from separation anxiety may even develop eating disorders and lethargic behavior. Playing with a favorite toy may no longer interest the dog. Owners would often blame themselves or worse, would take it out on the dog. Lack of proper training or inattention by the owner may manifest itself in the dog constantly acting out. One important indication that separation anxiety disorder is the culprit is the timing of the inappropriate behavior. Your dog may be on its best behavior except during those occasions when you leave the dog alone for a period of time.

More veterinary professionals are educating themselves to the signs and symptoms of this condition. As responsible dog owners, we are obligated to consult with a veterinary professional to determine whether our dogs need more than just training and other types of behavior modification. The good news for both the dog and the owner is that separation anxiety in canines can be effectively treated.

After years of research on the subject, many animal behaviorists have theorized that some dogs develop a degree of separation anxiety. Recent studies have found that human antidepressant drugs like Prozac, used in combination with some level of behavior modification, can help the dog overcome their anxiety. This approach to treatment is very similar to the treatment that humans receive for various types of psychological disorders.

Depression in humans was once considered a sign of weakness or simply an inability to cope with the stress of everyday life. Years of research revealed that depression was caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. The result was the development of various antidepressant drug therapies that helped to balance brain chemistry Modern treatment for depression in humans often involves counseling, behavior modification and learning various coping skills.

While no one is recommending psychiatric counseling for dogs, your veterinary professional can recommend some effective behavior modification strategies. The use of drug therapies for dogs has shown to be very effective and can improve the quality of life for both you and your beloved canine companion.

posted by xgjcpet on Aug 23, 2008 9:19 AM | 0 comments

  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • 0 ratings

Dog Obedience School

Dog Obedience School

In order to get a well behaved dog, it needs to benefit from proper training. For this reason, there are several dog obedience schools available in all areas of the country that can give you a helping hand. Many of these schools are very high rated and you can fully trust that your dog will benefit of a good education. If you choose for your dog to join such a dog obedience school, it will learn numerous tricks and most importantly, it will learn how to behave in a manner that is acceptable for you and your household.
Dog owners know better than anyone that a pet is not always pleasurable to have, as it can also bring a lot of mess, noise and aggressiveness. This behavior is acceptable in the animal group, as even if dogs are more intelligent, they are still animals. However, this type of behavior can only bring you head aches and your neighbors won't be happy either with the noise or the other negative aspects that might bother them as well. The solution can be easy: you have to train your dog. You can try some house training, but the most effective method to get a good pet is a dog obedience school.
A dog obedience school is a special training place where dogs are gathered and they receive appropriate training, while all the bad behaviors are being corrected. The dog obedience schools are usually divided into several levels: beginner, intermediate or advanced, according to the age of the dog, or the stage of training it has reached, which can be established according to the tricks it can perform and the commands it knows. There are also some dog obedience schools that form the groups according to the breed. It is a known fact that some breeds of dog are easier to train, some are more obedient, while others are just a pain in the neck and stubborn, so they need to be dealt with separately. Such dog obedience schools will take good care of your stubborn or lazy dog, and after the course is done, you won’t even recognize the behavior of your dog. It will be like your dog has been replaced by an animal with human behavior, but this will only be the result of your dog attending a dog obedience school.
All things considered, a dog obedience school is a big advantage that you can get hold of if you are a wise dog owner. You will only have to gain an obedient dog that won’t be up to bad things each time you leave the house, and the dog will also enjoy the experience, even if at the beginning it won’t be too keen on the method. On the whole, the dog will like being around other dogs and will want to learn and please you, as it will learn that you are the person in charge of the group it belongs to.

posted by xgjcpet on Aug 20, 2008 5:09 AM | 0 comments

  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • 0 ratings

All The Things You Have To Know About Pomeranian Dog Shelter...

What is a Pomeranian dog shelter and what do they have to do with you and your fascination with Pomeranians? Well believe it or not there are unfortunately people out there who don't look after their Pomeranians as well as you would. These dogs usually get picked up by animal cops and taken to a Pomeranian dog shelter.

So what are shelters and who owns them. Most Pomeranian dog shelters are run and by small time Pomeranian breeders who don't like to see these beautiful dogs on the street and therefore they offer them food and shelter. If only there were more people like this and not those owners who offer only maltreatment towards their dogs.

Buying From A Pomeranian Dog Shelter

Most shelters are up to the necks with stranded dogs and struggle to give them all food and bedding, therefore they are always looking for responsible people to come and take a Pomeranian or two off their hands and into a good house where they can live a happy and comfortable life.

If you are thinking about buying a Pomeranian then one of these shelters should be your first port of call. If you are worried about not finding a puppy to bring home to your kids, then don't because there are always puppies looking for a foster family to take care of them. If you decide to adopt from a Pomeranian dog shelter then you will be doing not just yourself a favor but the community as well.

So Where Can You Find A Pomeranian Dog Shelter?

There are many shelters all across the country so you shouldn't have too much trouble trying to find one in your local area. If you live in a small town, you may have to travel a little further to find one.

If you have no idea of where you could possibly find one then you can give your local town hall a call and ask them if they know of any registered Pomeranian breeders in the area. Most of the time they will have the information of all the breeders in the area.

If you are seriously considering adopting from a Pomeranian dog shelter then good for you. You really are making a difference and I promise you won't regret your decision. So get out there and start looking for some shelters in your local area and if you can't find any do what I have said above.

posted by xgjcpet on Aug 9, 2008 7:20 AM | 0 comments

  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • 0 ratings

In the Spotlight - Lighting for Your Fish Tank

Shopping for lights for your aquarium can be one of the fun parts of getting everything set up just so. The fish don't need lights, unless they're kept in a room that's dark all the time, but you want to be able to see them, and show them off to your friends, don't you? Finding the right light can really unify your tank, make your plants and tank furniture look their best, and of course, show off the true beauty of your fish. For simplicity, we'll just talk about fish-only tanks here - planted tanks have their own lighting necessities.

Lights for aquariums, like for every other purpose, come in two main varieties (with a couple of rarer and more expensive variants).

Incandescent lights work like your standard light bulb. It costs less to buy them up front, but it takes more electricity to run them over time, and you'll also have to replace them more often. In addition, they heat up your tank, which may require adjustments to your pH balance and will definitely promote the growth of algae. So, as you've probably guessed, I don't use incandescent lights for my aquarium.

What I use, and recommend to you, is fluorescent lights. The bulbs and fixtures cost a little more than incandescents, but they are a lot cooler so they don't warm up your tank as much, and they make much better use of electricity, so they don't add to your electric bill as much. Fluorescent bulbs also don't need to be replaced as often; maybe once every year to a year and a half, when the light starts to get dim.

Here's a useful tip I got from my brother: spend a little more for a decent fixture that uses "electronic ballast" - it is inexpensive non-electronic ballast that causes the annoying "fish tank buzz" that most cheap fluorescent fixtures develop over time! It's worth the money if all you want to hear is the gentle bubbling of your pumps and filters.

Now for the fun part - fluorescent bulbs come in a wide variety of colors. Plain old white can be pretty harsh, and can make your tank look "washed out", so personally I tend to favor tinted bulbs. It may take some experimenting to find which colors show off your favorite fish to best effect, but in general warm colors like yellow or pink will make the tank look more vivid than cool colors like blue, green, or violet.

Don't forget to buy a timer to turn the lights off automatically at night. You should also be turning the lights off manually whenever you're not enjoying the tank - the more often the lights are on, the more they will promote the growth of algae in your tank.

posted by xgjcpet on Aug 3, 2008 5:16 AM | 0 comments

  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • 0 ratings

Setup A Freshwater Aquarium

This is an 11 step guide to setting up a freshwater aquarium in your home.

Equipment you will need:

Aquarium
Aquarium gravel
Aquarium filter
Heater
Other decorations (such as plants)
Chemical test kits
Fish food
Aquarium vacuum
Fish net
Glass Scrubber
5-gallon bucket

1: Realize the responsibility involved.
A tropical fish tank is just like having a dog or a cat when it comes to the amount of effort on your part. In order to have a successful fish tank you will have to work at it. Once a week, or at most once every two weeks, you will need to perform some kind of maintenance on the tank. Most of the time you will be performing water changes. You will also have to feed your tropical fish at least once a day. If you are up to the challenge, please proceed!

2: Decide on an aquarium size.
It’s a good idea to have in mind what kind of tropical fish you want to keep before you purchase an aquarium. Some tropical fish only grow to be an inch or two, whereas other types of tropical fish can grow 12 or 13 inches in length! Knowing what kind of tropical fish you want will help you decide the size of the tank they will need. If this is your first time with an aquarium, I would recommend going with a 10 or 20 gallon aquarium for now.

3: Decide on the aquarium's location.
Place your aquarium in an area where the light and temperature of the tank won’t be affected by external sources such as windows and heater vents. You will want to place your aquarium on a stand that will be able to hold its total weight. A good rule of thumb for determining the total weight of a full aquarium is 10 pounds per gallon of water. For example, a 55-gallon tank will weigh approximately 550 pounds when filled with water!

4: Buy your aquarium and equipment.
Now is the time to decide on the type of filtration you will want to use. You will also need to purchase a heater capable of heating the tank size you have. Buy the gravel, plants, a power strip and other decorations. A good rule of thumb for the amount of gravel that you will need is 1 to 1.5 pounds of gravel per gallon of water.

5: Set up your aquarium and stand.
Wash out your tank with water only! Do not use soap or detergents. Soap residue left behind will be harmful for your tropical fish. If you are going to use an under gravel filter (not recommended) now would be the time to set it up as well.

6: Wash Gravel, plants and decorations.
Be sure to wash the gravel thoroughly before adding it to your tank. An easy way to do this is to put some of the rocks in a pasta strainer and wash them out in your bathtub. Then place the clean gravel in a clean 5-gallon bucket for transport to the aquarium. After adding the gravel you can place your plants and decorations.

7: Add water to the aquarium.
To avoid messing up your gravel and plants, you can place a plate or saucer in the middle of your aquarium and direct the water flow onto the plate. Use room temperature water when filling. To remove the chlorine and chloramine, use something like Tetra AquaSafe for Aquariums. Don’t completely fill up the aquarium until you are sure of the layout of your decorations. Otherwise, when you place your arm in to move stuff around water is going to spill over. Doh!

8: Set up equipment.
Install your heater but don’t plug it in until the thermostat in the heater has adjusted to the water temperature. This usually takes about 15 minutes or so. Hook up your filter and any other equipment you have, then top off the aquarium water to just under the hood lip. Place your hood and light on the aquarium and then check your power cords to be sure that they are free of water. I would also recommend using a drip loop on all of the power cords to be extra cautious. Plug all of the equipment into a power strip and then “turn on” the aquarium.

9. Wait, wait, wait and then wait some more.
I know, you want to add some tropical fish. But, in order to do this right you must wait until your aquarium has cycled before adding any fish. There are ways of speeding up this process. Check out the nitrogen cycle page to learn more. If you must use fish to cycle, try to get a hardier species like the zebra danio or cherry barb.

10. Add tropical fish.
Only add one or two fish at a time. Adding a couple tropical fish at a time gives your filtration system the time needed to take on the increased biological load that the new fish introduce. When you bring the fish home let the bag float in the tank for about 15 minutes so that the fish can become acclimated to the temperature and pH of the aquarium water. After 5 minutes of floating the bag you should add some of the aquarium water to the bag so that the fish can become acclimated to the pH level in the aquarium. This will help reduce the amount of stress imposed on the tropical fish. Stressed tropical fish often leads to dead tropical fish! Don’t feed your tropical fish on the first day. They probably wouldn’t eat any food on the first day anyway. Let them get acquainted with their new home.

11. Get ready for regular maintenance.
Be prepared to spend some time once every week or two to clean your tank. Performing regular water changes will reduce the nitrate levels and keep your tropical fish happy and healthy.

posted by xgjcpet on Jul 27, 2008 12:19 PM | 0 comments

  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • No ratings
  • 0 ratings
Pages: 1 (1 - 10 / 10)

» Next Space