Types of Freshwater Aquarium Fish Species That You Can Pick Out

Types of freshwater aquarium fish will let you choose the type of fish you want to have in your fish tank. Fish are relatively easy to care but there are few things to consider before you decide to buy one. Remember that before introducing any fish in their new habitat, you should let your aquarium left running for two weeks so that the good bacteria in the filter will mature to a safe level.

You should purchase freshwater aquarium fish from reputable pet store or dealer. Make sure that the fish is in good condition while still in the dealer's shop tank. There are several types of freshwater fish that you can keep in your aquarium. Types of freshwater aquarium fish include school fish, catfish, barbs, loaches, cardinal tetras, pearl, and zebra danios. Be careful in getting aquarium fish that could be a predatory of your other fish just like the catfish. If you are just beginning to keep fish, you can get killifish as it is good in freshwater aquarium. There are other freshwater fish that you should avoided to keep in your tank like the Oscars that eat other fish and make a lot of clutter as well as goldfish that is very sensitive to many health problems.

Before adding a fish to your aquarium, it should be quarantined for a short time. This will let you know if it is healthy to avoid passing any illness to other fish. Add fish gradually in your freshwater aquarium to avoid chemical imbalance. Different types of freshwater aquarium fish have different preference when it comes to their new environment. Some prefer hiding in rocks while others does not like overcrowded tank. It is important to make research on the freshwater fish you like better. You should also know about the special needs such as temperature, chemical balance, dietary and compatibility.

Make sure that you provide the right water temperature appropriate for the type of species you choose. Freshwater fish are sensitive when it comes to the cleanliness and freshness of water. Your fish may acquire disease when there are ammonia toxins in the water. As much as possible, change the water regularly and always checks the water temperature.

Many types of freshwater aquarium fish can be obtained easily at your local pet stores or dealers and even on the online retailers.

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6 Tips to Maintain Healthy Freshwater Aquarium Plants

Adding plants to your aquarium will enhance the appearance of your tank. Always bear in mind that the main purpose of an aquarium is to provide food and shelter for your fish.

Plants also help maintain the ph balance of the water. 

Looking after and setting up a freshwater aquarium is not complicated. But, there are daily tasks needed in order to keep it clean and environmentally fresh.

Your selection of freshwater aquarium plants is as important as your selection of fish.

The plants must complement the fish. This means they must not harm the fish in any way. There are a variety of plants that are suited to growing in a freshwater aquarium.

Plants are not only used to improve the appearance of a freshwater aquarium but they must also contribute to the optimum health of your fish. There is nothing less pleasing to see an aquarium filled with beautiful plants but marred with sickly fish with no energy.

When starting your freshwater aquarium you can choose between personally selected freshwater plants or a package of plants. If you choose the package you will have a pre-selected choice of plants that will create a wonderful water wonderland in your aquarium.

You can find pictures of aquariums on the internet to see how some people have set out their freshwater plants. Read books and visit websites before planning your freshwater aquarium.

Don't over crowd your tank with plants.
A balance of all the elements has a more pleasing effect and gives your fish sufficient space to move around.
Consult your pet supply store for types of plants and prices and which would be best for your fish. Here are some suggestions of plants you can look into and decide which would be best for your particular environment.
Some plants you can choose from are:

• Downoi or "Little Star" (Pogostemon helferi)
• Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus)
• Dwarf Sag (Sagittaria subulata)
• Water cover (Marsilea hirsute)
• Floating Watermoss (Salvina natans)

There are steps you can take to maintain your plants are in a healthy condition:

1) You must have sufficient light.
You get this by use of artificial lighting. Some tanks already have lighting set up or have holes pre-drilled for you to set up lighting. You may want to place your tank near a window to get extra light.

2) Check your plants regularly to ensure roots don't come loose.
Sometimes your fish will loosen the plants from the soil and if you don't check they may die.

3) Don't overcrowd the aquarium with plants.
Each plant needs sufficient space and ability to draw nutrients from the soil. Over crowding means plants will have to struggle for what they need.

4) Try to emulate an environment close to the plants' original environment.
It's no use putting a tropical plant in a cold climate where it has little chance of survival.

5) Beware of introducing a diseased plant into your freshwater aquarium.
A diseased plant will infect other plants in your aquarium

6) Purchase your freshwater aquarium plants from a reputable dealer.
That way you are certain to get healthy plants with an excellent chance of survival in your freshwater aquarium.

Adam McConnell is the author of "The Ultimate Guide To Freshwater Aquariums" which provides more detail on maintaing healthy freshwater aquarium plants - compulsory reading for anyone considering a freshwater aquarium.

The website contains valuable information on how to easily create and maintain your own stunningly beautiful freshwater aquarium with lively and healthy fish, even if you have never owned fish before!
For a FREE 10 part mini-course "Learn The Secrets To Creating & Maintaining a Stunning Freshwater Aquarium With Lively & Healthy Fish" go to => http://freshwateraquariumhelp.com/

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Benefits of a Freshwater Aquarium

Having a home freshwater aquarium is one of the most enjoyable activities on the planet. If you have ever seen a aquarium, whether it be large or small, you were probably drawn immediately to the movement of the fish. There is just something about an aquarium that draws young and old to watch colorful fish swim around in their own little water world.

Water building
In the word, aqua-rium, "aqua" (from the Latin) means water and "rium" means building. A "water building" is, in fact, a very true literal description of an aquarium.

Whys of fishkeeping
People have a home freshwater aquarium for many reasons. The number one reason is probably because fish are fun to watch and it relaxes you at the same time. They are also a way to bring nature into the home. And,in this instance, a home freshwater aquarium can serve as a educational tool to help us understand how life works and to recognize the beauty and wonder of the fish themselves. The more understanding we have of the natural world, the more we value and understand human life and all of creation.

Having a home freshwater aquarium is hobby that can be enjoyed by people of any economic level. As you learn more about caring for fish, It is possible to upgrade to larger and larger aquariums with more and more fish. But, if you can't afford a 200-gallon aquarium, a one- or two-gallon bowl with a couple of fish can still be just as enjoyable to watch.

The great thing about fish is that you don't have to instantly meet their needs in the same way you do with other pets. For instance, you don't have to walk them or put up with fish chewing your couch or other treasured belongs. And, when you go on vacation, a home freshwater aquarium can be left for quite a long time with no maintenance at all. If you do have to be gone for a few weeks, it is much easier to ask a friend to feed the fish than to take care of your dog and cat.

Sit back and relax
A home freshwater aquarium has many health benefits. In fact, there is research going back almost thirty years that proves watching the fish in an aquarium reduces stress and lowers blood pressure. One of the reasons you see so many aquariums in the offices of doctors and dentists is because studies have proven that watching the fish in an aquarium significantly reduces the experience of pain as much as hypnosis. Watching a video or DVD of an aquarium has exactly the same effect.

Alzheimer's and aquariums
Further benefits of aquariums can be found in nursing homes. Senior citizens with Alzheimer's disease have shown many health improvements from the addition of an aquarium to a dining room or rec room. These seniors ate more, plus there was an overall reduction in stress levels, resulting in less aggression.

Aquarium history
Aquariums are not new to the twentieth or twenty-first century. In fact, in China and Egypt, evidence shows that fish were kept in bowls and revered thousands of years ago. Back then goldfish had the most popularity. People started breeding goldfish and by the mid-1800s, big wrought-iron aquariums filled with goldfish were found across Europe. Aquariums gained popularity in the United States at the turn of the century and into the 1920s, the time of the first World War.

Since that time, technology has obviously changed and there now are no limits to what you can do in terms of constructing large and small aquariums with just about every kind of fish you can imagine.

Absolutely the biggest aquarium
Whether you have a large or small home freshwater aquarium, you will undoubtedly reap the benefits of watching fish, with reduced stress and better overall health. Just do a little research on freshwater fish and in no time you could have a thriving aquarium population.

For those of you who think big, the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is the largest aquarium in the world. If you want to be astounded by nature, this is the place to go. This aquarium has eight million gallons of water and the biggest collection of fish and other aquatic animals anywhere. They have whale sharks, and the shark area alone has 6.3 million gallons of water.

The Georgia Aquarium cost $250 million dollars to build and is now a 320 million dollar facility with a $13 million improvement project. The aquarium opened debt-free because it was a gift to the people of Atlanta and the people of Georgia from Bernie and Billi Marcus. Mr. Marcus was the co-founder of The Home Depot chain of stores.

In the first two years, over six million people visited the Georgia Aquarium. If you love fish and you ever have a chance to get to Atlanta, this aquarium is a must-see. In the meantime, you can't go wrong with any size home freshwater aquarium. Just sit back and relax, and enjoy your fish.

Kevin Elliott is an aquarium expert. For more great information on freshwater aquariums, visit http://www.afreshwateraquarium.com.

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Easy Steps to Your Own Saltwater Fish Tank

Whoever told you that it was too hard to start your own saltwater fish tank was wrong! Saltwater fish are in a league of their own in terms of color and beauty. More and more people have realized that having their own saltwater fish tank is not a great mystery that only the experts can manage.


Here are some simple steps to get you started on your own saltwater fish tank.

1.Setting up your tank

Saltwater fish or marine fish are less tolerant to changes or conditions than freshwater fish. Before even thinking of chucking your fish in, you have to let the water build up the natural levels of pH, minerals and bacteria and this can take up to 2 months. First you will need to add crushed coral to the base of the tank, then the best option is to use real saltwater from the ocean which is available in the specialty fish stores. You will also need to add "live rock" or rocks from the ocean to get your microscopic organisms working to balance your water. You will need your filter to be going from the beginning and after a week or so start testing the levels of pH, salts, and more.

2.Getting ready for the fish

Once you think the water levels are right, take a sample of your tank water in to your local aquarium shop for them to test it for you. This will make sure it is perfect for your fish to live happily.

3.Stocking your tank

Stocking your saltwater fish tank takes some careful planning before you begin, or you may find yourself with one or two fish that are incompatible with everything else. Coral can be the most beautiful part of your tank, but not all fish will live peacefully with it. If you want coral then you have to plan which fish will live in and amongst it. There are some fish that are peaceful (like clown fish, damsels and more) but many others that are extremely aggressive and territorial (like lion fish, butterfly fish, etc). Add the fish one by one and start with the hardiest fish to make sure they will all survive.

4.Taking care of your tank

Regular feeding of the food your particular fish and corals like, regular change of half of the water in the tank, and regular testing of the water quality are the only things left to do.

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Freshwater Aquariums - Tips For Algae Control

An aquarium can be a very tranquil decoration in a home or office. There is nothing more relaxing than watching fish swim peacefully in clear, sparkling tropical fish tank. However, there is nothing more unsightly than an aquarium covered over with algae. So here are a few considerations and tips to help you with algae control.

Most all aquariums have algae. A small amount of it is not a bad thing. However, when algae grow rapidly and take over the tank, it can be troublesome. While there are no true ways to completely prevent it, it can be controlled.

Green algae are a common concern for most freshwater tank owners. The two types, hair and green dot, can be time consuming and even difficult to remove from the tank. This alga grows rapidly in tanks that receive and over abundance of light.

The brown form of algae most often grows after the initial set-up of the tank. The algae growth in tanks that have been established for a longer period of time may indicate a nitrate or phosphate problem. The growth of this algae is also encouraged by low light levels. To remove it from the tank, typically you need to clean the tank, increase the light it receives, and ensure that the water condition is at proper levels.

Red-brush and blue-green are two other forms of algae that can grow in a fish tank. The red-brush form tends to feed from aquariums with higher pH levels. Blue-green algae are a slimy type that can be dangerous to both plants and fish in the tank.

One of the easiest ways to control the growth of most algae is to control lighting. For algae control, do not place tanks near windows and minimize the lighting to eight hours each day. Using a lighting timer is a great way to give your tank consistent and adequate amounts of light.

Just like your fish, algae need to eat to survive. Algae grow best from consuming potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus. You can greatly enhance algae control in tropical fish tanks by making sure that aquariums are not overcome by fish waste, excess food, and decaying plants. Also, perform water changes regularly and use a properly sized filter. And finally, if the algae are persistent, you can get a special silicate absorbing resin to use in your filter.

Adding algae eating organisms to your tank is also an option. Snails and algae eating fish can help control algae in the tank. It is important to keep in mind that snails can populate very quickly. Adding a snail and a plecostomus to a tank may be a good idea. Remember when all of the algae are consumed, you will need to feed these animals. Your local pet store has the right food for them readily available.

It is not uncommon for algae to begin to re-grow in a clean tank within three weeks. For ongoing algae control and management, be cautious about over feeding your fish, be certain to promptly remove dead fish from the tank, be mindful about the amount of light that the tank receives, and use some type of filtration system. And, remove any visible algae with a magnet or scrubber designed for this type of cleaning. Hopefully these simple tips will make your algae control efforts and aquarium keeping much easier and enjoyable.

Gary is an aquarium enthusiast and enjoys helping others with this amazing hobby. He has owned and maintained freshwater aquariums for over 20 years and teaches others how to set up a beautiful thriving aquarium. For more information and advice on how to keep your aquarium water clean or other useful tips please visit: http://freshwateraquariumbliss.com.
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Frogfish

Frogfishes, family Antennariidae, are a type of anglerfish in the order Lophiiformes. They are known as anglerfishes in Australia, as 'frogfish' actually refers to a different type of fish there. Frogfishes are found in almost all tropical and subtropical oceans and seas around the world, the primary exception being the Mediterranean Sea.
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They are generally small fish, less than 10–20 cm (3.9–7.9 in) in length, with large globose heads. They can be distinguished from other anglerfish by the three extended dorsal fin spines on their heads. The first dorsal spine is modified as a fishing lure to attract prey. The lure consists of the illicium (the spine) and the esca (the bait), and may resemble a worm, crustacean, or small fish. Frogfishes do not swim in the conventional way; instead, they "walk" on their pectoral fins or use 'jet propulsion' (forcefully expelling water from the small opercular opening generally behind and below the pectoral fins).
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They are mostly bottom-dwelling fish, typically living amongst coral, at up to 100 metres (330 ft) depth, where they lie in wait for prey. They are able to change their colour to match the background with high precision, and their camouflage is further aided by numerous warts and filaments on their skin, giving them an appearance similar to rough coral.
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The Sargassum fish, Histrio histrio, is unique among frogfish in that it is endemic to and clings on floating Sargassum weed.
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Picture of Valentine's Day

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Valentine's Day or Saint Valentine's Day is a holiday celebrated on February 14 by many people throughout the world. In the West, it is the traditional day on which lovers express their love for each other by sending Valentine's cards, presenting flowers, or offering confectionery. The holiday is named after two among the numerous Early Christian martyrs named Valentine. The day became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.
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The Basics on How to Breed Macaws

By Azmi Adnan
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The best place to learn on how to breed Macaws is from an experienced Macaw breeder. However, breeding Macaws on your own can be quite an experience. There are people who breed parrots as a hobby and there are others who breed parrots for profit. Either way, you will need a mature and healthy pair for breeding. The pair has to bond with each other and be comfortable with their surroundings which should be spacious and clean. Macaws usually breed in spring and summer, but some pairs do breed all year round.
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You will need wooden nest boxes measuring approximately 24 inches by 24 inches by 36 inches, or 48 inches horizontal. Some large size macaws breed well in a vertical 12 inches by 12 inches by 36 inches wooden box. Decide which one is best for your birds and give them a good supply of chewing material to keep them active.
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Clutch size is usually two to four eggs but sometimes more. Incubation period ranges from 23 to 27 days. Some additional high fat seeds, like sunflower seed, should be added to the diet during the breeding season to stimulate reproduction. If you are inexperience in hand feeding, allow the parents to feed for the first few weeks.
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Check the nesting box daily to make sure the chicks are being fed properly. Offer fresh food and plenty of water daily. If the parents care for their young, you will not have to worry too much. However, if the breeding pair inexperienced parents, you may need to care for the chicks.
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You would need an incubator and feed the chicks every two hours. Hand-rearing chicks take time and the right equipment. There are commercial diets available, which need you to just add water. Feeding the chicks is not difficult to learn, but you should have your avian veterinarian show you how to do it properly. This is a critical period in the life of the new birds and it is during this time you may encounter a high rate of complications and mortality.
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When the chicks start to pick at smaller seeds you offer and you are confident that they can eat by themselves, it would be time to separate them from their parents. Some chicks take sooner than others. When this happens, it is time to start the taming process.
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Azmi Adnan is a writer and a bird enthusiast. Subscribe to his newsletter for fresh video clips on parrots and other bird species, ezines and interesting bird stories at his website http://www.power-to-live.com/parrot.html
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