A refugium is defined as a stable place where endangered species can live even when the surrounding environments are changing. For the Aquarist, refugium means a refuge that shares the same water as the display aquarium but is isolated from the rest of the aquarium.

A well-designed refugium provides many advantages for your main aquarium. The macro algae and sand that is in your refugium will become natural filters for your display aquarium by reducing phosphates and nitrates. By reducing these contaminants from your aquarium, you will help eliminate the growth of unwanted algae in your tank.

The other advantage to having a refugium is that the lighting you put in will be on the opposite cycle as the light in your main aquarium, this will help stabilize the oxygen and pH levels in your aquarium.

The display light will be on during the day and off at night. When the light goes out carbon dioxide (CO2) levels will rise because photosynthesis is no longer occurring. CO2 is an acid and will lower the pH in your aquarium. With the refugium light on at night, the plants you have in your refugium will use the CO2, make oxygen and stabilize the pH.

Another benefit for having a refugium is that since it is a little environment separate from your display aquarium you can put in it small crustaceans such as copepods and amphipod. These can be netted to supply a food source for your fish or they can migrate naturally to the display tank via the connection lines. For this reason predator fish should not be placed in a refugium or they will eat your entire food source.

Refugium Types

There are many different types of refugiums to choose from. You can choose from those that hang from the side into the tank, stand-alone, built-in or even internal refugium.

What To Put In A Refugium

Besides sand, micro algae and crustaceans, you will also want to put in your refugium aquatic life that will not do well in the company of more aggressive fish. Many Aquarists will put in such aquatic life as seahorses, some shrimp and small fish.

Conclusion

Having a refugium as part of your display aquarium provides many benefits for you and your fish. It keeps oxygen and pH levels stable and reduces the amount of algae in your aquarium. A refugium makes the work involved in keeping a saltwater or reef aquarium easier.

Many professional breeders advocate for beginner breeders to start with live bearing fish, especially if the individual has little to no working knowledge of tropical fish or breeding experience of any kind. There are three main kinds of live bearers, referred to as guppies, platys, and mollies.

One of the most important first things to remember when breeding live fish is to keep the newly born babies, which are called fry, away from other fish, or community, in the tank. Other adult fish don’t consider fry to be living fish and instead find them to be a tasty treat. If you don’t separate the babies from the rest of the fish, odds are they won’t have much of a chance to survive very long. You breeding effort will end up being in vain. Also, don’t assume that the fry’s mother will not dine on them either. It’s best to separate and isolate them from all adult fish upon birth.

When you plan on getting into fish breeding, it’s a good idea to have another tank available, clean with a filtration system and the same water that’s in the main tank ready to go once the babies are born. One difference that needs to be taken into account is water temperature. While adult tropical fish do fairly well in a consistent climate, there are certain water temperatures that are optimal for breeding among certain species of tropical fish. If you have a particular species you plan on breeding, bring your primary tank to that temperature to help the process along.

Also, baby tropical fishes are much more susceptible to the minute fluctuations in temperature. Decide which kind of tropical fish you are breeding and study the ideal water temperature for their fry. Maintain this secondary tank to that temperature and check it daily as the mother appears closer to giving birth.

Breeding your fish can be a fun and educational experience for people of just about any age, though it is not recommended that children partake in this unsupervised, since tropical fish require more care and are sensitive to changes in its surroundings than most freshwater fish. It is also a good idea to have a plan in place for what will happen with the baby fish that result from breeding. They can make ideal gifts for friends and relatives, complete with a tank and supplies to get started.

Also fish breeding can be a lucrative hobby for some, as long as they understand the market and where to find others willing to buy them. Check with you local government officials on any rules and regulations regarding commercial breeding of tropical fish.

Fish breeding can also be a great way to increase the size of your tropical fish family. Just remember to upgrade the size of the tank to accommodate the new additions.

A member of the Cichlid family, Angelfish come in many varieties and colors. They can be a little bit fragile when they are young but as they grow older they can be quite hardy. You’ll want to keep them in groups of six or more, however, as just two or three is not a good mix and you may find that the stronger one bullies the weaker fish, but if you keep them in large schools they should be fine.

You’ll need a large aquarium for these fish, either 29 gallons or larger depending on how many fish total you want to keep. Make sure you have gravel that is at least 1/4″ thick. You will have to keep the tank temperature between 70 and 82°F so be sure that you mix your angelfish with other fish that thrive in this temperature. Make sure your aquarium is at least 24 inches deep – the deeper the better and the deeper your fish tank, the larger your fish will grow. Some angel fish have been reported to grow as large as 12 inches.

Angelfish are not that difficult to feed and they don’t really require any special food. You can give them the floating flake food that you find in any pet store and may be substituted in some freeze dried blood worms. If you want to give them a treat, try some brine shrimp or live black worms but be sure to select worms that are in good condition. Although the angelfish is mildly aggressive there are many other fish that can get along quite well in the tank with them. Large Tetras (not the tiny neons) and Silver Dollar fish get along great as do Swordtails Mollies and Platies. Avoid putting Guppies in with your Angelfish is the Angels do tend to eat them. Other fish that you can include in the tank include Gouramis, Clown Loaches, Bala Sharks and Giant Danios.

Although easy to care for and rather hardy, Angelfish can become victims to other fish that like to nip at their long fins. In addition to this they can be susceptible to a common fish tank disease called hole in the head disease which manifests itself as a sore on the fishes head and spreads alarmingly eventually killing the fish.

If you treat your angelfish right, don’t overcrowd the tank, make sure you do regular maintenance, feed him properly and keep the tank at the right temperature your fish can live for 10 years!

Optimum Temperature

First of all, Betta fish are temperature sensitive fish, just like every other freshwater species. If the water is too cold, the fish remain sluggish. If the water is too hot, the fish are too active and their metabolism makes them digest food too quickly, leaving you with a tank of fish feces. Keep the water temperature between 68 and 75 degrees F and they will thrive.

Separate Your Bettas

Secondly, Betta fish are territorial. It is usually a good idea to keep the males separate from one another by use of a clear glass divider in the tank. It is also a good idea to keep males and females separate as well until you are looking to breed more fish. Siamese fighting fish are known for their ferocious attacks on other fish, so if you have one in a tank, try to refrain from putting other fish in with it.

Betta Fish Diet

Third, Betta fish need some variety in their diet. Pellets are fine, and comprise most of the Betta fish’s diet, but feel free to add the occasional frozen brine shrimp, or live food such as blood worms. This keeps the Betta fish’s intestinal tract healthy and regular.

Water Care is Essential

Finally, Betta fish require normal water care. Flush 20 percent of the water in the tank every week, even with a filtration system. This keeps the fish healthy, and prevents too much bacteria build-up in the environment. Betta fish require special care when changing water, add fresh water slowly as to not to shock the fish. This will help keep your Betta fish healthy and happy.

If you have a saltwater aquarium or even if you are thinking about establishing a saltwater aquarium, you will want to look at establishing a quarantine tank. Here are some valid reasons for putting one of these tanks in your home to support your display aquarium.

What Is A Quarantine Tank

A quarantine tank is just what the name implies, a place to isolate your fish. This is where you put your new and display fish to isolate them from your main saltwater tank. There are several good reasons for why you would want to isolate fish periodically. Here are the reasons you would want to invest in a quarantine tank.

Why Have One

There are several reasons why you should have a quarantine tank. In fact, you should set one up when you establish your display tank because you will use it as you stock your new tank. A quarantine tank is needed because:

• New Fish- Saltwater fish that you bring home come out of the ocean. So they will be stressed out when because they come from the ocean to the store to your home. You will need to keep them isolated from your display fish so that the new fish do not affect these fish plus allow the new fish to adjust.

• Sick Fish- Unfortunately you will develop some sick fish no matter how good you maintain your saltwater aquarium. When this occurs you will want to isolate them from your display tank to prevent infecting other fish in you tank. Not only will you prevent the spread of the disease, but you will also be able to treat your sick fish better without affecting the fish in your display tank.

• Aggressive Fish- You can also use this tank for a time out if you have an aggressive fish. This will give you time to determine what you will need to do with this aggressive fish, such as sell it or try to reintroduce it back into the display tank.

• Injured Fish- An injured fish will become vulnerable if it is left in the display tank. Having a quarantine tank will allow you to nurse your injured fish back to health.

Conclusion

Most pros that operate a saltwater aquarium will also keep a quarantine tank to keep new fish that will allow them to recuperate. It also allows the pros a place to isolate and nurse sick and injured fish back to health. They also use this as a place to keep aggressive fish.

Xinmin, to the goldfish fed? ”

“Oh, Mom, no.”

“Why do not fish feeding? You do every day to feed them!”

“Oh, Mom, I intend to make them lose weight.”

Really? Goldfish have to lose weight? May be the little guy heard that some people keep goldfish one week she gave him some food, my house is a day to feed the goldfish more food in order to prevent obesity caused by the “three high” symptoms, so determined to lose weight but also to my family goldfish. Lose weight from you and me, who said goldfish can not lose weight?

User thread

Yangzhou, a small rabbit (Bo Friends): There was a cute goldfish, I feed more than fish food Chengsi …

The Cloudland do not know at the (Bo Friends): It seems I have a week to eat a meal, in order to lose weight.

Patch mother (Friends of Bo): person or animal or fat are likely to have diseases of affluence.

Tempered

A tempered glass is also known as toughened glass. It is the most popularly used glass for aquariums because it is very strong and lightweight. It is called toughened glass because it undergo extreme heating process then it is quickly cooled to strengthen it.

You cannot drill a tempered glass. And in case it breaks, it shatters into real small pieces. You will not see cracks or leaks, but it will break into tiny million rounded pieces, thus it is not so dangerous. It will not cause injuries or cuts since there will be no sharp edges. That is why it is also known as safe glass.

Plate Glass

Plate glass is also popularly known as annealed glass and sheet glass. It is a relatively heavy glass that is also resistant to scratch. It will not have any ugly discolorations unlike other glass. However, this type of glass breaks into large, sharp pieces. You may notice cracks, holes, and leaks when a plate glass is damaged. So, you can save your fish first if you see that it is about to break. But in case it breaks, you have to be careful since the broken pieces of plate glass can cut you off.

Laminated

This is a newer type of glass. Though it was only used before in windshields and doors, it is also used now for aquariums. Laminated glass is made by putting together annealed glasses with the same thickness.

It is laminated using a strong plastic interlayer that makes this glass more durable and resistant from strong impacts. So if it breaks, the glass usually remains in the frame. It is also safe to use since there will be fewer sharp edges scattering around.

Which One Should I Pick?

Well, that really depends on your needs and preferences. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages and it is up to you to weigh those. For instance, annealed glass is cheaper than tempered glass. If you are after low-cost glass aquarium, you can buy this one. However, if you think more about the safety and strength of the glass, you can buy tempered glass, especially if you will be building a large aquarium.

Do not use annealed glass for large aquariums because it is heavy so you will surely find it difficult to clean. If it slips or you are not able to balance it, it might end up in an accident.

And as you buy, look for the stickers on the aquarium itself to know if it is tempered, plate, or laminated. You can also ask for assistance from the store helper to be sure.

Natural Discus

Johan Heckel first discovered this fish in the amazon backwaters. The common types are:

Heckle: Named after its discoverer, Heckle, is one type that is red or blue in color. It has a dark brown stripe running in the middle.

Green: From a pale green -yellow color to the bright and vibrant green, green discus fishes cover the whole spectrum of green. They also have bright red spots, and dark stripes on the sides of their body.

Brown: Most commonly found are brown one. They are usually very dull brown in color but you might find some with faded stripe or some color on the fins.

Blue: These are same as the brown discus but have a bright blue hue surrounding them, which makes them very attractive.

Cultivated discus fish

Cultivated are inter-breed natural fish. Selective features like colors of various natural discus fish are used to cultivate it in various colors. These colors make them very attractive to fish collectors. Some common colors are:

Leopard snakeskin: These have a blue body that is covered with red striations all over.

Turquoise: These are available in two popular colors: red and blue. These are most – in -demand discus fish among the cultivated discus. The blue fish are blue in color with red speckles and dark vertical stripes whereas the red ones have a white body covered with horizontal red patterns.

Albino: As the name suggests albino are bread with albinism. They are a fairly new breed (2000). They have white body which appears transparent and bright red eyes.

Pigeon blood: Unveiled in the year 1991, these fish have a bright white body with bright red striations that makes them stand out.

Golden: Gold glitters and these royal gold have dim white stripes and semi translucent fins that bring out the gold. These are also a new variety of discus fish.

Blue diamond: These have a white body with a deep blue hue all over. Their body is more flexible and fins are thinner than other. Some blue diamond fishes have yellow color under eyes and fins.

There are many hundred types of discus fish that you can select from but make sure that you keep them in neat and clean water at specified temperature.

One, if your family has other fish, then you should just bought Fish and isolation rearing to 23 days in another container, in this two or three days, you have to carefully view of the Liao, look at the fish with or without abnormal , to see whether the damaged fish, white spots, prominence, albuginea, and parasites, some parasites will move hidden, so look carefully. , But be careful to observe the fish and rub the pelvic floor or wipe the pelvic wall. Found that the problem must timely processing, treatment, before and at home when the fish recovered after the original fish co-basin. A variety of fishery drugs in the market now, you described to the boss the Ti symptoms, or look at the fish medicines manual can be purchased, but the proposed purchase of tyranny drugs. Do not buy the cure, those drugs may not be able to cure.

In addition, during the confinement period, the two basins fish do not joint tools, like fish, fishing, straws. To be used separately to prevent cross-infection. If your home no fish. Then figure it out. But also pay attention to the following clause.

Second, when the fish into the home, whether you are isolated or not isolated or this good. It can be related to the survival of your fish. The first thing to do, not to fish put pots or aquarium, as long as is not your bag Sheng fish acute hypoxia, we must first bag with water octopus together into your pots or aquarium to open the mouth, but can not let the bowl of water into the bag and let the bag across the blisters twenty or thirty minutes, hand try both inside and outside temperature consistent, add the fish Rupen. Put the fish, if people give good water you put in the bag, you can even fish with water slowly poured into the basin or aquarium if the water quality of the bag to your Sheng Hun. Can single-handedly stretched the pocket in one hand and hold the fish gently into the bowl. The aim is to avoid the water temperature difference to the fish you just bought to stimulate. Also considered toss fish from the market to your house is not a light, and then by the temperature difference to stimulate vulnerable to diseases and deaths. Therefore, it is important to note, especially in summer, indoor and outdoor temperature, the novice the most easy to overlook the details.

One of the questions people ask when thinking about establishing an aquarium, is what type of aquarium should I have, freshwater or saltwater? One of the considerations is which one requires more maintenance? Well it might surprise you that the maintenance is about the same.

Common Maintenance Needed For An Aquarium

The maintenance that is common to both the freshwater and saltwater aquariums are:

• Water Change Out- Both types of aquariums will require you to change out at least 10% of your water every week.

• Vacuum- Freshwater and saltwater aquariums will also need to have the waste removed. This is normally done when you do the water change out. The only difference between the two is that the water from the saltwater aquarium cannot be used in plants and gardens. However the water from a freshwater aquarium is full of fish waste, nitrates and phosphates, which is one of the best fertilizers that you can give your plants.

• Chemical Testing- Both aquariums will require periodic testing for chemicals such as ammonia, nitrites, nitrates and pH.

• Algae- Algae will have to be dealt with in both tanks, either by cleaning or having a marine life that will eat it.

Differences In Maintenance

There are a few differences in the types of maintenance done on these aquariums:

• Adding Salt- When doing a water replacement, a freshwater aquarium will require you to ensure that the chemicals from tap water are removed. This can be done by letting the water set overnight and using a conditioner. This is the same for a saltwater aquarium but the difference is you must add salt to the replacement water.

• Salt Measurement - A saltwater aquarium will require you to perform a salt measurement on the water you add to the aquarium with a hydrometer.

• Protein Skimmer- A freshwater aquarium does not need a protein skimmer but it is recommended for a saltwater aquarium. This device will remove organic wastes to prevent the build up of toxic chemicals such as ammonia. Having this device will require periodic cleaning to remove the build up of organic wastes.

Conclusion

The maintenance of freshwater and saltwater aquariums is very similar. There are a few more chores required if you have a saltwater aquarium. But these extra duties are not that much of an effort and should not stop you from establishing one of these aquariums.