Author: scott

Concrete vs Aluminium Foil DIY Background

Posted on by scott in DIY Aquariums

A new backdrop can restore the joy and excitement to a tank. However, few people have the money or time to go to the pet shop to buy a new backdrop every week. For this reason, more and more people are deciding to make their own.

One of the easiest backdrops you can make for your tank consists out of little more than styrofoam and a roll of foil that you will find in the back of your pantry. Measure and cut out a piece of styrofoam that will fit neatly into the back of your tank. Tear off pieces of foil and roll it into balls. Then you need to gently unroll the balls and rub small amounts of dark non toxic paint into the wrinkles. Next, you are ready to apply glue to the styrofoam board and stretch the pieces of foil over the glue.

If you prefer something that looks a little more industrial you may want to consider playing around with the cement look. To make this backdrop you will need another styrofoam board to fit your tank, a palette knife, and a runny mixture of cement and water. Use the knife to apply the concrete to the board in thin layers. Continue in this manner until the entire board has been covered. You may need to apply a second layer of cement to ensure that nothing shines through. This second layer is a good time to experiment with textures. Even if you do not decide to experiment with textures this industrial backdrop will have a striking effect when incorporated in your tank.

Making new backdrops for your tank is not only a fun activity but it is also a great way to change aesthetics without spending a lot of money. With just a few simple supplies you can make a wide range of different backdrops.

Dealing With Fish Stress

Posted on by scott in Fish for Aquariums

These fish do not display signs of stress in the same manner as other animal but that does not mean that they do not experience it. When they experience distress their immune systems are compromised, they may change colour, and they will generally lack energy. There are a few things you can try if you think your fish is suffering from anxiety.

The easiest thing you can do to support your fish when they are experiencing stress is to change the water regularly. This will ensure that all of the levels of ammonia and nitrates will remain regulated. It also helps to remove toxins from the water that contribute to the negative impacts of distress. The temperature of the water also needs to remain regulated to help your fish stay happy and healthy.

Some of your fish may be suffering from anxiety due to other fish who are bullying them. If you notice any of the inhabitants in your tank acting aggressively it is a good idea to remove them from the environment. You may notice a significant improvement in the overall happiness of your fish. It is also incredibly important that the fish in your tank have enough room to grow and thrive. Not having enough space is one of the most common reasons that these fish become aggressive or distressed.

Another common reason these fish become anxious and suffer health issues is that they have not been introduced to their environment appropriately. To help your new shoal member get used to their new home there are a few things you should do. When you get home submerge them in the water still in the bag that you brought them home in. Leave them there for a few hours before releasing them into the water. This will help them get used to the water while also giving the other inhabitants the time to get accustomed to the new member.

Other things you can do to avoid distress in your tank is to make sure that your fish are well fed, there is enough room for everyone, and that you only keep species that are compatible with one another. It is also important for your tank to have good oxygenation levels and a proper filtration system.

Distress in your tank is something that cannot be avoided at all times. However, with some basic management techniques, you can reduce this phenomenon significantly.

Checks To Do When Buying Second-hand External Filters

Posted on by scott in Filters for Aquariums

Many people who have a passion for keeping fish are not able to afford the rather large fees associated with purchasing a brand new outer filtration system. Fortunately, there are many people who want to sell their used systems. There are just a few things that you need to keep in mind when you opt for this route.

The first thing you should do when you enter the used parts market is to make sure that you do not pay for anything before you have actually seen it. This way if you find that the quality of the item is less than desirable when you see it you can still get out of the sale. You should also ensure that the filtration system is completely watertight, there are no visible signs of limescale, and that it has not undergone any radical repairs. Many tank owners will use tape and superglue to put them back together. Sadly, these types of repairs are rarely effective.

Once the used filtration system you are interested in has passed all of these tests you will be able to bring it home. Enjoy the installation process and rest assured that your pets will reap all of the benefits.

Easy Ways To Make A Condensation Tray

Posted on by scott in DIY Aquariums

The drip tray underneath your tank serves an important function. It is there to catch all of the drips and splashes that come off of your tank. But what do you do if your drip tray breaks? Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to make your own replacement.

For a short term solution, you will need a large amount of aluminium foil. Determine the size of your tank and then add a few inches to that number. Start to layer the foil until you have a sheet the size of your tank that is at least six or seven layers thick. Fold in the corners until your sheet resembles a large tray.

Alternatively, you can build your own drip catcher by using sheets of perspex and hot glue. Measure out a large piece of perspex that matches the diameter of your tank. Cut two pieces of perspex that are two inches high and as long as the length of your tank and another two-inch piece that match the breadth. Glue all of the pieces together with hot glue. When your drip catcher under your tank breaks you do not need to lose hope. You can make your own.

Cost of a DIY Project vs Buying

Posted on by scott in DIY Aquariums

Keeping fish is a wonderful way to unwind after a long day. However, the cost of maintaining a beautiful tank is not as great. Is it better to build your own supplies or should you just keep on buying new decorations for your tank?

One of the best parts of going to your local pet shop to buy things for your tank is that it takes little to no creativity on your part. There are large varieties of decorations that will transform your tank. When you choose to make these decorations yourself all of the responsibility lies on your shoulders. You will also be limited by your own artistic ability.

However, when you compare the cost of ready-made decorations to the cost of making them yourself you will be amazed. The premade decorations are often more than a third of the cost of something that you can make for yourself. If you are limited by your budget this is definitely the route that you should take.

There are benefits and drawbacks associated with doing it yourself as opposed to purchasing things for your tank. If you are limited in your creative abilities you should opt for buying objects but if you do not have the biggest budget then tinker a bit.

How To Prevent Contamination From Dead Fish

Posted on by scott in Fish for Aquariums

If your tank has become contaminated by toxins or your pets are infected with a disease you may find a few dead animals in the tank. If you do, you will need to take control of the situation before it causes a big problem for the rest of your pets.

You need to be observing your tank on a daily basis. Keep track of the precise number you have of each species. That way if one goes missing you will be able to notice immediately. In the case that you are unable to spot one of your fish, you need to go into the tank and search for the deceased member of your shoal.

Due to the fact that your tank is filled with warm water that is rich in bacteria the body will begin to rot quickly. The decomposing body will cause contaminants to enter the water and puts the rest of your pets in jeopardy. Therefore, you will need to remove the corpse from the tank as soon as possible.

Once you have removed the unfortunate pet it is important that you examine its body. When you see things like ragged fins, a bloated abdomen, or diseased scales it is an indication that there is an issue in your tank that is causing disease or stress. However, if you are not able to remove the corpse from the tank in time it will not be possible to look at the remains. In that case, you need to make a careful observation of your remaining pets.

It is crucial that you take all of the contaminated material out of the water. After you have removed as much of this as possible you need to test the quality of the water. The results may indicate that everything is fine. Or it might show that there are serious problems with their environment. If you find an issue with the water quality you will need to do an emergency water change. However, in some cases, this may not be enough to resolve the damage. If you are at all unsure it is always a good idea to consult an expert who will be able to give you advice.

Finding a dead pet in your tank can have a serious effect on all of the occupants. Make sure that you remove all of the contaminated material and check your water quality to give the rest of your pets a chance to recover.

Ways To Prevent Fish Death In An Aquarium

Posted on by scott in Fish for Aquariums

There are several reasons why you may be finding your precious pets floating lifelessly in your tank. Old age, stress, or physical injuries are some of the most common causes. However, if you do notice something going wrong in your tank you need to take immediate action.

Some species will tend to develop a condition known as new tank syndrome when placed into a new environment. This occurs because the water is not yet balanced and there may still be some residual chemicals lurking in the back of the tank. Fortunately, this is a concern that can be addressed easily. You need to take regular water samples to ensure that your tank has the appropriate levels of ammonium, nitrates, and bacteria. If you find that it is out of balance a simple water change will help your pets to thrive.

When you do change the water make sure that the changes are not too rapid. As sudden disruptions could cause your pets to go into a state of shock. To avoid this make sure that you are only removing two or three cups of water at a time. Then wait a few days before repeating the process. By following this procedure you are giving your pets the time to adapt to the chemical changes in their environment.

Another common reason why your pets will fail to thrive in their tank is that of fluctuations in the water temperature during the day. Invest in a high-quality water heater and set out some time each day to check it. It is also a good idea to place your tank in a sheltered area that is out of the sun and away from windows.

Once you have ensured that the tank is optimally suited to the animals you are keeping it is time to look at the way you feed them. These are animals that only need to be fed a day. If you are giving them three meals a day you may be contributing towards their demise. The leftover food sinks to the bottom of the tank where it gets stuck in the gravel and causes bacterial overgrowth.

Finally, you should always provide your tank with adequate protection. Tanks that do not have properly ventilated covers are vulnerable to a variety of toxins entering the water. Always keep your tank closed and make sure that you wash your hands properly before working with it.

Although it may be distressing to discover that your beloved pets are dying there are a variety of things that you can do to help them thrive. By keeping them in a good environment with the proper conditions and following a few simple steps your friends will stay healthy.

Why Cheap Filters Are Not Always The Best Option?

Posted on by scott in Filters for Aquariums

The filtration system that you install into your fish tank is the one thing that decides whether it will thrive or become a hostile environment for your valuable pets. For this reason, you may want to invest instead of going for the most affordable option.

Your fish will not be able to survive in an environment that is not properly

oxygenated, has large amounts of ammonia, and unwanted strains of bacteria. Most filtration systems that are on the lower price range will be able to keep up with the needs of your tank for a short period. However, if you are not maintaining the system on a regular basis you will need to replace it after just a few months. You may also need to spend more money on the replacement of sponges and cleaning materials than you would on a premium filtration system.

Although an inexpensive filtration system may keep your tank clean and clear for the first few months it may not be all that you believe it to be. These types of systems will need to be cleaned regularly. They also require the replacement of sponges, which may cost you a lot more money than if you had just invested in a better model.

Planning a Trip to the Aquarium

Posted on by scott in Fish for Aquariums

Aquariums exist all over the world and are a choice place to visit for couples, 

families, friends and individuals. Aquariums can be a great place to visit to learn about marine life, different fish and beyond being fun, they can be a very educational experience for visitors of all ages. If you are planning a fun vacation near, or just a day trip, to an aquarium, there are some considerations to make it the best trip possible and to cover all your bases for a fun, safe and memorable trip:

    • Crowds; weekends, holidays and school breaks are typically the busiest days for aquariums, especially those in big cities and tourist destinations. Also, the hours of 11 am to 2 pm tend to be considered the peak times. If you would like to avoid crowds, try going first thing in the morning or in the evening or right before closing.
  • Weather and climate; consider the aquarium and the setting. Some aquariums offer outdoor exhibits or activities. If you are planning on partaking in something such as swimming with dolphins, check the weather before buying tickets. Also, make sure that you dress for the weather to make the day as enjoyable as it can be. For warmer days, be sure to bring sunscreen and a lot of water.
  • Tickets; be sure to check prices, requirements and availability of tickets. Some aquariums require pre-purchase of tickets, some offer discounts if you buy them before or if you go later in the day. Also, some places provide line skip packages, parking packages or food packages, etc. Check the website before heading out. In and Out privileges are also something to consider, especially if you have young kids or are planning on bringing your own food.
  • Safety and first aid; make sure that you are aware of the risks that can be associated with a trip to the aquarium. As a precaution, there are apps such as livi.co.uk which can be downloaded in case an injury or illness is incurred on a trip to the aquarium. There are also typically staff who are onsite and well trained and equipped to handle medical emergencies.
  • Photos; who wants to go to the aquarium and leave without some great photos of some cool fish, and so on? For the best photos, take pictures without flash for the best quality pictures. Also, avoid zooming for the sake of clarity.
  • The experience; check out the map and the different exhibits to make sure that you don’t leave without seeing everything you want to and that you came to see. Some aquariums are incredibly huge, and therefore it may be next to impossible to see everything, so prioritise and make a game plan.

Selecting The Right Aquarium Filter

Posted on by scott in Filters for Aquariums

Choosing the right filtration system is one of the most important decisions you will make. In most cases, the filtration system is the key factor that determines the success of your fish tank. This determines the type of livestock, size and quantity that you will be able to keep. This system will also keep the water clean, free from particles like food or waste, and toxins that may harm your precious pets.

In general, there are three different types of filtration that are important in a water system. You need mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration to ensure the success of your tank. During mechanical filtration, particles are removed from the water by forcing it through material that helps to catch all of these particles. The chemical process removes any toxic build up in the water through a chemical resin. Finally, biological filtration occurs when a variety of bacteria convert the byproduct produced by the tank inhabitants into less toxic chemicals. When this process occurs it is known as the nitrogen cycle where the organic waste created in your tank will be converted to ammonia. This is then processed further until it is converted into nitrates that are beneficial to your fish.

To ensure that your tank remains safe for your valuable fish you need to make sure that you have adequate filtration mechanisms in place that will facilitate the different types of filtration. There are a wide variety of systems available. However, the most common types are internal, under gravel, power, canister, or wet or dry. Each one of these has their own advantages and disadvantages. At the end of the day, the type of system you choose will depend entirely on the type of aquatic pets that you intend on keeping. Live planted freshwater tanks will most commonly require a mechanical and chemical filtration system. On the other hand, a heavily-stocked African Cichlid tank needs a combination of the three different types of cleaning systems.

Internal systems will often come in a wide variety of styles. They can be placed on the substrate or mounted to the side. As the name indicates under gravel systems are hidden beneath the substrate in your tank. Power filtration systems hang on the back of your tank and will generally use all three varieties of filtering the water. If you use a canister system you only need to place it at the bottom of your tank. Finally, a wet or dry system is placed at the bottom of a tank and requires an overflow system to clear the water.

Before you make a decision about the type of filtration you are going to install into your tank you need to do a little bit of thinking. Look at the type and quantity of livestock you plan on keeping before making a final decision.