Author: scott

Is It Important To Keep Aquarium Filters On All The Time?

Posted on by scott in Filters for Aquariums

Setting up a new fish tank takes a lot of time, research, and money. For that reason, you will want your tank to look pristine and clear at all times. However, most people are not sure how to achieve this. There are several things that you can do to help your tank stay beautiful and your filtration system plays a large role in this.

There is a large amount of debate amongst the experts regarding filtration practices. Some people believe that your filter should stay on for the majority of the time while others believe that it is better to switch off the clearing systems before you go to sleep at night. The reason for this is that many tank owners are afraid that their expensive systems will burn out if they are constantly left on.

The good news is that you can leave all of the systems in your tank running without fear of them becoming damaged. In fact, it is highly recommended

that your tank remains on to make sure that there are no fluctuations in water quality that may harm your pets. Many fish require a constant stream of clean, oxygenated water to remain in an optimum condition. When you switch the filtration off for extended periods of time the water becomes stagnant and is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Additionally, the good bacteria in these systems need running water to be able to metabolize the harmful ammonia in the water that is released during the nitrogen cycle.

Leaving your filtration systems on without turning them off is no longer a cause for concern. Most of these systems will be submerged in the water meaning the motor will always be kept cool. This eliminates the concern for a burnt out motor that had people switching their tanks off in the past. Due to the advances in technology used in fish tanks you may be able to leave the clearing systems on indefinitely with little to no issues. All that these systems really require is some maintenance on a regular basis and infrequent cleanings.

If a clear and healthy fish tank is your top priority then it is essential that you leave the filtration systems on as long as possible. Leaving them on will not cause any issues for your fish or your tank. The only requirement to keep these expensive systems running smoothly is cleaning and maintenance.

Four Freshwater Fish Ideal For A Home Aquarium

Posted on by scott in Fish for Aquariums

According to the Ornamental Aquatic Trade Organisation, around 3.9 million homes throughout the country keep freshwater fish. There is a very good reason for this. Not only are they easy to take care of but they are beautiful and there are many different species to choose from.

One of the most popular species is known as the Neon Tetra. This brightly coloured creature requires little maintenance and are a good option for beginners. They grow up to 2.2 cm long and prefer living in a large group. Another great option is Mollies, growing a little larger to three or four inches, these peaceful creatures are excellent in a mixed tank. These omnivores breed easily so you should take care to only keep one sex in the tank.

The Discus makes a striking addition to any tank. They are another peaceful species but they do prefer a carnivorous diet. If you decide to include a Discus or two in your tank you should keep in mind that they tend to grow quite rapidlyand will need a large tank to accommodate their size. If you are looking for more of a challenge you may want to take on a Betta. These aggressive beauties do not tolerate other males of their species and could be quite destructive.

These species are not only good for beginners but they may just spark a new passion in you. Ensure that your tank meets all of the requirements for these species and you will be amazed by how well they flourish.

Fish That Can Live Well Together In An Aquarium

Posted on by scott in Fish for Aquariums

There is nothing as disappointing as investing a significant amount of time and money into a tank and then having the occupants not get along. That is why you should consider developing a community in your tank by only choosing species that will cohabitate in peace.

Some of the best species to keep together include Tetras, Cyprinids, Catfish, Mollies, and Angelfish. These varieties share similar temperaments and pH requirements. This means that they will be able to live together rather wellwithout becoming aggressive with one another. Although there are many other varieties that may do well together it could take a little bit of experimentation and research to find a combination that works for you.

To ensure that your tank remains happy and successful make sure that it will be able to house all of the animals after they have grown to their full sizes. Another important aspect of maintaining a community tank is the size of your shoals. Most of these species prefer to live in groups of no more than six of their own kind. With these simple steps, you will be able to keep a tank happy and healthy for as long as you possibly can.

Essentials of Building A DIY Aquarium Stand

Posted on by scott in DIY Aquariums

The stand your tank sits on is almost as important as the tank itself. Instead of heading out to the shop to buy a new one why not try building one for yourself? This way it will look the way you want it to and serve all of the functions you need.

When it comes to home building projects your measurements are essential. Before you begin, it is important to measure the length and breadth of your tank. Then you need to decide the height that you want your tank to be. Always remember that if you have any doubts measure again. You will need a few pieces of timber to use as legs, planks for the tops and sides. It is also important to remember to add supports into the cupboard because it will need to support a large amount of weight when you put your tank in place. A good idea is to add a tray to the edge of your project. This will help to prevent the tank from slipping out of place. A tank that is not firmly secured can be dangerous as it is easy to pull off.

You may want to consider looking for old cupboard doors at your nearest charity shop if you do not feel like building your own doors. You will also need hinges so that you can attach the doors to your stand for easy access to your storage. If storage is a priority you may also want to add a light to improve accessibility to external filtration systems and the other equipment you store beneath the tank.

This is an excellent project for your Sunday afternoon that will save you a large amount of money. All it takes is a few limited tools and supplies and the most basic of carpentry skills.

DIY Fun Aquarium Background

Posted on by scott in DIY Aquariums

A good backdrop can often mean the difference between a mediocre tank and a breathtakingly beautiful one. Fortunately, this is one of the easiest projects for hobbyists and can be finished in one short hour.

Find a large sheet of styrofoam that matches the diameter of the back wall of your tank. Then it is time to bring out the paint, just make sure that it is a non-toxic acrylic paint that will not harm your fish. Let your imagination loose and decorate the sheet with any scene you choose. However, scenes that imitate your fish’s natural environment tend to be the most aesthetically pleasing. You can add extra pieces of styrofoam to imitate rocks or other structural features. Pasting artificial plants to your backdrop will add to the multidimensional

effect that it has in your tank. Other good options are using small glass beads to stick to the bottom of the backdrop. Not only does it make it more visually interesting but the texture will add something for your fish to explore. Making your own backdrop for your tank is a fun way to add a little personality to your tank. This project will help you make a natural environment that is pleasing to you and your pet.

Should You Buy An External or Internal Aquarium Filter?

Posted on by scott in Filters for Aquariums

Without a proper filtration system, you will never have a perfect, healthy fish tank. Your filtration system will ensure that the water remains clean and clear and your fish will not be poisoned by their own wastes or bacterial overgrowth. However, which type of filtration is best for your tank?

There is great debate surrounding this topic. Each type of filtration system will have its own benefits and drawbacks. Many people prefer a system that is placed in the tank. They are placed in the back of the tank with their outlets located just below the surface of the water. The mechanical system will then suck the water upand let it pass through a variety of materials designed to trap the dirt in the water. There is also a sponge placed in the system that contains several strains of healthy bacteria that remove ammonia from the water. After the water has been cleared it will be released back into the water.

Outer filtration systems, on the other hand, are usually placed outside of the tank in the cabinet below it. It functions quite similarly to a cleaning system located on the inside of a tank. However, these types of systems contain more cleaning materials than other types of systems. This means that it requires less frequent cleanings than other systems. The real difference between these two types of cleaning systems becomes clear when you look at the price. An outer filtration system is often a lot more expensive than one that can be placed inside of your fish tank. The type of filtration system you decide on depends largely on the needs of your fish tank. If you do not have the time to perform regular maintenance you may want to consider the outer version.