Click here for Everything You Need To Know About Aquarium and Fish Care Tactics.
Powered by iMedix Search for health information:
Freshwater fish are perhaps the easiest fish to care for in comparison to saltwater species because they are usually hardier fish. A basic aquarium set up will be required. You will need a tank, some rocks or substrate to line bottom of the tank. You will also need a filter, and some lighting. When choosing fish, it is imperative to make sure the fish are compatible. Not only do they need to be compatible for water temperature and P.H., but they also should have similar food requirements. Try to keep the fish relatively the same size. It has been said that if a fish is small enough to fit in another fishes mouth, that is usually where it ends up. So don't be discouraged if this happens. Even fish that have been housed together for several months have been known to disappear on occasion.
Freshwater fish should be fed twice daily. Feed only a small amount that can be consumed within the first two to five minutes. Over feeding is a common mistake among novice fish keepers. Any excess food should be lifted with a net if possible, as it will become debris and quickly dirty the tank. Water should be kept regulated and tested weekly. Any discrepancies in P.H. and water temperature should be corrected immediacy in order to minimize stress caused to the fish.
Stress is significant because it causes illness in fish. It is important to monitor the activity and overall well being of the fish in an aquarium. The signs of stress will be fairly obvious. Slow moving or lethargic looking fish will require a stress coat that can be purchased at a local pet store. Try to avoid overcrowding the tank. This should help to reduce the amount of stress caused to the fish.
Change about a third of the water in the aquarium at a time, because this type of change will cause the least amount of disturbance to the fish and other inhabitants. This will need to be done every two to three weeks. Use either a bucket or a siphon to remove the water from the tank. Try to remove any loose or floating debris at this time. When adding the new water to the aquarium, be sure that it is within approximately two degrees of the tank water. The sides of the aquarium should be scrubbed regularly to remove an algae build up. Again be careful not to disturb the fish. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling the aquarium. Lastly, check the manufacturer's recommendation on filters and change them accordingly. Filters collect any fish waste or left over food. They can't function properly unless they are clean.
Introduce hardy fish to a new tank. These fish can withstand higher nitrite levels that are present in a new aquarium. Choose fish such as danios, barbs, gouramis, and live bearers. Don't add more than three to four small fish per week. Acclimation times vary per species, so check with your retailer before adding any other new fish.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
Your Best Detox Diet Needs Plenty of Uncontaminated Water
By: Juanita Ruby | 05/07/2009Are you feeling tired and sluggish and just don’t feel like your self? Do you eat a lot of refined foods with poor nutrition? Or maybe you are feeling great and lead a very healthy lifestyle. No matter which category you are in it is good to periodically remove the impurities from your body with the best detox diet you can find.
Easy Ways to Lose Weight...Does Such a Creature Exist?
By: Befanis Margaret | 05/07/2009You may be speculating if there is actually such a thing as easy ways to lose weight. Well, there is a yes and a no answer to that question... The yes answer is that you can lose weight fairly easily if you just stick with an effective calorie restriction program over a period of time like a year or more depending on your weight loss goals.
Glycemic Index and Weight Management
By: Dr. Ripudaman Singh | 05/07/2009The Glycemic Index (GI) measures the effect of foods on your blood sugar levels. Eating foods with a high glycemic index value will raise the blood sugar level more dramatically than foods with a low glycemic index value. The GI has had a pronounced affect on the health community, with many Doctors now recommending the GI to patients with diabetes and/or obesity. A number of nutritionists are no longer educating people on complex vs simple carbs, but tend to favor the GI index.
The Truth About Six Pack Abs - The Interview
By: sheena | 05/07/2009They are ok if you are really out of condition, but for most people who already follow a training routine there are exercises which provide a greater stimulus than crunches. Crunches actually provide a minimal amount of resistance to the abdominal region, and resistance is what develops, strengthens and tones the muscles.
What Does Tap Water Contain?
By: Juanita Ruby | 05/07/2009The answer to what does tap water contain, should be simple. Two hydrogen molecules bound to a single oxygen molecule or as we all know H2O. But, the answer is not so simple today.
The Truth About Pure Drinking Mineral Water
By: Juanita Ruby | 05/07/2009With bottled water and filtered water quickly becoming a staple of the American diet, people are certainly looking for a good source of pure drinking water. What many people do not understand is that bottled water has far fewer regulations governing its purity than even tap water. The bottled water out there that has been purified often has the minerals removed from it as well. Science is showing with alarming continuity, however, that the best water is pure drinking mineral water
Arizona a state in southwestern United States : Weight Loss Surgery
By: Andrew Jhonson | 04/07/2009This article provides listings of experienced Arizona weight loss surgery specialists. These accomplished, compassionate surgeons realise the devastating consequences obesity can have on people's inhabits.
Coronary Heart Disease: Reduce your Risk in just 5 Simple Steps
By: Emile A. Jarreau | 04/07/2009Great White Shark or Coronary Heart Disease? If you are like most people, hearing the words Great White Shark brings to mind an image of a terrifying man eating monster that could swallow you whole, while hearing the words Coronary Heart Disease sound like a medical term, and maybe nothing more. …
Ways to Save Money for Holiday Travel
By: Li Ming Wong | 03/11/2007 | Travel TipsMany people want to travel for the holidays but they don’t feel like they can because their budget doesn’t allow for it. Yet there are plenty of ways you can raise money to be able to do so. The sooner you start making a plan and determining how much money you will need the more successful you will be. Come up with as accurate of an amount as you can so you wont’ fall short. If you overestimate the amount of money you need for holiday travel then you can enjoy it later on.
Ways to Make Holiday Travel Easier for the Elderly
By: Li Ming Wong | 03/11/2007 | Travel TipsThe elderly may find it more stressful to travel over the holidays because they aren’t used to all the traffic or all the crowds. There are ways to make it is much easier trip though if you plan ahead. Many elderly people take daily medications so make sure you have plenty of it. Put it in a safe place where it isn’t likely to get lost. If you have extra pills you will want to pack them separately. If you have some in your purse and some in your luggage you are fine if one of them gets lost.
Ways to Keep Children Entertained While Traveling in the Car for the Holidays
By: Li Ming Wong | 03/11/2007 | Travel TipsTaking your own car to travel for the holidays is a great way to avoid the hassles at the airport. It can also be less expensive as many flights are more expensive during holiday travel times due the demand passengers have. Traveling with children though can be difficult if you aren’t prepared.
Traveling for the Holidays on a Greyhound Bus
By: Li Ming Wong | 03/11/2007 | Travel TipsGreyhound is a bus line service that takes people all over the United States with more than 2,000 bus terminals. This is a great option for those that want to travel for the holidays and not drive there themselves. You will find the lines at the Greyhound terminal to be less hectic than at the airport and you can simply get into your seat and relax for the trip.
Tips to Make Holiday Travel Easier
By: Li Ming Wong | 03/11/2007 | Travel TipsThe holidays can be quite hectic but they are often a time when people travel to see family and friends or to take a well deserved vacation. Following some basic tips will help ensure you have the best time when you travel during this time of year. Being prepared for things to go wrong is the first step in minimizing the damages and getting on with your holiday travel plans.
Tips for Staying Alert During Holiday Travel
By: Li Ming Wong | 03/11/2007 | Travel TipsTraveling during the holidays is very exciting and there is plenty going on all around you. However, it is very important that you remain alert so you won’t be involved in an accident or become a victim of theft. There are plenty of criminals that target holiday travelers as they know they are likely to have money on them and they aren’t always paying attention to their surroundings.
Tips for Packing your Car for the Holidays
By: Li Ming Wong | 03/11/2007 | Travel TipsKnowing what you are going to put into your suitcase is only half of the battle when it comes to effectively packing your car for the holidays. While you want to be selective of what goes into the suitcases and the number of them, there is likely to be plenty more than you will have to concern yourself with. The size of your vehicle is going to realistically determine what you can take and what will have to be left behind.
Save Money With a Timeshare for the Holidays
By: Li Ming Wong | 03/11/2007 | Travel TipsAnyone that travels over the holidays knows that accommodations are generally more expensive than during other times of the year. They can also sell out fast if you don’t make your reservation very early. One way to save money when you travel for the holidays is to invest in a timeshare. They are available in most locations that people often travel to for a holiday vacation.