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Imagine a burst of colors swirling in graceful and magical movement right before your eyes; made more beautiful by the fact that the details seem larger and in slow motion. There is just something about that little aqua world that draws one nearer and more transfixed by each moment. That is the magic that a freshwater aquarium can bring. A freshwater aquarium, without a doubt, catches the attention and surely, everyone has already seen one.

Reading how a freshwater aquarium is described, one can already picture the beauty and magnificence of it. There are a number of reasons why people have them. Top of the list, surely, is that it is a lot of fun watching the colorful fish swim. The peace and tranquility witnessed inside has a soothing and calming effect.

Anywhere, anytime, in this fast-paced world we live in, factors that can bring about tension, hassles, pressures, strain and anxiety are in there. They all spell one thing- stress! everyone is affected by an aquarium regardless of age, nationality or sex. Because it cannot be helped that these factors causing one to suffer from stress is almost everywhere, what we can do is fight stress.

There are many available ways to combat stress: regular exercises like going to the gym, biking, swimming, even yoga and meditation. However, these necessitate time and attention in addition to the efforts required. What happens if one has not the time and the luxury to attend to these activities or perhaps a physical incapability restricts one? For people who cannot engage in any of these for whatever reason, there is always the serenity of the freshwater aquarium.

There are studies confirming the stress-reducing effects of aquariums, therefore a scientific basis for this claim. The peaceful motion of fish and the other inhabitants is beneficial in more ways than one. It brings nature closer too.

Keeping an aquarium is not just a simple, popular hobby. The benefits that go with it are undeniably more than just visual appeal.

Given the therapeutic benefits that aquariums carry, professionals support the idea of having one at home, in school or in the office. Watching the beauty of the action taking place in the tank can result in the following: reduce stress, enhance the mood, decrease blood strain, calm the nerves and even improve performance of students in school.

Having an aquarium can also trigger the creativity of a person as it flickers the imagination. A freshwater aquarium is recommended not only for homes but as well as in many other places. In homes- with its good health reasons, having an aquarium at home can help people who suffer from insomnia because watching the activity in the tank has a hypnotic calming effect. Kids with a hyper activity disorder often have the same effect from the aquarium. There is no economic stage prerequisite to have an aquarium at home.

In the office- not only does an aquarium make a very attractive office decoration, having one in the office create a stress-relieving environment. A stress-free environment, needless to say, helps enhance employees’ performance and productivity. The relaxed atmosphere is very favorable to carrying out business. The benefit brought by having an aquarium works for both employees and company management. In reception areas- a feeling of ease is the immediate effect of a freshwater aquarium in lobbies of any establishment.

Any reception area becomes more inviting, welcoming and attractive to visitors. Waiting may not be so annoying when there is an added attraction in the interiors that is soothing at the same time. In a doctor’s clinic- a peaceful atmosphere is helpful in easing a patients’ apprehension thus making them feel relaxed, calmer and occupied as they await their turn. Heart doctors advise their patients to get aquariums because they aid in reducing blood pressure and controlling pulse rates.

For children with mental conditions, freshwater aquariums have been found to speed up their learning development.

In colleges and universities the students who have an aquarium or access to one, score higher on their exams than students who don’t have an aquarium or any access to one. Colorful aquariums in classroom give health and academic benefits as the calming effect help enhance grades. The intricacy and natural balance of the water territory is better understood by students because the care for the fish is something they also learn at the same time. This then triggers the brain to function better bringing about better comprehension to students therefore, improving grades.

In nursing homes- the benefits of having a freshwater aquarium seem endless as they are also good in nursing homes. Studies conducted showed that patients with Alzheimer’s disease revealed better coordination and showed health improvements. The presence of aquariums in nursing homes resulted in better appetite for the elderly; they are less agitated and overall, are performing better in activities.

There are more ways than one to benefit from freshwater aquarium. They can be a most rewarding gift to loved ones, neighbors or co-workers young, old or in-between. There are people who have always wanted to have pets. However, if dogs or cats will not do, fish and other aquatic living things with their attractive colors and graceful movements inside an aquarium is a joyful sight to anyone.

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Choosing what your freshwater aquarium fish would be from the many hundreds of species can be a delicious dilemma. If you had your way, you would put all the beautiful ones into one big aquarium and spend the whole day gazing at them.

However, choosing the right fish variety or varieties for your aquarium is one critical judgment call. Some of the hard questions have to be answered truthfully. Can they get together well enough? In the natural world, harmony has something to do with heft and bulk. (The small ones are eaten alive, like it or not.)

Other questions crop up. Are the fish types balanced? Are they all top or middle dwellers of the aquarium? Why not get some bottom dwellers? Are their temperaments adjusted to each other? Do they eat the same food? Check out these popular fish varieties.

Putting aside your attraction, choosing your fish for your aquarium also needs some very prudent judgment. Can they get along in the same fish tank or would there be problems and you need to seperate them? Peace in a fish tank often depends on size so if the fish are the same basic size, there is harmony more often – they have to be around the same size. (small fish often become food for the larger fish and that is sometimes unavoidable because of the difference in grownth speeds of the fish.)

Are your fish types balanced? If you have some top and middle-dwelling water citizens, you may adopt some bottom-dwelling inhabitants as well. Every part of the aquarium would then be explored by your little friends

Types

Basically, there are two kinds of freshwater aquarium fish – the livebearers and the egg-layers. The livebearers give birth to a fully-formed young fish. Guppies, platies, mollies and others are good examples of live bearing fish.

The egg-layers are self-explanatory. Their young are hatched from the eggs laid by the parents. The goldfish, angelfish and the neon tetras belong to this group.

The following are just a few of the fish varieties popular with fish lovers around the world. Each one has its own characteristic that endears them to fish owners.

Goldfish

The goldfish (Carassius auratus, a subspecies of the carp) is among the most beautiful freshwater fishes in the world. Their beauty, their color, their characteristics and their unique charms (based on the variety of breed) make them the most in-demand among all the other ornamental fishes.

Among the exotic varieties to choose from are the lionhead, oranda, pearlscale, and the ranchu. Of course, the more common ones like the fantail, the veiltail and the black moor are still some of the best-looking pet goldfishes you can find.

If you go for the fancy types, you can check the celestial (telescope eyes), bubble eyes (see it to believe it), the pom-pom (it sports a pompom) and some others.

Angelfish

These South American beauties (from the rivers of the Amazon, the Orinoco and Essequibo) are the unusually-shaped variety among cichlids. They have round, laterally-pressed bodies, and elongated dorsal and anal fins which makes their swimming movements mesmerizing to some people.

They love to hide among the roots and plants around their habitat. (They are actually ambush predators who hunt smaller fishes and water invertebrates.) Their striped coloration gives them added camouflage.

They are usually into a monogamous relationship and they are highly-developed when it comes to caring for their young.

Neon Tetra

Neon tetras move about in groups and that makes them fascinating to watch. They sport a green opalescent body color which usually glows (like the familiar neon lights) if the aquarium is lighted the right way. Because they are so small compared to other regular aquarium fishes, they can only be kept with other non-aggressive fish groups, preferably around their size, too. (They are usually eaten by the bigger fish.)

Kept in a species tank (and not within a community of other fish species), Neon tetras breed very well.

Guppies

Pet shop owners usually recommend beginning freshwater aquarium hobbyists to start off taking care of guppies first. This fish group is very hardy and can tolerate some harsh water conditions (water changes, sudden temperature variations, etc.)

The male guppies are fancier-looking and more colorful than their female counterparts. Guppies breed well enough and may cause some overcrowding if you’re not alert enough.

Swordtail

Like the guppies, swordtails are also easy to care. With a maximum length of 4 inches they tend to look like a bright red sword because of their tailfin that looks like an elongated sword and so they are properly named.

Swordtail males might get aggressive towards each other. This usually happens during breeding season when they compete for the female’s attention.

They breed fairly easily, but the female must be removed after the young are around. (They are not fuzzy eaters and are known to eat even young swordtails.You should almost never mix big fish with small fish as the big fish might desire them.

Platies

A close relative to the swordtail, platies come in many colors and can breed just as easily, as long as they have plants to hide for privacy. They are broad-bodied and they are a schooling fish (meaning they go in groups and are seldom alone.)

This schooling fish is a natural in community aquariums. They also eat all kinds of flakes and live foods.

Personal Choices

With the current number of fish species, it is impossible to describe all of them. You may learn to know some of their characteristics from books and the Internet, but a visit to your favorite pet shop can help you pick out your choices.

However, it is good to keep in mind that aside from their differences in beauty, charms and temperament, your fish must also fit your own needs and that of your aquarium. Will they live together well? Can you keep up with the maintenance of each variety?

All things considered, keeping freshwater aquarium fish can give you hours and hours of pleasure just by their presence – their beauty, the way they move about, their individual temperaments and the many other cute little things you will later discover.

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Who else wants to have a happy aquarium whose fish are healthy and strong- Guarenteed! Read:nhttp://www.freshwateraquariumcenteronline.com/aquarium-freshwater-fish/nnAlso visit our website and sign up for our FREE email mini-course at:nnhttp://www.freshwateraquariumcenteronline.comn

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Copyright (c) 2010 Lena Carlson

There are various reasons for aggressive behavior in dogs. It could be due to a dominance related issue between you and the dog, or it may be a trigger that was never correctly handled from puppyhood – for example, an attack by a different dog. Whatever is causing your dog’s aggression, you have to tackle it as soon as possible. The results of prolonged aggression can be not just scary, but dangerous if not promptly taken to task.

There are many reasons for aggressive behavior in dogs. It could be due to a dominance related issue between you and the dog, or it may be a trigger that was never properly dealt with from puppyhood – for instance, an attack by a different dog. Whatever is causing your dog’s aggression, it’s essential to deal with it as soon as possible. The results of long term aggression can be not just frightening, but dangerous if not immediately taken to task.

The Source of Aggressive Behavior in Dogs

Dog aggression can begin as young as 6 weeks old, an important age when a puppy needs to be socialized with other dogs and given the necessary training that keeps them from biting others. This period of socialization lasts until the dog turns 14 weeks of age and can extend even further beyond that.

This means a number of things. To begin with, never take a puppy away from its litter before 8 weeks of age. Never use harsh discipline with the puppy between 8 and 10 weeks and ensure your dog is very gently treated in that time. Hitting, yelling or other harsh punishments at a young age can breed aggressive behavior in dogs over time.

A dog needs to have been correctly socialized with people and other dogs by the time it reachs 14 weeks to avoid any possible aggression issues.

Real aggression may be triggered by any number of factors. Heredity and genetics are indeed factors – various breeds are typically more aggressive than others – but it is certainly not a hard fast rule. Furthermore, dogs that have not been de-sexed or spayed are more prone to aggressive tendencies.

By far, however, the most crucial factor in establishing aggressive behavior in dogs is their environment. A dog that has inadequate living conditions, harsh masters, no socialization, or that has been frightened or attacked by another dog is way more likely to be aggressive as it ages.

Aggression can grow from the need to establish a pack pecking order. Biting, posturing, and other aggressive tendencies tend to be the result of a dog testing for dominance. You’ll have to establish dominance from a young age and uphold that position throughout the dog’s adolescence to make sure it does not get a possible opportunity to take control of the household.

How to Stop and Control Aggressive Behavior in Dogs

If your dog displays aggressive behavior after 14 months of age, when it has reached sexual maturity, particularly when it has been altered, it is advisable to address the problem right away. First, ensure you have established yourself as the pack leader or Alpha Dog. Don’t reward your dog for aggressive behavior, even if it is scared (particularly in this case).

Train your dog to respond to your commands, control feeding and walking times, and make sure your dog has a strong leader in the home. When you defer to your dog or allow it to take liberties in your home, it is going to exhibit stronger aggression toward others.

If your dog is defensive-aggressive, they could strike out at a person in fear. These dogs might not have been properly socialized. Keep them away from young children (which they might perceive as direct threats) and go to a training session or behaviorist who can gradually acclimate the dog to a social atmosphere.

Aggressive behavior in dogs is a big problem that many owners have, but it can be controlled, even as your dog gets older. If your aggression ever develops into violence, consider employing an expert to intervene before someone gets hurt and your dog is held accountable.

About the Author

Lena Carlson, herself, a proud owner of a once uncontrollable Viszla, has dedicated a website to the desperate, forlorn & hopelessly overwhelmed Dog Owners of the World. Her quest – to provide helpful, inspiring, amusing and practical solutions. Grab Lena’s FREE REPORT on How to Be the Alpha Dog and Stop Your Dogs Behavior Problems at http://www.howtobeanalphadog.com

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One of the many attractions in owning a freshwater aquarium is the fact that you can approximate the looks and conditions of the natural habitat of your freshwater fish. Aside from the natural sand, rocks and other decorative items, freshwater aquarium live plants complete the natural atmosphere within the tank.

live plants have many benefits to your fish and to you as you view them in your fish tank. Foremost of these is the fact that they produce oxygen which your fish needs and in turn absorb carbon dioxide and ammonia which are harmful to them.

This miniature ecosystem in your aquarium is also beneficial to the fish in other terms. It means less stress because of the secure environment for them to hide, explore and live on. (Some fish are herbivores and sometimes use the plants as one of their food supplements.)

Plants For Your Tank

There is some need to do research on what plants you want and what plants is best in combination with the fish species you had chosen. (Some plants are outright harmful to certain fishes.)

Some plants are easier to take care of than others. Some need more light than the others. Lots of live plants do thrive in the aquarium environment. (java ferns, vallesneria, hygrophila, etc.)

The following are some of the more popular aquarium plants. They are popular because of their looks, their color, their sturdy nature and their value in the total ecosystem within your tank.

Cabomba

With its fan-shaped leaves, Cabomba (Carolina Fanwort) is a fast-growing live aquarium plant that provides the much-needed shade to your fishes. It is also used as a good hiding place as well as providing materials for spawning.

Cabomba plants also help in oxygenating and clarifying the water to minimize growth of the irksome algae. It is receptive to good lighting. It is beautiful and hardy and can grow as much as an inch a day. (You need to have a regular schedule of trimming sessions with the plant.)

It can be propagated by cuttings from mature, healthy plants. It will root if the shoots are buried in the gravel.

Java Fern

Few will argue that Java ferns are one of the best, if not the best, all-around aquarium plants. It is hardy and does not need much of the requirements like the other plants. It gets its fertilizer from the fish wastes and the dissolved carbon dioxide in the water.

The tough and unpleasant taste of its leaves makes it ideal to keep with plant-eating species of fish that tend to nip on the leaves of most plants. It also grows even in low light conditions.

To reproduce java ferns, get a new plantlet that grows out of older leaves of parent plants. Secure it to a rock or driftwood until the roots form and it can be planted.

Hornwort

Used mainly by fish breeders, the free-floating hornwort acts as a great cover for spawning. (The small fries love hiding in its lush foliage.) Planted or left floating, it is also a good oxygenator.

New aquarium owners regard hornworts as a perfect plant for their tanks. It can survive any type of lights, it grows as much as an inch a day, and it sucks out fish wastes (carbon dioxide, ammonia, nitrites, phosphates, nitrates) fast.

Hornworts can be kept in either cold or tropical type aquariums. It can be left floating around or buried in the gravel and it can still grow as usual.

Sagittaria

This is another easy-to-grow rosette plant that can thrive in most aquariums. There are many species of the plant, but all are perennials, with arrowhead-shaped leaves. (Some are narrow and look like grass leaves.)

Sagittaria thrives in low to high lighting and grows quickly, propagated by runners which form dense groupings by themselves. This one is a favorite of many of the fish in an aquarium because of the density which fish can use to hide from predators and it goes from the bottom all the way to the top of the tank to the surface.

Vallisneria

Vallisneria is among the most prized plants around: they are counted as the hardiest, easily grown, and with the least requirements. All it needs is lots of light and some leftover nutrients around.

They look great grown as backgrounds, on the sides of the tank and in the central areas, too. They are similar to the arrowhead Sagittaria, though with pointier leaves and lighter green shades.

Anubias

One of the most undemanding aquatic plants, Anubias is also one of the best-looking around. They are also one of the toughest plants.

They can thrive on either low or high light, can withstand very soft or hard water, any pH from 5.5 to 8.5, and any temperature between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. some live plants are specially included so that the fish won’t try to eat them or snack on them when they are hungry.

They do grow slow but they provide great coverage for the fish. Aquarium owners mistakenly remove them thinking they are not growing at all. With this, their leaves are prone to algae growth. (It is best to plant them in a shady area to avoid algae propagation.)

Plant Choices

Just like all the work that you do in preparing your aquarium, the choice of freshwater aquarium live plants is crucial to the many things in your tank – the health of your fish, the balance of the aquarium’s ecosystem and obviously, the beauty of your aquarium.

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Get professional help with getting live plants for your freshwater aquarium here. Read: http://www.freshwateraquariumcenteronline.com/freshwater-aquarium-live-plants/ .nnVisit our website and let the pro’s teach you the secrets of owning an aquarium. Sign up for our FREE freshwater aquarium email mini-course today at nnhttp://www.freshwateraquariumcenteronline.comn

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Keeping fish in captive enclosures or man-made ponds goes way back in history. As a matter of fact, the practice has been reportedly discovered some 2,500 years ago right in the cradle of civilization in Sumer, Mesopotamia. Since it straddled near the legendary rivers of the Tigris and Euphrates, it might be safe to claim that freshwater aquarium history started right there.

No one is sure, however, what these live fish were for. Scientists forwarded their opinion that these fish might have been used as food reserves prepared for emergencies.

Other historians are not so sure. They pointed out that Egyptians have included the likenesses of fish in their paintings and carvings. This is taken as a form of art and that the artists were expressing their admiration for the beauty of these aquatic creatures even in those early times.

In a roundabout way, the historians argued, those ancient fish ponds might probably be kept not just for food but also for entertainment purposes.

The ancient paintings and carvings of fishes among other animals in ancient Egypt seemed to imply that our ancestors also knew how to appreciate the fragile beauty and the exotic colors and forms of these aquatic creatures. The ancient Romans were also known to have traded live fish as commodities in their agoras (markets).

Goldfish and Koifish

In another part of the world, the art of selective breeding began in China around 2,000 years ago. They had been known to produce the now-famous goldfish developed from the regular carp. By the 18th century, goldfish as an ornamental fish was common in Europe and later became popular in America.

Cultured live koi — That fish with similar markings and colors as well as eating and breedig habits was already a commercial item in the old trade routes that spanned China, Japan and Europe around the 16th century. Later, its reputation also grew and became very popular. Much later, it was also exported to Europe and America.

Crude Beginnings

In the early 19th century, aquarium-keeping began. England, Germany and France all vied to top themselves in mounting exhibits of public aquariums. It did not get a good reception as many were appaulled by it.

At that time, there was very poor understanding yet on the various roles of water chemistry, the nitrogen cycle, filtration and aeration. The size of the tanks was also limited by the holding power of the construction materials then.

The First Aquarium

In 1850, a Mr. Harrington declared through a paper he wrote for the Chemical Society of London that he had successfully maintained a stable aquarium. Fish-keeping suddenly became a popular hobby.

Three years after, the London Zoological Society had built and opened the first public aquarium, followed by another. Soon, public aquaria were all over the major European cities patronized by eager but intrigued visitors.

Household Items

It was not long after when the aquarium became a fashionable household item in Victorian England. Curiously, there were no tanks for sale then, although there were various books and other how-to manuals already available for constructing aquariums.

The first constructed tanks leaned more to the ornamental side rather than being functional at best. Most early designs featured a glass front and three wooden sides (They were sometimes constructed from slate). They were coated in pitch to make them watertight.

Tank Basics

Soon, these construction problems were overcome little by little. There was a real breakthrough with the development of silicon sealants.

It became possible now to manufacture an all-glass aquarium in all sizes and shapes. Bulky steel frames became obsolete and tanks can now be moved without the danger of breaking the seal.

Understanding Technology

At around this time, better understanding on the needs of the tank’s fish inhabitants led to the invention of the heater and the thermostat, as postulated by a Mr. Humphreys. He would also be the first to acknowledge the importance of water chemistry in keeping the fish.

With a deeper understanding on water chemistry and other related matters, filtration and lighting were soon recognized as additional important elements to the total upkeep of the fish in the aquarium.

The Modern Aquarium

Today’s modern aquariums are made mostly of glass. Nowadays, more tanks are being made from acrylic instead of glass because it doesn’t break as easily. This is because acrylic is pliable and can be used to manufacture unusual shapes. (Acrylic aquariums are mostly used in big showrooms in business and office buildings today.)

Nowadays, aquaria made of acrylics are regarded as the lightweight alternatives to those made of glass. This is especially true now that manufacturers had produced harder and scratch-resistant plastics. Perhaps, they would replace the unwieldy glass in the future.

Improved Technology

Also, there had been such long strides made in the improvement of the accompanying technology related to aquarium keeping: heating, lighting, filtration, and aeration among others.

Apart from the technology, there is now a better understanding of marine life and ecology that pushed the hobby into what it is today. Taking together both marine and freshwater aquarium varieties, the simple hobby of keeping a living fish in a bowl had become the world’s 2nd most popular hobby. (Gardening is number one.)

The Future Of The Aquarium

There is now a growing number of fish varieties available for keeping in aquariums and the size and shape of aquarium tanks have evolved, too.

However, according to experts, the future of the hobby is still focused on the next advances in water purification, nutrition, lighting and other related matters. Fish breeding is a old and popular practice that has become quite popular around the world with good breeds being created constantly. (Genetic manipulation is still frowned upon.)

Whatever direction the hobby is moving into, today’s hobbyists are reminded that they are part of a thousand-year-old freshwater aquarium history as they tinker their aquariums and feed their aquatic pets.

About the Author

Visit our website and let the pro’s teach you the secrets of owning an aquarium. Sign up for our FREE freshwater aquarium email mini-course today at nnhttp://www.freshwateraquariumcenteronline.comnnAnd for more on the history of the aquarium and a ton more information, go to http://www.freshwateraquariumcenteronline.com/freshwater-aquarium-history/n

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Freshwater aquarium information is an article to introduce the reader to many of the basics of owning and maintaining an aquarium. We wanted this article to answer the many questions that we get from hobbyists all over the world and I think that we did a good job. Before one gets involved in any hobby especially one that can be expensive, they should know the basics. Information is the key to having an happy time with your aquarium and the happiness and long life of your fish and other tank pets that one may get. let the old hobbyists teach you from their mistakes so that you can avoid them.

For the new fish-keeping hobbyists who want to start a freshwater aquarium, these are some of the general guidelines on what to remember, what to prepare and what to expect.

You will have to discover some of the details later after you finally put everything in place and having your freshwater aquarium already up and running.

First Reminders

Before buying your aquarium, the first order of the day is to consider your fish and their required future care and maintenance. Next would be on the side of economics.

Buy your aquarium and accessories at your favorite local store. Whatever you gain in mail order buys is usually wiped out by huge shipping and insurance costs.

Aquarium Tanks

Buy the biggest tank your budget will allow. Your pets will have better oxygen absorption. Small aquariums loses heat fast if the heater fails, and the water quality goes down just as fast if the filter falters.

10 gallons is the smallest you should settle for your tank, if you want to ensure a stable environment for your pets. be careful that your small fish tank doesn’t have too many fish in it. You will have a hard time putting your plants in a small tank.

Go for tanks that are short in height and long in body. The bigger surface area is good for air exchange and there is more swimming space for your aquatic wards.

Unless they have already come up with scratch-proof acrylic tanks, stick to glass, even if they are definitely heavier than the acrylic models.

Aquarium Shape

Odd-shaped tanks look striking, but it falls short on the air exchange department. If it is tall and thin, the surface area cannot sustain the needed air exchange.

Putting in the lights, the hood and other accessories can be a pain, too. Cleaning odd-shaped aquarium tanks is definitely a chore.

Fish Capacity

This is the maximum number of fish that can fit in your tank. (Don’t forget that fish will grow.) Buy enough number of fish in relation to their final adult size and the size of the tank.

Tank Lids

It is a toss-up between plastic and glass covers. Glass is easier to clean, covers tighter, and lets more light get in.

Plastic covers costs less, weigh less and do not break easily. Either one does not make much difference except what you think of it. Lights

Usually, lights are packaged with the lid. But you have the choice to buy lights separately. You can ask a professional in your local fish store which lights are better for you.

Some lights cost a lot less money are are cooler if that is what you need.

Filtration

The filtration system is one critical piece of aquarium equipment. There are a number of models and styles available in the market.

The biowheeel type had been proven reliable in its filtration capability. Be aware, however, that the size of the filter should match the size of the tank.

The gauge for the right filter would be its filter rate. A good one should manage to filter a tank at least four times in an hour. (A 20-gallon tank should have a filter with at least 80 gallons of flow rate per hour.Get a filter whose rating is higher whenever you are using a filter that is borderline good for your tank.

Heater

Most aquarium heaters usually come as hang-on-the-tank or submersible types. They may have a numerical setting or a simple up and down slider.

The submersible with a numerical setting is better, even if it costs more. Regarding the size, the wattage to use is 5 watts/gallon (for smaller tanks) and 3 watts/gallon (for bigger tanks).

Thermometer

The best ones are those liquid crystal stick-on types. They are inexpensive, easy to read and generally accurate enough.

Substrate

This would generally be small and smooth dark gravel. The ratio is around one pound of gravel for every gallon of water.

Nets

Get a medium-sized, good-quality net. Get a pair. It is easier to catch fish using two nets.

Water Conditioner

For safety, have the aquarium water aged or de-chlorinated before putting in the fish. Choose a product that will take car of the chlorine, ammonia and heavy metals.

Test Kits

The testing of water is crucial in a newly set-up tank. For newcomers, it is wise to be always ready with Ammonia, Nitrite and pH kits. Old aquarium owners should already have these kits.

Siphon

The siphon tool is needed to vacuum the gravel and also used in doing water changes. The better model is the type that uses the tap run models (they use water pressure from the tap to run the siphon).

Algae Scrubber

A medium-sized algae pad is an important tool for maintenance. (Algae will eventually grow in your tank.) Get a pad now and be prepared ahead of time.

Last Words

Generally, the most important factor in successful fish keeping is the stability of the environment. In considering all of the enumerated freshwater aquarium information above, keep in mind the stability of the environment. This will allow your fish to thrive and be happy in the new home and you to be happy- in your old home!

About the Author

Who else wants the hot freshwater aquarium secrets that will make your aquarium thrive and give you lots of valuable information. Go to nnhttp://www.freshwateraquariumcenteronline.com/freshwater-aquarium-information-basics/nnAnd sign up for our FREE email mini-course go to http://www.freshwateraquariumcenteronline.comn

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Did you know that some dog foods on the supermarket shelves could be detrimental to your dog’s health? Learn the secrets today to what to look out for in cheap dog foods.

When you are seeking for methods to maintain your dog’s health the foods you choose to feed him is very important to his health in the long term.

If we were to turn the clock back more than 25 years dogs were fed differently to what they are given in this day and age. In general going back in time to the last generation what was left on the table would be the dog’s dinner, on the other hand it’s good we have reconsidered these options and consider our dogs health and are choosier with regards to their food.

Or so one would think but are we?

Its seems every month or so some new dog food comes on the super market shelves, which make claims to provide them with better health if they eat this type of food, for example; healthier teeth, firmer bones, more active, on the other hand these products seem to come an go and are not available for reasons that they may be not good for a dogs health, it almost seems the companies that manufacture the foods are using our dogs as a test which is quite concerning.

I can appreciate we have to find ways to nourish our dogs and our family by watching our pennies, on the other hand when buying the cheapest food for our dog is not always the best option if we end up giving that money back to the vet.

So the difficulty is, how can we be aware to what dog foods to get and be economical, plus have the health of are dogs as a priory concern, and not have to give the savings to the vet.

Dogs are the same as us with regards to the food we eat that it does have an influence on our health, when you look at the obesity, health problems in the world we consume to many junk foods for instance; ready to eat dinners, hamburgers, chips, and the effects are very obvious to observe poor health and obesity.

With regard to dog food the same thing applies by feeding your dog meals with plenty of nutriments then it makes sense you can have a healthy dog; they would not be susceptible to the common diseases that are out there.

It’s no surprise that our pets can catch diseases if they are not in their best health, as we all know how they like to mix with other dogs and sniffing around is quite a natural function for them, and often that could mean dogs poop this is often how they can get infected with diseases.

Very few people understand that dog foods obtainable in the hypermarket are not always the best choice. Important to take into consideration that less expensive dog foods need be examined to the contents in the tin or packet, in the same we would shop for our family, and the explanation things are not always as they are presented.

Don’t fall into the trap by accepting what is true on the tin often these tactics are to make more sales.

It is important to take into consideration that the contents can be very poor quality and can affect your dog’s health in the long term.

When you are at the supermarket buying food for your dog next time, look out for “meat by products” or “meat and bone meal” be very cautious when it is worded in this way, what this means is it could contain skin, bones, lungs, or other disgusting parts of bodies we would not dream of feeding to humans in it’s unmixed sense, this is probably what is meant by meat by products and bone meal.

If you are seeking top grade dog foods then it is important to investigate the labels on the tins or packets for example; chicken meal, beef, plus you can be in no doubt if corn is the main ingredient.

In this article I am only able to provide you with a fraction of the information with regard to feeding your dog healthy food options, but I hope this has pointed you in the right direction to keep your dog healthy and happy.

Conclusively be thoughtful when making choices to what you feed your best buddy.

About the Author

Want to know more of the same? You can never get to much information with regard to how to keep your dog healthy. Subscribe to Alan’s free newsletter and discover even more secrets of how to keep your dog happy and healthy, plus a web site crammed full of free information.nhttp://www.trainyourdoghelp.net/dog-health-care-dog-health-care-information.phpn

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Are pets psychic? Are they prophetic? Absolutely, and Paul the prophetic octopus proved it during the World Cup. So why can’t your pet be psychic and let you know “things”? You can turn your pet not only into a “psychic” but also into your spiritual guide, according to Frances Fox.

Frances often communicates with Dolphins via telepathy, She has been featured on Animal Planet and other TV shows communicating with the Dolphins at the Miami Seaquarium where they “predicted” the violence and social breakdown of Hurricane Katrina. This exchange is the Dolphins teaching us to communicate with our animals, accessing their innate intelligence, particularly in regards to natural disasters and danger. It is clear that our pets intend on helping us, making it their business to keep their “owners” out of harms way.

The Dolphins Tell How To Turn Your Pet Into A Spiritual Guide
“We want to return to a topic we spoke about years ago: animals and their mission; do they exist only for themselves or are they on Earth to help you?

It is truly wonderful that humans want to learn about animals, about their thoughts and the reasons for their actions. We know that animal behavior before the terrible tsunami of 2004 was a mystery to you. You should know that animals tried to warn the people living on the land that would soon be covered with water. As it happened with Noah’s Arc, if humans had looked around, they would have noticed that the animals began to leave the area the day before, making as much noise and disturbing everything they could, trying to let humans know that something was coming.

It is sad that so few people take the time to study animal behavior because animals have a wealth of information for those who listen. There aren’t many animals in the city, but not because animals can’t live in them, rather because these are places for humans.

Noah’s Arc
The Bible teaches that Noah took two animals of every species, but that is not the way it was. The animals left, not in pairs, but in groups, migrating to other parts of the world, where they know they could flourish. Humans did not pay attention. There were many warnings of the Great Flood, but human arrogance, and the thinking that animals are too simple to know more than humans, blocked the message

This is why it is such a wondrous thing that so many people are taking interest in animals and in their behavior during the tsunami.

What do you suggest we do to better benefit from animal wisdom?
Select an animal near to you, your pet, a neighbor’s pet, a certain bird that you see often. You can even go to a zoo and select a guide there.

The idea of learning from animals has always existed. All indigenous peoples have known of this practice. You are the ones who have lost this knowledge.
Watch animals closely; learn their way of life, their being, their feelings, the way they relax. Learn their facial expressions. See how the animal changes when it is scared or angry.

If you do this, the animal will notice and you will then have a, living very real spiritual guide, of whom you can ask, psychically, for warnings when there is danger. We promise that the animal will do as you ask. It is not their fault that people are too busy or that people are too busy or preoccupied to really listen.

Telepathy
Learn to exchange information with this animal. We could describe it as communicating telepathically. Many of you will have beautiful and interesting experiences. And don’t be embarrassed to tell others of your relationship with this animal. No one will think you crazy. Remember that if many of the people that died had kept these relationships with animals, they may have been able to save their lives.”

About the Author

Frances Fox, a world renowned psychic investigator,has authored two books, Your Matrix Your Electric Body and a book revealing Dolphin prophesies called The Gods Speak Dolphin Wisdom Revealed. Her segment on Animal Planet predicted the impact of Katrina. Her website is full of tips to gain control of unseen factors. Lots of articles on spirits, 2012. Sign up for weekly horoscopes at http://www.francesfox.com/n

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Keeping fish in aquariums is still the hobby to beat all over the world, according to surveys. (It is still number 2 to gardening’s first place.) However, enthusiasts are one in saying there is only one downside to the charms of this fascinating hobby of fish-keeping ‘ the dreaded freshwater aquarium maintenance.

Their only consolation is the fact that this aquarium maintenance is the key to the continuance or disruption of their hobby. It means the life and death of all the living things in their aquarium ‘ that of their pets included.

With regular maintenance, they would continue to enjoy their hobby of gazing at their pets living in a pristine aquatic world, oblivious to all of the world’s cares. The following methods are some of the more urgent maintenance requirements.

However, the hobbyists also knew that maintenance is the key to the cleanliness (and the resulting beauty) of their fish and their aquariums. Water as a medium of life is alive with energy for the animals and the fish that dwell in it more so than a maybe garden or a dog house.

Freshwater maintenance is the all-important ingredient in owning a bunch of fish living in an aquarium because the lives of the pets themselves depend on how well (or lousy) it is done by the owner. The following are some of the more important maintenance features.

Algae

Like the proverbial fly in dry land, algae are the scourge in wet and watery regions like the insides of an aquarium. Algae can totally ruin any aquarium tank, and not just its looks (it makes clear glass blurry) but also its total hygiene.

A plecostomus can do the job of cleaning the inside panel of the aquarium. Like any other non-systematic cleaner, the tiny aquatic janitor cannot do all the work. You really have to do the manual scrubbing yourself. (Side note: Do not overfeed your pets. Aside from the clutter, these can provide fertile nutrients for your dreaded algae as well.)

Filters

The most obvious sign that you need to change your filter is the color of the tank’s water. Thanks to modern technology, today’s aquarium hobbyists are now using power filters. These are devices that regulate the particles in the water, filter them, and store the filtered dirt inside the device.

Today, instead of cleaning the power filter itself, the up-to-date method is to replace the filter once every three to four weeks.

For that fishy smell of the water, it is recommended that you replace the filters more often. The strong smell is an indication that the dirt in the water is getting lethal to your aquatic pets swimming in it.

Water

For regular “cleaning” of the aquarium’s water, you have to change it once every two weeks. It is not as hard as it sounds because only about 20% of the water is drained and replaced. A simple siphon is used on this.

The Tank

Once a month, your aquarium tank had to be scrubbed clean. It is not as painful as tooth extraction. With some planning and some system, it can be done and done well enough.

First, move your aquatic pets to a temporary container. Next, drain the tank’s water. Afterwards, gently scrub both sides of the glass panes with a sponge, taking off the accumulated dirt.

Next, take out the decorations and immerse them in hot water that had salt in it. Scrub them with a sponge, and under no circumstances should you use soap. Soap is deadly to anything alive in your tank, your pets included.

Take out the plants (if any) and do your trimming and cleaning while the water level is low. (Do not flush out the trimmings because it might enter into your local waterways. Set them aside to dry and dispose of them with the trash.)

Use your gravel vacuum to suck away the remaining dirt around. Rinse everything with clean water and vacuum again and again until you see clean water.

Water Refill

Refill your tank with water that has the same temperature as the old one. (Note: Regular tap water cannot be a substitute to the original water content.)

Pasteurize your water first and cool it down to the right temperature. (Some people use distilled water to make sure about the purity. It is expensive, though.)

Equipment

Look into your lighting and see if anything needs cleaning and replacements. The bulb must be cleaned of dust buildup.

The airline tubing of your air pump should be flexible still. If hard and encrusted with mineral deposits or algae, immediately replace it. If the airflow is reduced, replace the air stone.

Look at your heater’s glass tube for cracks. Check on the temperature to see if the heater is still functioning.

More Equipment Checks

Are your water circulation devices still working?

Dismantle your filter to clean the parts. Use a bottlebrush for scrubbing out the pipes and tubes. The gaskets and the O-rings have to be cleaned and oiled if needed.

Remove and clean the impeller and the impeller housing for obstruction or replace it. Do not as yet discard or replace any old media right away.

Replace them if you want, but have a little portion of the old media in the filter for sometime. This is to “seed” the new media with the nitrifying bacteria.

Maintenance Schedule

The schedules of maintenance should be your own making. Every system is different from person to person, and from aquarium to aquarium. This is because the wear and tear of the things in your system is dependent on the pets and the aquarium.

Keep a log of everything related with your aquarium – the cleaning schedules, expenses, equipment replacements, receipts, and comments, if any. This will be a big help during reviews of anything about your aquarium. Maintaining your aquarium is a lot of work and slightly time consuming but well worth the trip especially if you do not fall behind on it.

About the Author

Get professional help to perform proper maintenance of your fish tank and a lot more. Read http://www.freshwateraquariumcenteronline.com/freshwater-aquarium-maintenance/ . nnVisit our website to get the answers that you need and sign up for our FREE freshwater aquarium email mini-course today at http://www.freshwateraquariumcenteronline.comn

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Have you experienced soaking your feet in a pond of koi? It is such a charming feeling when it seems like your feet are being kissed by these friendly fish. While soaking your eyes on an aquarium of fish in all their colours and swimming talent is different from soaking your feet on a pond or a river perhaps, still, the feeling is enchanting. This is the main point of health benefits gained in mounting and maintaining a freshwater aquarium. It is no wonder that aquariums are present in low and high rise buildings, in hospitals, in government and non-government offices and in schools and homes. It is also no wonder that aquariums and fish get cameo and major shots in movies from classic Greek times of gods and goddesses to contemporary times of Tom and Jerry, the Simpsons, Finding Nemo, Rumble Fish and 50 First Dates. As you cannot have all the rivers and lakes and ponds as much as you want, why not have your own freshwater aquarium and enjoy its benefits? Generally, freshwater aquarium is an effective natural tranquillizer and stress-reliever. Various case studies have been conducted on the therapeutic effect of aquariums in stabilizing blood pressure, sleep disorder and appetite.

As we age, our blood pressure has tendency to rise. However, due to unhealthy lifestyle, bad choice of food and stress, people may experience high blood pressure (HBP or hypertension) even at younger age. Considered as silent killer, this condition can cause stroke, coronary heart disease, heart failure, arterial aneurysm, kidney failure and damage of other body organs. Being asymptomatic, a person may already have HBP that gradually causes damages to one’s health without knowing it. People who gets angry easily are referred to as “hot-headed” who oozes with high blood pressure. To check your blood pressure on the regular basis is advisable although you will feel it go down. A combined lifestyle change and relaxation therapy such as of owning aquariums and gazing fish can also help reduce or trigger hypertension. Since the 1980’s, aquariums have lowered the rate of HBP cases while those who experience heart attacks have reportedly lived longer.

In the same manner, owning aquariums can also help people in fighting insomnia or difficulty in sleeping. Most adults experience this uneasiness that may extend from one week to three weeks or more. As it seems common, many disregard insomnia as a symptom of a disease. Stressful situations like death of a loved one, divorce, high debts getting fired from your job can cause insomnia. Other factors include change of body clock, noise pollution, poor ventilation; schizophrenia, drug abuse rehab, anxiety, depression and hyper-stress. falling asleep watching the fish tank is very therapeutic as much as watching them in the morning.

For workaholic adults, aquarium is helpful in stimulating them to have a break, relax, breathe and smile even for just about a fifteen-minute glimpse of fish while having their favourite snack and refreshment.

For hyperactive kids, aquarium has been proven helpful to calm them given the serene nature of the tank, its beautiful decor and amazing creatures.

Meanwhile, an alarming rate of senior people especially in Europe and the US live with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) which is manifested in short-term to long term memory loss, confusion, irritability and aggression, mood swings, difficulty in speech and communication and gradual lost of bodily functions leading to expiration. In the United Sates alone, 5.3 million live with Alzheimer’s and cost $100 billion each year in care-giving. There is presently no cure for alzheimers but reserch has shown that an aquarium can help restore some of the lost memories which would have made the discoverer Alois Alzheimer happy. However, a combination of support system and management can very well ease the situation of patients and their families. Providing them with aquariums has been proven helpful in engaging them to an improved eating habit and physically lesser aggressive behaviour. Naturally, a better diet combined with your home fish tank will have the right supply of peace and a better social atmosphere.

Eventually, freshwater aquariums help to prosper more friendship and marital relations. Feeding fish can be a bonding moment for couples while fish and aquarium talk is a refreshing topic vis-a-vis mundane and toxic everyday routines.

Generally, aquariums of all sizes: small, medium and large radiate vibes beneficial to people’s fitness and wellbeing. Where stress is a common factor in the gradual development and worsening of any diseases, owning a freshwater aquarium and taking fish for pet is a healthy hobby. It is no wonder then how the hobby has grown to amazing popularity over the years. This relaxation fad is suitable for people in any walks of life regardless of race, gender and religion as just about any person can really be very vulnerable to such body or behavioural nuances as high blood pressure, insomnia, hyperactivity, fatigue due to too much work and Alzheimer’s disease. Past case studies and first-hand accounts of hobbyists have attested to the advantages of having an aquarium. Try an aquarium in your home today which will relieve stress and give you many more future birthdays and more happiness?

About the Author

To recieve professional help in getting the many benefits from your aquarium easily, read http://www.freshwateraquariumcenteronline.com/freshwater-aquarium-benefits/ .nnSee our website to learn how to spot and solve problems before they can affect your fish and sing up for your FREE email mini-course at http://www.freshwateraquariumcenteronline.comn

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