Posts tagged tank
Maintain Tank Temperature With A Fish Tank Chiller
Sep 6th
Maintain Tank Temperature With A Fish Tank Chiller
As the name suggests, fish tank chillers are designed to keep the water in your fish tank cool in warmer climates. They are mainly used in marine aquariums where fish tend to be highly sensitive to temperature although fancy goldfish in tropical climes also benefit from the use of a fish tank chiller. An additional benefit is that cooler water has a greater capacity to hold dissolved oxygen thus avoiding issues with low levels of oxygen in your aquarium.
When do you need the fish tank chiller?
A fish tank chiller will be required when you run an aquarium with fish that prefer to live in cold water only. Aquarium chillers will maintain the water temperature you desire. Changing the temperature is something you need to do yourself, manually.
An alternative to a chiller is to run an air conditioning unit in the room that contains the aquarium, however running the air conditioner just to keep the fish tank water at the desired temperature can be a very expensive option. And even though a fish tank chiller may seem like an expensive item it will soon pay for itself if you are not running the air conditioner day – especially if you are not home during the day or you are on vacation.
Another chiller alternative is to add ice to the tank but this is highly impractical unless it is a very short term method to deal with heat wave conditions. If you do need to add ice to your tank it can be added by freezing water in a bottle. The frozen water bottle can be lowered into the tank or hung on the side of the tank.
For very warm climates and for fish that naturally require cold water there is no real alternative other than a chiller unit. It is also possible to purchase an aquarium heater and chiller in one unit which can be used year round to maintain the water temperature in both summer and winter.
When choosing your chiller you will have a choice of thermoelectric, in-line or drop-in fish tank chiller.
Thermoelectric chillers are commonly used in small tanks of less than 60 gallon capacity. They are energy efficient and silent running and can be used in both salt and freshwater aquariums.
Drop-in chillers are commonly used in saltwater aquariums or reef set ups. They require no additional plumbing and are fitted in line with the tank filter. They are simple to install and have low maintenance requirements.
In-line aquarium chillers are manufactured for tanks with a capacity of 60 gallons or more. They have a motor, a compressor and cooling fans and will require a well-ventilated area for installation. They may require professional installation and they are quite large.
An aquarium thermometer is an inexpensive necessity to use in conjunction with your tank chiller. If your chiller fails or mismanages the temperature of your aquarium you need to know immediately. A thermometer is a reliable way of monitory the temperature.
The main disadvantages of fish tank chillers are the cost of the units themselves – which can vary from a few hundred up to several thousand dollars – and the energy that they consume, which can be 80-100 watts per hour.
Alison Stevens is an online author and maintains The Goldfish Site and The Goldfish Blog to assist anyone who wants to get started with setting up an aquarium fish tank and keeping freshwater fish.
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Taking Care Of Your Fish Tank
Sep 6th
Taking Care Of Your Fish Tank
In all there are more than 20,000 types of fish. There is virtually no way possible anyone can outline how to care for fish and aquariums in a single group of articles. About the best that anyone can do is give you a few basic concepts, care instructions, etc, and allow you to go from there. Since aquariums, rather water and fish produce toxins you will want to learn about such toxins in aquarium and fish care.
Aquariums are containers which provide fish a habitat filled with water. Aquariums are often shaped like boxes, which fish and related aquatic animals, as well as plants are stored. The water supplies oxygen and/or air for fish to breathe, which means the water must be constantly maintained in order for the fish and plants to survive. Temperature is important as well, since unlike furry critters, fish cannot control their essence of temperature. Dehumidifiers and humidifiers can help you maintain a balanced temperature in the air, which will affect water. Ultimately, you have fish gauges, which help you to monitor the temperatures in water.
In addition, fish in tanks or aquariums are subject to bacteria and toxins. Since, bacteria and toxins are produced faster in aquariums for the reason that unlike land, fish in water do not have natural fighters against such contaminants. With this in mind, we see that fish require high eminence of water to survive. In addition, aquariums often tank salt water creatures, as well as fresh water fish. It is important that you understand the difference and how to maintain water supply for both species. Still, the two are similar in comparison as far as fish care.
How do I eliminate toxins?
First, you must understand toxins in order to eliminate them. Fish will produce a degree of toxins; as well, water supplies produce its volume of toxins, such as copper, metals, chlorine, etc. Toxins spent by fish are wasted items coming from the fish life-sustaining chemicals, known as metabolism. Fish then produce pungent gases, which are colorless and highly water soluble.
Water supply often has CHLORAMINE or Chlorine combined, which are additives to fish tanks that work to purify the water. The chemicals combine to eliminate or minimize the growth of bacteria. Bacteria, develops in water pipes, drinking fountains, ground water, etc.
Now to answer your question, you will need a test kit to maintain toxic waste. You can use the kit to test the waters, thus making sure that the aquarium is not overly contaminated. You will also need filters, and pre-treatment water to balance your aquarium.
How do I find pre-treated water?
Water mixed with 1 milligram of sodium THIO-sulfate, includes ten gallons of fresh water combined with 1% sodium will remove toxins such as chlorine. In addition, you can purchase products, which include chemicals that will remove CHLORAMINE and Chlorine respectively. You have the option of removing toxins from aquariums by exposing the tank to air, which allows circulation of air to penetrate the aquarium. Furthermore, you can combine gas converting it to liquids, which charge, or activates carbons. The carbon dioxide will bubble, which removes toxins as well. (Learn more about Aerating before combing gas and liquids)
Using your test kit you will know if the tank has metals, or coppers in the water. If your water supply has copper and metal you will need to purchase spring water, or purified water to remove toxins. Ultimately you can purchase hepa products, which include water purifiers to connect to your tap water. The product will eliminate metal, copper, and other contaminates, thus purifying your water supply.
Want to find out about pictures of sharks and biggest shark? Get tips from the Types Of Sharks website.
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Choosing to Setup a Saltwater Fish Tank
Sep 4th
Choosing to Setup a Saltwater Fish Tank
A well set up saltwater aquarium tank is the dream of those who love the hobby. It can be an amazing and striking addition to your home or office and bring you hour of peaceful entertainment.
If you are a beginner, starting with a saltwater aquarium can be a risky business, so I would highly recommend getting the advice of a professional aquarium keeper before setting up your tank. It takes a lot of work and planning to set up the tank just right even before you can begin to introduce fish, corals, and anemones to your new saltwater aquarium.
You will need to monitor the water parameters (temperature, nitrates, ammonia, etc) and some of the aquarium equipment on your saltwater setup. Once a week, or at least once a month, you will need to perform aquarium maintenance on your fish tank, especially water changes and water quality testing. The water in such an aquarium needs to be at the perfect temperature, be at the optimum pH, and have the exact salt content before it is safe for living beings. Salt water fish and other life forms are quite expensive, so it would be wise to have the tank properly set up before you end up with a tank full of sick or dying fish at a high cost.
There are different marine salt mixes in the market and they are all made slightly differently. Unless you’re considering a reef tank, most of the commonly available mixes should serve you fine. You will develop your own salt mix preference after you’ve worked with them for a while.
Prepare and mix your salt water in a special bucket and once you have the perfect mixture you can add the saltwater to your tank. You will have to repeat this process until you have filled the aquarium. If it’s a large tank you can mix the salt in the tank, which can be a bit more difficult and messy.
The lighting on the saltwater aquarium is very important. You need light in the aquarium for at least half a day. Plants and livestock need a perfect cycle of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
A well decorated salt water aquarium will be an asset for years to come, so it’s worth it to spend time and energy looking for the right décor and ornaments for the tank. There are many types of decorations for a saltwater aquarium. Driftwood and sand look simply beautiful and are essential elements of saltwater fish natural habitat.
You can opt for real or plastic plants. However, live plants help you bring Nature into your home. Live plants oxygenate the water in the tank. Keep in mind that your fish will use the decorations you place in the tank as shelter and as playgrounds. So, for the benefit of the fish and to maintain the natural beauty of the aquarium, I would advise to use real aquatic plants.
Live rock is great for your saltwater aquarium. It helps formulate the aquarium’s ecosystem, vital to aquatic life. Live rock is covered with micro and macro organisms which filter the waste products from the water, making it safe for your aquatic inhabitants.
Some saltwater aficionados keep only living corals and anemones in their tanks. This can be colorful and entertaining, at a more relaxed pace. You could keep fish in these tanks, but be aware that some fish view coral and anemones as food. Shrimps, crabs and snails will also eat any anemones you may have.
Anemones look like plants, but they are living creatures that need to be fed, and feeding them by hand can be a lot of fun. You place the food on top of the anemones tentacles and watch them curl themselves around the food and draw it into their mouths.
Before you bring in the inhabitants of your tank, choose the type of fish that you want. The type of fish will also decide the type of plants you use. You also need to research how the type of fish you are interested in will get along with other types of fish. Remember that the dynamics of a saltwater aquarium will be very similar to that in a real coral reef. Don’t mix pray and predators. Do your homework.
Some types of saltwater fish are poisonous, like Lion Fish. They are beautiful to look at and it’s an awesome addition to your tank, but the spines on their fins are very toxic if you get stung. You need to get medical help if this ever happens.
Deciding to have a saltwater aquarium is a lot of work. Keeping your fish and plants healthy will require a commitment on your part and it will be a considerable investment. But if you want to invite Mother Nature into your home environment, there is no better choice. You will enjoy this hobby for years to come.
If you want to read more about keeping a fish tank in your home, visit me at http://www.thefishtankplace.com
Rebeca has been interested in animals and Feng Shui for many years and now she wants to share her knowledge of these subjects with people in a very light and personal way. Feng Shui has improved her life in many ways, and her cats and dogs, and the fish that came as a part of her passion for Feng Shui, are now a very important part of her, and she’s very happy to share her experiences with everybody.
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Find the Right Fish Tank Accessory for Your Aquarium
Aug 30th
Find the Right Fish Tank Accessory for Your Aquarium
When it comes to finding fish tank accessories there is just about everything you can imagine. Deciding what to put into your fish tank to make it look natural or just fun to look at can take a little bit of planning. You also must remember that there are several items that every fish tank needs.
There are three mandatory things that just about ever fish tank needs and these include a filter, a heater and lights. The filter is important because it is the thing that keeps the water in the tank clean and clear. Without a fish tank filter your fish will suffer from disease and even death and the water will turn cloudy and start to smell.
A heater is necessary because in most cases people put tropical fish in their new aquarium. Tropical fish live in warm water and will not live long in water that has big temperature fluctuations. A heater will keep the water temperature constant which tropical fish like best. Remember to get the right size heater for the size of tank you have. The only exception to the heater rule is a gold fish tank. Gold fish can survive in un-heated water.
Lights are important for a couple of reasons. There are fish that need the extra light to help them thrive and survive. This is especially true in salt water tanks that have corals and anemones. Lights also add to the beauty of the tank, bringing out the colors of the fish and other accessories you may have.
Once you have those three things taken care of how you choose to accessorize your fish tank is up to you. This is a personal decorating choice because for the most part any fish tank accessory you add is there to decorate the tank; they do have a few benefits to the fish.
If you have a community tank with different sized fish it makes sense to provide accessories that provide hiding areas for the smaller fish. With the right selection you can set up your fish tank much like your fishes natural habitat. This will give them the opportunity to interact with their environment just as they would in the wild.
If you are setting up a Cichlid tank then you need to be aware that many Cichlids do not take kindly to to much decoration. They will push rocks around, dig holes in the gravel, and tear up plants that you may put in their tank. If you insist on putting accessories in a Cichlid tank just be forewarned that it may be redecorated the next day.
Finding the right fish tank accessory or accessories is all up to you and what you want your aquarium to look like. Keep in mind that a more natural look will enhance the fish you have and their ability to live like they would in their natural habitat.
For more information about choosing fish tank accessories and setting up and maintaining a fish tank visit the website Fish Tank Care & Supplies by Clicking Here.
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A Reef Tank That Almost Runs Itself!
Aug 24th
A Reef Tank That Almost Runs Itself!
A new revolution in the aquarium industry is here!
Ever dreamed of an aquarium that looks after itself?
The aquarium looks as natural and beautiful as this world has to offer but it is all run by a small concealed on board computer.
This magnificent 1000lt system it totally computer controlled, using various probes, timers and an on board computer with full LCD screen which will interface with your home computer. All of the equipment in tucked away in the cabinet below so nothing is in the tank to detract from the beauty of the animals that inhabit it.
The fish and coral in this aquarium thrive, grow and propagate as they would in the wild.
For starters the 4 blue T5 actinic lights will fade on one at a time from 2% to 100% to simulate dawn. Then the 250w 140000 Kelvin metal halides will fade on one at a time until all 3 are at full capacity which will simulate the middle of the day. During the day several of the 7 globes will systematically fade on and off to simulate clouds going over head. Then the lights will all fade out in the same fashion that they came on to simulate the sun going down at night. Once it is night a moon light will come on allowing you the correct light to marvel at your reef as it would be at night in the wild. The moon light can be pre set for natural lunar cycles which are even able to stimulate the coral to be triggered to mass spawn, in the aquarium just as they do on the reefs of the world at a particular time of the year. The lighting system alone is worth almost 000 and is fully controlled by its own on board computer with digital LED display screen.
The water flow is ran by top of the line German pumps which sit in the filter sump connected to the on board computer. They are set to circulate the water 13000lt per hour clock wise for an hour then they switch off and a separate set of pumps switch on to circulate the water in the opposite direction 13000lt anti clock wise. With the use of this computer different currents and conditions are able to be created during the day, sometimes it is calm, sometimes ruff. The computer can be set in any combination like slow from one side then powerful from the other. This reduces the risk of dead spots in the tank and ensures ample flow provided any where in the tank.
The temperature is controlled by an aquarium heater that goes in the filter and a titanium water chiller both connected to the on board computer. With the use of the high powered heated and chiller the aquarium can be stabilized at a perfect 24′C.
The aquarium is filtered by a reverse light refugium plenum, which is a separate tank under the main tank. This is the most model style of aquarium filtration. It offers natural assimilation and biological breakdown of fish waste by algae and bacteria which grow in it. It also stabilizes water chemistry as the light over the filter is on while the light over the tank is off, reduces the impact photosynthesis has on the chemistry of this closed system. As the algae in the filter grow it can be harvested therefore removing the nutrients that it has collected. The electronic UV sterilizer also helps to protect the fish from possible disease out breaks.
The probes in the water are able to tell the on board computer exactly what is going on with the water and the computer are programmed to be able to fix it. This computer can even connect to your home computer and allow you to access all data from the internet from anywhere in the world. In the case of an emergency the computer can also send a text message directly to your mobile phone telling you what needs attention and how to fix it.
As the coral grow they will use a lot of calcium and other trace elements out of the water which must be replaced in an aquarium. This aquarium will maintain the perfect calcium level as it has a calcium reactor connected to the on board computer which can offer a stable flow of calcium and pH level to the tank 24 hours a day.
12 different bottles of supplements are dosed daily with the help of dosing pumps hooked up to the on board computer. These include Iodine, Magnesium, Iron, Strontium, Carbonate and many more which all support the filter feeding corals. As well as your corals, the computer can also work with an auto feeder to ensure that your fish are being fed while you’re away.
The aquarium also has a large phosphate filter to ensure you don’t have to clean the aquarium regularly due to algae growth. Other scavengers such as snails, abalone, urchins and herbivorous fish are also helpful with this job to ensure a beautiful tank all year round.
The tank also has a protein skimmer which is connected to the computer and is able to quickly react and remove any build up of waste that many occur over time with a tank full of messy fish.
The tank is able to top its self up with reverse osmosis water to combat evaporation problems and is able to give its self a water change. When the aquarium computer is triggered that it is time due to readings from the probe it will drain water out of its self into the drain and fill its self back up again using either fresh or ready made salt water. It is also able to correct its self if its salinity is incorrect once again performing its own water changes.
Though there is no such thing as a non maintenance reef aquarium this one sure comes close.
I have told you able only a small amount of features that this amazing system is capable of doing.
As a system valued at about 000 it is not a reality to everyone but as this technology is now available, it is only likely to get more affordable in the future to the point that one day a self cleaning reef aquarium will be possible to most people.
Who knows what the aquariums will be able to do by then? I have more on Marine or Reef Aquariums at http://www.exclusivefishfilms.com where I put my years of expertise into a double dvd which I am sure if you read this article and enjoyed you will love this product.
Good luck and enjoy
Paul Talbot
Paul’s interest in fish species and aquariums started early in life. He has worked in the aquarium industry all his working life and has been able to transfer his passion as a hobbyist to his customers. His wealth of experience is an advantage to corporate and hobbyist customers alike. Paul has written many articles for both international and local magazines. He has bred many types of fish and propagated many types of coral. His Instructional Marine Aquarium DVD can be found at http://www.exclusivefishfilms.com
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Aquarium Stands – Fish Tank Stands and Aquarium Furniture
Aug 22nd
Aquarium Stands – Fish Tank Stands and Aquarium Furniture
A fish aquarium tank stand is designed to display a fish tank at a height that makes viewing and maintenance convenient. When setting up a fish aquarium, normaly what comes to mind first are the selection of fish and the fish tank. The selection of a fish tank stand is often an afterthought.
IMPORTANCE OF SELECTING A PROPER FISH TANK STAND
Without proper planning, aquarium owners use whatever they can find to place the fish tank. Shoe rack or desk are not suitable. They are not as strong as they seem. Neither are they asthetically pleasing to the eyes if the aquarium furniture colors are not coordinated with the house setting. Don’t let your aquarium become an eyesore with messy accessories all over the place.
Setting up an aquarium tank stand is a significant investment, so it is worthwhile to learn how to select the right stand for your aquarium.
WHEN DO YOU NEED A STAND?
Generally, fish tanks under 20 gallon can be placed on sturdy desks or shelves. However if your aquarium is heavier than 20 gallon, consider getting a dedicated aquarium stand.
CRITERIA FOR SELECTING A FISH TANK STAND
To select the right fish tank, there are two main criteria: Firstly it must safely support the fish tank. Secondly, the aquarium furniture should blend with the house setting.
1. Stand Must support the the fish tank.
The support is not only based on the size of the tank but also its filled weight. In terms of size, the length of the stand should be longer than the length of the fish tank. One of the most common errors is underestimating the weight of the tank once it is filled with water. A litre of water weighs one kilogram. In addition to the water, you’ll be adding substrate for the bottom, which is also heavy. The actual weight of aquarium also depend on the type of material used. Glass tanks are twice as heavy as acrylic tanks.
2 Aquarium furniture must blend with house setting.
Three factors contribute to the blending – the material used, the color and the design.
a. Material.
The most common materials used for the aquarium stand are wood, metal and acrylic. Let’s look at the pros and cons of each material.
WOOD
A Wooden stand is more expensive than metal or acrylic stand. It is harder to shift it around. The appearance is more pleasing. It usually comes with drawers to store accessories. Wood is suitable for heavier size tank weighing above 40 gallon or 152 liters.
METAL
Unlike wood metal get rusty. The advantages are that it is lighter and easier to shift if you want to relocate the fish tank. It is cheaper. It looks decorative with embellished iron scroll. It is suitable for small to medium size tanks (weighing 40 gallon and below).
ACRYLIC
Acrylic has the advantage of being lighter with more choice of color but it is not as sturdy as metal or wood. It is suitable for smaller size fish tanks.
b. Color
The aquarium color should match with the other furniture in the house. Treat the fish stand as if it were a piece of furniture.
b. Design
The are two types of design - open or closed. Metal fish tanks seldom come with drawers. One can improvise it by covering it with a curtain to skirt the front and sides. Wooden aquarium stands are usually closed because they have inbuilt cabinets to store fish accesssories such as filter, pumpfood, etc. It hides the messes from the guests.
WHERE TO PLACE THE STAND
Put it against the wall so that children will not accidentally knock over it. Ensure it is placed on a flat even floor. For the survival of the fish, avoid direct sunlight. The most common place to put is the living room where it can be viewed by guests and share pride of place next to the TV set.
Apply these tips and what you will have is a handsome aquarium stand whose color coordinates with your other furniture, a stand that safely support the weight of your tank, with storage space to keep the accessories and the mess out of sight.
Kurt Rorbakken has more than one interesting site – checkout his Aquariums Saltwater Blog site and also his Saltwater Aquarium Guide. You may reprint this article, as long as you include all of the above text, About the Author box and all the links are working.
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How Aquarium Tank Filters Work
Aug 21st
How Aquarium Tank Filters Work
When setting up an aquarium one of the necessary components is a filter, but many people don’t really give the filter much thought. Knowing that you need a filter is the first step, but understanding how aquarium tank filters work and what they actually do will help tremendously in deciding on a filter for your tank.
In short, aquarium filters maintain the water quality in the tank. They do this by removing particles such as food, plant pieces, feces, and other detritus from your water. Filters also remove chemicals and toxins such as ammonia and nitrite from the water. If left to build up these would lead to the death of your fish.
It is important to note that having a good filter doesn’t eliminate the need for regular water changes in your aquarium (roughly 10-20% of the water should be changed every two weeks). Even the best filtration systems cannot remove all water pollution, so the periodic water changes are still necessary. The flip side is true, too, which is that regular water changes by themselves are not enough to keep a tank healthy, and some type of filter must be in place.
A good aquarium filter will provide three types of filtration – mechanical, chemical, and biological. Each element is described below:
Mechanical filtration – This refers to the filtering out of particles in the water, such as the plant scraps, uneaten food, feces, and any other “stuff” that may get stirred up in the tank. This type of filtration is done with a sponge, floss, a coarse pad, or any material that water can pass through, but larger bits and particles cannot. Many filters use an easily replaceable cartridge for the mechanical filtration. When it becomes clogged and water is not flowing freely, the cartridge is simply thrown out and replaced.
Chemical filtration – As the name implies, this involves the removal of chemicals and other (non-particulate) toxins from the water. These include ammonia, nitrite, and other chemicals. This is most commonly done by using activated carbon or charcoal. The carbon absorbs gasses and other dissolved solids, so odors and colors are eliminated from the water. Other resins can be added to the filter that specifically target ammonia removal. This chemical filtration is important because it takes care of things that you can’t see and that if allowed to build up, can cause serious issues for the fish.
Biological filtration – Perhaps the most overlooked but extremely important type of filtration is biological. Many novice aquarium owners do not even know that this is going on, but if it wasn’t occurring their fish would never survive. Biological filtration is accomplished by large amounts of beneficial bacteria in your aquarium filter as well as in the tank itself. The bacteria “eat up”, or metabolize, much of the negative chemicals such as ammonia and nitrite, and convert them into beneficial compounds like nitrate (which feeds live plants). Much of the biological activity occurs in the gravel substrate of the aquarium and indeed this is the reason undergravel filters are the best for biological filtration.
None of the three filtration elements can work independently; all three must be present in a properly maintained aquarium. Having a better understanding of the mechanical, chemical, and biological aspects of filtration will help guide the decision of what type of aquarium tank filter will be best for the style of tank that you wish to maintain.
Andrew Bartlett is an aquarium enthusiast and expert in freshwater fish tank setup, with nearly 30 years of experience. You can get more information by clicking on www.thefreshwateraquariumguide.com.
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Can Two Canister Filters Be Used In One Fish Tank?
Aug 16th
Can Two Canister Filters Be Used In One Fish Tank?
Canister filters are renowned to be the most efficient fish tank filters around today. It is true that they will cost a lot initially but if you can afford to install one, they will save you a whole lot in terms of time spent maintaining them and of course money. But for people who have already installed a canister filter in their aquarium, what now comes to mind is whether they should then install two filters and what are the benefits of this extra filtration to the aquatic life?
Actually, this is a matter of preference that most fish breeders cannot agree on whether it is a good idea or not to have two canister filters in one tank. That question has been argued about since canister filters were invented.
Rather than taking a side, I will instead talk about what happens when you have two canister filters in one aquarium and it will be up to you to decide which you choose.
The Benefits Of Having Two Canister Filters.
The obvious reason for most supporters of two filters is backup. That is to say that you will have a spare filter running in case one of them needs repair, thus ensuring that the water in your fish tank remains filtered. This reason becomes even more critical for those who live a distance from the nearest aquarium store and cannot get hold of spare parts fast enough.
Another reason is the size of the fish tank itself. People who like more than one filter say that if the aquarium is too big, one filter will not be enough to cleanse the entire tank as there will be blind spots where the water will not be drawn into the filter. Having two canister filters with their inlet positioned at opposite ends of the tank will ensure that there are no blind spots.
What’s The Downside Of Using Two Canister Filters
The main issue about having multiple canister filters is water movement. The movement of water in the aquarium affects the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. The faster the rate at which water moves, the faster the exchange will be thus reducing the amount of CO2 in the tank. But isn’t less CO2 better? Well, not if you also have aquatic plant life. Plants take in CO2 and expell O2. By doing so, plants actually help maintain a healthy balance of CO2/O2 levels in the water. Having insufficent carbon dioxide levels will stunt the plants growth and cause them to lose their lustre.
Also, excessive filtering will not only filter out the waste materials but also the nutrients that plants are very dependant on. it is actually true that in a tank with plants, it is the plants that provide a netter and more efficient biological filtration than the beneficial bacteria.
And lastly, and this is especially important for fish that naturally come from a slow moving environment, too much water movements will actually be bad for the health of your fish. Too much movement places unnecessary stress on them as well as actually stunt their ability to breed. So these are the pros and cons of having more than one canister filter in a single aquarium.
If you do plan to install an additional filter, just remember to reduce their suction rates to counter balance the disadvantages.
To know more about canister filters and to enjoy great discounts from That Pet Place, visit Fish Tank Filters at http://fish-tank-filters.org today.
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Fish Tank Filters: Crucial Knowledge for Fish Owners
Aug 12th
Fish Tank Filters: Crucial Knowledge for Fish Owners
Aquarium filtration units are an important element of fish ownership. Having the correct filter can be a matter of life or death for your fish. Yet, of all the items necessary to keep your fish happy, filters are amongst the most confusing and misunderstood. With this in mind it is sometimes recommended that those with little experience of fish simply purchase a kit which includes everything needed. That way, they should be able to care for their fish correctly from the very begining. However, for the more experienced fish owner it can sometimes be useful to discover a little more about the different models of filter.
Different varieties of water filtration devices can very in many ways but will all have one primary function, to keep your fish healthy. A filter does this by removing impurities from the water, removing ammonia and unneeded nitrates, and by aerating the water. These are all absolutely essential in keeping your fish alive and well. But there are a number of different types of filter. Different models are best suited to different kinds of tank and different varieties of fish. It is essential that you allow for the particular requirements of your fish as specific fish require different environmental considerations. There are more types of filter than can be described in this article but essentially there are five categories of filter. These include air powered filters, under gravel filters, internally powered head filters, canister filters, and sumps.
Air powered filters and under gravel filters are the cheapest of all the filter types. These types of filters use an air pump to strain the water through a filter, seperating out any impurities. This type of filter should be cleaned on a regular basis to remain effective. These types of filter are simple and effective. However, it may not be the best option if your aquarium has fish which disturb the grit at the bottom of the tank. Fish that burrow into the floor of the tank will dislodge a great deal of sediment and this can choke the filters quickly. These types of filter were once the prefered choice, but are now giving way to more expensive alternatives. But, if you are new to fish ownership they are still worth trying out. Under gravel filters can be a cost effective way to ensure that your fish remain healthy and swimming around in water free of contaminants. Whilst water temperature can directly effect fish it is inadequate filtration that is often to blame for the death of fish, so you’ll need the best filter possible to give your fish the best chance. Selecting the best filtration system could be a matter of life or death so make sure you give it a great deal of consideration.
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My 20 Gallon Tank – Aqueon 30 Filter. 1 Angelfish, 1 Male Red Betta, 5 Tiger Barb, 1 Calico Ryukin Goldfish, 1 Black Moor Goldfish, 2 Fancy Goldfish, 4 Red Wag Platy, 1 Rosy Barb, 2 Cherry Barb,1 Plecostomus. I know too many fish in a 20 Gallon Tank
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Tropical Fish Tank Filters
Aug 11th
Tropical Fish Tank Filters
Setting up a tropical fish tank is explained below. Depending upon the fish you might be going to keep and other data, modify the procedure according to your requirement.
The equipment needed to set up a tropical fish tank are heater, replacement filter media, aquarium filter, aquarium gravel, and an aquarium along with decorations either real or fake plants.
The amount of effort essential to setup a tropical fish tank is same as having a cat or a dog as pets. Unless you operate tough at it, it is not an quick job to setup and maintain a tropical fish tank. Every single week maintenance work would be to be performed along with frequent change of h2o. The fish has to be fed at least once in a day. If you will not mind these hard function, then look forward on the pleasure of maintaining a tropical fish at home.
Analyze the variety of fish which you might put from the aquarium prior to the purchase. Certain types of tropical fish grow up to twelve inches or a lot more in length. If you happen to be certain with the sort of fish you will probably be keeping it will likely be simpler to choose the size of the tank desired. Beginners should begin with a ten or twenty gallon aquarium and use it to stock hardier and smaller variety of fish.
The aquarium ought to not be positioned near heater vents or windows to ensure it’ll not affect the temperature and light on the tank. The temperature with the tank is affected by the sunlight which enters through windows. Such an exposure to light may well lead to algae troubles too. The stand which carries the aquarium ought to be be capable of taking the load and weight of the aquarium.
Whilst getting the aquarium and equipment, choose the kind of filter to become utilized. The heater should be capable in the heating the tank properly. Purchase 1 to 1 and half pounds of gravel for each gallon of normal water.
Whilst washing the aquarium will not use detergents or soap and use only normal water. The tropical fish is going to be harmed by the left over residue on the soap. The gravel should be washed well before it was positioned in the tank. The decorations and plants can be added after the cleaned gravel is positioned in the tank.
Flow of normal water on towards aquarium can be controlled by placing a saucer or plate within the middle and by directing the flow of mineral water to it. Add h2o which is corresponding to room temperature. Remove all the chemicals within the normal water including chloramine and chlorine by utilizing appropriate removing agent. Will not fill the tank on the brim because when the arm is positioned from the aquarium the mineral water will overflow and mess up the surroundings.
Allow nearly 15 minutes to ensure that the heater’s thermostat gets adjusted for the temperature in the drinking water and plug all other accessories and turn on the power supply. Wait for a even though just before putting the fish in to aquarium given that the water has to get recycled to a appropriate condition. Add only a couple of fish at a time to enable the filters complete the biological procedure according on the number of fishes thriving in the tank.
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