Artificial Freshwater AQUARIUM PLANTS

There is always a certain amount of joy and fun in putting decorations in your freshwater aquarium. In fact, adding artificial plants to your aquarium can cost a little less than the money you spend on maintaining your aquarium. As we all know, artificial plants are reasonably priced and they require very little care and maintenance once they are placed in the aquarium. The idea of placing them in your freshwater aquarium was introduced rather late. There was a time when artificial plants were looked upon as eyesores by many 'newbies' in the aquarium community.

Today, however, their appearance is very similar to real plants and you have to actually touch them to tell that they are made of plastic materials. In fact, the majority, if not all artificial plants used in freshwater aquariums, are made from silk allowing them to freely move in the water.

One of the greatest benefits of using artificial plants in aquariums is the fact that they shine in all their glory the moment you place them in your aquarium. This has a glorious effect that live plants can never provide since they need time to grow and blossom. As a rule, however, it is necessary that before you add artificial plants to your aquarium you must ensure that they are thoroughly cleaned and that they are free from any contaminants that can harm the fish. A little trick to make your the plants appear more realistic: soak them in warm water for thirty minutes. This is good for softening the fabric.

What's more, artificial plants do not require additional care and maintenance. They can stay as they are whether or not the aquarium is lighted. There are no problems when adding special nutrients and you can basically place them on any aquarium substrate. In fact, you can execute the most daring design when it comes to arranging them in the aquarium. By choosing your favorite artificial plants, you can easily place them anywhere you wish. If the time comes when you decide to remove them, you can easily do so without the worry of hurting the fish or damaging the tank.

In fact, you cannot kill your artificial freshwater aquarium plants, and so you do not have to worry about pruning or feeding them to them to make them grow. They will always be what they are-artificial plants. But if well chosen, they are not ordinary plants and though they are lifeless, they bring about the appearance of life to both the fish and spectators. Moneywise, they are way cheaper than live plants because you only need to purchase them once, and you can continue to enjoy their beauty for as long as you desire. They only cease giving life to your freshwater aquarium once you decide to throw them away.

Finally, artificial plants can significantly add life and beauty to your freshwater aquarium without causing any danger to the fish. Aside from the fact that they are very easy to care for, you do not need to monitor them very closely as they will never invite algae to grow on them. Maintenance is also inexpensive and cost-effective.

By Garry-Ian Macdonald - Article Source: Ezine Articles

---

---

---

Introduction to PARROT CICHLIDS

Bloody Parrot, also called the Red Parrot
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Typically speaking there are two kinds of cichlids that belong to the parrot cichlid family, the Hoplarchus Psittacus (Green Parrot) and the Blood Parrot. The Green Parrot Cichlid is known to be the "original" parrot. It is a beautiful green cichlid that originates from the Amazon in South America. Not surprisingly its name came from its big parrot-like mouth. It is known to be less common within the aquarium industry but over the past few years, it is slowly becoming more popular.

The Blood Parrot is noticeably more common in aquarium shops. Interestingly, the Blood Parrot is a fish that has been developed over a few years of selective breeding and when it first came on the scene it was a bright Orange. Nowadays this fish is known to be found in many different colors such as Red, Purple, Blue, Yellow, and Green just to name a few. Given the mass range of selective breeding and colors that have now been produced, there has been a blanket name placed over these multi-colored fish, this is known as the Jellybean Cichlid.

Because the Blood Parrot Cichlid is a man-made hybrid so to speak, knowing the exact origins of this fish become difficult however there is speculation that it might be a cross between the Severum and a Midas Cichlid or Red Devil.

An interesting fact is that it does not have a scientific name due to its hybrid origins, it should also be noted that it will never be given one because of this reason.

Water parameters for this fish are somewhat the same as the original Green Parrot, neutral pH and a temperature of around 26°C or 78°F. Parrot Cichlids have been known to grow to 12 inches in length or more in some rare occasions and can be expected to live for up to 10 years.

Some good Tank Mates for the Parrot Cichlid are as follows;

* Geophagus cichlids,

* Rainbow cichlids,

* Firemouths,

* Severums

* Some Tetra species (make sure they are not fin nippers)

Blood Parrots generally attempt to breed when the water parameters are suitable, and in some cases have been known to attempt to breed every few weeks or so. Unfortunately, the lack of egg fertilization is a common problem associated with these fish and breeding, although consistent might be very unsuccessful.

However more and more people have reported that they have had successful breeding pairs, perhaps this is all a part of their hybrid origins being bred out of them.

By Craig Wrightson If you would like to learn more about Parrot Cichlids and their environment, visit my site African Cichlid Success - NEW eBOOK! Get Instant Access! Learn everything you need to know about setting up and maintaining a perfect Cichlid Tank including the unbelievably simple secrets the professional breeders use on caring, feeding, breeding, and diseases! Article Source: EzineArticles

---

---

---

Basic Tips On AQUARIUM MAINTENANCE

Photo  by Atomic Mutant Flea Circus 

Well maintained aquariums reward their owners with majestic displays from the vibrant and healthy fish. The living creatures within the enclosure make aquarium maintenance a crucial part of ownership. The best way to execute this responsibility is to gain basic knowledge as well as engage a specialist. It takes regular attention and not money to keep the glass pond beautiful and healthy.

The health and beauty of all creatures largely depend o what they eat. As true as the old adage You Are What You Eat states, the health, beauty, and vibrancy of your fish will depend on what you feed them on. With numerous online platforms and books on fish feeding, it is not difficult to master this. Consulting a specialist in aquatic life in Cincinnati OH will guide you on the specific foods based on your type of fish.

Like all other living things, the temperature is crucial for the fish in ponds. Water bodies do not experience drastic changes in temperature. This means that the organisms inside are unlikely to be affected by external temperatures. However, for aquariums, the temperatures change drastically considering their size. The likelihood of boiling or freezing is therefore heightened. This means that you must pay constant attention to the temperature.

Temperature is so crucial for aquarium life because it determines the state of the ecosystem. Human beings and animals in the wild take cover when it gets hot or cold. Fish in an enclosed glass box have very few options and depend on your care. Just as you throw a coat over your shoulders when it gets cold or heads to the shade when the sun scorches, attention must be given to the animals in the enclosed glass environment.

PH is crucial for survival in any aquatic environment. Different environments have varying PH which is the case in fresh and salty waters. It is worth noting that some fish are meant for salty waters while others are for fresh lakes. Making a mistake on the PH will turn your aquarium into a death trap.

Water PH can be altered by several factors considering the small size of glass ponds. An innocent maintenance activity like changing the water or type of food is likely to significantly affect PH. Caution should be exercised whenever any material is introduced into the pond. Consider the alkaline or acidic demands of your fish and other creatures when setting up an aquarium.

Aquariums are owned and run by ordinary citizens and not Ph.D. holders in fish studies. It only requires basic knowledge to ensure healthy, beautiful and vibrant aquatic life. This knowledge helps you to identify signs of stress or sickness so that you can take appropriate action like informing an aquatic vet. The signs that are worth watching out for include white spots as well as erratic behavior.

As part of basic maintenance, scrubbing your pond is critical in maintaining good health. This is the trick to maintaining a healthy ecosystem that will make your lounge attractive. Water should be changed regularly and attention paid to any algae buildup. The above tips ensure that your fish live a long, healthy and happy life.

About the Author: Lelia Hall You can get valuable tips for picking an aquarium maintenance OH company and more info about a reliable company at http://aquaticinteriors.net now.

---

---

---

NEON TETRA - Paracheirodon innesi

Neon Tetra - Paracheirodon innesi

---

---

---

SALAMANDER Facts: What You Need to Know About Them

Photo by Jannis_V

Did you know that salamanders are one of the most unique creatures in the world? In fact, they have caught the interest of many people and most of them want to have one at home. If you are planning to get salamanders as a pet, but don't know much about them, then below are some of the important salamander facts that you would need to know.

Salamanders are true amphibians. This is in contrast to what most people think that they are reptiles. Salamanders belong to the order Caudata and have similar characteristics with the lizards. They exist in an average of 500 species with a huge group located across Northern hemisphere. But, since they live in a secretive way, they are rarely seen in an open viewpoint.

The name "salamander" is rooted from the Ancient Greek word, Salamandra. The early people have considered salamanders as mythical creatures of fire because they would all of a sudden show up from flames. On the other hand, this primitive amphibian is also thought as one of the earliest living vertebrates on earth. As a matter of fact, they also show evidence of life's evolution on land.

Most of the salamanders are ranging from 10 to 20 centimeters. These cold-blooded animals have tails and four legs. Their front legs have four toes while their back legs have five toes each. Like other amphibians, they normally have smooth skin since they thrive on water and moist areas.

Their color varies extensively. Some species have bright colors and beautiful spots of orange, yellow and red. Some of these amphibians have gills and others have lungs. However, some species also have both lungs and gills while others do not have either one of them.

Mainly, there are three types of salamanders based on their habitat. They can be terrestrial, aquatic, and semi-aquatic salamanders. Some salamanders live most of their life in water while others prefer it on land. Also, some of them may be adjusted to fit both land and water. This is the reason why you need to take note of your salamander species and create the right habitat that will replicate their home in the wild.

Salamanders grow and develop in the process of metamorphosis. Their life starts as a larva and grows into an adult salamander after a few days or years depending on which species they belong. Mature salamanders need to lay their eggs in moist areas for them to survive.

Since salamanders are exotic and extraordinary animals, they need proper attention and care. Despite the fact that they can be found in different species, their population are massively deteriorating because of some reasons that scientists are not yet sure up to this time.

Hence if you want to have a salamander as your pet, see to it that you will participate in the campaign in protecting their species from extermination. As a novice, you can ask for advice from experienced raisers and owners. You can also do your thorough research for you to know the right way of taking care of your salamanders.

By JM Miller - Article Source: EzineArticles

---

---

NEON TETRA Fish

Photo  by Leino88 

Freshwater fish holding would be lamentably poor without the brightly colorized beautiful Neon tetras. Small green, profane or crimson fish swimming in freshwater tanks would most probably be the ever-popular Ne tetras. These fish are naturally found out in the lakes in South America or East Peru.

Ne tetras are hence popular among aquarists because they are hardy fish. They are peaceful fish and seldom nip at each other or any other fish in a community cooler. However, atomic number 10 tetras are schooling fish and these fish are happiest if they are in a schoolhouse or in a group of 5 or more. Schools or groupings make the fish experience really good. Atomic number 10s are likewise very active fish and they flit about a lot in the tank. This is a joyousness to check.

Ne tetras can dwell for rattling long periods if they are given proper care. 10 years is a potential lifespan of the shipshape Ne tetra. Neons unremarkably reside the middle or bottom levels of a storage tank and can grow up to 4 atomic number 96s. in length. The ph scale of the water should ideally be between 5.5 and 7.8. Their favorite water temperature is within the reach of 68 levels F to 75 levels F. The fish are generally spindle-shaped. The belly area is a bit lashed out especially among the female persons. The nose is blunt. A wide violent band runs down the body of the Ne tetra and extends up o the Caudal fin. A grim band that runs from the upper portion of the center premises this. The side above this is olive green while the lower side is silvery. The anal fin is mostly transparent. This prominent collage of coloring materials, peculiarly the counterpointing reddened and green, stimulates the Ne tetra one of the most popular and colored fishes in the freshwater aquarium.

Dark substratum and curbed lighting is the most suited for neon tetras. Putting in sets of floras is besides very good for the timid and active atomic number 10s. Some driftwood is too advisable. The tetras should not be kept with bigger fish, or they will end up becoming tiffin. Since neon tetras are therefore democratic, they have found out to adapt themselves to a wide range of habitats. But, ferocious breeding of the tetras to issue adequate fish for the burgeoning demand for atomic number 10 tetras has led to the loss of their native robustness. New fish are very delicate and chances of losing fish just after they are introduced into a cooler are very high. Withal, erstwhile the Ne tetras have shown themselves, they get along quite an intimately without too much difficultness.

Neon tetras are ball scatterers. They are a bit unmanageable to breed in enslavement. This is by and large due to an unsuitable body of water experimental conditions. Eggs of the Ne tetras appear to be light sensitive, hence Ne tetras postulate to be placed in a dark berth, as they get ready to spawn. A 2 3 inch layer of rock and some fine rough textured live floras are the best medium for spawning. The water temperature should not be above 75 points F. A hat should be kept on the tank at such a time, as the fish be given to bound very high during this period. While breeding the nes, it is necessary to look for the healthiest breeders. Merely young fish should be used for breeding determinations.

They should be coursed some live solid foods especially 2 3 days before breeding. These breeders have to be gone away in a spawning medium for about a day. The testicles are usually liberated ahead of time in the morning. The ballocks are well-nigh transparent and scantily stick to the surface of plants. The eggs will incubate in about 22-30 minutes. The small fry is very hard to spot at once. But, as soon as they get free to swim in 3-4 days, they will be seen very clearly, though they are yet very small. The stockbreeders should be removed as soon as the ballocks are spotted. As soon as the tike is loose swimming they should be preyed with infusoria. Ne tetras that breed in incarceration are not very fertile. A good spawn would consist of about 40-55 tyke only.

Author: Ad Brown - Articles Source: GoArticles

---

---

---

CORAL Propagation in the Aquarium Industry

Mushroom coral (Fungia scutaria)
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Welcome to my Dream.

I have a dream that if every person that kept a reef aquarium propagated their corals, we could have an almost self-sufficient industry.

In my dream, you would buy a coral from an aquarium store, which someone else has propagated and propagate it yourself and sell multiples of that same piece back to that same store so they can sell it on to other people.

The stores that heavily participate in this program could then wholesale these corals to other stores. The amazing thing is that this dream is so simple and possible yet even now it is just a dream.

Some corals are very easy to propagate while others are harder. In my dream, every coral you bought would be bought with a view to propagate it.

If you can learn to keep coral, then you can learn to grow it, if you can grow it then you can learn to propagate it if you can propagate it then do it. Every person that propagates their coral is a credit to this wonderful industry.

The easiest corals to propagate are mushrooms, leathers, and fluffies. To propagate these corals it is as simple as cutting a piece off them and securing the pieces to a new piece of rock. The cutting is most commonly secured to a small piece of live rock using fishing line.

When propagating leather coral I have found it more effective to ensure that the cut surface is pointed to the direction of the water flow instead of trying to secure the cut surface to the rock. There seems to be less chance of developing an infection and the healthy uncut surface will be able to attach to the rock faster then the damaged side which will heal faster if allowed adequate water flow. This also applies to Acropora, even a stag will attach faster is the health side is the point of contact.

Whenever you are cutting a piece of coral ensure that there is ample room around the cut so it is not stung by surrounding specimens as the coral will be a week at this time. Also be wary of fish such as Angels that may pick on the damaged coral.

Don't be a wimp! Many people love the idea of propagating their coral but are too scared to cut them because they think they will hurt it. Corals don't feel pain as we do so be brave and remember that what you are doing it for the better of the species.

Remember that you can't win them all, but you will find that as you get better at it and with practice it will be rare for you to fail in your propagating attempts.

Big warning, never cut a mushroom, fluffy or anemone out of the water. It is better for you to cut them submerged in a shallow bowl of water from your tank. We learned this the hard way as one day my brother was cutting a mushroom coral out of the water when it sprayed him in the eye with poisonous neurotoxins. The pain was excruciating and we spend the whole night going from doctors to hospitals to eye specialists.

To propagate stony corals is it just a matter of cutting them with a hacksaw or better yet on a band saw. Once again allow room around the cut to it doesn't have to also deal with competing with its neighbors. After the stony coral has been cut you can towel dry the bottom of it and superglue it to a larger rock to safely secure it. Allow the glue to set before returning it to the water.

Don't be scared to handle the coral roughly because they are actually very tough, after all, they are built to ensure tonnes of water being dumped on top of them in the form of a wave. Most corals can safely be removed from the water for a period of time too, for example, low tide on a natural coral reef.

I do suggest having at least 14 times per hour water flow in any tank that you wish to propagate coral in and pay attention to iodine levels. Maintaining an iodine level of 0.06pp when propagating will decrease the instances of bacterial infection among the new corals.

Before you handle any coral it is important for you to know what it is in order to avoid handling a poisonous coral that may sting your hands such as fire coral Millepora. It is recommended to use gloves when handling live rock and coral. Corals are closely related to jellyfish and as with jellyfish, some are more poisonous than others.

If you ever been stung by a coral or fish the best thing to do is place it under hot running water, which will break down the neurotoxins.

Anemones can also be propagated like a mushroom, but I rarely recommend it. An anemone is a beautiful display when coupled with clownfish, but not always successful long term. I would suggest trying an anemone in the aim of seeing how long you can maintain it first if you find you are one of the few that can keep them long term, give propagating it a go of sure. If you do propagate it long term then I believe it is your responsibility to share your experience with as many people as you can. There must be something that you are doing that other people aren't. This is a subject I will really be experimenting on in the coming years. It is common for anemones to split by them self in peoples tank.

Currently, coral propagation is the most realistic approach to breeding corals. Corals can be bred in captivity as moonlight cycles and temperatures can be used as a trigger. The problem with breeding coral is that they mass spawn which will choke many systems. If you were to breed the coral it would be quite a long period of time until you have specimens ready to sell. When they are propagated they will often be ready in as little as 3 months.

It is not the intention of this article to teach you comprehensive techniques on how to propagate coral but rather to tell you that it is something that you should be considering doing, yes I do mean you! The internet is full of information and techniques which will set you on your way to being an enviro-hobbyist coral farmer. Read several articles and obtain a few ideas before you try your first. Remember that each person will tell you what works for them, this doesn't mean that there is a definitive right or wrong way to do it.

Please do not let possible failures stop you from succeeding in this. The only way you will fail is to not try. Even if the first few go wrong I encourage you to keep trying until you are doing it so confidently that you will wonder why everyone doesn't do it. I will tell you now that there are people that propagate coral and there are people that are scared to try. The service that you are doing for your hobby is too big to not do it.

Another simple way that you can help is to ask every time you are in an aquarium store if they stock any propagated coral. If they do I encourage you to consider buying it over any wild caught options. That fact that you are asking will reinforce to the retailer that propagated coral is something that people want. Imagine if every person asked at every shop they went into, retailers won't be doing anything to be able to supply such a requested product.

I have been educating people with a passion for many years on the benefits and realities of this dream. I would love to see more people just like you enroll in this dream. Not matter whether you have a tank or not it is never too late to start. You can make a difference! Please share this idea with as many people as you can until one day this dream is realized.

Good luck and enjoy Paul Talbot

By Paul Linton Talbot - Article Source: EzineArticles

---

---

---