Glass Bloodfin Tetra Fact Sheet

The Glass Bloodfin Tetra, Prionobrama filigera is a medium size tetra, growing to a maximum size of about 6 cm, although they are usually smaller than this.
The Glass Bloodfin is easier to keep and breed than many tetras. They will also tolerate slightly alkaline conditions better as well as harder water, and will take water up to about a Ph of 7.8. They are an excellent peaceful community fish, and will mix well with all common non-aggressive small and medium size fish, and even with slightly larger ones like Angel Fish.
This is a schooling fish and I suggest at least five fish together. A school of this fish is a very pleasant sight. They lack the Splendid colours and fins of the Siamese Fighting Fish, or the spectacular colours of the Cardinal Tetra, but they have their own beauty.
The Glass Bloodfin Tetra is a fast swimming fish and has been known to jump out of the water, so I would recommend a cover. They are a Tropical Fish, and need a heater unless they can be kept in a room that never gets cold. I set our thermostats for this fish at 24 degrees C. although some people prefer to set theirs a little higher.
Companions
Suitable companion fish for a school of Glass Bloodfin Tetras include: Guppies, Platies, Swordtails, Mollies, Fighting Fish, Paradise Fish, Bronze Catfish, Albino Catfish, Peppered Catfish, other small catfish, Algae Eaters, Scissortail Rasboras, Harlequin Rasboras, all the small and medium size barbs, all tetras, and all the common gouramis. For a mixed tank I recommend a Ph of around 7(neutral). The Glass Bloodfin will take harder water than most tetras without ill effects, and copes with the surprising water that comes from the taps in the Adelaide hill as long as the Chloramine is removed first, and the Ph is lowered to about 7.2.
This fish is an omnivore and a good tropical flake food is the most common basic food given them. They also relish live food like daphnia and wrigglers as well as frozen food like blood worms. They will eat any common fish food. The Glass Bloodfin is a surface and mid water feeder by preference, but will certainly go the bottom of the tank to feed if necessary.
The Glass Bloodfin will breed in harder water than many types of tetra. They are an egg scatterer, laying semi adhesive eggs, often over plants.

Lights for Your Aquarium

A beautiful aquarium can be a highlight of any room, but whitout the proper illumination an aquarium just might blend into the background. Aquarium lighting is not only important on a cosmetic level, it is also crucial to well being of your fish. Activity level, coloration, and stress
levels are all dependent on proper lighting. Without this, fish will not be able to spawn or carry out any other normal life cycles.

There are a number of factors to deal with before deciding which type of artificial lighting to use. The most basic one is to consider the general condition and the specification of the aquarium these things when combined together will constitute the total well being of marine life inside your aquarium.
Take into consideration the population inside the aquarium, depth of the water and the entirety of the fish tank.
In an aquarium where there are only fish present on it medium lighting maybe applied. It is not necessary to apply intense lighting to aquariums of this type. Usually minimum wattage requirement is 2-3 watts per tank gallon. The quality of lighting may vary according to the number of population. The more fish you have then more lighting can be applied to accommodate them all.
Fish tanks with fish and live plants added on it requires intense lighting. The more intense the lighting is the better it would be. 4 watts per tank gallon should be the minimum wattage for these types of tanks. The bigger the water tank is the more lights should be shared with. Be cautious to note that there are some kinds of marine life requiring specific type of luminosity. Learn techniques and information from the experts to properly address this concern.
It is suggested that once in a while you perform light simulation wherein you regulate the light of your freshwater aquarium the same way as the sun lights. It must be brightly lighted the whole day while turned it off the whole night. This will bring good effects to fish from getting too stressed in an artificial aquatic environment. Simulating the lights will make fish feel they actually lived in their natural habitat.
Freshwater aquarium is a fun hobby that involves a generous amount of discipline and responsibilities. Just like any other jobs or hobbies freshwater aquarium has its distinct characteristics and needs that should be given preferential attention. With the hints cited above about proper artificial lighting keeping a freshwater aquarium at home can be the most rewarding experience you can truly have

Aquarium Algae

What is Algae?

Algae are a large and diverse group of simple, typically autotrophic organisms, ranging from unicellular to multicellular forms. The largest and most complex marine forms are called seaweeds. They are photosynthetic, like plants, and "simple" because they lack the many distinct organs found in land plants.
So If the water in your fish's home is green, then algae is growing in the water, which shows that the water contains too much dissolved fish waste. You should change some of the water in your fish's home every day, until the water in your fish's home is clear again.
How much water should you change? Don't overreact and change too much water at one time. Change 20% of the water once each day until the green is gone, then change 20% of the water twice a week.
Don't change more than 20% of the water in one day, unless you have a catastrophe, and green algae is not a catastrophe. Click here for information about changing water in your fish's home.
Blocking Light
Algae also gets nutrition from sunlight and strong artificial light. If your aquarium is near a window then you should consider shifting your aquarium or using window shades. If you keep the lights on in your aquarium then you should reduce the amount of time you keep the lights on. A timer device is a useful gadget that controls the number of hours the light is switched on when you are not present.
Using a Sponge
A good way to control algae is to use a sponge to clean the inside of the glass while changing water. While using a sponge you should keep in mind that the sponge should not be used for anything else and the sponge you use should have never been exposed to chemicals. You can also opt for magnetic cleaners to remove algae from your aquarium. The benefit of using magnetic cleaners is that you do not have to get your hands wet while using them. Many online and retail pet stores also sell sponges that are attached to a long handle. These sponges are good for people who want to clean difficult to reach areas. Using razors to clean algae is not a good idea since razors scratch glass. If you have an acrylic aquarium then you will need to use a special sponge or magnetic cleaner meant for acrylic aquariums.
Note
If you have a current algae problem then you should change 30% water in your aquarium, stop feeding your fish for 4 days and cover the aquarium with a cloth to keep it dark. Low levels of nitrate along with darkness with kill algae. This step should only be performed if you do not have real plants in your aquarium. While controlling algae you should note that fish can live without food for 7 days without any problem. Chemicals should preferably not be used since these chemicals mess up the water chemistry. Many commercial algae controlling products are known to kill snails, invertebrates and plants so if you do plan to use these chemicals then you should use them with care.

Betta Tankmates - Choosing Roomies For Your Betta Splendens

Male bettas tend to be fairly territorial and it’s best to house them alone. Some bettas can get along with other tank mates depending upon that individual betta’s preferences. A situation that may work for one betta could be completely different for another.
So Betta tankmates have to be chosen as carefully as a person chooses a roommate. Pick the wrong betta mates, and your fish will suffer. Choose the wrong roommate for yourself and you may suffer. You get the idea. Let's take a look at some betta tankmates that will allow your fish to live a long, happy and healthy life with good neighborly interaction.
The right betta mates need to understand that he is living with a fish that can be surly, and even downright nasty at times. The perfect partner will allow his finny friend room to be himself, and shouldn't clash lest there be dire consequences.

1 - Apple Snails
Apple snails are a great addition to a betta tank. These snails are small at birth, but can reach a size of 4 - 6 inches when adult, and add a peaceful nature to your betta. Bettas typically ignore them.
2 - Cory Catfish
Cory Catfish are the most common catfish kept in aquariums. Since they prefer the bottom of the tank, they typically do not run afoul of the middle to top-dwelling betta fish. They are hardy and very easy to breed and care for.
3 - Dwarf Frog
Betta tankmates need to be non-similar to the betta. Bettas attack other fish that resemble themselves. That is why a dwarf frog or two make such a diverse friend for your betta and a wonderful visual addition to your tank.
4 - Neon Tetras
Neon tetras are small (one inch max.), inexpensive fish that add motion and vibrant color to any tank. They respond extremely well with any betta fish.
Remember that every betta fish has a distinctive personality. What works for one betta may not work for the next one. And when your betta mates, all bets are off, and a previous friend can become a foe in your fighting fish's eyes. Don't forgot that you should never keep more than one inch of fish per gallon of aquarium. If you follow these rules, you should be able to place some great betta tankmates with your beautiful betta splendens that will provide you with a full, visual experience.

Remember to research any fish you are going to put in a community tank, because even though they may be compatible with a Betta, they may not be compatible with each other!

How to Care For Betta Fish - A Betta Care Mini-Guide

Almost Everyone Likes Male Bettas. Most of us keep fish because we like the way they look. Healthy male bettas always look better than most other tropical fishes. They belong in nearly every tank.
So, if you are a Betta fish owner, or are soon to be one. In my experience learning how to care for Betta fish, they have been one of the most exciting and rewarding pets to own. As colorful, beautiful, and interactive as they may be, they will not last long without the proper care being given to them. So whether you are a veteran or a brand-new Betta fish owner this guide serves to clear up misconceptions about these pets and give you solid advice so that your pet can live as long (and happily) as possible. Additionally, I have provided you with several excellent care resources at the bottom of the article.
First of all, let's talk about keeping a healthy home in order for your pet.

Tank Size/Requirements: When it comes to tank size there are a lot of rumors going around that doom poor, innocent fish to miserable lives in tiny vases and cubes. These rumors stem from the fact that Betta fish live in the rice paddies of eastern Asia. People assume this means that these pets are used to living in puddles, when in fact the rice paddies are often over a foot deep and can span for miles.
When choosing a home for your pet, I recommend opting for the largest tank that is feasible for your living space and budget. I keep my single male Betta in a 10 gallon tank, for example.
Also, always make sure that your tank is filtered and heated to the proper temperature. Whatever size tank you buy, make sure that your heater and filter are powerful enough for it.

How About Food?: Just like everything else involved in learning how to care for Betta fish, you've got a lot of options when it comes to food. You'll notice that some are live foods such as blood worms and brine shrimp. Live foods make great snacks, but are not recommended for a daily diet because they lack many fortifying vitamins and nutrients that a formulated pellet or flake would have. Speaking of flakes and pellets, which one should you choose? I always opt for pellets, even though both of these foods generally offer the same nutritional value. This is because pellets are more uniform in size, and so it is easier to monitor how much you're feeding your pet than if you were to use flakes.

Signs Of A Sick Betta Fish
Because Betta fish are generally fragile creatures, you want to know what to look out for in case your fish should fall ill. The most common warning signs of a sick fish are...
Discoloration
Lethargy/Extreme laziness
A distended stomach/side bulge
Lack of interest in food
Streaks around the gills (generally red or brown)
White spots on the fins or body
Constant gasping for air at the surface
Most deadly Betta mistakes occur without the owner even knowing what's going on. While learning how to care for Betta fish can, it doesn't need to be, you just have to get a hold of the right information. If you're willing to learn about Caring For Betta Fish properly, then I'm willing to let you in on the resources I've used to raise, maintain, and even breed healthy Bettas.
Everything you need including reviews of the most extensive Betta fish care guides/websites, my own story, and even my personal Betta blog can all be found at http://www.how-to-take-care-of-a-betta-fish.info

Common Diseases of Tropical Fish and What to Do About Them

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While tropical fish can be a wonderful hobby that many people enjoy, they also can be susceptible to diseases that if not caught early on can lead to early death of the fish and also risk of it spreading to other fish in the same habitat. Although there are literally hundreds of diseases that tropical fish can acquire, there is usually only a handful that most owners have to be on the watch for. Let's look at some of them and help you understand how to identify them. * Sometimes, straight from the store, fish will die. This is usually caused by something that is termed "new tank syndrome" and while not a disease as we traditionally think of them, it can be a problem unless you learn how to avoid it. All new fish should be introduced gradually to any environment. A minimum of 24-48 hours of keeping the bag the fish is in from the store emerged in the new water will usually take care of this problem. However, if it persists it could be an indication that the water is not the right temperature for them to survive or that there are contaminants in the water that is causing the sudden death. * If you see something that looks like wool or cotton on the fish that does not mean they are preparing for winter. It is a sign of an infection and if caught early enough can be treated with an anti-fungal and/or a salt bath. Most experts recommend the anti-fugal treatment, and many pet and fish stores can recommend what it best for your environment. * White spots on tropical fish are a very common disease that has a habit of showing up in new aquariums. This is usually an indication that a parasite is making its home in your aquarium. Again, there are a number of treatments available for this and many stores recommend that new aquariums be treated before any fish are introduced. * If your fish appear bloated this is a symptom of a bacterial infection. It may also be indicated by what appears to be raised fins. Most of the time the cause is poor water conditions. Check your filter and if necessary, upgrade the filter to handle your aquarium size. There are medications available but they rarely work unless the root cause (poor water) is resolved. * If your fish appear to have flaking scales, or dull color this can also be a sign of poor water conditions or the presence of parasites. The parasites carry a disease known as slime disease and there are medications available for this. The poor water can be solved as noted above. We've given you a quick overview of some of the more common conditions you may notice in your aquarium with your tropical fish. By making sure you keep on top of the general health of your fish you can ensure that they will provide years of enjoyment and beauty in your home or office.
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7 Tips For Choosing Aquarium Fish

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Buying the right aquarium fish for your tank is key to the success of your aquarium. When selecting fish, you may not simply be able to pick out the fish that catch your eye in the pet store as not all fish can live in the same environment. Additionally not all fish get along with each other so you will have to be careful to choose the types of fish that are compatible.If all this seems like hard work, don't worry, you will soon become familiar with the types of tropical fish that work well in your tank and even have some favorites that you like to keep. When choosing fish for your aquarium, here's some tips to keep in mind:
1. Fish appearance. Observe the particular fish you are interested in carefully to make sure he is active and swimming around properly. Make sure his fins are not chewed and he doesn't have any growths or white fuzzy patches.
2. Tank condition. Dealers tanks can have parasites and disease that might not be apparent in your fish right away so you need to observe the other fish in the tank and take a good look at the tank conditions. Is the tank clean? If not that is an indication that the dealer probably doesn't care for the tanks well. Make sure the other fish in the tank are alert and swimming around actively. Avoid buying a fish from a tank that has dead fish floating in it. Even if your fish appears to be healthy, he could already be infected with something that might not show up until days after you get him home. By then it might be too late and you could risk infecting your other fish.
3. Water Conditions. The condition of your water is important as well as the number of fish you already have in the tank. If your water condition is poor then adding more fish will just make things worse and endanger the health of all the fish in the tank. Also, you should be careful not to overload your tank with too many fish as this will cause stress on all the fish as well as cause your water quality to degrade. The general rule of thumb for freshwater tropical fish tanks is 1 inch of fish per gallon of water. If you add too many, you will have to spend more time changing the water and will need really good filtration in order to keep your tank healthy.
4. Water Temperature. Not all tropical fish like the same temperature water. While most will do well with temps in the mid 70's some do better in cooler waters while others like it on the warm side.
5. Fish size. Before you buy a new fish you might want to find out how big he can be expected to eventually grow. Since your tank can support about 1 inch of fish per gallon, you wouldn't want to put a fish that might grow to 5 inches in your 5 gallon tank or he might be the only one you can have!
6. The type of fish. Is your new fish aggressive or does he play well with others? Is he OK being the only one of his kind in the tank or will he do better in a school. Make sure you only put fish that will get along in the tank or the more aggressive fish will pick on the others. Also, some fish are territorial and you should only keep one per tank.
7. The food. Find out what type of food your new fish likes to eat. Most eat flakes, but some like freeze dried worms or other types of food. When you bring home your new fish be sure to also take home some of his favorite dinner.
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How Many Fish Will My Aquarium Hold?

Have you got yourself a new aquarium? If so, you need to have a plan on how you are going to fill it with those beautiful fish.Before you work out exactly which fish you want, you need to work out have many inches (or centimetres) of fish you can accommodate in your new aquarium.The fish will obviously have more room to swim and set up their territories in a larger aquarium, but more important than the size of the aquarium is the shape and proportions of the tank. A long, shallow tank will hold more fish than a short deep tank, even if they have exactly the same amount of water in each.The reason for this is that the oxygen content of the water depends on how easily it can be supplied. The only place this can happen is where the air meets the water, which is at the surface of the tank, so the larger the surface, the more oxygen available. Similarly, the carbon dioxide that the fish exhale has to be expelled from the water, and this also happens at the surface.So, to work out the capacity of an aquarium, you need to multiply the length of the aquarium by the depth to get the water surface. For instance, if your aquarium is 24in (60cm) long by 12in (30cm) deep, the answer is 288in2 (1800cm2).The next thing you need to know is how many inches (or centimetres) of fish you can accommodate, and this will depend on the type of fish.Freshwater Tropical Fish – 12in2 per inch body length(75cm2 per cm body length)Freshwater Cold Water Fish – 30in2 per inch body length(187.5cm2 per cm of body length)Marine Tropical Fish – 48in2 per inch body length(300cm2 per cm body length)So, in our example tank above you could fit:24 inches (60cm) of Freshwater Tropical Fish10 inches (25cm) of Freshwater Cold Water Fish6 inches (15cm) of Marine Tropical FishTo calculate the number of inches (or centimetres) of your fish, measure from the mouth to the start of the tail, and don’t forget that the fish you see in the shops are normally juveniles and are not fully grown, you need to allow for the size they will become!Get this right, and you’re well on the way to having a successful aquarium.
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Cloudy Aquarium Water - Causes and Cures

When we initially set up our saltwater aquariums, we think of beautiful vibrantly colored fish swimming around in pristine water. Unfortunately, from time to time anyone involved in the hobby offish keeping will have to deal with cloudy aquarium water. In this article, we will take a look at the most common cloudy aquarium water causes and the corrective action you need to take for each. The color of the cloudy aquarium water causes us to look at a different area of the tank for solutions. Lets go through some of the colors you may see in your aquarium and the under laying problems they point to.
New substrate Cloudy aquarium water causes the new fish keeper to panic, but it really should not. Lets start by taking a look at your initial tank setup. Your first experience with cloudy aquarium water may very well happen before you ever complete your tank setup or add any fish. Almost any substrate or gravel, you purchase will contain dust. Many new aquarium keepers will either not rinse or not adequately rinse the substrate before adding it to the tank. The solution to this problem, very straight forward. Remove the water from the aquarium and rinse the substrate until the water runs clear. Placing a plate over the substrate when filling the tank will limit the amount of dust released. If cleaning the substrate does not correct your problem: it may be that the pH in your tank is out of balance. Testing the water will most likely show a high PH level. This problem will most likely be resolved by treating the water with conditioners.
Bacteria Bloom Next, we will take a look at what grey cloudy aquarium water causes us to consider. This problem is most likely a bacteria bloom. Cloudy aquarium water causes us to consider the age of the tank to find a solution. Cloudy water is not an uncommon problem in newer or established tanks, but the causes are different. In a newer aquarium, many times this problem stems from an insufficient population of bacteria. It takes a little while, sometimes up to four months for the helpful bacteria in the gravel to reach sufficient levels to maintain clear water. As the tank ages, this problem should correct itself. If your tank has been established for a while, and you notice gray cloudy aquarium water, the problem is most likely excess nutrients in the water. Cloudy aquarium water causes fish keeper to consider how much they are feeding their fish. Excess uneaten food and plant debris are usually at the root of gray water in aquariums. To correct this problem you need to take a look at how often you are feeding your fish, and whether they are consuming all the food. Adding bottom feeders to your tank and less food to the tank during feedings should correct the problem. You will also want to take a look at the overall condition of your tank. If you are growing, live plants, be sure to prune them and remove any debris in the tank. A few partial water changes would also be helpful here. A word of caution! Do not over do it, when cleaning the gravel. Remember, the goal here is to create a healthy colony of bacteria in the gravel. Extreme cleaning can be counterproductive to the goal.
Algae Bloom Green cloudy aquarium water causes experienced fish keeper to immediately think - algae. What you need to do is determine the reason for the algae overgrowth. The problem can most likely be traced back to one of four causes. Excess nitrates, too much light, excess nutrients or excess phosphates. Lets take a look at these. As your fish go through their daily routine, they eliminate waste products that increase the ammonia levels in your tank. This ammonia is converted to nitrates by helpful bacteria in the tank. If you are experiencing a spike in nitrate levels, consider whether your tank is overstocked and whether your filtration system is adequate for your tank size. If your tank is located in an area that gets direct sunlight, or you run your aquarium light more than 8 to 10 hours a day, the result can be an algae bloom. This problem is very easy to resolve by reducing the amount of light. Your aquarium is exposed to. Excess nutrients in your tank can usually be traced back to overfeeding. Tackle this problem with a partial water change and reducing the amount of food you put into your aquarium daily. Excess phosphates can also cause cloudy aquarium water. The problem here could be the water you are using in your tank. Test your tap water to see if it is high in phosphates. If you find this to be the case, you will need to use reverse osmosis water or treat your tap water with a phosphate remover prior to using it in your tank. High levels of phosphate can also be the result of overfeeding. A simple rule to remember here is not to feed your fish more than they will consume in five minutes.
Cloudy aquarium water causes stress for many fish keepers, but armed with information this should no longer be your reaction. Partial water changes every 2 to 3 weeks, remembering not to over feed your fish and keeping the gravel clean will go a long way in eliminating this problem. Happy fish keeping!
The above article is brought to you courtesy Sean W. Davis of aquariuminfosecrets.com. Our goal is to be a provider of saltwater aquarium related information and products. On our site you will find the answer to questions like How do I set up a saltwater aquarium" along with a full line of aquarium products and books.
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Tips on Growing Fresh Water Plants

Plants are beautiful additions in your tank. The right plant in your tank will help produce the perfect biotope for your fish. Setting up fresh water plants and taking care of them is just easy and need no special way to maintain them.
When you choose the type of plant you want to grow in your tank, consider first your tank size. Small tanks would naturally require small species of plants. There are some plants that are highly beneficial by acting as food for your fish or as nitrate and ammonia regulators in your tank.
Before introducing the plant in your tank, it is safer to quarantine the plant for several days before you put it inside your main tank. Plants are just like fish and can carry some unwanted guests such as parasites, snails, shrimps, and even bacteria that can harm your fish. Carefully inspect the plant after quarantine before putting it inside the tank.
Lighting is also essential for plant growth. Each breed of plant would require various levels of lighting conditions. Some plants will do well without artificial light if you have enough sunlight filtering from your window. If not, a good daylight would be a good and cheap source of lighting for your plants. Do not, however, put your tank under direct sunlight as it would heat up the tank and cause excessive algal growth.
Make sure that your plant is entirely submerged. Some plants would want required to be tied to a bed of rock before the roots become established. Other plants do not require to be placed deep into the substrate; it is just a way of keeping them still when your fish becomes agitated or aggressive.
The best way to determine the type of plants that you can put in your fresh water tank is to see what biotope is best for your fish. Consider the natural habitat of your fish in the wild and you will have a general idea on what type of plant would be best suited.
BC is a cichlid enthusiast and wants to inform people of the great joy cichlids are to keep. Check out Cichlids to get educated about cichlids. Or check out a great resource for when you Buy Cichlids.
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Maintenance of Your Freshwater Fish Aquarium

When I was growing up, my mother had one freshwater fish in a bowl, with a few rocks. Her idea of freshwater maintenance, was to let the replacement water stand for one day. She said this was to remove the chlorine from the water. She must have been doing something right, for when we moved and had to give the fish away, the fish was still alive after two and half years.
Now that was a very basic fresh water fish. With today's exotic fish for sale in the pet stores, it is going to take more than letting water stand for a day to remove the chlorine to keep your fish healthy and more importantly happy. Things you must consider for proper maintenance of your freshwater aquarium are:
1. Water quality is important, but it is more than just letting it sit for a day. There are more items to think of. You will need a test kit to measure for proper ph, water hardness, nitrates, specific gravity, etc. You will need to test the water for these properties almost everyday and make proper adjustments.
2. Proper cleaning of the gravel is important. You will need to vacuum the gravel to remove food, feces and other contaminants to prevent the build up of nitrate, nitrite and ammonia. All of these contaminants are harmful to your fish.
3. It is recommended you only replace 25% of the water every week. But if you must clean the entire tank, do not use chemicals on the inside for glass cleaning, use a algae scraper instead. Even a slight amount of home cleaners is toxic to freshwater fish. You can use them on the outside of the tank, but ensure you do not get any of the chemicals inside the tank.
This is just the tip of the ice burg on proper freshwater aquarium maintenance, there is much more to learn.
To learn more on how to perform proper maintenance of your freshwater fish aquarium click this link.
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How to Select Fish For Your New Freshwater Aquarium

New freshwater aquariums owners often can't wait to add a lot of colorful fish to their established tank. While it is tempting to add the best looking fish to the first aquarium it is beneficial to select compatible fish so that the chosen fish live happily. This article will provide information on how to select fish for your new aquarium.
Requirements of Various Fish
Barbs are tetras are small colorful fish that look very beautiful. The tetras available in local fish shops are usually less than 1.5 inches while the barbs available in local fish shops are usually less than 2.5 inches. Barbs make great additions to a community tank but some barbs like tiger barbs are known to nip fins so they should be kept in a species only tank. Tetras on the other hand do well in small schools since they feel comfortable when they are with others of their own species. Small loaches and cory cat fish can be kept with barbs and tetras.
Livebearers like guppies and swordtails can be kept in community tanks since they are peaceful. Since mollies require brackish water to grow well it is recommended not to keep mollies with freshwater fish.
Goldfish are cold water fish that should not be mixed with tropical water fish since their temperature requirements are different.
Bettas a very beautiful and common fish are very territorial fish and males should be kept alone. Female bettas can be kept in groups of five or more provided there is enough place to hide.
Cichlids are aggressive fish that need to be kept with compatible tank mates. Oscars are large cichlids that should be kept alone. Cory cat and clown loaches fish do well in small schools.
Things to Keep in Mind
While learning how to select fish for your new aquarium you should remember that your aquarium should not be over crowded. Fish in overcrowded aquariums are prone to illnesses due to stress and bad water conditions. The fish you choose should also be comfortable in the aquarium you have. Small fish like neons and barbs can be kept in aquariums more than 10 gallons but Oscars or other larger fish need bigger aquariums. Plecos that are commonly sold as sucker catfish grow to a length of 24 inches and they should not be kept in tanks that are lesser than 60 gallons.
While selecting fish for your new aquarium you should stock your tank based on the adult size of the fish. Oscars are large fish that reach a size of 12 inches and Australian arowanas can reach a size of 26 inches. The inch per gallon rule is not the right way to calculate the number of fish you can keep since this rule is only meant for slim bodied fish like tetras. As a general rule you should give 20 gallons of water per goldfish, 55 gallons of water per Oscar, 2 gallons of water per tetra or barb and 5 gallons of water per betta. Small sized loaches and cory cat fish should be given 5 gallons of water per fish. Since clown loaches can grow to a size of 18 inches and they need to be kept in small schools these fish should be kept only in large tanks.
James MacParland is a freshwater aquarium expert. For more great information on freshwater aquarium fish, visit http://www.easyfreshwateraquariumcare.com to learn more about how to pick the right freshwater aquarium fish as well as properly setting up and maintaining a freshwater aquarium.
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Benefits of a Fish Tank

Welcome to the perfect world of freshwater fish tank keeping. We can find lots of important grounds for having fish at home. Having a fish is a great hobby which all of the family members can participate in and get fun together. In addition to this, a fish tank is a nice way to teach kids the responsibility of animal care and biological knowledge. Lowering stress for older people is another important point of aquarium keeping which can reduce stress and prolong life.
For aquarium keeping, you do not need a lot of space therefore aquariums are perfect for apartment inhabitants who may not allowed to own larger, roaming pets like dogs and cats. You can put a fish tank to any place you want. Some tanks may take up your wall entirely while some of aquariums are small enough to fit on your table. As you see, you have many options on size of aquarium. By the way, when you are in your office, fish tank is a great way of "do nothing" sometimes. You can just stand by your aquarium and watch fishes to reduce work stress immediately.
And here is another advantage of aquarium keeping: Fish never bark at your neighbours, yowl at the moon, chase the postman, make ugly messes on the floor or cry all night. You can even forget that you have fish in the aquarium unless you see your aquarium.
When you are going on vacation, fish are the perfect animals to leave home alone. When you are away, there are lots of methods to feed your little pets and maintain them easily. You will not need to find daily pet keeper for your little friends since aquarium technology lets you to have your time enjoying your holiday instead of thinking and worrying about your aquatic pets.
Aquarium decoration is a good way to encourage your artistic side and it is an easy hobby as you dip your tired arms into water to do underwater planting or rearranging. Aquascaping lets you to interact with your pets great environment. Maintenance and daily care of a home aquarium is really simple and you do not need much deal of time or money. It is easy to set up a fish tank system with little investment.
Yusuf has been writing articles for nearly 4 years. Come visit his latest website over at Fish Tank Decorations and Waterproof Mattress Covers.
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Common Water Moss

Willow Moss, also often referred to as Common Water Moss is very easy to care for and can make a beautiful addition to any aquarium. It is a great plant to use in a freshwater aquarium and shares many similarities to Java Moss. Its latin name is Fontinalis Antipyretica, a member of the Fontinalaceae family.
This slow growing plant is normally found in North America, where it extends southward to Pennsylvania in the east and the Arizona to the west. It has also been found in African, Asian and European regions. The stem branches as it grows, maintaining a length between twenty to sixty millimeters at full length. The leaves are quite rigid, shard and grow between roughly four to nine millimeters. Due to its size it makes a great habitat for aquatic insects, larvae and microorganisms. Small fish species of fry are likely to benefit greatly from this kind of moss.
To care for this plant, it is recommended that your water is slightly acidic. At the very least the water pH must be below 8.4, or the moss will die. It is a very slow growing plant, so the opportunity to plan where it will grow and adjust accordingly is quite easy, which is suitable for a beginner. One downside to this kind of moss however, particularly when comparing to Java Moss is that it tends to do well with a lot of dissolved Co2. Although this is not necessary it is likely that growth will benefit hugely from these injections.
Keeping Willow Moss can be a lot of fun and offer all the benefits of a planted aquarium, from a safe haven for fish, to food to helping you keep on top of water chemistry. The slow growing nature of this plant means that you can manage it quite easily and it really contrasts red fish and plants due to a beautiful dark green colouring. Additionally it is quite easy to keep, as it only requires low levels of light and attaches itself to rocks and driftwood. This is beneficial because it means that it does not require planting and it can do well in poorly planted aquariums. If light levels are low, not only can it do well, but algae will be deprived of both light for photosynthesis and nutrients through competing with the Willow Moss for them.
If you have no experience with any kind of planting, you may be more successful keeping Java Moss, simply because both kinds are very durable but Java Moss will do better without a lot of dissolved Co2. However, they are both very durable and Willow Moss has the additional advantage of its darker colouring to contrast other plants and fish in the aquarium.
About the Author: Sean Norman is an experienced fish keeper who also keeps terapins. Want to know more about how you can help keep your water clean and fish happy? You can find out how he does it by Clicking Here
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Setting Up a Freshwater Aquarium - 5 Easy Steps

Most people think that setting up an freshwater aquarium is hard but the fact is that this is really easy provided you know what to do. The following paragraphs will provide a step by step guide so that you can set up your new aquarium with ease.
Step 1 - Choose a place to keep your new freshwater aquarium Your new aquarium should be kept on a stand that is sturdy and provides support to the aquarium. The aquarium should be kept away from windows since direct sunlight will cause green and brown algae to grow on the glass and decor. The aquarium should preferably be kept away from entertaining devices since the vibration of these devices will stress out your fish.
Step 2 - Place the gravel and decorations inside the aquarium Before placing the gravel inside the aquarium you should wash the gravel well so that dirt and other unwanted particles do not float in the water. While setting up an aquarium you should place 2 inches gravel on the base so that the gravel acts as a home to beneficial nitrifying bacteria. You should also clean any decorations you plan to keep in the aquarium and then place them as desired. If you want to put plants into your aquarium then this is the right time to aquascape.
Step 3 - Fill the water carefully While filling water in your new freshwater aquarium you should use a flat saucer to direct the water flow. The saucer will ensure that the gravel and other decorations are not disturbed while you fill the water. Tap water can be used to fill your aquarium but you will need to use water conditioners to remove chemicals like chlorine and chloramines. The quantity of water conditioner you use will depend on the product you use and the instructions are provided on the bottle.
Step 4 - Place in the filter and heater After you have placed the decor and filled the aquarium with water you should add the filter and heater to the aquarium. It is always recommended to place the filter either at one of the extreme ends of the aquarium or at the center. Hang on filters are usually placed in the center of the aquarium where as internal canister filters and sponge filters are placed at the sides. If you are using a fully submersible heater then you will need to place the entire heater below the water but if you are using a semi submersible filter then you will need to place only the heating tube below the water. After setting up an aquarium you will need to wait for 20 minutes to switch the heater on or else the glass in the heater will crack.
Step 5 - Let the water stabilize It is beneficial to let the water sit overnight before you introduce nitrifying bacteria to your aquarium. The next day you can either use the fishless method of cycling the aquarium or you can choose 2 - 5 small hardy fish to introduce beneficial bacteria to your new aquarium. After your aquarium has a colony of beneficial bacteria you can put your favorite fish in the aquarium.
James MacParland is a freshwater aquarium expert. For more great information on freshwater aquarium setup, visit http://www.easyfreshwateraquariumcare.com to learn more about setting up and maintaining a freshwater aquarium.
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What Can Plants Do For My Fish and Aquarium?

Aquarium plants, also known as "hydrophytes" offer several benefits for your tank or aquarium. There are a range of different plants to keep, some easier than offers, which can help you build a stunning aquarium. You may be particularly interested in planting in your aquarium if you are considering breeding.
The first thing to do when you get a new plant is to quarantine it in similar water conditions to your tank for a few days. This allows you to get a better idea of its health and if it has any unwanted visitors in the form of parasites before introducing it to your fish. This would also be a good point to remove any decaying, brown or yellow leaves from the plant. This can also be extended to dying roots, taking great care not to damage the overall health by removing too many.
It is also advisable to start off small, especially if this is the first time you have used plants or are not very familiar with how they could do in your aquarium. You will need to know if your plants will sit in a substrate, take to gravel or will need to sit on something external such as driftwood or rocks. Most plants live their lives completely submerged, however some you may find some will flower above water, such as Water Trumpet, under the right conditions. Remember to prune your plants if they grow too well!
As for why you would be interested in keeping plants, there are several solid reasons for doing this. Firstly, they oxygenate the water, which is beneficial to your fish. As plants cycle carbon dioxide into oxygen, Co2 injections are normally helpful in aiding plant growth, but this is not necessary in most cases. One beneficial affect from planting is that they will help you balance the water chemistry, improving the overall quality of your water. This should starve algae or cyanobacteria of food as well, as plants compete directly for nutrients with them. Finally, most plants provide a refuge for fish, particularly fry, which becomes especially useful for a breeder. Java Moss and other bushy plants are particularly commendable for this.
Plants can bring a lot to aquarium, but it is important to begin by growing what you are comfortable with. If you have not had a lot of experience, Anubias, Java Fern or Java Moss are quite easy to grow, with more exotic plants more likely to be successful as your experience increases. A well planted and maintained aquarium can look beautiful, as well as helping keep your water clean and fish healthy.
About the Author: Sean Norman is an experienced fish keeper who also keeps terapins. Want to know more about how you can help keep your water clean and fish happy? You can find out how he does it by Clicking Here.
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How to For Simple Aquarium Care

Once you have decided to buy and set up your aquarium, you must do some maintenance every now and then. This is to keep the aquarium pleasing to the eye and also to maintain the healthy environment inside the aquarium.
It is important that you keep the water at optimum temperature for your fish. Maintaining an ideal temperature will prevent growth of algae in your tank. It is recommended that the water temperature should be around 77 -80 degrees. It is important that ideal pH for your fish is maintained and checked every now and then. The pH of the water is determined by ammonia and nitrate levels. High levels of these elements can produce a not-so-pleasant odor in your tank, and can also be quite toxic for your fish. Every week, you may need to change the water in your tank to regulate the levels of these chemicals. It is not necessary for you to change the entire water; doing so will only disrupt the established ecosystem in your tank. Removing and replacing a quarter of the water in the tank is just enough to prevent shocking your fish. It is also advised to invest on a good filter for your aquarium. The filter should work good enough to keep the water in your aquarium clean from any debris. You can clean the filter once a month, but not too much for there are beneficial bacteria living in the filter that can help maintain your tank.
No matter what fish type you have, aquarium maintenance is a must. It may be tedious, but it is better compared to buying new sets of fish every now and then.
BC is a cichlid enthusiast and wants to inform people of the great joy cichlids are to keep. Check out Cichlids to get educated about cichlids. Or check out a great resource for when you Buy Cichlids.

Why is Java Fern So Good For Beginners?

If you are thinking of starting or expanding a planted aquarium, Java fern is an excellent plant to start with. Its full latin name is "Microsorum pteropus" and is a very easy to care for plant which is extremely popular.
There are several reasons why Java Fern is such a popular plant. The primary reason for this is simply that is is extremely versatile and very easy to keep. Both rooted and unrooted forms of the plant can survive in an aquarium, with the unrooted variant eventually attaching to driftwood or gravel given enough time in one location. it is often ignored by fish which would normally be detrimental to plants, due to its bitter taste. The combination of these two factors make it suitable for most aquariums and all kinds of fish.
Java Fern is sensitive to high intensities of light, doing best in low-light environments. Low to medium levels of light are also beneficial for preventing the growth of both cyanobacteria and algae, with the later using light to form food via photosynthesis like all other plants. Aquarium plants directly compete with algae for food and in doing so, can help to starve algae of the nutrients it needs to grow. This means two things for you as a fish-keeper; firstly that Java Fern can do well in even poorly light aquariums and secondly that you are less likely to have to worry about algae.
Whilst it is worth taking note that Java Fern grows very well, it does not tend to grow so sporadically that it will overtake an entire aquarium. It will grow in the dimensions of twenty to thirty five centimeters in length and between twelve to eighteen centimeters in diameter. The amount of growth experienced is based on the conditions the plant experiences, namely light and water conditions with Ph tolerance being neutral.
It is not advisable to directly plant Java Fern into gravel as they will rarely root there. Unattached ferns may settle down into gravel or substrate of their own accord and it is not impossible for Java Fern to root into gravel, albeit an unlikely occurrence from direct planting. It is worth trying to encourage Java Fern growth particularly if you care for live-bearing fish or intend to breed them.
Java Fern will do well in most conditions, it is important to provide a good quality of water for them as it is for fish as well as making sure they do not get too much light. The condition of the leaves is a good indicator of if they are exposed to too much light as they will be discoloured. They will also do well in aquariums where there are a lot of rocks and wood as this is what they normally attach to in natural environments.
About the Author: Sean Norman is a fish enthusiast who also keeps terapins. More relevant information about the author and how he manages water quality for his fish may be found by Clicking Here.
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