Algae: Smart Pet Guide to Pond Care & Maintenance
While almost all aquatic plants are good for the pond, some of the small ones are not. These small plants are called algae. Not only are they unsightly, possibly turning the pond into what looks like a container of pea soup, but they can use up available oxygen, and give off huge amounts of carbon dioxide.
Controlling Algae Growth
There are & Read more »
Summertime Koi Pond Care
After the pond water warms up in the spring, the fish become more active and return to normal eating patterns. You can switch from a low protein "spring time" food to a higher protein diet that will aid in their growth. By summer, the fish should be fed two times daily, as much food as they will consume in 3-5 & Read more »
Feeding Your Fish
How do your fish like to be fed? Did you know they have a preference?
Feeding Groups
Fish can be placed into one of three groups, depending on the food they prefer to eat. They can be carnivores, herbivores, or omnivores.
Carnivores, such as Needle fish, Jack Dempseys, and Bettas, are meat eaters. These predatory fish may only eat meaty foods & Read more »
My Fish Needs a Home-Choosing the Right Tank for Your Fish
The aquarium is one of the most important pieces of aquarium equipment you'll need. The type of aquarium you select will depend on how much you want to spend, how much space you have, and the number and type of fish you plan on putting in it.
Aquariums come in either glass or acrylic, but you can find an assortment of & Read more »
Light Up Your Aquarium
Proper lighting is essential when setting up an aquarium. Every aquarium needs a hood, a canopy and light in order to:
Aquarium Heaters
Unlike warmblooded humans, fish are ectothermic, meaning they take on the temperature of the surrounding water. Since they can't maintain the body temperature at a chosen fixed level, the temperature must be maintained through a heater.
Heaters are only necessary if you keep tropical fish rather than marine fish. Coldwater fish like goldfish or koi prefer cooler temperatures (68º - 72º & Read more »
Understanding Aquatic Filtration
Proper filtration is critical to keeping happy, healthy fish. A complete filtration system should neutralize ammonia and nitrites, and remove floating debris and contamination from the water. There are three basic filtration methods; mechanical, biological and chemical. Your filtration system should incorporate all three.
Facts About Under-Gravel Filters and Gravel
An undergravel filter is a basic method of performing biological filtration and some mechanical filtration.
Undergravel Filter
An undergravel filter is simply a slotted piece of plastic (undergravel plate) that sits on the bottom of the aquarium and lets water flow between the plate and the bottom of the tank. There is a tube that is attached to this bottom & Read more »
