How to Care fo Aquarium Catfish

Author: Li Ming Wong

via aritclesbase.com

Catfish are common fish found in freshwater aquariums. Catfish are very unique and differ from other fish in regards to their health and care. The most distinguishing feature of a catfish is the prominent "barbells", which look like whiskers on a cat, hence giving these one of a kind fish their name. The other thing that set catfish apart from any other fish is the fact that they have no scales. They also possess a strong, hollow ray on their fins that a stinging protein can be emitted from if the fish is irritated or in danger.

The most common catfish found in aquariums are the armored catfish. This group is smaller in size than other types of catfish and make a great addition to an aquarium. When you are setting up your tank initially, it is best to decide then whether you are going to house catfish. Your decision will impact the type of gravel or sand you will use as well as the pH of the water within the tank. Armored catfish prefer soft bottom material because they forage for food within the substrate. Catfish feel more secure when they are hidden from the light, so be sure to have caves and hiding places for this type of fish.

Overall, the care of catfish does not vary from caring for your other fish. You should try to include a food that will settle on the bottom of the tank as these fish are bottom feeders. The water should have a temperature in the middle to upper seventies and the pH should be neutral. This is usually the same set up and water balance you will use to house other fish as well, so it should not be a major concern when you add your catfish.

Catfish are known to be somewhat goofy and comical, but this may depend on the species of catfish you have. Their behavior will vary, but as a whole, the catfish is an entertaining addition to an aquarium. There are group and schooling catfish that get along well with each other. There are also loners who always stay away from their neighbors. Catfishes are the ideal candidates for community tanks because they inhabit niches and shelters on the bottom not occupied by other aquarium inhabitants. They generally get along well with all types of fish. Only in combination with some larger Cichlids can there be a problem as the Cichlids tend to extend their territorial claim to the entire tank.

The one thing to consider before adding a catfish to your existing aquarium set-up is the size of the other fish. While catfish generally get along with most fish, they are a predator and will attack and feed on smaller fish. Catfish are also nocturnal, and should be fed later in the day or at night. You may have to adjust the feeding times depending on what your schedule is now and what other types of fish inhabit the tank. With the number of species of Armored catfish, you will be sure to have a colorful and amusing aquarium with the addition of these comical fish. As with all fish, be sure to keep the aquarium clean and healthy so as to ensure the health of the fish as well as your enjoyment for years to come.

the exciting thing about comet goldfish

author allen jesson
via articlesbase.com

The Comet goldfish is ideal for novice goldfish keepers since it is tough and adaptable and do not require a lot of pampering to do well. It can be kept in outdoor ponds as well as in big cold water aquariums. They can grow quite big as an adult and a length of 14 inches is not uncommon.

There exists several different variants of the Comet goldfish, but they all have long and slender bodies and a big and elongated single tail fin. The large tail fin gives the Comet goldfish a very stylish streamlined body shape. The name Comet is probably derived from how they resemble comets in the sky with long and flowing tails. You can find multicoloured variants as well as specimens with single coloured bodies. One example of a popular Comet goldfish variant is the beautiful Sarasa Comet goldfish. This fish will typically display a multicoloured body and look a bit similar to a Koi fish.

The home of a Comet goldfish should contain densely planted regions as well as big open areas where it can swim around without being entangled in aquatic plants. If you keep your Comet goldfish in an aquarium, you can for instance use Anubias, Crinum, Elodea (Egeria) and Java moss. Keep in mind that many popular aquarium plant species can not tolerate the low temperatures in a goldfish aquarium. In an outdoor pond, you must select aquatic plant species suitable for your particular part of the world and it is therefore difficult to provide any general recommendations.

Getting a Comet goldfish to eat is not difficult and they will accept a wide range of different food types, including flakes and pellets. A varied diet is recommended to make sure that your Comet goldfish receives all necessary nutrients. Vegetables should always be included in the diet and you can for instance feed it lettuce, zucchini and peas. The amount of food must be adjusted according to season, since the metabolism of the Comet goldfish is affected by the water temperature. Feeding your Comet goldfish the same amount of food year round in an outdoor pond that is affected by seasonal temperature variations can result in obesity or starvation.

Comet goldfish are not only bred in outdoor ponds; they frequently reproduce in large aquariums as well. They are naturally inclined to spawn in spring when the water gradually becomes warmer and warmer after the winter. If you do not live in a region where this happens, or if you keep your Comet goldfish indoors, you must usually simulate a winter season and a subsequent spring to coax your fish into spawning. Decrease the water temperature for at least 30 days before you gradually allow it to become warmer and warmer. Professional breeders will often separate the fry from the adult fish to ensure a high fry survival rate. If you keep your fish in a well planted pond or aquarium where the bottom is covered with large grains, at least a portion of the fry will however survive even when kept with adult fish.

Care of Live Aquarium Plants

Author: Li Ming Wong
Source: Articlesbase.com

To add that special effect and enhance the natural setting within your aquarium, try using live plants instead of fake plastic plants. The use of live plants will not only add a pleasing visual appeal, but will also help maintain your tank. By adding oxygen to the water, the use of live plants helps keep your aquarium balanced and will aid in fish health.

The most important factor in growing and maintaining healthy aquarium plants is the lighting used. For a well planted aquarium, it is suggested to use 2-3 watts per gallon of water. The use of fluorescent bulbs is practical and adds a nice lighting effect. Take caution when deciding to use florescent lights if your tank has a depth of 20" or more. The low growing plants, or plants with multiple leave levels will suffer from a lack of light as the florescent rays will not provide enough light.

Once you have figured out what type of lighting you will use, you must turn your attention to the hardness of the water. The majority of aquarium plants will thrive in water that has a hardness between 4-12 dH, and between the range of 6.5-7.2 for pH. Plants need clean and clear water to survive best in, so proper cleaning and maintenance should be performed on the aquarium. Most plants will not survive if there is too much debris or waste in the water, so keeping up with cleaning is essential.

Once your plants are established in a clean, well lighted tank, you must care for them by making sure they receive the nutrients required for healthy growth. Plants need both macro- and micro nutrients. Macro nutrients are usually found naturally in tap water and in the fish themselves. These nutrients include nitrates, sulfates and phosphates. Macro nutrients should never need to be added to the water of the tank. They exist on their own. Micro nutrients are needed in very small amounts. Copper, iron and zinc are among the micro nutrients live plants will need to survive in the aquarium.

Generally, the water and the fish in the tank will provide the nutrients and fertilizers needed for plant growth. It is rare that any supplements will need to be added. One important factor in having healthy plant life is your filtration system. Stay away from under gravel filters because they produce a steady flow of bubbles that disturb the surface. The filter plate on under gravel filters also limit's the composition of the gravel in which the plants are rooted. All other kinds of filtration systems will work well. The only things to be concerned about are if your filter causes too much disruption to the water surface. When this happens, carbon dioxide is lost and plants will suffer. Also make sure the filter creates a current that keeps nutrients moving throughout the tank.

By having a good chemical balance in the aquarium and having an efficient filtering system, you will be sure to have healthy live plant growth. These plants will add to the beauty of the tank and will also keep your fish relaxed because it will be a natural setting for them. If you are considering adding plants for decoration within the aquarium, consider the great benefits of using live plants.