Livebearers as guppies (Poecilia reticulata) and mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) can be very useful in the tank systems of public aquariums and other fish-holding facilities. They are fairly easy to raise in moderate to large numbers in a facility. When raised in a facility, as opposed to being collected in the wild, they do not normally carry various internal parasites that … [Read more...] about Livebearing Fish Use in Tanks
Tankmates
Diseases and Your Fish Room an alternative approach
At certain times of the year, it seems a rash of a disease makes its way around any given fish room. As a beginner, I have learned the hard way a lot about controlling disease from books, the internet and experimentation. The most important thing to remember is to sanitize (see Cleaning Bowls & Stuff for some advice). When changing water, place your sick fish into a … [Read more...] about Diseases and Your Fish Room an alternative approach
How to Buy a Used Tank
How do you beat the high cost of keeping fish? Seems like every time you turn around you have to buy something! Fortunately, there are many ways to cut down on the little costs that make up our hobby. This month, the DIY project is going to come from a ground-floor perspective. Just because new tanks are expensive, it doesn't mean that you have to start out with a new one in … [Read more...] about How to Buy a Used Tank
How Many Fish?
They decided many years ago that four inches by four inches of surface area per inch of fish was the correct formula in a tank without aeration, and this still stands today, even with all the technology that is available. A four inch by four inch square of surface area per inch of fish is the minimum requirement, so if your fish is say four inches long, it would require … [Read more...] about How Many Fish?
Some Tips for Beginners
How Long Do You Wait Before Adding Fish? Opinions vary so much on this subject that it is hard to give a reasonable answer. The Americans for instance have what is known as "cycling", which is the period of time a tank has to remain empty of fish until the good bacteria have established themselves and are controlling the conditions of the water in the tank. Most aquarists in … [Read more...] about Some Tips for Beginners
Tank Set-up and Maintenance (a new concept)
I am a breeder of Lakes Malawi, Tanganyika and Victoria cichlids. For a while, in my early days of breeding these cichlids, I had a problem with what I thought was overfeeding the fry. I was losing far too many to what appeared to be Malawi bloat. I had an inkling then about the cause, for I knew in my heart that I was not over-feeding. I had observed on a daily, and … [Read more...] about Tank Set-up and Maintenance (a new concept)
Cleaning Bowls & Stuff
Many times people are faced with a situation where they need to completely sterilize their bettas living environment. Some reasons could be a recent outbreak in fungus or a parasite like velvet, but sometimes a person might have recently lost a betta and is wanting to prepare the old bowl for a new betta. Whatever the reason is, proper sterilization of the bowl/tank and the … [Read more...] about Cleaning Bowls & Stuff
Setting Up A Tank, for Dummies
Your first tank arrives home, possibly with a bag of fish, possibly not. Possibly with a kit-type collection of assorted lights, heaters, and filters, possibly not. What are you going to do with it all? This article is intended to provide you with instructions for setting up your first tank. I assume you want your new tank to be something to admire, and that the typical … [Read more...] about Setting Up A Tank, for Dummies
Check List for Setting up a Fish Tank
Check List for Setting up a Fish Tank Pick tank wanted --Verify tank has no leaks, cracks, or any other faults that could cause tank failure. --Verify tank is clean and disease-/toxin-free (previously washed, sterilized with bleach, and rinsed). Set up tank in display location. Position tank with water, electricity, air, and drain nearby. … [Read more...] about Check List for Setting up a Fish Tank
Touch Tanks
Touch tanks are shallow tanks of water, usually raised so public does not have to bend over, that contain animals and plants from an aquatic environment (usually local) that the public can touch and/or pick up to examine. Touch tanks can be found at various aquariums, nature centers, zoos, pet stores, pet supply places, and even the Tampa Bay Devil Rays baseball field (their … [Read more...] about Touch Tanks