So how can I choose my first tropical fish or should I need to change my tank population? There are many families of tropical fish, cichlids, catfish, bottom feeders, Characins, cyprinids, labyrinth fish, livebearers and much more. Make sure that your desired fish suit to your tank size and just pick one. Betta splendens is a good option; it is very hardy and tolerates species.

In the wild, bettas males have very shorter fins that those we usually see in stores, these are called by the Thai people “Plakad” (meaning- “Fighter”), and are used in Thailand for show-fights (just like roosters). The betta is very hardy and durable to low water conditions, though; long-finned strains are more susceptible to high amounts of nitrogen compounds in water and will quickly suffer from fin-rot, dropsy and other illnesses. In large fish tanks Betta splendens requires good filtration system with low to moderate water flow. If water flow is too strong, the betta will settle in a spot where flow is lowest and will hardly move from it. When kept in a jar, water should be changed every week or even twice a week- the amount of water changed, depends on the jar’s volume. Some people buy dry leafs of a tree called Ketapang/Indian Almond-tree (Terminalia katappa) and put them to the betta’s jar. It is said to help preventing infectious illnesses and getting the betta into breeding-mood. When feeding these fish, avoid over-feeding, as these fish tend to gorge itself, which might end up in a bloated fish suffering from deadly incurable Enlarged-leaver.

Another great common tropical fish is the Labidochromis caeruleus. This fish is one of the most beautiful Mbuna that exist in the hobby, its yellow and black colors along with the fact That it is one of the least aggressive cichlids makes it very popular all over the world. The Labidochromis caeruleus requires at least 20 gallon tank size.

The Labidochromis caeruleus should kept in large community tank with other small Mbuna type fish like the species from the Labeotropheus Melanochromis. Decorate the tank with rocks, caves and other hiding places. These fish prefer hard alkaline water with a fairly high PH. The caeruleus or yellow lab will appreciate water changes on a weekly basis and well filtered water.

The last one but one of my favorites, belongs to the livebearers family, the well known Guppy fish. The guppy is an elongated tropical fish that available in many different colors. The guppy is one of the most popular aquarium fishes all over the world with many standardized varieties. This species offers a large selection of colors with no two fish look alike. It is a small member of the Poeciliidae family (and like all other members of the family, he is livebearer). The most notable characteristic of this group is the presence of a copula-tory organ in males the andropodium or gonopodium, this organ is formed by the anterior rays of the anal fin. It is very easy to distinguish between male and females, Females are dull grey while the males are very colorful and have large fins.

There is nothing special to setup if you want to breed this amazing fish, the only thing you should do is to keep a ratio of one male and three females, the reason you need to bring more than one female for the male not harass the females to the point of exhaustion. Like all livebearers when the female is in pregnant it will develop a dark triangular shaped gravid spot near her anal vent. As the pregnancy advances the gravid spot will get bigger and darker. At the time the fry comes out it is recommended to move them or the parents to another fish tank or else the parents will eat their own fry. These fry can be fed with crushed commercial foods.

If a one of a kind underwater experience is what you are after, then no trip to Georgia is complete without dropping by the Georgia Aquarium. This place is a haven of the world’s largest collection of aquatic animals. A trip to this attraction is an experience you can compare to diving into Atlantis!

Being a unique attraction that has five galleries, the Georgia Aquarium is a must-see when you’re near the skirts of Atlanta. Each of these galleries within the Aquarium houses hundreds of species of aquatic life ranging from sharks, whales, otters, and the tiniest beautiful and even odd looking fish you could ever imagine.

At the Georgia Aquarium, you’re not just getting the chance to see these sea creatures swim in over eight million gallons of water. This Atlanta tourist attraction also has unique must sees such as the fourth dimension at Deepo’s Undersea 3D Wondershow, Quick Dip Tours, and an exhibition called Titanic Aquatic. The Dip Tours are however subject to availability and it is recommended to purchase the advance booklet entry.

In addition to its unique features, it also has facilities that include the Caf Aquaria food court; souvenir shops like the Beyond the Reef and Sand Dollars gift shops; a 1,600-car parking deck; and the venue is handicap accessible.

The Georgia Aquarium operates 365 days a year. Operating hours are from 10AM to 5PM Sundays to Thursdays, and 10AM to 6PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Regular tickets gates are at $54.50 for adults and $44.50 for children.

Located at 225 Baker Street, NW, Atlanta City, the Georgia Aquarium is on top the list of Atlanta attractions. Getting there can also be via bus or train. If by bus, you may take Toute 97 from of MARTA’s five points. When travelling by train, hop on at the CNN Center MARTA stop on the East/West line; or you may take one from the Peachtree Center stop on the North/South line.

However, if you would want to save yourself from the hustle and bustle of driving your car or taking public transportation, you may sign up for tour packages with tour operators. This is what most tourists do for convenient reasons. There are even some packages that will go through all the Atlanta attractions.

Other top tourists’ spots of the area include World of Coca-Cola, Zoo Atlanta, Inside CNN Atlanta, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, the High Museum of Art, and the Atlanta History Center. Aside from the Georgia Aquarium, most tour operators include the first 4 of the enumerated attractions and have the remaining 3 places as optional alternatives in local tour passes or packages.

Koi, like any other pet, will have health issues throughout it’s life, especially since Koi have been know to have a life span of up to 30 years. You contact the vet because you Koi is showing signs of injury or poor health, and unless you have a vet that does house calls, chances are the first thing they will say is “bring it in.”

Issues with your fishpond can arise, whether it is an crisis move because your fishpond is placed into harms way by natural events, or a planned move due to new construction. No amount of planning can ensure that you will not have to move your Koi for one reason or another.

With the problems that arose from recent events such a Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita, and everyday events such as common illnesses, it is imperative that you have a plan of action when it comes to your pride and joys. No matter if it is an tragedy or not, knowing how to properly bag and move your Koi could mean the difference between existence and demise.

Equipment Needed

First, it is always a good idea to have all the equipment needed to move your Koi on hand. If you are having an tragedy with your Koi, you may or may not have time to make a trip to your local pet store to gather what you need. The equipment needed to bag and move Koi is small, and easily stored when not in use.

Bags- You must have the proper bags on hand to move Koi. Do not attempt to move your Koi in trash or regular plastic bags, as they are not designed for this, and may cause damage to your Koi. Unless you remembered to keep the bags you brought your koi home in originally, you will have to make a trip to your local pet store. Make sure to get bags sizable enough to hold your Koi.

Rubber Bands- You will need quite a few rubber bands for each bag you buy. Make sure that your rubber bands are good quality, as you do not want the pressure from the water to pop the rubber band in the middle of the move.

Net- You will need to have a net sizeable enough to compete with your Koi. You will never need the net to pull the Koi out of the water with, but you will need it to lead and direct your Koi into the place you want them. Nets can potentially damage your Koi, especially as the larger they get.

Paint Bucket- A paint bucket is a better option for catching your Koi, as they cannot hurt your Koi like a net can. Make sure that your bucket is sizable enough to hold your Koi.

Bagging your Koi

The process of catching and bagging your Koi is actually pretty simple as long you have the proper equipment available. If you pond is large, you may want to consider enlisting the help of your friends when bagging your Koi.

Use the net to guide the Koi into the Paint Bucket. Once the Koi is in the paint bucket you can remove any excess water, and begin bagging the Koi.

Make sure that your check the bags for leaks. Once you are sure that the bag is secure, place the bag over the Koi from head to tail. Make sure there is enough water in the bag to completely cover the gills. Leave plenty of air room so that the bag is not to heavy to carry. Slip the rubber bands around the end of the bag and continue to double it until the bag is secure.

Place the bags horizontally in your move container. Make sure that you do not bend the fish when lifting it. Secure the bag so that it will not move with bumps and turns, and cover the fish so that as little heat and sun light can enter as possible.

Keeping the aquarium clean will ensure you some health fish. This means less time to treat them and more time to enjoy them. Taking care of the fish in the aquarium is not an easy task but if you get the hang of it, everything will go really easy. So use the proper equipment to clean the tank and use it well. There are a few tips and tricks that you can learn in order to be a good aquarium owner.

First of all, if you want to clean the tank, don’t use house cleaners. Some of them are really toxic for the fish and plants. So buy some proper cleaners for you tank.

Besides that, always monitor the water level in the tank and the water pump very clean. Also remember to clean the filtration system from time to time so that it doesn’t break. Many times, the life of the aquarium depends on the filtration system. When you choose a filtration system take into consideration the manufacturer, the fish species and the components.

Another important fact in keeping the fish healthy is the cleaning of the ornaments. They should be washed and cleaned with proper cleaners at least twice a month.

The cleaning will stop the algae from growing without a purpose. Another aspect is that the aquariums made of plastic need cleaning more often, sometimes even once a week.

When you do the weekly cleaning make sure you do some things like check the air pump. This is important because it provides the fish with oxygen. If the pump doesn’t work properly, the fish could die.

Change the water as often as possible. Don’t wait for it to turn green. It is not a thing of aesthetics but a matter of health. If you change the water often, the aquarium will look better for sure but the fish will be healthy too. Don’t forget to also clean the rocks and the sand inside the tank. Before you do all this, remove all the fish from the aquarium and put them in a bucket full of water.

You should also buy a water purifier. This will save you some time because you will need to change the water not so often. There are a lot of types, depending on the size of the tank.

And never forget to real all the instructions of the products you buy for your tank. If you have some doubts, ask the sales persons from the pet shop.

Also, don’t forget to keep a strict schedule of the cleaning operations you do.

Just like filter systems themselves, there are many choices when it comes to the various types of filter media. The most common questions I hear asked are “what type of filter media is best” and “what is the best combination of media to use.”

There are two types of filtering to be accomplished - mechanical and biological. All media performs one or the other or both. They are both required for your Koi pond so what do they do? Well the mechanical filtration media removes large particulate waste material. Biological filtration fosters the growth of beneficial bacteria that breaks down pollutants in the water.

Japanese matting has become one of the most popular and widely used for biological filtering. It is made from thousands of fiber strands formed into a sheet or mat. Do not use this medium for mechanical filtration since it will easily clog and require repeated cleanings that will eventually lead to disintegration.

Another popular type of biological filtering medium is bacballs. They are easy to use and clean. But again, don’t use them in the early stages of filtration or they will clog as well. You can also use Bioflow and flocor for biological filtering. They are pieces of plastic that are light weight and easy to clean.

I highly recommend a vortex chamber as the first stage of your filtration system to remove the large waste particles. If you don’t have one then you will want to use brushes in the first stage to trap the large particles. They are easy to work with and clean and they will need cleaning often depending on the size of the Koi pond and the number of fish

So what is a good setup? Well the answer might be different depending on who you ask but here are some suggestions. If you have a pump-fed multi-chamber system without a vortex you would want to consider having brushes in chamber one, followed by flocor or bioflow in stage two, followed by Japanese matting in stage three. If you have additional chambers consider adding matting, foam or Aquarock.

Regardless of what your exact setup is, there are many options available. Do a little homework and see what is available. Alternatively the setup I have described will serve you well.

Betta fish is suitable as pet fish because it has bright colors, such as blue, orange, red, green, yellow or turquoise. It is sometimes called Siamese fighting fish, and it was originally found in fresh waters, such as rice paddies, in Thailand and Cambodia. Aside from its bright colors, the betta fish has beautiful fan-like fins and tails.

Sometimes you may see some pet shops displaying betta fish in decorative vases and there is usually a water plant on top of the vase. The main problem here is that this fish has a labyrinth organ and has to breath a bit of atmospheric air when it gets to the top of the water. The vase does not have proper ventilation, prevents the fish from breathing at the top, and the space is too small. It has to have enough room for swimming because betta fish love to swim around.

The betta fish can live in tight places but this does not mean that your fish tank has to be small. It requires some room to swim and you are able to prevent it from damaging its scales or fins by providing the right amount of space. A volume of approximately two gallons of water is often recommended for betta fish tanks.

Some experts claim that there is no need for filtration and aeration systems for the betta fish aquarium because this type of tropical fish does not really need as much dissolved oxygen in the water as the other kinds. However, for better health, it is advisable to put in some kind of filtration system to prevent the accumulation of toxins that can come from decaying plants, bacteria, and other harmful chemicals like ammonia.

You need not purchase an aeration system because the filtration system can produce bubbles on the surface of the water. This would be sufficient for the needs of the betta fish for oxygen in the water.

Gravel is really not necessary, though you can add some gravel but not too much. Make sure to buy those that have not been treated with chemicals. Wash the gravel first before putting them inside the tank to get rid of any contaminants including dust.

You can purchase betta fish supplies like fish food that has been freeze dried or frozen, pellets, and flakes. However, you can also offer glass worms, blood worms, or brine shrimp because this fish is carnivorous. Some bettas may not like to eat pellets so always check first to see what your fish prefers. Uneaten pellets and flakes should be removed from the water because they can rot and produce toxins.

With regards to ornaments, you can really have some fun with this because the betta fish is colorful and you can play with various combinations of decorations that are also colorful. While gravel is not really needed, you can add an inch-thick layer of gravel to provide some interesting contours. Just remember to avoid putting in those that have sharp edges because these can injure your betta fish.

One of the main considerations in taking care of tropical fish is your selection of tropical fish tank. Since there are many tropical fish tanks to choose from, outlined here are the factors you need to consider in making your selection.

Getting the right fish tank does not depend just on whether or not it will fit your living room. Though you have that to think about, the deciding factor is the fish that youre planning to take care of, and how many of them you plan to put in the tank. The advice is bigger is always better, especially for marine tropical fish that like to have lots of room to swim around in. Bigger tropical fish tanks also means that water stays pure longer, as the toxins are more easily diffused by a larger volume of water.

You can choose from 60, 80, 100 and 120 cm sizes of fish tanks. The size selection would depend on the type and number of fish that will occupy the fish tank. It also depends on the behavior of the fish that youre getting. Typically, marine tropical fish prefer larger tanks for more swimming room. The age of the fish is also a factor; you should have a tank that can accommodate the growth of young fish.

Next to consider is the construction and shape of the fish tank. For shapes, there are several, but in general, you can choose from rectangular and round aquariums. This is more a matter of taste and space available in your home.

Construction would come into play when you consider the cost and the type of tropical fish that youre planning to put in the tank. Glass is heavier but cheaper, and is more resistant to scratches. Glass is also perfect for marine tropical fish as its not affected by the salinity of the water. Acrylic on the other hand, is lighter yet more expensive. Its also sturdier than glass, but is easily scratched. It may also be affected by saltwater so its not the best for marine tropical fish.

Next, you need to know the equipment that you need. Tropical fish tanks need special devices to ensure that tropical fish would survive in your aquarium. Aside from the basic setup, such as an aerator, filter, and lighting, you would also need a heater and a thermometer.

Through those two devices, youre mimicking the conditions of the fishs original habitat. This ensures that the fish are properly acclimatized, and you ensure the adaptation of the fish in its new environment.

These are some of the basic things you need to know in selecting a tropical fish tank. Keeping these things in mind will result to you getting the right fish tank for your tropical fish, which results to the healthy well-being of your pets. Aside from that, it would also result to your satisfaction in having tropical fish right at your own home.

Setting up a fully functional aquarium does not merely require a fish tank and a stand. There are a few accessories you need to set up, and among the most important are fish tank heaters. Aquarium heaters help maintain the right temperature in the water, which is important if you want your fish and aquatic plants to thrive in an ideal environment.

There are many reasons why fish tanks need the most appropriate types of heaters. During cold weather, the temperature in the water also drops, and this is when your aquarium needs heating the most. In natural environments, such as rivers and lakes, the water temperature typically ranges from 18 to 30 degrees Celsius. A fish tank temperature of 25 to 27 degrees Celsius is normally fine for most fish species.

The size of your fish tank needs to be considered too, if you must buy a heater. Generally, a small fish tank would require a low-watt heater, such as one with only 25 watts of power. If you have a 75-gallon tank for example, you will require a more powerful heater, such as a 300-watt aquarium heater.

If you must put some aquatic plants in your fish tank, setting up the right heater is highly necessary. Fish tank heaters do not merely keep the fish alive especially during wintry months; they provide enough heat for the plants too. In line with this, both the fish and the plants should require the same temperature in order to thrive.

The fish cannot breed successfully in low water temperatures, so heating is always a requirement for fish tanks when breeding. Different fish species normally require various temperatures in order to breed effectively, but the normal temperature ranges from 25 degrees Celsius to 27 degrees Celsius. If the temperature is below 20 degrees, the breeding success rate may not be as high as expected

You need to take note nonetheless that there are many other factors which contribute to the success rate of fish breeding. It is important that you monitor the pressure and current of the water too. The temperature of your tank is just one of the more crucial factors which you should keep an eye on. Using a thermometer will help you do this with ease.

Fish are cold-blooded creatures; hence they do not generate body heat independently. Even in places with hotter climates, a fish tank heater is still important. This is because the water temperature can change drastically during the night. These fluctuations in their environment often make the fish uncomfortable, so heating the tank uniformly is important.

Keeping a lid on your aquarium will allow it to heat fast, so if you want faster and more even heating, you can place a lid on the tank. The proper placement of the heater needs to be taken care of at all times, depending on the type of heater you have chosen. Whether you plan on installing an aquarium for hobby purposes or you want to get into fish breeding, choosing the right fish tank heaters should be one of your priorities.

It used to be that heating a Koi pond was only done by very high end Koi keepers. It used to be very expensive and Koi for the most part were mainly kept in climates that did not need heating in the cold months. Today Koi are being kept in much colder climates and the cost of heating a Koi pond is much less.

My advice to most Koi owners is unless you live in the warmest of climates, consider heating your pond. By heating we’re not just talking about keeping it ice free in the winter. You want to maintain a minimum temperature of 54 - 57F. This will reduce dangerous fluctuations in temperature and allow your Koi to feed all year long.

Remember that most of the fish that being imported into the colder climates have not been exposed to low temperatures in the cold months. Heating could prevent many problems and safeguard the health of your fish. You’ve made the investment, why not protect it.

There are basically two ways to heat your Koi pond. The simplest to install and most efficient is the in-line electric water heater. The heater is fitted into the return pipe after the external pump if one is used in a gravity-fed system. You should figure about one kilowatt of electrical power per 1,000 gallons of water. Depending on the ambient temperature of the water this might vary. I always suggest getting a heater a little more powerful than you need so that it won’t have to run continuously in the coldest months.

The other option that you have is a heat exchanger system. Although they are more expensive to buy and install they are cheaper in operating expense. The heat exchanger is basically a radiator that pond water is pumped through to warm. The water in the radiator is heated by a small boiler that is fired by natural gas, electricity or oil.

Whether or not you heat your Koi pond, it is always a good idea to cover it in the cold months. Just don’t make it to air tight. The best covers have zipped openings to allow gases that build up to escape and to allow access to the fish if needed. The Koi pond heater is fast becoming a very popular option for ponds. In fact, some would argue that it is no longer just an option but rather a necessity especially in the colder climates.

One of the main considerations in taking care of tropical fish is your selection of tropical fish tank. Since there are many tropical fish tanks to choose from, outlined here are the factors you need to consider in making your selection.

One important factor to look at is the fish tank size. Aside from the space that it would take in your home, youd need to look for the correct size of fish tank for the fish that youre planning to take care of. The general rule of thumb is, the bigger, the better. Bigger tropical fish tanks give fish more room to swim in and disperse the toxins from the nitrogen cycle better.

Fish tank sizes range from 60 cm, 80 cm, 100 cm, and 120 cm, so you should find a tank that should fit your needs. By the way, you also need to consider the age of the fish that youre getting. If these are not adults, the tank you should get should be big enough to accommodate the growth of the fish.

Next on your list is deciding on the shape and construction. Standard shapes, like round and rectangle, are the top choices, though there are other shapes available. Shape is more of an issue that depends on the space available in your home, and your own personal taste.

About construction, you can select from glass and acrylic fish tanks. Glass is more affordable and resistant to scratches, although it is heavier and brittle. Acrylic is more expensive and prone to scratches, but it is more durable and lighter than glass. Glass is good for marine tropical fish as it has no problems with saltwater. If you have extra cash, acrylic is a good idea for you.

Once you decide on the construction and type, youd need to consider the equipment. The important devices you should have are a heater and a thermometer. As tropical fish are accustomed to warm temperatures, you would need to simulate that in the fish tank. Thats what the heater is for.

Aside from that, tropical fish are also sensitive to temperature changes, so you also need a thermometer to check that the temperature is at the right level. Of course, you would also need the standard aquarium devices such as lighting, filter, and air pump along with the heater and thermometer.

These are some of the factors you need to consider when looking at tropical fish tanks. Though there are lots of fish tanks to choose from, knowing the size, type, and equipment that youll need would narrow down your choices. Aside from that, it also helps ensure the health of your tropical fish, which also gives you a more fulfilling experience in having them as pets.