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.