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Are You Fighting Brown Algae In A Salt Water Fish Tank?

Aug 28th, 2011
by Guest Blogger.
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Red algae, pink sponges, oranges sponges, brow...

RED ALGAE, PINK SPONGES, ORANGES SPONGES, BROWN ALGAE AND PURPLE-RED GORGONIANS. Image by derekkeats via Flickr

The setup of your saltwater fish tank is only the beginning. You may have to make many adjustments to the water, lighting, food, and the items in your saltwater fish tank. One frequent problem many people complain about is algae.

Algae can be green or even brown colored. Diatom or brown algae in a saltwater fish tank is easy to get and will need special attention to remove. Fortunately, there are just a few causes for brown algae problems. Once you’ve identified and removed the source, your problem will be solved.

Brown algae, just like the green algae, need light and a few other ingredients to survive. It could be tank lights or sunlight feeding your algae. The other ingredients are nitrates and silicates that help the growth of brown algae in a saltwater fish tank. Therefore, the first step to get rid of brown algae in a saltwater fish tank is to consider the lighting. (more…)


Salt Water Fish Tank Setup For Beginners

Aug 27th, 2011
by Guest Blogger.
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Riffbecken2

Image via Wikipedia

Saltwater fish tanks have their own unique qualities and demands. But, for the reef aquarium lover, it’s well worth the effort.

You’ll get many hours of enjoyment without hassle if you get your salt water fish tank setup correctly. If you miss a few steps, you’re sure to have problems. They may not show up right way, but your fish will suffer in the long run. So please, be patient and follow all the steps in order.

Before You Begin

Do your research before starting your salt water fish tank setup. If you haven’t yet purchased your system, you find many choices available. Don’t hesitate to research and ask questions as you’re making your choices. Each set requires different parts and equipment, but most specialized aquarium stores are more than happy to help you get started.

What basic equipment do you need? You’ll need filters, pumps, heaters, lights, test kits, and sea salt mixtures, and substrate material (maybe something like coral). There’s other optional equipment, but these are the basics.

Once you’ve chosen your system, you’re ready to begin the setup. First you’ll need to clean and level the tank. Then you can begin to arrange your background making sure to leave room for the necessary system pieces that must go into the tank.


All About Freshwater Fish

Jul 14th, 2011
by Guest Blogger.
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On the market, you will find a wide array of freshwater fish, including the tropical and coldwater fish. Saltwater or seawater fish are also available.

Many people who write articles related to fish care and aquariums speak of the damsels (saltwater fish) as being on of the top starter fish, however, what they do not tell you is that 22,000 species of tank fish are available, which some are more suitable for starters than the damsel.

Saltwater fish require a different strategy in maintaining water conditions, as well as feeding. Therefore, we can learn more about the types of fish to decide which fish are more suitable for starters. This article will focus on freshwater fish, since the tropical and coldwater fish are more desirable for starters.

Labeo Bicolor is the Red-tailed Black Shark fish. This fish comes from Thailand and grows 4 ½ inches in size. The fish is popular for its appearance, which includes a torpedo shaped figure. The fish augments its silvery colors with flag-like dorsal, like that of a shark. (more…)


Your Questions About Saltwater Fish For Sale

Jun 17th, 2011
by Aquarium Lover.
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Nancy asks…

Does anyone know where I can find freshwater puffer fish for sale?

i was going to get green spotted puffers, but when i found out after 2-3 years they have to be full saltwater, it kinda changed my mind. I still want puffers, but i need to find freshwater puffers. Can anyone help?

Aquarium Lover answers:

It all depends on your final tank setup and your ability to provide immaculate water quality! I recommend a read around this site:

http://www.thepufferforum.com/forum/ug.php/v/PufferPedia/Freshwater/

Maria asks…

How hard is it to keep a 60-gallon fish-only saltwater tank?

I got three 55-gallon freshwater tanks. i bought a 60-gallon at a yard sale for 20$,so i might try a saltwater setup.

Aquarium Lover answers:

Saltwater tanks are a bit more involved. Most pet shops sell seawater now, and marine starter kits are relativly cheap. Keep in mind that more maintenance is required, but it is well worth the payoff.

George asks…

Saltwater fish question?

I recently I bought a 29g. tank. (I know its small but I live in the 2nd floor apt. and my landlord won’t let me have any bigger.) I already have everything set up (tank, stand, substrate, lighting, salt, filtration, heaters, hydrometer etc.) and I was wondering, I’m thinking about getting a couple of clowns, a couple of green damsels and a chocolate chip (?) starfish… I think that’s the name of it. I looked it up on google images, and it looks like the same fish as the one at the pet store.

Would all of these fish be compatible together? And the only reason I say green damsels is because the guy at the local pet store told me the green damsels are less aggresive than others. Is this true, or is he just trying to get a easier sale out of me? I have let my tank filter for 8 days and I’m going to a few pet stores tomorrow, so I need an answer asap.

Also… in the future I’m considering getting a couple of yellow tangs. How many would be appropriate to put in a 29g if they’re by themselves?

Aquarium Lover answers:

Your tank is too small for any tangs. They are active fish and will not stay the size you see them in stores. The yellows will get to be several inches each.

For a tank your size, I’d suggest a total of four medium fish, like the clowns or damsels. Depending on the species, clowns can get to 3-5 inches as adults. Saltwater fish are more territorial than their freshwater community counterparts, and usually intolerant of poor water conditions, so the more space each fish has, the better. (And yes, they are compatible, and the chromis are one of the more peaceful of the marine fish. They should be kept in a larger school, though.)

I’d also suggest that you reconsider the chocolate chip star, especially for a new setup.

You really should let your tank cycle completely first, so the fish aren’t affected by ammonia and nitrite in the water. I’d suggest using one or two of the chromises first, and adding your clowns last – and as a pair – as this is usally the best way to have them form a pair bond.

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Selecting Marine or Saltwater Fish

Mar 26th, 2011
by Guest Blogger.
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Foxface rabbitfish (Siganus vulpinus) Image ID...

FOXFACE RABBITFISH (SIGANUS VULPINUS) IMAGE ID: REEF0581, NOAA'S CORAL KINGDOM COLLECTION Image via Wikipedia

There are many factors to consider when selecting fish. You need to ensure that you have the experience to look after the fish you select, that the fish you buy are healthy, and that they are compatible with the fish you currently have.

As a starting point, it is very import that you only buy very healthy fish because the best way to keep strong healthy fish is to start with strong healthy fish. Buying a fish because it doesn’t look well or happy and you feel sorry for it and want to give it a better home in your display tank is not a very good idea.

An unwell fish can introduce diseases into your tank that can infect your other fish, and may even cause them to die. It helps to become familiar with a species of fish before you buy it as this will allow you to be clear on exactly what it should look and act like. Ensure the fish looks alert with clean clear eyes, fins and scales.

It is also important that the fish appears eager to feed and can maintain its position in the water column. And finally, as a precaution, only buy from a clean healthy store that you trust.

(more…)


What Is the Best Aquarium for Saltwater Fish

Mar 8th, 2011
by Aquarium Lover.
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If you are planning to start a saltwater tank then it is important to keep a few things in mind before you purchase your aquarium. Listed in the paragraphs below are a few facts that will help you buy the best aquarium for saltwater fish.

Dissolved oxygen is an important factor when choosing an aquarium for saltwater fish. The levels of dissolved oxygen are lesser in saltwater aquariums. Therefore, it is important to choose an aquarium with more surface area to allow exchange of gases.

The levels of dissolved oxygen are lowest in tropical marine aquarium, s so you will need to choose an aquarium with adequate surface area if you are opting for a tropical marine aquarium. Rectangular aquariums provide the maximum surface area while hexagon aquariums that have uneven sides provide the least surface area. Square aquariums are also good choices for saltwater fish. (more…)


Keeping Invertebrates in Your Saltwater Fish Tank Aquarium

Mar 5th, 2011
by Guest Blogger.
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I see a sea anemone

Image by Stewart Leiwakabessy via Flickr

As well as marine fish you can keep a selection of invertebrates in your salt water fish tank aquarium. Invertebrates are creatures without backbones, many of which are aquatic and can be kept in a saltwater fish tank.

This class of creatures include squids, lobsters, shrimps, starfish, sea urchins, sea anemones, coral and feather stars. Other marine invertebrates include sea squirts, sea cucumbers, zoo plankton, lugworms and sea hares.

Marine invertebrates suitable for keeping in a salt water fish tank include sea anemones, corals, sea sponges, crabs, shrimp and snails.

Sea Anemones

Anemones can be kept in a salt water aquarium provided excellent water conditions are maintained. they also require intense lighting and a strong current. They can be fed on blood worms, pieces of shrimp and other meaty scraps. (more…)


Aquarium Care Tips for Saltwater Fish

Mar 2nd, 2011
by Aquarium Lover.
1 comment
Aquarium - dried food

Image via Wikipedia

In general saltwater fish are usually a little more difficult to maintain than their freshwater cousins. That being said, it is not necessary to be an expert in order to maintain a saltwater aquarium.

Just as with freshwater fish, there are some saltwater species that are hardier than others. There are a few basic needs that if met will ensure that the fish are cared for properly.

The most important need that any creature has is the need for food. This is not different for fish.

It is important to mimic the type of food that a fish would typically eat in the ocean. These foods can be purchased in flake, tablet, or frozen forms. In addition, there are vitamins that can be added to the foods to replace any nutrients that may have been lost in the freezing or drying processes. (more…)


A Well-Balanced Saltwater Fish Tank

Mar 2nd, 2011
by Aquarium Lover.
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Yellow Tang Zebrasoma flavescens at Bristol Zo...

Image via Wikipedia

There are various ways to maintain a well-balanced saltwater fish tank. It is better for the fish tank keepers learn these things to properly maintain a livable aquarium.

Saltwater tanks are more difficult to maintain because marine life inside has little tolerance to fluctuations. They are used to a stable habitat underwater. Therefore, the key to maintaining saltwater aquarium is copying the general conditions of the sea to your tank such that the marine fishes hardly notice the difference.

It is very useful to study marine life and science of it to start this hobby. It may be quite difficult at first, but if you understand the ecosystem underwater, this hobby will be easier and more interesting for you.

The tank needs a huge amount of water to make it more stable and absorbs shock more easily. This prevents disturbing the equilibrium of water and makes the tank more peaceful for marine life. (more…)


Saltwater Tank: What Saltwater Fish Tank Supplies You Need

Feb 28th, 2011
by Aquarium Lover.
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Proportion of salt to sea water (right) and ch...

Image via Wikipedia

There are a number of saltwater tank supplies and equipment you will need to have a healthy environment for your saltwater fish. Being familiar and knowing each element is crucial, but it does not have to be overwhelming.

You will find that when most of the saltwater tank supplies are set up you will not need to maintenance them too much.  Most of your maintenance will be in cleaning and water testing.

Some of the more common saltwater tank supplies you will need are: thermometer, filters, pumps, lighting, a heater, sea salt mixes, and water testing kits. Each one of these tools have an effect on your saltwater fish tank.

The kind of supplies you will need also depends on what you will put in your fish tank.  If you are going to have reef tank you will need more equipment that is more sensitive and if you have just a fish tank you will find there is less equipment and more ‘slack’ in some of the tank monitoring. (more…)


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