e-Mail
Games
Areacodes
ChatFish & Tanks Care
AlgaeAlmost every aquarium is plagued at some point by an "algae bloom." "Algae blooms" can be fueled by excess light, especially sunlight, and excess nutrients, especially nitrate and phosphate buildup. Thus "algae blooms" can often be prevented by regular water changes and placing the tank away from direct sunlight. There are several types of algae common in the aquarium: |
|
Algae and FungiThe algae comprise several different groups of organisms, which are not in the kingdom plantae but in the kingdom protista, that produce energy through photosynthesis. The most conspicuous are the seaweeds, multicellular algae that often closely resemble terrestrial plants, but as stated above are not plants, found among the green, red, and brown algae. These and other algal groups also include various single-celled creatures and forms that are simple collections of cells, without differentiated tissues. Many can move about, and some |
|
AquariumAn aquarium (plural aquariums or aquaria) is a clear-sided container (typically constructed of glass or high-strength plastic) in which water-dwelling plants and animals (usually fish, and sometimes invertebrates, as well as amphibians, marine mammals, and reptiles) are kept in captivity, often for public display; or it is an establishment featuring such displays. Aquarium keeping is a popular hobby around the world, with about 60 million enthusiasts worldwide. From the 1850s, when the predecessor of the modern aquarium was first developed as a novel curiosity, the ranks of aquarists have swelled as more sophisticated systems including lighting and filtration systems were developed to keep aquarium fish |
|
Basking AreaThe water turtle must be able to dry it's shell to prevent fungus and bacterial attacks. This is one reason they bask in natural sunlight in the wild. The basking area in an aquarium can be a large branch that extends out of the water or a secure pile of rocks large enough to afford a high and dry area. Floating plastic islands and lily pads are available but may not support the turtle sufficiently to allow it to get completely out of the water and dry out. A solid basking area is preferred. If kept indoors, a light with sufficient UV energy, such as Repti-Sun 5, is helpful. |
|
Biological loadingBiological loading is a measure of the burden placed on the aquarium ecosystem by its living inhabitants. High biological loading in an aquarium represents a more complicated tank ecology, which in turn means that equilibrium is easier to perturb. In addition, there are several fundamental constraints on biological loading based on the size of an aquarium. The surface area of water exposed to air limits dissolved oxygen intake by the tank. The capacity of nitrifying bacteria is limited by the |
|
CursorsPublic aquaria are facilities open to the public for viewing of aquatic species in aquaria. Most public aquaria feature a number of smaller tanks, as well as one or more large tank greater in size than could be kept by any home aquarist. The largest tanks hold millions of U.S. gallons of water and can house large species, including dolphins, sharks or beluga whales. Aquatic and semiaquatic animals, including otters and penguins, may also be kept by public aquaria. |
|
CyclingNew aquaria also do not usually have the required populations of bacteria for the handling of nitrogen waste. In a process called cycling, aquarists cultivate these bacteria as fish and other producers of nitrogen waste are gradually added to the tank over the course of several weeks. Aquarists use several different methods |
|
DesignThe common freshwater aquarium maintained by a home aquarist typically includes a filtration system, an artificial lighting system, air pumps, and a heater. In addition, some freshwater tanks (and most saltwater tanks) use powerheads to increase water circulation. |
|
Dividing a tankEver need to separate a fish (or two) from the others, but didn't have a spare tank? If you have priced dividers at the pet shop, you probably decided you might as well buy a second tank! Don't give up, there is an inexpensive way to divide a tank in two. Go to any department store that has a craft section, and purchase a sheet of plastic canvas - the type with big holes. Cut it a bit wider and taller than the tank, then slide it in so the bottom is buried well into the substrate and the top is slightly above the water level.Instant tank divider. |
|
EdemaEdema (BE: oedema, formerly known as dropsy) is swelling of any organ or tissue due to accumulation of excess fluid. Edema has many root causes, but its common mechanism is accumulation of fluid into the tissues. |
|
