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Archive for April, 2008

As a beginner first learning the ins and outs of keeping an aquarium healthy, things can get a bit overwhelming. There is so much terminology and equipment, it is enough to make anyone’s head spin. Learning it all a piece at a time is recommended. Patience is key in many things relating to keeping aquariums. A fish often recommended to beginners is the goldfish. Commonly available, and quite pretty when healthy, the goldfish is one of the easier fish to keep healthy and happy. Be prepared to do some reading, however. There are terms and procedures to become familiar with.

The aquarium is absolutely critical to being able to keep healthy fish, no matter what kind of fish it is. Proper care and maintenance of your aquarium is necessary, and there are daily and weekly procedures that must be followed. The first step in keeping a goldfish is choosing the aquarium. While you may see goldfish in bowls and other small containers on television and even in real life, this is really a bad idea. While a goldfish can live for a while in a small bowl like that, they will never really thrive, and will be more susceptible to disease and death. A 10 gallon minimum aquarium with filtration should be the minimum you consider for keeping a goldfish. The filter running into the aquarium agitates the surface of the water and provides more oxygen to the water, which in turn means the fish has plenty of oxygen and is healthier. More room to swim, and even some currents from the filtration, make sure that the goldfish stays happy and in shape. Don’t forget to take the number of goldfish into account! More than one goldfish will require more space.

Ask the guys at your local pet store or aquarium shop (recommended) what they recommend. Don’t buy too much tank at first though. Try to keep it small and simple. Tell them how many fish you intend to keep, and whether you would like to add fish later. Always do some research before buying a product you are not familiar with. There are a ton of accessories and products associated with aquariums and fish. Doing some research beforehand can keep you from buying products you don’t need.

Unless you have access to well water, your tap water probably contains chlorine or ammonia. These substances are very harmful to your goldfish, and can even kill them if you have particularly chlorinated water. There are products available that you simply mix thoroughly into your tap water after filling the aquarium. They usually remove chlorine as well as adding things to the water to help your fish form its slime coat and fight off ick (a small parasite that is extremely common on fish that are stressed). If you would rather use distilled or reverse osmosis purified water, there are other additives that restore needed minerals into these too-pure waters.

Make sure you check the filters once a week, and rinse them out with dechlorinated water of some type. It is okay to use distilled water for this. It is common to get snails living on your filters. Try not to crush them, and remove them during your weekly cleaning. It is not recommended that you put these types of snails back into your aquarium, because they tend to over-breed and eat every bit of plant matter in your aquarium.

It is also necessary to keep the aquarium at a fairly constant temperature. An aquarium heater can be used to control the water temperature with some precision. You should also have an aquarium thermometer to verify the water temperature.

The idea of a Siberian husky pops in mind whenever one considers adopting a dog which would suit the general needs of the family. Indeed, with its gentle nature and liveliness, Siberian huskies are suitable even for families with small children. When considering whether to get a Siberian husky, it is important for families to carefully evaluate if they have the time and ability to care for the dog in the first place. The fact is, Siberian huskies do require a substantial amount of care in order to ensure their good health and physical well-being.

The first step to caring for your Siberian husky would be to provide adequately for its nutritional needs. Generally, Siberian huskies require ample supplies of fresh food and water for their growth. To meet the dog’s nutritional needs, ample supplies of white meat and fish is necessary. Siberian huskies require a great deal of protein and fat in their diet in order to prevent growth of hip dysplasia, which is a common illness found in the Siberian husky breed. High quality fresh food is preferable to commercially available food for the case of the Siberian husky. Also, supplement your Siberian husky’s diet with ample amounts of fish oil. Canned sardines provide a relatively cheap source to this and contain high levels of Omega 3 required for the husky to develop healthy coats of fur and nails.

Subsequently, it is important to take your Siberian husky to regular health checkups at the local vet. Checkups are important as they allow the vet to monitor and assess the overall health of your Siberian husky. Vets also provide valuable advice on many issues regarding your Siberian husky. This ranges from nutritional needs to training needs. Regular checkups are also an insurance against various forms of dog-related diseases. In general, such diseases are easily treated if diagnosed at an early stage. Thus, checkups are an essential part of taking care of your Siberian husky.

You would also need to make sure that your Siberian husky’s needs for affiliation are met. Siberian huskies are animals that mix around well in packs. A lonely Siberian husky would often resort to mischief such as digging holes in your garden in order to entertain itself. You could either choose to get another Siberian husky or choose another pet altogether, such as a cat as its companion. However, it is important to note that companionship for your Siberian husky should start when your husky is a puppy in order to facilitate ease of interaction with the other husky or pet. In any case, Siberian huskies are relatively well-mannered are should not have much difficulties in getting along with other animals.

At the end of the day, time, commitment and effort are of utmost importance when it comes to caring for your Siberian husky. Would-be dog owners who are unsure of their priorities should not get themselves a Siberian husky as it would often only lead to suffering and perhaps even abandonment for the dog. But for those who are able to make a firm commitment, you would definitely find the time spent with your Siberian husky to be intrinsically satisfying in the long run.

The Dwarf Pencil Fish, the Green Rivulus and the Hunchbacked Limia could be three freshwater fish in your tank. Find out about their behavior, what they look like, water conditions, how to feed them and how to breed them.

Dwarf Pencil Fish – Nannostomus marginatus (Family: Lebiasinidae)

Behavior:
It is a bit timid and likes its fellow dwarfs so its better to have few of them in your aquarium. They will grow to about 3 cms when adult and are slow swimmers so you will have plenty of time to admire them!.

Water and Tank Conditions:
This shy fish will need sheltered areas so make sure there is a well planted area and also a good amount of free space for it to swim around in. Ideally the water should be at about twenty four degrees Celcius.

Features and Colors:
It is not easy to tell the differences between the sexes. The males are thicker than the females and more brightly colored. The fish has three stripes running laterally along its flanks. Dark brown bands are located above and below the central gold one. The back is a golden brown with the body browny gray.

The fins are red around the perimeter and the bottom parts are also red. The Nannostomus genus has a unique characteristic in that its lateral bands change if they get frightened or at dusk. They change to stripes that slope instead.

Feeding:
This fish will eat a wide range of foods but due to its small mouth ensure the food size is sufficiently small.

Breeding Conditions:
Like the Croaking tetra the pencil fish does not readily breed. A shallow depth of slightly acidic water, about 12 cms, is needed for the breeding tank and a temperature of about 24 degrees centigrade. You will need two males to mate with one female and the use of a breeding trap.

Remove the fish once spawning has taken place. Deposited eggs will be found all over the place. It will be a couple of days before the fry hatch. Once hatched feed them infusoria initially followed by fine dry food and as they grow micro-worms, sieved daphnia and flaked foods.

Green Rivulus – Rivulus cylindraceus (Family: Cyprinodontidae)

Behavior:
The green rivulus is a hardy fish, peaceful and good at leaping so keep the cover on! It is is regarded as a bit of joker in the fish world due to its habit of taking up unusual positions and maintaining them for a while. It is best to keep these with fish around the same size.

Water and Tank Conditions:
With respect to plant requirements, have both floating and submerged plant types. For the water, an average temperature of about 22 degrees centigrade will be alright although it can tolerate a fairly wide range.

Features and Colors:
The green rivulus, as its name suggests, is olive-green with spots that are darker green. It also has reddish spots near the back end. This fish is also called the cuban rivulus.

This genus has many species all differing in color but their major characteristics and behavior remain unchanged. One specific characteristic they have is the presence of a spot found adjacent the top area of the peduncle fin and is referred to as a false eye.

Other species you will come across are the eye spot or ocellated rivulus (Rivulus ocellatus), the herring-bone rivulus (Rivulus strigatus), the yellow banded rivulus (Rivulus xanthonotus), the fire-tail rivulus (Rivulus milesi) and Hart’s rivulus (Rivulus harti).

Feeding:
You will notice how these fish become more a lot mmore lively when they are about to be fed. In general they are not fussy about the food they are given.

Breeding Conditions:
The difference between male and female is easy as the female has the large rivulus spot and is not as brightly colored compared to the male. A thickly planted breeding tank at 26 degrees centigrade is required with two females for each male.

They breed easily and once the eggs have been scattered about, take the plants and fertilized eggs to a separate incubation tank. The eggs will hatch after about two weeks and the fry can be fed for the first week on infusoria.

Hunchbacked Limia – Poecilia nigrofasciata (Family: Poeciliidae)

Behavior:
Also known as the Humpbacked limia and the Black-barred limia. These fish are peaceful and females can reach lengths of 6 cms or more. The Poecilia caudofasciata species is smaller and the male and female reach lengths of about 4 and 6 cms respectively.

Water and Tank Conditions:
twenty four degrees Celcius is adequate.

Features and Colors:
They are called hunchbacked because the young fish exhibit an arched back, which becomes greater as they age. The other parameter that also changes with age is the color. The younger are recognized by their olive color, dark vertical bands and yellow underneath.

The older fish has iridescent green spots on the bands, the stomach has a dark border, the dorsal fin is bigger with spines becoming black. Regarding color the male is a lot brighter than the female!

Feeding:
The main diet for the Hunchbacked limia is algae and other vegetable matter with the odd live meal thrown in (literally!).

Breeding Conditions:
The usual process for live-bearing fish can be applied but these fry are more difficult to raise and it will help if the breeding tank is in a position so that sunlight can fall on it.

Now you can have three additional freshwater fish to put in a tank and look after. Before you add more fish, ensure your aquarium can accommodate your newcomers.

Fish are like people in many ways, in that the fish demand oxygen, food, water, cleanliness, tender loving care, associations, and so on. The primary source of fish survival however is water. Freshwater fish are like humans, in that the fish cannot digest large volumes of saltwater, yet some freshwater fish can tolerate a smudge of salt. Saltwater fish on the other hand, demand saltwater. The fish come from oceans, seas, and related waters all over the world. Freshwater fish come from ponds, streams, lakes, rivers, etc. Some of the fish available include the Killifish and Loach fish.

Loach fish come in a wide variety, including the family of Cobitidae. The prime fish are made up of nocturnal and are relate to catfish. The fish primarily live at the bottom of waters, which barbels help them to sift through gravel. The Kuli Loach is one of the Loach fish that has a long snake-like body. The fish is a favorite aquarium choice. Some people describe the Kuli as having a worm shape body. Kuli does not tolerate bright lights, and prefers hiding areas. The fish tends to habitat in the back corners and enjoys cave environments. The fish is shy in nature, unless you keep fish of its kind in the same tank. Kuli enjoys feasting on Tubifex. The fish has a thin, long body, which grows up to 3 inches in size. The fish has a peaceful nature, and lives will in communal tanks.

Loach fish come from the family of Cobitidae, Acanthophthalmus Semicinctus, and the Botia Macracantha group, which you can find these fish in most pet stores. One of the easiest to care for in the Loach category is the Botias. This fish enjoys moderate hard water, or alkalinity based water. It is recommended that you avoid acidity waters. In addition, the water temperature should remain at 70 degrees Fahrenheit and no higher than 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The Botia makes a welcoming communal tank neighbor. Botia also includes the Tiger and Clown Fish. To learn more about these fish check online or consult with your supplier.

Kuli Loach Preferred Water conditions

Kuli enjoys slight acidy waters, or neutral water, and does not have a pH preference. Tank condition: This shy fish does not care for bright lights; therefore, you should give him a home in plant dense aquariums with plenty of areas to hide.

Feed:

Kuli takes delight in feasting off Tubifex, yet he will eat frozen foods, as well as a selection of dried foods.

Killifish come from the family of Cyprinodontidae. The fish is widely distributed and has the brightest colors of all freshwater and saltwater fishes. This fish is ideal for starters, since it will dwell in communal tanks without a problem. The fish habitat in African Sub-Saharan waters. The streams dry out during particular seasons, which this fish dies. Yet the offspring or spawns live well in dry climates, which resurrects the Killifish.

The fish will live in small tanks, and desire water conditions set at 70 degrees, or 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The fish live longer in 70-degree temperatures. Killifish grows to 2 or 4 inches in size.

Water conditions

Peat filtered waters is ideal, yet the fish will tolerate soft, hard, or slightly acidy waters.

Food

The fish will eat a wide assortment of frozen and dried foodstuff. The downside about the Killifish is that you will rarely find this bred in pet shops. The AKA (American Killifish Association) group can help you find areas where the fish are sold.

What is Chihuahua? You must be feeling very much anxious to know the answer. Well, Chihuahuas are the smallest breed of dog in the world. Basically they can be categorized under ‘natural toy breed’. If you throw back your mind in history of the development of this breed then doubted the religious & mythical role of the Techichi in Toltec tribes. But the archaeologists argue that the remains of this breed were found in Mexico and in quite parts of U.S. In short, Chihuahua is a very small dog of a breed originating in Mexico, having pointed ears and a smooth coat.

Chihuahua is a sweet cute little dog with an apple-shaped head with an extraordinary tiny muzzle. It weighs about two to six pounds with height of six to nine inches. Generally Chihuahuas are found with dark glowing eyes. The color of eyes differs as the breed of this tiny dog changes. One peculiar feature of its eyes is that sometimes it sheds tears when Chihuahua shakes its head. Chihuahua’s ears are large and vertical at an angle of about 45 degree. It is said that they often uses their ears for emotions to express their feelings. The fragile physical features shows that how much delicate their body is. Chihuahua’s pretty features adorn more of its spongy longish tail. The graceful feet of Chihuahua is just amazing which makes you feel to cuddle and love more and more.

As Chihuahua is the smallest pretty dog in the world for they are known for. There is certain breed standards defined to this dog as per their dainty physical appearance in matter of size, colors, and coat. You will also find some non-standard size of Chihuahua. They are well popular by name defined as per their size like “Teacup”, “Pocket Size”, “Tiny Toy”, “Miniature”, “Mandy” and “Standard”. These names are been suggested in reference by Chihuahua club of America and the American Kennel Club. This two clubs classify two types of Chihuahua namely the Long-haired and the Short-haired Chihuahua.

Chihuahua is devoted only to be maintained in specific weather climate. The most preferably is cold climate for them to survive. Because of unique and smallest cute breed of dog Chihuahua is always seen maintained in an affectionate surrounding. With proper training and socialization it becomes pretty easy for them to adapt easily in a tranquil environment. The soft love for Chihuahua never ends as the innocent face is always in front of you. One unique trait in most of Chihuahuas is the tendency to “burrow” into blankets or clothing in order to sleep.

Thus, Chihuahuas has gained much of fame mostly by love and affectionate persons. Chihuahua puppies run well in demand in the market. If you got completely obsessed by this tiny dog then just need not to wait to buy such a beautiful and nice-looking dog like Chihuahua!