Freshwater Aquarium Articles
CHOOSING THE RIGHT ALGAE-EATER BY THE TYPE OF ALGAE IN YOUR TANK
Updated May 10, 2017
There are many different types of aquarium algae and not all algae eaters will eat every type. Keep reading to learn how to choose the right algae eater based on the type of algae you have.
There is nothing worse than waking up to feed your fish and finding your entire tank covered in a layer of green. Algae is a common problem in freshwater aquariums but it is actually a fairly simple problem to solve. The more you understand what causes algae to grow, the better you can prevent it from happening. It will also help you to read up on algae-eating fish that can help you to keep your tank clean and algae-free.
Why Does Algae Grow in Home Aquariums?
Algae is a living thing and, as such, it requires certain nutrients to grow. There are many different types of algae out there, but they all have the same basic requirements. First and foremost, algae need water in order to thrive. Next, algae need plenty of light. Like any photosynthetic organism, algae use light as an energy source to fuel its growth. If you have live plants in your tank, you probably also have a pretty good lighting system and you probably leave it on for 8 to 12 hours a day. Too much lighting or lights left on for too long can lead to excess algae growth. This is a common problem in tanks that are placed too close to a window, even if the tank doesn’t get direct sunlight.
In addition to light, algae also require certain nutrients in order to grow. The main nutrients algae needs are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients are abundant in most aquariums...
TIPS FOR PROTECTING YOUR AQUARIUM AGAINST HIGH SUMMER TEMPERATURES
Updated March 10, 2017
During the summer months, it may become more of a challenge to keep your aquarium temperature stable. Keep reading to learn more about tips for protecting your tank against high summer temperatures.
In the heat of summer, the temperature in your aquarium is likely to rise. This is particularly true if your aquarium is located near a window or in direct sunlight. While many fish can withstand minor fluctuations in tank temperature, very high water temperatures can be dangerous for some fish. If you struggle to keep your tank temperature down during the summer, you might want to rethink your plan and restock your tank with more high-temperature-tolerant fish.
In this article, you will learn about the ideal temperature range for an aquarium and receive tips for maintaining that temperature. You’ll also find a list of aquarium fish that can survive higher tank temperatures.
What is the Ideal Temperature Range for an Aquarium?
Each species of fish has its own preferences for water temperature based on its natural habitat. Species that come from tropical climates tend to prefer warmer waters than fish that come from mountainous regions. For example, tropical reef species like tangs and wrasses prefer water temperatures in the 74°F to 78°F range while species like the White Cloud Mountain Minnow can survive temperatures between 64°F and 72°F, or lower. Most aquarium fish, however, prefer warmer waters in the range of 72°F to 78°F, sometimes up to 80%. In addition to knowing the right tank temperature, you also need to keep it stable – fluctuations in temperature can be stressful for your fish.
Most aquarium fish can withstand temperatures up to 80°F for a short period of time,...
CARE GUIDE FOR KEEPING BRACKISH AND FRESHWATER PUFFERS
Updated February 03, 2017
The name "puffer fish" conjures an image of a balloon-like animal but these fish are so much more than their comical appearance. Keep reading to learn what makes puffer fish unique and how to care for them.
If you have been an aquarium hobbyist for any length of time, you’ve probably come across some unique species of fish. Some fish are bright and colorful while others have interesting fin shapes. One fish that is especially unique is the puffer fish. There are a variety of different kinds of puffer fish out there – freshwater, brackish, and even saltwater. Keep reading to learn more about how to care for brackish and freshwater puffers.
What Do Puffer Fish Look Like?
Though the exact details will vary from one species to another, most puffer fish have the same kind of body shape. The best way to describe the shape of a puffer fish’s body is to call it chubby or club-shaped. Another interesting point about the puffer fish is that their bodies are completely rigid. Most fish have the ability to bend their bodies side to side, at least to some degree, but the puffer fish does not. Puffers rely solely on their fins for balance as well as motion. But what really sets the puffer fish apart from other species is its unique ability to change size. As the name suggests, puffer fish are able to “puff” themselves up so that they appear larger – this is a defense mechanism they use to scare off predators. Additionally, puffer fish have small, prickly spines all over their bodies.
What is it Like to Keep Puffer Fish?
Cultivating and maintaining a thriving home aquarium is a matter of pride...
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