Tag Archives: Tank

Carp Fishing Basics

Setting Up a Koi Fish Tank

The brilliantly colored and gracefully mobile koi fish make great pets and the ideal ornamental fish for hobbyists. The Japanese specifically bred them for color and have continued to develop different varieties of koi. While they may be colorful, koi are blessed with great intelligence and the toughness of the carp, their ancestors. If you wish to keep these beautiful creatures as pets, you will need to build a koi fish tank.

The most important task is to keep the fish healthy by maintaining your koi fish tank. These fish aren’t difficult to take care since they adapt to different conditions. However, like all other beings they need to live in reasonably hygienic environment. To begin with, you need to keep the water in the koi fish tank clean and remove unwanted fish waste and excess food. Fish waste contains ammonia which can disturb the pH balance of the water, leaving the koi vulnerable to sickness and even death.

A good filtration system is essential for a koi fish tank. This system will filter out the waste, bacteria, and algae that can cause illness. An aeration filter will help circulate the oxygen content in the water, making the fish look more vibrant and colorful. It is also essential to main the water temperature since their food digestion and metabolism depends on it. A water temperature between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit is perfect for feeding them twice a day. Anything lower than 50 degrees you ought to stop feeding them since they prefer to eat only algae.

By maintaining your koi fish tank you will be able to monitor the fish well and observe their color patterns. A dull color with unusual spots on the body indicates an unhealthy koi that requires attention. You can try changing the water and their food to see if there is any improvement.

You need to keep plenty of fish supplies for your koi fish tank. Apart from the filtration system and aerator, a UV sterilizer will disinfect the water and reduce waterborne bacteria and algae. The rays from the sterilizer repel bacteria formation and keep the koi fish tank clean.  A water heater is also essential to maintain the right temperature for the fish to survive. A heater is essential for baby koi since they cannot survive in very cold conditions. A strainer is also necessary to gather waste and food particles that gather in the tank. These are essential supplies required for a koi fish tank. Although it may cost you a bit, these supplies will ensure that your koi fish remain healthy. Moreover, it will give you the satisfaction of owning a proud collection of colorful koi.

Studies indicate that simply watching a koi fish tank has a number of therapeutic benefits. For the kids, a fish tank is said to reduce their anxiety levels and bring about a behavioral change in them. Adults too can benefit in the same way and reduce their stress levels by watching a colorful bubbling koi fish tank. The dining room, they say, is one of the best places to keep a fish tank, since it helps you to relax and focus on completing a whole meal. Now you know why some of your favorite restaurants have installed large fish tanks in their dining areas.

 

Nelson writes koi fish here: http://www.koifishinformationcenter.com/koi-fish-tank. He has raised, studied, bred and cared for hundreds of varieties of Koi. His twenty plus years of practical experience and research are available in his latest book,<a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push([‘_trackPageview’, ‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’]);” href=”<a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push([‘_trackPageview’, ‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’]);” href=”http://www.koifishinformationcenter.com”>http://www.koifishinformationcenter.com”> Insider’s Secrets To Raising Healthy Koi</a>.

Related Blogs

Carp Fishing Basics

Before you Buy Fish

I am writing this article to tell you something about aquariums in general. However, not about those big aquariums which can be found in Zoo’s or museums, but about home fish tanks. Of course, if you have a castle, or really big house, your home aquarium can be as big as those public ones. On the other hand not everybody is Bill Gates, or Queen of the United Kingdom. For us, ordinary people, smaller versions are produced.

But from another point of view, small doesn’t immediately mean it’s small too much; It’s relative. Even in a small flat or house you can have aquarium with capacity of few hundred litres. Basically, you can have only 10 litres aquarium as well. Bear in mind that introducing any fish into such small tank would be crime. Small sized aquariums are more suitable for plants only.

Previous idea leads me to the first point: tanks division based upon living beings. You can have, as I just wrote, a plant of a fish tank. And you can have an aquarium, which contains fish and plants living together in peace and harmony. Especially the harmony aspect is very important. Some fish prefer green food, and we can say that healthy looking aquarium plants are irresistible for them, but some fish need plants for hiding purposes as well. If such species don’t have enough hiding places, they feel stressed and they can even die. On the other hand we know species which don’t require plants necessarily, but they love to lay on their leafs and they also appreciate smooth touches how leafs slide through their bodies when swimming around.

Now, when you know that there is a direct relation between fish and plants, you should know something about various fish species compatibility. Let’s take a quick look into the natural food chain; It’s not the rule every time, but almost every time that larger fish eat smaller ones. Naturally, there exist exceptions where some little aggressive fish can eat the a big one as well. Piranhas, Puffer species, etc., etc. And this is how it goes in home aquariums too. An aquarium with many peaceful fish is called community aquarium. An aquarium where you keep aggressive fish and small peaceful fish together can be called a dinner time. And the last type is characterised by many aggressive fish kept in one little tank; This is called “fight to the dead” or “fight until the end”. Generally, I recommend community tanks instead of second and third case.

Previous paragraph shows you that it’s important to know everything about fish you want to own. Focus on temperament primarily. If you are beginner, there are some species, you should start with. These species are not demanding, and they don’t require much care. I am talking about Guppies, Platies, Mollies, Swordtails, Neon tetras, etc. These species are very peaceful and harmless, sometimes shy. Bear in mind that they should be kept in shoals, what means you shouldn’t keep 1 or 2 of them in one tank, otherwise they will not feel happy. Plecos and many catfish species belong to this “not demanding” group. Unlike fish which do best in shoals, they don’t need to be kept with too many specimens of their family or genus. Plecos require driftwood which becomes their most favourite place as time goes by. They suck it all day long. Another good fish for beginners is betta fish. Especially males are beautiful. They exist in many colour variants and their big fins look like jewels in the tank. They don’t harass other species, but if you put two males into one aquarium, they will kill each other. Nobody knows why. Once scientist put two males into very big garden pond, but they found each other and started to fight immediately. So how they could survive the evolution? In Thailand where they live in lakes, there is an alpha male which is the boss and nobody is fighting when he’s in.

If you aren’t a beginner any more, you can try for example Gouramies – bit aggressive, territorial and they eat everything small, what is or isn’t moving sometimes. Another nice species is the Angelfish. But they grow to big sizes, so they need a big tank. This category includes also Cichlids which come from America, Africa, and many species originating in Asia.

But if you don’t mind to spend a lot of time and and if you have enough experiences, you can choose a demanding fish, like the Discus fish – it needs special water conditions, or puffer fish. Fish from this group need special water, special feeding, or they breed unusually. Or they even need large aquarium, like Oscar fish, freshwater Sharks, or Koi carps. Sometimes it is better to keep them in garden ponds and not in the tank in the room.

Jan Hvizdak, the author of this article published many fish related articles on his web site. You’re welcomed to read about aquarium decoration and aquarium driftwood as well.

Related Blogs

Fishing Strategies

Choosing a Pet Fish

Article from: My Family UK

A good option for small homes, fish generally require less space than other pets. After the initial expense of setting up a tank, their upkeep is also relatively inexpensive.

Do your research about the kind of environment your fish will need, and, when keeping different kinds of fish together, avoid overcrowding and make sure they are compatible with each other. Read up on common health problems to look out for, as veterinary treatment is not generally an option.

Equipment

To keep fish well and happy their environment must be carefully controlled. Research what your fish needs and buy the equipment in advance. Basic equipment includes: a tank, filter, heater, lighting, gravel or sand for the bottom of the tank, real or plastic plants and other decor items and a net for moving your fish.

Get out of the tank

Alternatively, if you have space in your back garden, consider setting up a fishpond outside. Goldfish are commonly kept as pond fish, and come in more than 100 varieties, although not all these will be hardy enough to overwinter outdoors. Koi carp are a good option for more experienced fish owners. These ornamental fish have beautiful colouring and markings, but can be extremely expensive to keep and difficult to protect from herons and other predators.

Choosing a fish

Fish vary greatly in appearance and habits. Here are some popular options you might want to consider.

1) Danios

Small, slender fish, hardy, attractive and easy to look after Good for keeping with other fish, prefer the upper level of the tank Sociable fish, enjoy a strong current, plants and other diversions Omnivorous, eat dried food and enjoy treats of live food Common types include Zebra, Pearl, Leopard, Gold, Blue, and Giant

.

2) Clown Fish

The distinctive orange, white and black fish of Finding Nemo fame These saltwater fish need their environment and diet to be carefully controlled – an inappropriate environment can be fatal Omnivorous, eat dried food and occasional live food as a treat Naturally has a symbiotic relationship with anemones that can be recreated in a tank Fish in a shoal are all male except one female; if she dies the largest male will change sex to replace her

.

3) Piranhas

A more unusual option, these carnivorous fish can live for up to 25 years Naturally hardy so good for the beginner, but please do mind your fingers Can grow quite large so need a big enough tank Young fish will eat flakes and freeze dried food but older ones prefer lean beef, chicken and fish, and some fresh fruit and vegetables Types include Red Belly, Black, White, Gold and Wimple


Further Information

For further information, and for more great ways to have fun with your family, log on to www.myfamilyuk.com. With a huge collection of articles covering everything from child safety to rainy day activities, you’ll find all the help, guidance and entertainment you need to be a great parent. Go to My Family UK now!

My Family UK is a brand new website that is turning the online focus back onto families. We’re dedicated to supporting you and your family live the life you choose to the full, with games, tips, offers and articles on all aspects of parenting. If your family means the world to you, check out www.myfamilyuk.com.

Related Blogs

Fishing Strategies

Information on Harlequin Fish Care

Harlequin fish or Rasbora Heteromorpha groups come from Thailand, Sumatra, and the Malayas. The fish are smaller breeds, which grow around 1 ¾ inches in size. Harlequin fish is one of the aquarium keeper’s favorites, since the fish have colorful figures. The fish are shaped like wedges, which blue-black shades setoff its rosy pink and violet forms. Harlequin fish are easily trained; as well, the fish do well in communal tanks. The species however are beautiful formed and colored that residing in a sole tank could produce natural effects to your home area. The fish will dine on all foods, and prefers water conditions such as soft water, sensibly acid waters, and peaty waters. Harlequin fish are not much for breeding. The fish pair in well-conditioned waters, or peaty waters. The balance preferred is pH-6, pH-2, or hard water at 40-ppm. Harlequin fish mate while turned upside down at a leaf surface. The fish typically lay less than one hundred eggs, which are fry in one day. The Harlequin fish group is commonly referred to the Red Rasbora fish.

In addition to the Harlequin, is the Cobitidae family. This fish will help keep tanks clean by gnawing at algae. The scavengers are similar to Carps, in that the fish have teeth. This family of fish also has four barbel located in its upper jaw. The fish are akin to any European freshwater Cyprinids. Cyprinids are family to minnows and Carps, which the fish sometimes have round scales, softer fins, and toothless jaws. Spiny Loach is the family of Cobitidae. This fish composes bifid spines, which is located beneath the eyes. The bifid will erect from its folded, flat position if the fish is put to the test. Predatorily fish will not like the results produced by this fish in the event they decide to challenge the Spiny Loach. Spiny Loaches and Cobitidae fish tend to surface often to seek oxygen. The fish prefer to live in murky, mud-spattered waters. The murkiness and mud limits oxygen, which is why the fish surface often. Weather Fish is amongst the group of Spiny Loaches, which this fish will not adapt well to atmospheric situations, which cause stress.

The Loach fish include the group of Acanthophthalmus Semicinctus family. The fish come from the east parts of India and grow up to 3 ½ inches in size. The fish is popularly called the Half Band Coolie. The Coolie fish have bodies shaped like a snake, which the body covers yellow and black marks. You can find the sub-species of the Coolie family in the Kuhlii family. Kuhlii fish tend to fall into the Salmon category, since the fish may have pink bellies, as well as yellow and black marks. Coolie fish are communal tank fish, which have a peaceful nature. The tanks should be limited to plants, since this fish will hide in closed spaces. You should at deposits of compact decomposed organic debris at the bottom of the tank. (Peat) These fish tend to eat Tubifex and algae, which makes the fish a good cleaning system. As well, the fish will eat all foodstuffs. Coolie fish do not place a high demand on water condition, yet they tend to do well in moderate or neutral waters. The water temperature should remain at 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

In addition to the Coolie fish is the Clown Loach, Tiger Botia, Siluridae, and so on. Over the Internet, you will find a wide assortment of information related to freshwater fish, which include tropical fish, Coldwater fish, sea, or saltwater fish.

To learn about dogfish shark and angel shark, visit the Types Of Sharks website.

Fishing Strategies

How To Care For An African Carp

The all-time favorite Carp fish include the Genus Aphyosemion African Tooth Carp. What a name. The Genus Aphyosemion species do not house well in communal tanks, yet these fish are some of the prettiest fish on the market. The fish will die quickly; therefore, it is recommended that you provide the fish their own separate aquarium. The hiders will fold their fins and conceal themselves in corners of aquariums. The male counterparts, i.e. the larger breeds are highly aggressive and will not habit with other male fish of its kind. Therefore, only house the male carps with females.

Tank recommendations:

You should provide the Genus Aphyosemion African Tooth Carp with floating plants and a shady environment. Cover the bottom section of the tank with purified overcooked peat. The water condition should be moderately hard, or else slightly acidy. You can also add 1 teaspoon of table salt to a gallon of water to produce alkalinity water for particular carps that prefer to breed in such water conditions. Since these fish do not tend to live long, it is advised that you place these fish in separate aquariums and categories. The fish include surface breeders, midlevel breeders, and the bottom breeders. The first spawn should be provided floating plants, which the eggs will stick to. The second breeders should be provided fine leaf plants, which the eggs will also stick to. The third breeders should be provided peat, which is situated at the bottom area of the aquarium.

The fish rate in two separate categories, which include bottom and surface spawners. The fish prefer to live in glass tanks. You can use nylon mops, insert it into the tank to preserve fry. After the eggs arrive, you want to prepare to remove the parent fish to a different tank. Carp will eat their own kin. The water temperature should remain at 25 degrees Fahrenheit; unless the fish are in peaty waters then the temperature should be set at 65 degrees Fahrenheit. You want to avoid drying of peaty, since the eggs will not survive. To avoid fatality refresh the tank with soft water, while shaking the peat. Raise the water temperature to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Bottom breeders require sterile peat at the bottom of the tank. The fish also require plants, which float. You can breed the bottom spawners in smaller tanks. After the eggs are delivered the parent fish demand removal from the tank, as well the water must be siphoned. You can use a small tube to siphon the water. You want to avoid siphoning the eggs and peat. The water temperature should be at 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature should remain constant for a couple of weeks. After the weeks are finished, break the peat up into lumps. You can now adjust the temperature to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. During egg transfer, occasionally you want to adjust the temperature to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you are a beginner in fish care and aquarium, it is wise to avoid this species until you become better skilled and knowledgeable to fish care. Other types of fish kin to this Carp family may be more suitable for starter kits.

For instance, the Brachydanio Rerio or Zebra Danio is less demanding than the Carp. The fish derived from the Eastern regions of India. Rerio has a small slim body, and grows around 1 ¾ inches in size. The fish are shaped like cylinders and have attractive colors, including gold, silver, blue, and black. Rerio is one of the smarter fish available, which these fish prefer to habitat in peaceful waters. Rerio is not demanding that is the fish will eat most foods, and do not expect catered water conditions.

For tips on shark anatomy and sharks tooth, visit the Types Of Sharks website.