What is the Best Location for a Tropical Fish Aquarium Pump?
April 25, 2009 by admin
Filed under Fish Tank Supplies
It is usually advisable to have the pump at a higher level than the tank. This will prevent any possibility of a siphoning action draining the water from the tank back into the pump. Pump platforms are available for pump placement. These are small plastic or metal shelves designed to hold the pump while hanging on the back of a tank.
If it is desirable to place the pump on the floor, or on any level below the level of the tank, there are several precautions to be observed: Backflow seldom starts while the pump is in operation; it is when the pump is not operating that the greatest danger occurs. Backflow may be started by several actions.
(1) The tendency of water to rise in a narrow tube is known as capillary action. If the water in the tank is very close to the top, it is possible for water to rise in the air tube by capillary action to a point where it starts a downward flow and a siphoning action occurs.
(2) The cooling down of a warm pump can cause the air inside to contract and draw the water down.
(3) Over- oiling the pump can cause excess oil to enter the lines. Air pressure will keep the oil clinging to the inside walls of the vertical tubing, but with the air pressure removed; the oil starts to run back. As it collects in droplets, a vacuum is created behind it strong enough to start a siphoning action.
In order to prevent this, keep a small surgical type “C” clamp handy. When, for any reason, the pump is shut off, clamp shut the line leading to the pump. Also shut all air valves tightly. Whenever oil or moisture is seen in a tube, discard that piece of tubing. It is also a good idea to clean the pump when excess oil appears in the line.
What is a vibrator pump for a tropical fish aquarium?
April 24, 2009 by admin
Filed under Fish Tank Supplies
The same principle of make-and-break current operating in the common doorbell also applies in operating a rubber, leather, or plastic diaphragm which fits over the air chamber of the pump. As the diaphragm moves up and down, air is forced out through one-way valves.
Most diaphragm pumps have a low air pressure but an adequate air volume. They are usually equipped with a knob which controls the volume of air put out. Diaphragm pumps do not usually have so long a life as do cylinder pumps, nor are they so powerful. They are usually less expensive, and for the hobbyist with one or two small-to medium-sized tanks they are perfectly adequate. They have the advantage of no outside moving parts and do not give off any heat. Nor do they require any oiling or other care. Should they break down, it is usually necessary to return them to the manufacturer for repair. In many cases the guarantee specifies that opening the case voids the guarantee.
Another point of information about vibrator pumps: they must be placed on a firm yet resilient surface, not an unyielding one such as a wall, a table top, or a loose floor board. A sponge rubber pad makes an excellent mounting for a vibrator pump. Such material also helps to eliminate the hum which is an unfortunate feature of some vibrator pumps.
Some diaphragm pumps are very cheap, while others are comparatively expensive. In purchasing pumps, as with other items, you get what you pay for. The lower-priced pumps are not necessarily a better buy. Often they are cheap merchandise offered for sale at a low price. In order to compete, some manufacturers sacrifice quality and reliability so that they can offer a low price. Shop carefully before you purchase a pump, especially if you want it to provide long service. Consider only nationally advertised products.
Vibrator pumps require no care; cylinder pumps should be oiled regularly. Some vibrator air pump features an adjustable output of air, allowing you to control exactly how much air is released.
Tropical Fish Aquarium Composition of Water
April 22, 2009 by admin
Filed under Keeping Tropical Fish
Each molecule of water is composed of one atom of oxygen to every two atoms of hydrogen. This is expressed chemically as H2O. Fishes use oxygen, but they cannot use the oxygen that is chemically a part of water. But air, including oxygen, will dissolve in water - just as sugar or salt will - and it is this dissolved oxygen that fishes use.
The major source of usable oxygen in an aquarium is the air above the water. It is therefore at the surface of the water that the major interchange of gases takes place. Carbon dioxide is released by the water at the surface and oxygen is absorbed there. One can drive all the gases out of water simply by boiling it: the warmer the water the smaller the amount of gas it will hold in solution. It is also possible to have an excess of CO2, enough to cause the death of fishes even though there is an ample supply of oxygen present in the water. It is not enough to supply oxygen to the fishes; a means for disposing of the CO2 must also be provided.
In practically all natural bodies of water the surface is proportionately many times greater than the depth. In such bodies of water there is also usually a movement of the water caused by wind, current, temperature changes, and so on. These factors assist in the rapid interchange of gases at the surface so that normally water-dwellers do not suffer from a lack of oxygen or an excess of carbon dioxide. In addition, fishes are seldom as crowded in nature as they are in an aquarium.
What You Must Know Before Releasing Your Fish Into Their New Aquarium
So you’ve went out and bought some fish and the store told you to float the bag for a while and then release them in a tropical fish tank, right? Wrong!
You need to make certain your fish are much more acclimated to the water in a tropical fish tank than that.
Don’t be afraid to ask anyone where you purchase the fish what you should do. They shouldn’t mind testing their water right in front of you.
They’re trying to sell fish right? Ask them for, at minimum, the pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate readings. When you get home, test your own water to see how much the two sets of results differ.
This can really help you set the right water for your tropical fish aquarium.
The floating bag method is probably the most common acclimation method and it works well. You just need to be careful when floating a bag full of unknown water in your tank. Ideally, you’re floating the bag in a previously setup quarantine tank but, sadly, many new hobbyists don’t use a quarantine tank. After you’ve been in this a while you can get much more used to how things are done.
Once you leave with your fish, you will want to go straight home to avoid ammonia accumulating in the bag (in the form of fish waste). Once you get home, open the top of the bag and remove about 25% of the water and then replace this water with the same amount of water from your tank.
Next, float the bag in your tank and bring down the hood opening on the open end of the bag to help keep the bag secure. Every 10 minutes add about 1 measuring cup (use less if the bag is smaller) of your tank water to the bag. Repeat this process for about an hour. After an hour has passed use a small net to get the fish out of the bag and gently place the fish into your tank. The main idea here is to slowly get the fish used to your tank water (acclimated). Do not dump the bag water into your tank! If you do, you risk exposing your tropical fish tank to risks.
Some fish may be difficult to net while in the bag and you don’t want to damage the fish while trying to net them. If you’re having difficulty netting the fish, get a large bowl (large salad bowl works well) and carefully pour the bag water into the net, allowing the bowl to catch the water. You could bypass the bowl altogether and do it over a sink but make sure that the drain plug is in place just in case you miss the fish with the net.
This is a great method to use because when you slowly put in the water, you are acclimating the water to the proper way it should be.
Tropical Fish Aquarium-How To Choose The Perfect Tropical Fish Tank!
December 30, 2008 by admin
Filed under Keeping Tropical Fish
Tropical fish tanks are a great addition to a home or office. It is time to get started, and you have some important and fun decisions to make as you begin your journey to having the perfect tank for your home.
Buying Your First Fish Tank-
First things first. You need a tank. The best advice is to buy the biggest tropical fish tank you can. Of course, space and money are the usual constraints, but many find they enjoy their fish but wish they had a much larger tank. This is most likely what will happen to you as well. So, go ahead and get a big tank to begin with.
Tropical fish tanks come in many sizes, but the smallest tank to consider would be a 30-gallon tank. This size will provide swimming space for the fish and sufficient surface area for adequate exchange of oxygen into the water. You should get a tank that you like from the beginning and one you feel is worth the effort.
Tropical fish tanks are either acrylic or glass. Glass tanks are a bit less expensive and will not discolor over time, but if you have kids that like to have sword fights in the house, remember that glass tanks break easier than acrylic tanks. Acrylic tanks can be ordered from the Internet and can give you the safest type of tank to have in any home.
Setting Up Your Fish Tank-
When setting up your tank you should consider several factor such as making sure your aquarium does not receive direct sunlight. Sunlight causes algae to grow which makes the water cloudy and requires more of your attention. Also, avoid locations close to room heaters as this can cause additional problems.
You may find acrylic fish tanks come with a stand. You will need a sturdier stand for a glass aquarium because of the weight. To prevent the possibility of cracking the glass, and make sure you have a polystyrene or rubber pad between the tank and the stand.
You should make certain you have the proper amount of water in the tank.
Get Your Tropical Fish Tank Up And Running-
Now it is time to add salt and chemicals. Make sure you use a good guide to determine exactly what you need. Make certain you have the right chemicals in the tank and let it set for about 72 hours prior to adding fish.
Just Add Your Tropical Fish-
The day you have been waiting for. It is time to add some color and life to your new tank. There are all sorts of fish to choose from to add to your tropical fish tank that you can really be proud of!
Tropical Fresh Water Fish
December 29, 2008 by admin
Filed under Keeping Tropical Fish
The following is a short list of things to look at before buying tropical fish tanks. Going through this list can have the potential of saving you time and money, so you should take some time to read through it.
What type of Tropical Fish do you want to get?
The absolute most important decision before you do anything else. This affects everything from the size and shape of the tank to the type of equipment you need.
Compatibility and care of these fish.
It is very important to research the fish you want to keep properly. The best way to do this would be to buy a good book on tropical fish tanks. You may want to purchase the adult size fish as these are larger.
This will also give you the opportunity to see if the fish would be compatible. If their care or requirements are too different, then they may not be as easy to care for.
Determine space
How much space do you have for your tropical fish tank in your home?
What are the largest tropical fish tanks you can fit? Determine where you want the fish tank, and see how much space there is. Include some space between the wall and the tank for cord, tubing, etc..
Determine your budget for your Tropical Fish Aquarium.
How much money can you spend? Remember that this money has to buy the tropical fish tank as well as all the necessary equipment, fish, plants, decorations, etc. If this is one of your first tropical fish tanks you may want to consider the expense of it as it can be quite pricey.
Once you decide on the above things, you then can begin to look for tropical fish tanks.
Tropical Fish Aquarium
December 29, 2008 by admin
Filed under Fish Tank Supplies
There are many different types of aquariums but generally when one talk about having an aquarium people automatically think of a tropical fish tanks because they are one of the most beautiful to own.
When choosing your aquarium you need to consider the amount of time you would be willing to spend taking care of your fish and aquarium. If you want a tropical fish tank then you should remember that they do take quite a bit of extra care and try to do all you can to keep the fish as healthy as possible.
If you do decide to have a tropical fish tanks then the color diversity in a saltwater aquarium is one of the rewards you will receive if you are willing to take the time, effort and expense of creating it.
To complete your tropical fish tanks ecosystem you could add some popular and beautiful species such as exotic clown fish, damselfish and angelfish, dwarf or normal size. Crustaceans, corals and sea anemones will complete your aquarium.
After you’ve gotten accustomed to what it takes to care for you fish, you may want to consider adding some special features to your tank.
An addition of a snail or two to your tropical aquarium is important. Snails have gastropods with tiny tentacles heads. These are also good at helping to keep the tank clean.
Whatever type of aquarium you decide on, just be sure you know what it’ll take to care for it and help it look its best.
