The Madagascar rainbow fish, the Merry Widow and Penguin fish. Discover their behavioral patterns, colors and any unusual physical features, temperature and water requirements, feeding likes and dislikes and optimal breeding conditions.

Madagascar Rainbow Fish – Bedotia geayi (Family: Atherinidae)

Behavior:
The Madagascar rainbow, also know as the Madagascar minnow, is happy in a community tank but prefers to be in a small shoal of its own kind.

It is an active swimmer. It is a hardy and peaceful fish that tends to dwell in the top half of the aquarium and has become very popular.

Water and tank conditions:
The water temperature should be increased from the norm to about twenty five to twenty eight degrees Celcius.

Features and colors:
A somewhat peculiar aspect of the Bedotia genus is the fact that the fish have two dorsal fins with the second one being much longer. It has a horizontal dark line running form its eye to the caudal peduncal. The main body color is olive green. It may grow to around eight cms.

You will see that the vertical fins are yellow and have dark edging. The male is more darkly colored than the female and its caudal fin is colored red.

Feeding:
It is not a fussy eater and will eat a wide range of food but it won’t leave the top half of the tank to get it!

Breeding Conditions:
Pretty easy to breed you will need a well planted tank with hard water at a temperature of 26 degrees centigrade. It will take several days for spawning to take place and eggs are attached each day by threads to the plants.

Normally the eggs will not be eaten by the parents. Because of the lengthy spawning time fry will hatch at different times and you will end up with fry at various stages of development. They can be fed freshly hatched brine shrimp and fine dried food.

Merry Widow – Phallichthys amates (Family: Poeciliidae)

Behavior:
This freshwater fish tank fish is ideal for the community environment. It is very active, sturdy and well-behaved.

Water and Tank Conditions:
An average planted aquarium with a water temperature range of between 21 and 25 degrees centigrade will be fine.

Features and Colors:
An unusual feature is the presence of a gonopodium (which is seen in the Family Poeciliidae) in the male. In effect it is a modified anal fin that is rod like and extends under its body and is brought into action during mating, with its hooked end attaching to the female.

The male, which can be up to 3 cms, is half the size of the female. The main color is olive green and the male has dark bars on its flanks and blue gills. The fish also has a splendid dorsal fin with black bordering but the female lacks this element.

Feeding:
The merry widow prefers vegetable matter and green algae and will accept dried foods.

Breeding Conditions:
Although this fish will breed readily it is prone to eating its young!

You do not need a separate breeding tank but use a breeding trap and you should be alright. As the fish is viviparous it will give birth to live fry. Although up to a hundred fry may be produced not too many will pull through.

Penguin – Thayeria boehlkei (Family: Characidae)

Behavior:
The reason its is called the penguin is because of its coloring and when it is still, its tails hangs down and it appears to look like a tiny penguin. Another name it is often called is the hockey stick tetra If this fish is by itself then it may shelter in amongst the plants due to its timid nature.

Better if it is in a small shoal. This freshwater fish tank fish is ideal for the community aquarium as it is a good swimmer, not aggressive and hardy. You will need a cover for your aquarium as it is a good leaper.

Water and Tank Conditions:
Because this fish likes to swim around a lot make sure you give it plenty of room whilst also having a thickly planted zone. The water temperature should be about 22 to 26 degrees centigrade.

Features and Colors:
They can grow up to 10 cms. The bottom part of the forked tail is longer than the other. The main body color is silver changing into olive green on its back. A black strip runs along the sides of the fish.

Feeding:
Will eat anything really. Not fussy.

Breeding Conditions:
For breeding the tank water should be at twenty nine degrees Celcius and you need tall plants. Follow the well known route of keeping the male and female separate and conditioning them before breeding.

Remove the fish from the breeding tank after spawning. Fry will appear from the eggs in three to four days and can be fed on micro live foods such as green water (suspended algae).

So there we have it. Three more freshwater fish tank fish suitable for a community environment for you to choose from.

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Getting Started

To get started, do some research on the type of fish you would like first then build your aquarium around those fish. Once that is complete all you need is a tank, a filter, lights, heater, thermometer and conditioning chemicals. One of the easiest starter kits for the beginner is the biorb aquarium . During the initial setup, your tank will go through what is called a nitrogen cycle. Once this cycle is complete, your aquarium will be ready for fish.

What type of fish should I get?

Fresh water fish come in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes. You’ll have a large selection to choose from. Most people start with a small aquarium for decorative purposes and include fish that are easy to care for like tetras, guppies and goldfish. Those who are really into the hobby can start out with bigger aquariums and have a wider assortment of fish including the larger species. Larger species of fish aren’t harder to keep than smaller ones, just different. Larger fish like the Oscar can grow up to two feet long and prefer to eat live prey. African Malawi Cichlids are the just a few of the favorites fish enthusiasts keep, although they are freshwater fish they require certain levels of PH and water hardness. Other fish such as the Discus are expensive and very difficult to keep. Because of this, water conditions have to be monitored constantly. The water temperature should be within 78 to 85 degrees and a very consistent water PH of 6.0 to 6.5.

It’s all about knowing your fresh water aquarium fish . When starting out in this hobby, always choose fish that you like and make sure you know about the species before you make a purchase. This will keep you from wasting money.

As you can see, it doesn’t take much effort in selecting the right fish. You just need to do a little research and choose fish you will be comfortable with.

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Sizes

BiOrb fish tanks are becoming popular with aquarium enthusiast because of their easy to maintain features over saltwater aquariums. Biorbs and biUbe sizes range anywhere from 4 to 16 gallons. The smallest biorb and biube aquariums are usually displayed on desktops at home or at the workplace cublicle and support traditional fresh water fish like neon tetras, tiger barbs, and gold fish. The larger aquarium biOrbs lend themselves well to the marine aquarium where you can host a diverse array of marine life. Fish like the Clownfish and Damselfish thrive in a biOrb marine environment .

Maintenance

A good reason to own a biOrb fish tank over a conventional aquarium is for it’s extremely easy maintenance. Aquarium biOrbs come with a three stage system (biological, mechanical, chemical) which keeps the tank very clean . All you need to do is to change the filter which takes a couple of minutes . Replacing the water is still necessary for your biOrb by replacing one third to half of the tank volume with new water once a week. By doing so , you shouldn’t have a problem with algae and bacteria forming on the acrylic and other decorative items in your the tank.

You Can’t Go Wrong

When I purchased my biOrb tank , I was pleasantly suprised that it was just soo easy to maintain. Why? I have a 60 gallon salt water tank and for those of you own a marine aquarium, you know what I’m talking about . Owning a biOrb is the easiest way to get into this hobby. You can literally have it running in minutes. After, just condition the water and you are good to go.

If you are thinking of buying an aquarium, especially if you are a beginner to the aquarium hobby, I really suggest a biOrb fish tank . BiOrb aquariums are versitle, can go pretty much anywhere you choose and literally take no maintenance compared to a regular aquarium system. Not to mention there is a large assortment of colors, sizes and sizes that will fit just about any budget.

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In general, five kinds of plants may be used inside your fresh water fish tank.

The very first kind of plant is grown by bulbs. These for the most part make somewhat big plants, most of which are much too large to use in a normal sized fresh water fish tank. These kind of plants, like the water lily and the aponogeton, are much better suited to outdoor settings, especially koi ponds.

Depending on the varieties of fish you decide on, you might want to feature plants that float. Floating plants create a good place for the younger fry who need to shield themselves for protective reasons. A few examples of floating plants are Fairy Moss and driccia.

You may even want to use a group of live freshwater aquarium plants called Rhizomes. This plant features a heavy, horizontal stem with leaves sprouting on the top. The roots to this plant are located on the bottom. The rhizome can be used as a “runner” over the surface of the substrate. Because it spreads, it grows brand new areas of leaf and root.

The anubias and African Fern are two variations of rhizomes. It’s easy enough to grow these. You simply tie these to the driftwood you already have in your fish tank.

You have most likely noticed the kind of plant that looks like a crown with roots developing under it and leaves developing above. This is called a rosette. They cover the water by sending out runners and growing new plants as they proceed. Many times these plants, which include the Amazon Sword and the Sagittaria, also generate stunning flowers.

A stem is the plant you see in aquariums with leaves growing from the nodes of a single stem (get where the name originates from now?). The end of the plant is securely rooted in the substrate. The leaves come in several varieties, including single, paired or even multiple.

One of the most typical of marine plants is the Java Moss. Also known as the java fern, this particular species is a good starter plant. It’s a hearty plant that will thrive in a variety of different types of water and pH levels.

One more plant which is perfect for your very first fish tank is the water wisteria. Like the Java Fern, this plant develops swiftly. It’ll also help with keeping the algae content in the aquarium low. But take care. It is able to use lots of the same nutrients from the water.

You’ll want to have a look at another hearty plant, the anubias nana. This amazing plant has the uncanny ability to thrive in just about virtually any condition you put it in. It is a really pretty plant, too. It flowers underwater. And any of your fish that are herbivore won’t eat it. For the anubia nana to genuinely do well, though, you’ll want to affix this plant to a tree root or a stone.

The grass-like lillaeopsis is yet another good choice for your fish tank, particularly if it’s exposed to strong natural light.

If you are truly ambitious at trying your hand at plants, think about purchasing the cryptocoryne beckettii. This is an amphibious plant – meaning it develops both underwater and on land. It does remarkably well underwater and it has the additional advantage of being available in many different gorgeous colors.

Then there is the Amazon sword – its technical name is the echinodorus bleheri, if you are interested. This really is, undeniably, the most widely used of all fish tank plants of all time. It’s an easy plant to care for, even if you’re only starting your journey in aquarium tank keeping. It develops fast. And it’s great because it helps you to control the algae content of your aquarium at the same time.

Live freshwater aquarium plants can add an additional, more enjoyable dimension to your freshwater fish tank. They may need a bit more care but the rewards are absolutely worthwhile. You can start out slowly. And as you gain experience, you’ll be able to increase the kinds of plants you use. Not only are you going to enjoy the experience, you’ll be ensuring your fish feel right at home!

The term ‘aquarium’ actually comes from the Latin terms ‘Aqua’ meaning water (Shocked? Sure, nor are we) and ‘rium’ meaning place or building. Fundamentally, it is a water building!

There are literally thousands of various kinds of freshwater aquarium that you could purchase today, and the detailing that you can do is not just extensive – it is borderline absurd.

You can choose from a simple fish bowl that can be found in a lot of kids homes to a detailed and sophisticated ecosystem of filtered water, a lot of fish, and live plants climbing the extra-strength plastic.

The History of the Aquarium tank

The present day form of fish tanks developed in the 1850’s, but modern-day things have a way of echoing historical items. Even the Sumerians had a way of keeping their fish – they had ponds to keep wild fish in until they were made into supper.

Goldfish and Koi fish were being selectively bred dating back to 2,000 years ago in the Far East, and throughout the Song dynasty goldfish were kept in ceramic bowls. The history is comprehensive, and lengthy!

Even in ancient Egyptian art work, we are able to see a type of aquarium tank – fish were kept in rectangular temple pools, some thing unique and fascinating and what most people don’t think of when they picture an aquarium in history.

Trying to keep fish as a hobby really picked up after the First World War (Middle to late 1900’s). While you could observe aquariums at museums and more, modern day lighting and filtration let individuals care for fish in their home.

Because fish keeping began to take even more root in contemporary culture, organizations hurried to create distinctive and interesting things to put into fish tanks, in addition to trying to find more efficient ways to maintain fish healthy, and their water fresh.

This is actually the major reason that we have so many choices for us when it comes to fish tanks. You can choose from 1000s of different things to really make your setup unique, exciting, and yes, even fun.

Big Ol’ Aquarium

Just about the most extraordinary freshwater aquarium isn’t in the US, but in Japan – the Osaka aquarium tank holds 5,400 cubic meters of volume, and it actually has more than 580 varieties!

Studies have additionally confirmed that college students who’ve aquariums at home, and look at the fish usually have a tendency to score higher marks in maths and verbal SATs. In truth, their combined score normally end up a lot better than their counterparts who haven’t got aquariums. Having aquariums in lecture rooms not only assist in reducing stress, but also works as a studying assist as children take up the responsibility of caring for the fish.

It is the serenity of the aquarium that works at decreasing stress. Fish and other inhabitants of water transfer in water in a peaceful motion to offer a famous decrease in blood strain and in calming nerves. The truth is, even kids who are hyperactivity are likely to relax, while their grades tend to improve after watching the aquarium inhabitants.

Aquariums might help overcome melancholy

It’s urged that the aquarium be placed in the busiest place of the home, the place everybody can enjoy it. The idea of designing the aquarium tends to trigger creativeness, and within the course of, help in overcoming depression. Moreover, the different colors used in the aquarium add spice to life.

Feng shui also advocates the placing of an aquarium within the home or office as it brings within the element of water, one of many five elements of earth. This in turn helps in creating tranquility and concord in its environment with the positive energy it liberates.

By putting an aquarium in an office, you find that everyone’s creativity increases while producing an setting devoid of everyday pressures. With aquariums within the workplace, it induces leisure, peace, education and an general profit in the business. Putting aquariums in lobbies or reception areas assist in relaxing, and impressing clients.

Dentists face much less stress with aquariums

Even dentists have a number of advantages and peace with an aquarium in their clinic. It is because by viewing an aquarium, the dental sufferers tend to expertise the identical effects as they would underneath hypnosis. Furthermore, after viewing the aquarium, the patient requires much less pain remedy earlier than dental surgery. People suffering from Alzheimer’s eat extra meals

Aquariums placed in a lodge or physician’s clinic improves the aesthetic appeal by attracting the attention of the visitors. It has been discovered that by having aquariums in kids’s hospitals, they work at captivating the kids’s fantasy, and within the course of, helps them heal faster.

This results in a rise of their weight, and thus a lowered requirement of dietary supplements. In addition to these nutritional benefits, aquariums tend to reduce the bodily aggressive habits of patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

Even sufferers suffering from Alzheimer’s are likely to see an enhancement in their well being after viewing aquarium fish. This is because they have a tendency to devour more food with aquariums of their surroundings.

All this proves that aquariums not only enhance the present dacor of a home or workplace, however brings with it numerous peace with the therapeutic benefits it brings to each the young and old.

There are literally thousands of various kinds of aquariums that you would be able to purchase right now, and the detailing that you are able to do is not just intensive – it’s borderline ridiculous. You can select from a simple fish bowl that may be found in lots of kids’s properties to a detailed and superior ecosystem of filtered water, quite a few fish, and dwell plants climbing the extra-strength plastic.

The Historical past of the Aquarium

The modern type of aquariums developed within the 1850’s, but trendy things have a method of echoing historic pieces. Even the Sumerians had a approach of protecting their fish – they had ponds to keep wild fish in until they had been made into dinner. Goldfish and Koi fish had been being bred as far back as 2,000 years in the past in China, and during the Music dynasty goldfish have been kept in ceramic bowls. The historical past this is detailed, and long! Even in historical Egyptian art, we are able to see a sort of aquarium – fish had been saved in rectangular temple pools, one thing unique and attention-grabbing and what most people do not think of once they think about an aquarium in history.

Protecting fish as a hobby really picked up after the First World Struggle (Middle to late 1800’s). When you might see aquariums at museums and more, modern lighting and filtration let folks take care of fish in their home.
As fish maintaining started to take even more root in modern culture, companies rushed to provide you with distinctive and fascinating issues to put into tanks, as well as trying to find extra efficient ways to maintain fish healthy, and their water clean.
This is the main cause that we now have so many options for us in terms of aquariums. You possibly can choose from thousands of different things to essentially make your set up distinctive, attention-grabbing, and yes, even fun.

Large Ol’ Aquarium

One of the crucial impressive aquariums isn’t in the US, but in Japan – the Osaka Aquarium holds 5400 cubic meters of volume, and it really comprises over 580 species!

Your koi pond size will be dependent on the amount of koi fish you will keep. The more you plan to keep then the larger the koi pond is going to be. It should be noted that you should keep only the number of koi you can manage.

Build it well so that you can keep your koi fish outside all the time. This can be into a pond inside or just a tank. Avoid this unnecessary expense by doing it correctly.

Lets look at the key requirements for a koi pond. Raise it off the ground so that nothing runs into the pond. Generally, it should be about 6 inches.

Make sure the pond has cover from direct sunlight.

Occassionally a cover is needed to keep out predators. Especially when you are gone for a long time.

The depth of the pond should be at least four feet, the deeper the better. The depth should be below the frost line otherwise your koi will freeze to death.

Filtration in the pond should be adequate to ensure that water quality problems do not develop. Poor water quality will weaken koi fish immune system. This will result in koi fish getting ill. So make sure your filtration system is good.

The water in the pond should be changed on a regular basis, usually a small amount. This will assist you in maintaining good water quality. Excess food and other objects should be removed regualarly to stop your fish getting ill from polluted water.

An experienced person or company is needed to build your pond and you need to make sure they have the experience. Make sure they give you plently of references and that they can be verified. Otherwise you may be left disappointed.

Getting your own materials cold save you a lot, have a look around. Additionally, make sure you got a good design. Please go to koi fish ponds for more information.

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Your koi are able to protect themselves against koi diseases as they have an immune system. Poor water quality weakens the koi’s immune system. This will mean koi fish are at a greater risk of becoming ill and action is needed quickly to prevent this occurring. If water quality is not kept at optimum levels then health problems will result. For more informaiton visit koi fish problems

Koi may need looked at closely to confirm if problems are serious. This would require you to catch you koi from the pond and transfer them to a koi fish tank. Alternatively, you may want to take them to an expert which wil require you to safely transfer them to the vet. Your koi could get injured or stressed so care is needed.

Simple treatments are available for minor koi fish problems. Usually salt is used to treat the koi problems. However, when problems are more serious medicines are required and it is important to spot the problems early. Medicines can be given to your koi by the owner, but in most cases a vet is used. This is to ensure that the correct treatment is given.

It is important to isolate the fish when koi diseases is identified by using a seperate tank or pond. This will stop the koi diseases spreading to the other koi fish. Your koi can now be treated. Once treated and fully recovered they can join other koi in the pond. For more information visit koi disease

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One of the most important decisions you will make when starting your aquarium will be the size. An important rule to remember is that the bigger your saltwater aquarium is the better, not because of shear size but because a larger tank will be more forgiving when it comes to mistakes. If you are a beginner the best size for you may be a 55 gallon tank. It is also important to remember that saltwater fish require more space than freshwater fish. So having a larger tank will enable you to have a more successful start.

After choosing your tank size you will be able to make educated decisions concerning the rest of the equipment for your saltwater aquarium. The aquarium size will determine the type of filtration you will need, the type of lighting you will need, and the type of environment you will create for your fish. You will want to be sure that if you are going to have “live rocks,” or rocks that have been transplanted from an ocean environment, you will want a good filtration system. All of these decisions are affected by the size of the tank you purchase. Again, a 55 gallon tank is the best size to start with because it will enable you to make some mistakes while still developing your saltwater ecosystem.

As you set up your aquarium begin to keep a log of all the different equipment that you purchase and place into the system so that you can see the effect that each piece will have. For example, a filtration system may effect the Alkalinity of the water. Knowing the effect of the different pieces of equipment in your aquarium will be incredibly beneficial if you ever encounter a problem with the system. A log will most certainly be a beneficial tool as you begin developing your aquarium.

Click here for more information on starting a saltwater aquarium

This article was written by Chris Ball
Click here for more information on starting a saltwater aquarium

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