International Aquarium Ornaments

If you have a long electrical power failure, your tank will be over-stocked, and the fish will run out of oxygen much sooner.

New-Tank Cycle (Ecological Break-in) Information:

Start with 25% of the total capacity of the aquarium in inches. Wait at least five weeks (six is better), and then test the water for ammonia and nitrite. If you do not get a zero reading for BOTH tests, do a 25% water change and wait ano

This can take days or weeks depending on if you want to take steps to "speed it up" just want to wait for the beneficial microbes to "fall in" and situate themselves.

"Used" filter media, substrate from a disease-free "clean" system may be used to bring in these bacteria, as well as numerous commercially prepared cultures for sale through pet-fish outlets.

As a provision for preventing poisoning from "new-tank syndrome" is use

The same holds true with more nitrate. The more you have, the less viable/healthy your aquarium water is.

Take care to not place too much livestock too quickly (variable with type of system, filtration...), nor too much in the long haul, nor over-feed the system... as all can and will cause trouble with overloading your biological filtration (among other things).

Too Late! Ammonia, Nitrite Too HIGH!!!

Should you ever find your system ammonia or nitrite concentrations approaching 1.0 ppm due to overloading, mis-feeding,

# Fountains humidify the indoor air, especially if your home or workplace is dry due to continual air-conditioning. This is extremely helpful in preventing your skin from drying out.
# Fountains release negative ions, said to promote better moods and concentration.
Building a water fountain can be as simple as putting some stones and a small pump into a container with water. It does not have to be expensive or fancy. Nothing can compare to the feeling of accomplishment from creating your own fountain.

Materials Needed:

1 A waterpr

For displays with other heat issues (like enclosed and poorly vented lighting systems), powerheads used for primary water circulation contribute more than a few degrees to the water temperature, which can be a serious problem. Of lesser concern but still worthy of mention is the risk that their unguarded intakes

250W HQI (Double Ended) MH Retrofit Reflectors
I just got these in! I've been waiting to see them. They are very nice well built reflectors. Not flimsy at all. Vented, and they include a nice heavy glass shield. They are available in a 150w version also if there is interest? I dont have too many right now-I wanted to get a look at them....

Common Cichlid Diseases
Like all fish kept in tanks, Cichlids are prone to disease. The artificial environment and closed system are the perfect breeding grounds for pathogens and parasites. Of course, wild fish get diseases, but these go unseen by everyone but fishermen and wildlife biologists. The best cure is always ....

Are airstones bad for reef tanks?
I have noticed that nobody uses airstones in their reef tanks like people with freshwater tanks do to decorate. Are they bad for reefs?.