Aquarium Care for Sand Sharks

Sand sharks are viewed as the most timid and least aggressive of the shark species. Sand sharks are usually smaller in size than other sharks and move fairly slowly. These sharks are found all over the Atlantic Ocean, and are the most common type of shark. Although these sharks would seem to be the perfect aquarium kept fish, because of their smaller size, they are not. They still grow to reach an average length of about five feet, and can weigh as much as three hundred pounds. This is really too large to keep in a home aquarium. The population of these sharks has dwindled in recent years, due to fishing activities. Therefore they are being considered for the endangered species list. It would be irresponsible to attempt to house one of these creatures, unless fully educated on their care needs.

Sand sharks adapt the best of all sharks to a captive environment. The types of aquariums that house these very large fish are usually public state supported aquariums. These facilities have the resources to build large enough tanks to house the sharks. Sand sharks can be kept in a tank with other large fish. The sharks are usually fed three to four times a week to discourage them from eating tank mates. For the most part this works well, although, every so often some of the fish seem to disappear. When housing sharks, care should be taken to ensure there is adequate space for swimming. Sharks by nature cruise the open waters. When visiting a public aquarium, notice sand sharks tend to be constantly moving, while some of the other fish just hang out in the tank.

A good alternative for a sand shark in a home aquarium is the catfish shark. Although labeled as a shark because of their dorsal fins, these creatures are much smaller. They usually grow to be about a foot long. They will still need a larger tank with plenty of space, because they too will have a cruising nature. These fish, like true sharks will eat just about anything that will fit in their mouths. Therefore be careful not to house it with smaller fish. The catfish shark should be kept in a tank with brackish water. Brackish water is more difficult to maintain because it is a mixture of both salt and freshwater. In the wild these fish live in areas where ocean waters meet streams or rivers. The Albemarle Sound is an example of brackish water.

The same general type of equipment is required for brackish water and saltwater aquariums as fresh water. It is a good idea to upgrade filters and heaters, however, because saltwater and brackish water fish are more sensitive to water irregularities. Sharks are accustomed to a darker environment, so it is not necessary to have a lot of lighting. Sand sharks have the same basic care requirements as most other fish. They need, and adequate food source, regulated water and an environment that would be similar to their natural habitat.

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How to Care for Live Aquarium Plants

Plants play an important role in aquarium life. They help to absorb nitrites that are toxic to the fish. In fact there are some plant only aquariums. There are many different varieties of aquatic plants. Tubers are a type of plant that needs to be anchored by the root to the bottom of the tank. They may be tied or simply buried underneath the substrate in the bottom of the aquarium. There are also floating plants. As their name suggests they simply float in the tank they do not need to be anchored and will not usually require fertilizer. The only regular care required is to make sure that water droplets are not regularly deposited on the leaves, as this will cause decay.

Water lettuce and Lily pads are examples of floating plants. Rooted plants, like tubers need to be anchored to the bottom of the tank. It is suggested that the roots be tied to pieces of rock or wood. These species usually grow to be fairly tall and will add length to an aquarium. When planting these, remember to allow plenty of room for growth. The roots will grow outwards and require additional space. Another type of aquatic plant is known as cuttings. These plants may be transplanted from other thriving plants, without have to root them. Cuttings should be planted individually. They will grow vertically and sprout shoots at the joints of the leaves. When these shoots grow to be a couple of inches, it is time to cut them and plant them individually.

Live plants may be kept in aquariums alone or with fish. The plants may even be used as a food source for some species of omnivorous fish. At the very least, they will provide shelter and a feeling of refuge for the fish. All plants require some form of light in order to thrive through photosynthesis. Check the specifics on the types of plants with your local retailer. Some plants will thrive on the waste put out by the fish in the aquarium, while others will require regular fertilization. Again check with your supplier for compatibility and feeding requirements. When purchasing plants, make sure that they are true aquatic plants. Live plants should be pruned weekly. Dead or broken leaves should be removed daily.

A live plant aquarium will require the same basic equipment needed for an aquarium containing fish. The basics are as follows. You will need a tank, some sort of filtration system, lighting and some basic cleaning tools. The plants are fairly easy to care for, but you do have to keep up with your regular maintenance. Synthetic plants may be a good alternative to live plants, if you are not willing to make the investment in live plants. Faux plants have come a long way in recent years. So much so, that your fish may not even notice the difference. Whether you choose live or synthetic plants, they will add interest and life to any aquarium

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How To Choose Aquarium Pump?

How To Choose Aquarium Pump?

How To Choose Aquarium Pump?

How To Choose Aquarium Pump?

Comparison Between Salt water and Fresh water Aquarium

Having an aquarium in your home or office is always a fun. Essentially, two types of aquariums exist: Salt water and Fresh water. Each type has its unique requirements, benefits and difficulties. It is important to consider the following factors before making a decision on the kind of aquarium:

1. Maintenance: Salt water aquarium is a lot more difficult to maintain than a fresh water aquarium. The fresh water aquarium is easier to clean.

2. Cost of acquisition: The cost of acquisition includes the cost of aquarium plus the cost of fishes and other accessories. This cost is higher in case of salt water aquariums. Salt water aquariums require live rock, which is a type of natural filter obtained from coral reefs. It is difficult to procure and is very costly.

3. Size: A fresh water aquarium can be started with 10 gallons of water, but the salt water aquarium requires at least 55 gallons of water.

4. Variety of fish: You can stock wide varieties of fishes in a salt water aquarium. Apart from the fish, you can also add other marine animal and plant life. It enables you to have an ocean in your home. Marine fishes are colorful and look great, but they are very expensive.

5. Time: Due to heavy maintenance issues of salt water aquariums, they require more time and attention. You need good filters and quality testing kits. Maintaining the right pH level and right amount of salt in the tank is imperative for the survival of the fishes. The tank has to be run without any fish for about 2 months to get the cycle of nitrates and nitrites going. Meanwhile, 1/3 of the tank water needs to be changed every week. The entire set up requires a lot of patience.

6. Lighting: Presence of coral reefs and live rock make it very essential to have lighting in your salt water tank, because they can die in absence of adequate light. The balance of light is not that delicate in fresh water tanks.

Salt water aquariums require more money, time, experience and patience to be successful when compared to fresh water aquariums.

If you are a beginner and looking for casual hobby. It is a good idea to start with a fresh water aquarium. After you have learnt the basic rules, you can start a salt water aquarium.

In the end, what really matters is, the kind of fish that you want and the kind of right environment that can provide. It is heart breaking to see dead fishes in your aquarium. Therefore, the decision about the type of aquarium should be taken after much deliberation.

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The Secret of Protecting Your aquarium

Types Of Aquarium Water Filter:

Aquarium Water Filter, commonly referred to as Aquarium pump is a vital part of an aquarium kit. Water filter is very crucial for both freshwater and marine aquarium filtration. It helps in removal of physical and soluble chemicals in the water and helps clean the water. Clean water increases the oxygen level in the fish tank and oxygen is essential for the fishes to survive. The filters greatly simplify the cleaning and maintaining process of the water tanks.

Among a host of water filter types the two most important types are:

Internal Aquarium water filter: This filter is useful for both saltwater and fresh water aquarium. Most saltwater aquariums are fitted with internal tubes, which let the water to flow in the sump tank from the main tank, which is placed above the sump tank. While the water flows through the filter, all the waste material and chemicals are gathered aside and the fresh water flows back to the main tank. Though the filtration process is costly, it is very effective. Internal water filter is very expensive.

External Filter: This water filter would keep the aquarium in the top working condition. Unlike the internal filter, here the filtration is done outside the tank. The only connection to the filter is the black tube attached to the tank. This method is also very costly, but its worth spending considering its effectiveness. This filter also does not make loud noise.

Different types of Water Filter:

This filter is best suited for small and medium sized tanks. This air powered water filter is available in varieties of sizes.

Internal power filter: This type of water filter uses electrically powered centrifugal pump to pull water. If used with undergravel filtration, it could provide additional mechanical filtration. This filter is ideal for aquariums, which range from 2ft - 4ft in size.

External Canister filter: This filter works on same principle like internal water filter. The only difference is filters are outside the tank. This filter draws water from a filter through a tube, filter it and then, again send it to tank through another tube.

Sump Filter: This large filter is often placed below the main tank. The designing of Sump water filter is very complex and is mainly used for marine tanks.

Diatom Filter: This filter is used mainly for enriching the quality of water in the tank. This filter traps minute particles from the water and cleans the water. This filter should be cleaned after every usage. Though cleaning it regularly would be a disadvantage, it is very useful for giving water a quick polish.

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What Everybody Ought to Know About Aquarium Water Filter.

Aquarium Water Filter, commonly referred to as Aquarium pump is a vital part of an aquarium kit. Water filter is very crucial for both freshwater and marine aquarium filtration. It helps in removal of physical and soluble chemicals in the water and helps clean the water. Clean water increases the oxygen level in the fish tank and oxygen is essential for the fishes to survive. The filters greatly simplify the cleaning and maintaining process of the water tanks.

Among a host of water filter types the two most important types are:

1. Internal Aquarium water filter: This filter is useful for both saltwater and fresh water aquarium. Most saltwater aquariums are fitted with internal tubes, which let the water to flow in the sump tank from the main tank, which is placed above the sump tank. While the water flows through the filter, all the waste material and chemicals are gathered aside and the fresh water flows back to the main tank. Though the filtration process is costly, it is very effective. Internal water filter is very expensive.

2. External Filter: This water filter would keep the aquarium in the top working condition. Unlike the internal filter, here the filtration is done outside the tank. The only connection to the filter is the black tube attached to the tank. This method is also very costly, but its worth spending considering its effectiveness. This filter also does not make loud noise.

Different types of Water Filter:

1. Box Filter: This filter is best suited for small and medium sized tanks. This air powered water filter is available in varieties of sizes.

2. Internal power filter: This type of water filter uses electrically powered centrifugal pump to pull water. If used with undergravel filtration, it could provide additional mechanical filtration. This filter is ideal for aquariums, which range from 2ft - 4ft in size.

3. External Canister filter: This filter works on same principle like internal water filter. The only difference is filters are outside the tank. This filter draws water from a filter through a tube, filter it and then, again send it to tank through another tube.

4. Sump Filter: This large filter is often placed below the main tank. The designing of Sump water filter is very complex and is mainly used for marine tanks.

5. Diatom Filter: This filter is used mainly for enriching the quality of water in the tank. This filter traps minute particles from the water and cleans the water. This filter should be cleaned after every usage. Though cleaning it regularly would be a disadvantage, it is very useful for giving water a quick polish.

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