Aquarium Report

Arowana: One of the Hobby's Priciest Fish

Consider your habitat carefully before adding this pricey fish.

If you are looking to stock your tank with one of the most expensive fish, then consider getting an arowana. This sleek fish has one of the highest price tags in the industry, and not because it is overly scarce. Rather, there is a tremendous value placed on the fish because they have been highly treasured by Asian cultures due to a belief that they bring luck or good fortune.

Now, before you go out and buy one of these, which is probably something you would think twice about anyway with the high price, you should understand that they are very large, aggressive fish. They need around 150 gallons of tank space and should only be kept with other aggressive species that are too large to fit in their mouths, such as oscar or clown knifefish. They can grow up to two feet long in captivity. Focus on providing them with a tank that is quite wide, rather than deep, as they spend most of their life on the surface.

There are many different varieties of arowana on the market, and some are considered endangered and are not allowed to be sold in the United States. Before you make a purchase, make sure yours is one that is legal to have and is not being sold illegally. Buying from a reputable pet shop should provide some protection.

Arowana are surface feeders that thrive best on live or frozen foods. If you must use non-live or frozen foods, chose pellets designed for surface feeding carnivores. If you have more than one fish in your tank, feed cautiously as they can be very aggressive during feeding time.

What Is That Green Stuff?

Dealing with Algae Growth in Your Fish Tank

Algae buildup is something all aquarium owners must learn to deal with. Sometimes, a simple algae eater is all that is needed to keep it at bay, but often, these little critters are not sufficient to keep algae from growing like weeds in an untended garden. While it rarely poses much of a hazard to your fish, it can make your aquarium quite ugly.

The important thing to remember about algae is that it is a form of plant life. That means it needs water, light and nutrients to grow. If it gets any of those things too abundantly, it will take off and grow like crazy. If you have an overgrowth of algae, it is time to consider what the cause may be.

A common cause is too much light. If you leave your aquarium lights on too long or have your aquarium in a spot where it gets direct sunlight, you are going to get some algae growth. Make some changes to the amount of light your system gets, and you may see an improvement.

Overfeeding your fish can actually lead to feeding your algae. Similarly, water that has high levels of nutrients that are beneficial to plant growth can also cause a problem. Feeding your fish less or finding another water source can help. Frequent water changes, changing 10 to 15 percent of the water weekly, is another way to fix this problem.

Finally, monitor the temperature of your water. Keep it warm enough for your fish, but avoid letting it get too hot. The lower end of the fish’s comfortable temperature is best, if possible.

Fish Profiles: The Neon Tetra

This bright schooling fish is a welcome addition to most community tanks.

Outside of the goldfish and guppy, the neon tetra may be one of the more popular aquarium fish. The tiny, yet colorful fish make an impressive school, and their small size means they do not need as much tank space as large schooling fish.

This fish is characterized by its white and gray body striped by an iridescent blue horizontal stripe running from the head to the base of the adipose fin. It also has an iridescent red stripe that begins in the middle of the body and runs through the tail. Under the right lights, these make quite a colorful display.

These fish grow to about three centimeters in length. It is difficult to tell the male from the female, although females will have a slightly larger belly and bent stripe. The untrained eye is not going to notice these differences.

The neon is quite a hardy little fish. They have been extensively bred to withstand a variety of water conditions, but they do well in tanks with 70 to 81 degree temperatures and a dense amount of vegetation. They prefer to be in groups of six or more and will shoal naturally. Their colors will be brighter when they kept are in the right conditions.

Do not be surprised if you check on your neons during the night and find them to be colorless. The stripes fade to a dull gray when the fish is sleeping, and the color returns when it wakes. This is completely normal.

They are prone to a fatal disease called pliestophora, which is characterized by cysts and a lumpy body. There is no cure, so remove an infected fish if you notice this condition developing to preserve your other fish. Otherwise, they are a hardy, friendly fish and a welcome addition to your community tank.

Ich! What Are Those White Spots?

White spots on your fish are probably ich, a common skin parasite.

As you start taking care of your fish and learning more about them, chances are you will experience something every fish owner experiences at some point. You turn on the light to start the day with your fish, only to notice a few small white spots on one. Wondering what it is, you take a closer look and notice your fish dotted with white, and some of them are scratching on rocks and decorations. Congratulations, you have your first experience with ich.

Ich is a common fish parasite technically called Ichthyophthirius Multifilis. Those tiny dots are basically a skin infection, but they need to be dealt with quickly because this particular disease spreads rampantly very easily, and it can be fatal. Ich is easily introduced to the tank when you add a new fish because it can be in the water undetected.

The reason it spreads so quickly is because of its quick life cycle. The parasite lives in the skin of the victim, and the white dot is not the parasite, but actually the irritation it produces. The fish will itch and feel discomfort similar to a mosquito bite. After a few days, the adult parasite falls off the fish and starts to divide. Soon, the hundreds of baby parasites it creates start searching for a new victim, and the cycle starts again.

Treating ich is fairly simple and can be done with over-the-counter medications from your local pet store. You should raise the water temperature slightly while treating, remove carbon filtration, and treat for 10 to 14 days, even if the spots clear up, because the parasites are only vulnerable to treatment during their free-swimming stage. When you are done treating, do a partial water change.

Fish Profile: Goldfish

Goldfish may be a good pet for beginners, but they still should not be stuck in a bowl.

Goldfish are, perhaps, some of the most misunderstood fish in the world of aquariums. Many parents buy a goldfish as their child’s first pet, thinking that a bowl of tap water and some flakes is all that is necessary to keep the fish happy and healthy. After a few days when the fish turns belly up, they have to explain to their devastated child about fish heaven and how the toilet bowl is the best way to get there.

The truth about goldfish, however, is that they are fish that have definite habitat requirements. While they are somewhat hardy and are definitely cheap for a first pet, sticking them in a bowl is a virtual death sentence.

One of the most common misconceptions about goldfish is that they thrive in small spaces. Actually, these fish can grow quite large, and you should plan 20 gallons for one and 10 gallons for each additional. If you must put goldfish in a smaller tank, be prepared for regular water changes to prevent contamination. They also need cold water, so they cannot be placed in a community tank with tropical fish. A pH between 6 and 7.5 is ideal for these fish.

Goldfish should live a long time when well cared for. Their lifespan is actually 10 to 30 years, so that fish in the bowl who lives just a few months was obviously not in the proper environment. They are very peaceful, which is why they are often crammed into a tiny tank. Even in small living environments, they will rarely be combative with one another. The main risk is pollutants in the water.

In general, these are good fish for new aquarium owners, as long as you are realistic about what they need. If you can set up a healthy environment for them, these fish will thrive for many years in your home tank.

Surprise! It's a Baby Fish!

What would you do if you discovered fry in your fish tank?

I got my first aquarium when I was a young teenager. I quickly filled it with fish, and after an emotional mistake that killed all the fish I bought the first time around, I learned what was necessary to properly start and maintain a small tank. Soon I was enjoying the fruits of my labors as I got to know the personalities and quirks of my little school of fish.

I started with some mollies, which seemed to do well in the water of my region. I added a few schooling fish as well. As a youngster, I took great pride in my attentiveness to my new pets, performing a partial water change every week or two and inspecting the tank regularly for problems and concerns.

One Saturday afternoon I was siphoning water out of the tank when I saw what appeared to be a pair of eyes in the gravel on the bottom of the tank. I looked a little closer, only to discover that I had a tiny black baby fish stuck in the gravel. Carefully I netted the baby molly, only to wonder what to do with the little guy. I knew enough about live bearing fish at that time to know that he would be gobbled up if I left him in the community tank.

What was a teenage girl to do but improvise?

I got a plastic container, filled it with water from the tank, pulled one of the air tubes out of the filter, and stuck it inside. The little baby went in this contraption, and I searched the tank for more. In total I found three, and thus began my adventures raising my own fish.

While those early babies didn’t grow as well as I would have hoped due to my lack of knowledge, they did live for several years. Over time I learned how to spot a gravid female, place her in a breeding net, and care for the resulting fry in a much more effective way. It wasn’t long before I had babies I was ready to give away, and a passion for new hobby was born.

If you ever find yourself unexpectedly facing baby fish in your tank, make sure you give them a place to hide. Feed them high quality fry food, including some live food if you can, and they will soon grown and thrive as active members of your tank.

Three Problems with Small Fish Tanks

Thinking a small aquarium will be easier? Think again!

Many people opt to have a small aquarium as their first aquarium, thinking that it is going to be easier to take care of than a larger one. Sadly, this is not the case. Many small aquarium owners who do not understand about proper water quality and tank care end up with sick or dead fish because they choose a small tank. Here are some of the problems with small tanks that you will need to be on the lookout for.

Water Chemistry

Changes in water chemistry happen very quickly in small tanks. The small water volume means what would normally be a small change ends up making a huge difference in what the fish feel and experience. These water changes can turn fatal quite quickly. The small tank owner needs to be vigilant about checking water quality.

Easy to Over Stock

New fish tank owners with a small tank are going to be tempted to put too many fish in it. This will quickly create water quality problems that are almost impossible to rectify. Remember to put no more than one to two inches of fish per gallon of water. Smaller fish are better in a small tank if you want to have several fish.

Little tanks require more maintenance. Plan for weekly water changes of just 10 to 20 percent to keep the fish healthy without disrupting the water chemistry too much. You also will need to monitor the temperature of the water. Water that is too warm will easily cause distress for fish in small tanks.

New Trend in Aquariums - Nano-Systems

Today's aquariums are getting smaller with the help of new technology.

One of the latest trends in aquarium equipment is an embracing of new technologies. One of these trends is making functional, healthy aquariums that are smaller than ever before. These nano-aquariums are becoming more and more popular. These tiny systems allow you to create a fully functional aquarium without sacrificing the aesthetics with large, bulky equipment.

As small aquariums become more and more popular, enthusiasts can expect to see an increase in the number of small pieces of equipment available to keep things functioning well. New aquarium technology is making this more and more of a reality.

One primary feature of an effective nano-aquarium is natural filtration along with mechanical filtration. Live plants, coral or eco-complete gravel can all help keep your fish and other aquatic life healthy. Water quality monitoring devices are also vital to nano-systems, as the smaller size makes water problems more likely. Daily monitoring of the fish for signs of stress is a necessity, as these small systems experience accelerated water cycles.

If you decide to try your hand at a nano-system, be careful not to add too many fish. Overcrowding a small tank is very easy to do. You want to select small group of schooling fish or just showcase one or two fish, and then add a bottom feeder or two, and leave it at that. If you want a full range of fish, then you will want to invest in a larger system. Also, avoid breeding fish if you have a small aquarium.