Why hire an aquarium maintenance expert? Even if you are out of town on a business trip, the health of the fish depend on regular visits to check the quality of the water, look for signs of disease and make sure that the aquarium filter, lights and heater are all working properly.
To maintain a healthy and sustainable environment for your fish, your saltwater aquarium has a number of systems that must be checked each and every day. This includes water heaters, filters, and aerators. You should also pay particular attention to your intake/siphon tubes to make sure that they are not leaking.
We recognize that not everyone in the market for an aquarium will have a solid idea of exactly what they want. If you need a few ideas on the different types of aquarium setups you can choose from, we’re always happy to help you learn more about all your options.
Your kids may love dinosaurs, but if they think learning about ancient animals is fun, they should start exploring the history of fish. Fish were swimming in Earth's oceans long before dinosaurs appeared on the scene.
One of the benefits of owning a saltwater aquarium is the ambiance it brings to any room. Your aquarium can help to create a relaxing, calm atmosphere, while adding color and interest to any space.
The average goldfish can live for up to 25 years in the wild. Most goldfish don't survive that long in captivity because of tank overcrowding, poor living conditions or improper diet.
One of the most important parts of an aquarium is the pump. It can cause a lot of problems if it breaks down, and the last thing you want is to have to wait while you order another one. That's why aquarium maintenance experts usually have replacement pumps readily available.
Does a fish tank really need a lid? Absolutely. Many types of top level fish which prefer to hang out near the surface are also very good jumpers – fish may also leap out of the water if they are startled. A lid ensures that fish cannot accidentally jump out of the aquarium.
You should perform regular tests for alkalinity in your saltwater tank. A low alkalinity can allow water pH to fluctuate, which will cause unnecessary stress for aquarium inhabitants. Be sure to use a quality buffer specifically designed for your water type to raise and maintain the alkalinity.
Overfeeding saltwater aquarium fish can cause big problems, both with water quality and with algae control. Decaying food that's unappetizing to fish is a banquet for undesirable algae species.
If the filter for your tank is too small, it will not process its water correctly. This can lead to a buildup of contaminants or to particulate matter not being removed from the system. If the water does not look right to you, call us today for help.
Taking care of an aquarium can require a wide variety of specialized tools, chemicals, food, and other supplies. This can get confusing for many owners, but aquarium experts know exactly what to use, and have large stocks on hand to make sure they don't run out.
Fishkeeping is an easy and absorbing hobby. There's very little mess, and many fish species can live a decade or more in captivity. With a little training and the right supplies, almost anyone from ages 8 to 80 years and beyond can maintain a successful community aquarium.
Occasionally, the glass on your tank will need to be cleaned, despite your best efforts in keeping the aquarium clean. We can show you how to safely perform this task so you do not harm your fish or their habitat.
The demand for saltwater fish has increased over the last couple of decades as the equipment and technology for maintaining saltwater species has improved. Today, over 2,000 saltwater and freshwater fish species are available to the aquarium hobbyist.
Of the more than 24,000 species of fish that live on the planet, the first one that was bred specifically for personal enjoyment was the goldfish. During the 11th century in China, selective breeding of the more colorful members of the carp family created this household favorite.
What is one of the most common mistakes aquarium owners make? Overfeeding fish. Too much fish food can affect the water quality and promote bacteria growth on gravel and plants. For the majority of fish, a small once a day feeding is enough.
If you’ve never had more than a simple goldfish bowl, you may not realize that many types of fish will actually require warmer water than is normal for your area. In these cases, it will be necessary to install a heater on your tank.
Care to guess the name for the scientific study of fish? If you guessed ichthyology, you're right. If you're considering fish study as a career path, most experts believe that there are still many thousands of fish species left to be discovered in the world's oceans.
Did you realize that over 2,000 species of tropical fish are sold in the U.S. every year? Although a majority of those fish are freshwater species, demand for saltwater varieties has grown, especially over the last decade.
When it comes to aquarium maintenance, the biggest factor is keeping the tank stable. Any increases or decreases of major water parameters such as pH require immediate attention.
One of the most important things in aquarium maintenance involves keeping a healthy waste free environment. Indeed, this is easily accomplished with one small step: simply feed your fish only what it can eat in a single 2-minute meal. This will keep the aquarium water from fouling prematurely.
Remember to inspect your biological media every month for signs of clogging. The biological media does not require monthly replacement, but if the media clogs, it should be rinsed with aquarium water so that beneficial—or “good”—bacteria is preserved.
Take some care in choosing the location for your aquarium. Make sure you choose a level surface. This is important because water weighs 8.3 pounds per gallon. That means an aquarium that isn't level puts significant pressure on the joints of the tank, which can be harmful over time.
A well-maintained aquarium can change a dreary, drab office into one full of life and color, but an aquarium that's dirty and needs work can have the exact opposite effect. Fortunately, an aquarium maintenance service can help keep everything looking great.
It’s important to remember that some types of fish are more temperamental than others. If you lead a lifestyle that will make it difficult to feed your fish at the same time each day, you may benefit from having fish that are a little lower maintenance.
Like any other pet, you need to make sure your fish are taken care of when you travel or go on vacation, which means one more thing to coordinate before you get out the door. If you already have an aquarium expert scheduled, they'll just continue their maintenance and you won't have to worry.
Coral reefs are known for being some of the most beautiful locations in the ocean, which makes coral a favorite installation for saltwater tanks. These are a little trickier to care for, but a supply expert can make sure you have the supplies you need.
Are you going on vacation and worried about your aquarium? In most cases, your fish will be just fine, especially in a well-established aquarium that has been up and running for a long time. The week before your trip, you should perform a water exchange, as this will help make the environment and water quality stable.
Do you have a child who may be a bit hyperactive and has difficulty calming down at the end of the day? Try putting an aquarium with fish in his or her room. Studies have shown that watching fish can create a feeling of peacefulness and calm in children.
The larger the reef aquarium you get, the more stable the environment will be for your fish. This is because in bigger aquariums, the water chemistry is easier to maintain over time.
A study at Purdue University showed how the calming effects of fish can help elderly Alzheimer's patients. A group of patients who ate meals in the presence of an aquarium filled with fish stayed at the table longer and ate up to 27 percent more food.
When placing your fish tank in your home, it’s important that you find a space where it is out of direct sunlight. Too much sun can not only create unstable water temperatures, but will also encourage the growth of unsightly algae.
To ensure a steady, healthy temperature in your aquarium, use a heater. There are a number of different types, from submersible heaters to those that hang on the side of your tank. We can help you pick out a heater that matches your aquarium.
Do you have a child who you aren’t sure is quite ready for the responsibility that comes along with a dog or cat? Giving him or her an aquarium can help your child begin to develop his or her responsible nature while providing the whole family with something peaceful to look at.
Did you know that clownfish and sea anemones have a symbiotic relationship? The sea anemone will protect the clownfish from its predators and provide food by way of the food scraps left from what the anemone has eaten. The sea anemone protects the clownfish from predators and provides food through the scraps left from the anemone’s meals. In return, the clownfish defends the anemone from its predators and cleans it of parasites.
Fish have eyes, but they see the world differently from humans and even from one another depending on their habitat. Salt water reef fishes can see in color, where many bottom dwelling river fish can only see their environment in shades of gray.
Fish feel pain and suffer stress just like mammals and birds. This is why maintaining the environment they live in is important. A properly cleaned and healthy atmosphere will help the quality of life for your fish.
Here's a quick quiz for you: Do fish get ear infections? Actually, fish don't have ears. They do detect sound, though. They feel minute sound vibrations through the water. That's one reason it's a good idea to keep the area around an aquarium as peaceful and quiet as possible.
Even though the water in your aquarium must be kept clean, a level of helpful bacteria must be maintained. Without it, the ammonia from the fish waste will build to toxic levels. Make sure you have the equipment for properly testing the water.
The good news? Not all aquariums require weekly maintenance. The better news? Our maintenance schedule can be adapted to suit your fish and tank requirements along with your budget, so both your aquarium and your wallet stay in balance.
We understand that some types of fish can be expensive. If constantly replacing your fish isn’t an option for you, let us handle the routine maintenance of your aquarium.
You may be keeping goldfish or guppies today, but tomorrow your fish hobby may help preserve a fish species that is endangered in the wild. More and more skilled home aquarists are helping to preserve threatened species.
Protein skimmers rely on a chemical filtration method, where biological waste is removed from the water before it can decompose. These filters only work in saltwater tanks, as they require a high pH and salinity.
Did you realize that with a saltwater aquarium, bigger is often better. The larger the tank happens to be, the more slowly negative changes like temperature fluctuations are likely to occur.
Aquarium decoration pieces make a tank interesting, and relief backgrounds give an air of authenticity when designing your tank. Color photo backgrounds are also nice, as is pottery, driftwood, rocks, and caves (which your fish will love).
We wanted to pass along that due to the deteriorating weather conditions, we have closed the store for the remainder of the day for the safety of our staff.
Most fish are bony—about 96 percent, in fact—the other 4 percent are cartilaginous fish, and include fish such as sharks, skates, and rays. And, did you know that more fish species are found in the Amazon River than in all of the bodies of water in Europe?
Not sure how much substrate you need to buy for your new aquarium? The general rule is to plan to use one pound of substrate per gallon of water in the tank to achieve a one inch bed.
Why should you buy an aquarium and fill it up with fish? A number of studies show that watching fish in an aquarium is an extremely relaxing activity that can lower blood pressure and reduce pressure - the perfect activity after a busy work day.
Biological filtration removes ammonia from aquarium water. Ammonia is a byproduct of respiration and digestion, and can be very toxic to fish, even at low concentrations.
Did you know that more fish are killed from overfeeding than almost any other cause? Uneaten food sinks to the bottom of the tank, where it decays, contaminating the water. To protect your investment, provide fish with small, frequent meals they can consume within about three to five minutes.
When investing in an aquarium, there are several things you should look for, including a good sturdy support and adequate water filtration system. What is often overlooked is the tank lid, which should be loose-fitting for easy access and allow air in (minimizing evaporation) while keeping dust out.
Biological filtration removes ammonia from aquarium water. Ammonia is a byproduct of respiration and digestion, and can be very toxic to fish, even at low concentrations.
Did you know that more fish are killed from overfeeding than almost any other cause? Uneaten food sinks to the bottom of the tank, where it decays, contaminating the water. To protect your investment, provide fish with small, frequent meals they can consume within about three to five minutes.
Improper feeding kills more fish than almost any other cause. The problem is the contained environment inside an aquarium. The water becomes toxic when uneaten food is allowed to accumulate and decay.
Do you have dirty water in your aquarium? Not only does it make it difficult to see the fish, but it indicates the presence of contaminants that could endanger the overall health your fish.
When investing in an aquarium, there are several things you should look for, including a good sturdy support and adequate water filtration system. What is often overlooked is the tank lid, which should be loose-fitting for easy access and allow air in (minimizing evaporation) while keeping dust out.
Biological filtration removes ammonia from aquarium water. Ammonia is a byproduct of respiration and digestion, and can be very toxic to fish, even at low concentrations.
Did you know that more fish are killed from overfeeding than almost any other cause? Uneaten food sinks to the bottom of the tank, where it decays, contaminating the water. To protect your investment, provide fish with small, frequent meals they can consume within about three to five minutes.
The outside power filter hangs on the back of the aquarium, with intake and outflow tubes going down into the tank. These large filters can hold more material, making them ideal for larger aquariums.
Adding plants to an aquarium setup often results in a more "natural" looking aquatic environment, and happier fish, too. Many fish species like plenty of places to hide and rest, and plants offer great cover as well as the occasional snack.
Improper feeding kills more fish than almost any other cause. The problem is the contained environment inside an aquarium. The water becomes toxic when uneaten food is allowed to accumulate and decay.
Do you have dirty water in your aquarium? Not only does it make it difficult to see the fish, but it indicates the presence of contaminants that could endanger the overall health your fish.
When investing in an aquarium, there are several things you should look for, including a good sturdy support and adequate water filtration system. What is often overlooked is the tank lid, which should be loose-fitting for easy access and allow air in (minimizing evaporation) while keeping dust out.
