IMPORTANCE OF NATURAL PLANTS I

                    WHY USE NATURAL PLANTS?

      The use of live underwater plants in home aquariums has been fully explained and documented in many advanced countries of the world where the hobby "tropical fish keeping" holds a second place.

         Majority of aquarium keepers in the country are fond of using plastic plants rather than real live aquatic plants. This could probably be the major reason for the unending fish deaths, cloudy water and the production of fetid odor from the aquarium water. In an effort to solve these problems I shall endeavour to put before the country's aquarists the true value of natural plants in the aquarium.

         One of the most important functions of plants lies in the release of fresh 100% pure oxygen into the tank as a by-product of photosynthesis.

          This aids fish-breathing and as a result the aquarium can thrive comfortably without the use of artificial aeration and electric light!

         Other important functions include 

- The reduction of toxic carbon-dioxide level (CO2 level) which happens to be a critical factor causing constant fish deaths. The plants use up the CO2 in the process of food formation.

    The nature of the carbon-dioxide gas is such that, once it is produced inside the water (e.g by the fish), it stays put in the aquarium no matter the amount of aeration, because the CO2 gas is about three times more miscible with water than oxygen. The resultant effect of this is that there is a gradual build-up of waste gas leading eventually to suffocation of the fish unless there is a partial or complete removal of the aquarium water which could be rather cumbersome.

        

AQUARIUM CARE

                 GENERAL HINTS FOR BEGINNERS.

When keeping fish in your tank the following essential guidelines should be observed for proper maintenance of the health of the fishes.

- Never overfeed your fishes.

- Always keep your tank as clean as possible by removing any uneaten food and introducing as much variety as possible into the diet.

- Never over-crowd the aquarium.It is better to have a few fishes in radiant health than many gulping fishes battle-scarred through fighting over inadequate territory.

- Never add small fishes into an aquarium that already contains large and well-established fishes unless you have expert knowledge of the nature of both the resident and the new addition.

- Always be aware of the following early indications of foiling in the water, frothing  at the water surface, water becoming cloudy, fishes breathing more rapidly than normal water producing fetid odor.

- Always check that all fishes are present at feeding time.

- Always adhere "to a little feed often" principle. This is important during which time the nitrifying potential of the aquarium(the ability of the bacteria in the gravel to oxidize waste matter to harmless nitrates) is steadily increasing but not at the high enough level to tolerate careless over-feeding.

- Always change a third of the water in the tank with aged tap water weekly during the first three months or change half of the water once every two weeks (twice a month).

     Any problem arising from your aquarium after following this guidelines could be due to accidental poisoning in which case you could contact us for remedy and advice to prevent a re-occurence.

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR MINI AQUARIUM.

FAQ: HOW DO I CLEAN MY AQUARIUM WHEN IT GETS DIRTY?
                                    
              HOW TO CLEAN YOUR MINI AQUARIUM.

     Is your mini aquarium dirty? Mini aquariums require a little bit more upkeep than large aquariums because they lack filters. 

     It is advisable to change half the water of your aquarium once every two weeks and also avoid overfeeding to prevent water pollution.
    
      Changing half the water is quite easy,you just need a small bowl in which you pour half the water of the aquarium into, making sure the fish does not follow in the process but if the fish follows you are safe since it isn't directly into a sink, you can either use a small net or you can improvise using a spoon to get the fish and return into the aquarium.

        Prior to the day you want to change the aquarium water ensure you have kept a bowl of water down to replace the one you want to change. Then after removing half replace with the aged water you kept aside.

      If you notice your aquarium is totally dirty or the water is green, you need a complete water change which is similar to the process of changing half the water.

- Prior to the scheduled day,ensure you keep water in a container to replace the one you are changing.
- Remove the live plant and rinse it gently if it is also dirty or has particles of feed on it,then set it aside noting the root for replanting.
- Pour the water in the aquarium along with the fish into another bowl leaving the gravel behind.
- Pour the gravel into another small container and wash it till its clean.
- Clean up the sides of the tank with a small foam to remove algae and grime.
- Return the gravel and replant.
- Add the aged water you set asides prior to the day gently into the aquarium to prevent scattering of the plant.
- Catch your fish using a net or improvise using a spoon,then return into the aquarium.
- Don't feed your fish till the next day.

NOTE: Avoid placing your aquarium under direct sunlight to prevent algae growth. Just a minimal amount of sunlight is required for the plant growth so you can place it close to a window or if you have any other light source you can use it.
     
                                   AQUARIUMS AND FISHES ARE AVAILABLE!
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FISH QUARANTINE

                                             FISH QUARANTINE.
                           A MUST FOR SURVIVAL! 

         When giving solutions to the complaint of the aquarist who wrote last week about constant fish death he encounters when he purchases a new fish, my last sentence was: Is my fish quarantined?

       In my experience so far with fish keepers i am aware that many beginners are non-chalant towards this word. Yet,it is one big singular factor that must be observed strictly before you cab be sure that your new fish is in good health and not an apostle of doom for other inmates.

       For the benefit of intending aquarists,quarantine in the fish world refers to the physical and chemical treatment of new fishes(either imported or caught from the wild) to rid them of diseases and restlessness before introduction into a new environment.

      A small quarantine tank is advisable for any serious aquarist. The alternative is to be sure that your pet shop has a functional quarantine section. This is a sure guarantee against fish deaths.



                                       
         
       
        
          

CONSTANT FISH DEATHS

AQUARIUM CARE.
FAQ:why are my fishes all starting to die?

                                   CONSTANT FISH DEATHS.

          An amateur aquarist came to our showroom to complain about the constant fish death he experiences whenever he walks into most pet shops to purchase fishes to add to the community in his tank.
    The new purchase will seem to do well on the first day till night fall, but by the next morning, a good of the newly introduced fishes would be found floating dead. Before long, the old inmates too get diseased,weakened and join the casualties.

     He would like to know the reason(s) for these and  how he could be assured that the fishes from us would not suffer the same fate.

       A number of factor could be responsible for the deaths experienced. These are outlined below;
- The aquarist selection of fish.
- The removal and 'packaging' of the fish from the pet shop.
- Transport time and period,and the handling of the fish in transit.
- Quarantine procedure.
- Adjustment and adaptation into the new environment by the new fish.
           
         When buying fish from the pet shop,always spend some time at the place to inquire about the habits of the new purchase.
          Always form the habit of making your fish purchase during the cool periods of the day,preferably before 12 noon or after 4.30 p.m. These are the only periods I can guarantee for fish comfort.This restriction is borne out of my observation that most pet shops and aquarist alike do not seem to care about about the insulation of the fish against temperature fluctuations after gasing them in a polythene. 
     
           Now if I may ask is your new purchase quarantined? This is one big singular factor that affects fish survival as pets.

WHEN TO FEED YOUR FISH AFTER PURCHASE

FEEDING THE FISH

HOWEVER carefully you add the fish to your tank they will look unhappy for a while.

Turn the lights out,and leave them overnight to get used to their new home.  A feed with fish flakes the next day will make the fish feel at home.    

               

           If you already have an established tank, it is advisable to QUARANTINE  new fish before adding them to an existing populated tank, and the cheapest way to do this is to purchase a simple plastic tank which will need no gravel or plants.
            This can be used solely for quarantine and as an 'HOSPITAL TANK'.

             Leave the fish in this tank for about three days during which any disease harbored by the fish would be evident for which it can be treated using available chemicals from your dealer. The fish can then be introduced into the tank in the same way as before.

            When you add new fish to an established community, there will probably be a certain amount of harassment of the new arrivals by the original fish. 
              Try to divert their attention by giving them a good feed when the fish are introduced.

            

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