Top 3 Freshwater Aquariums Plants

By Clifford Woods

Vegetation in freshwater fish tanks makes it look fantastic and live, especially when properly lighted. 

They not only enhance the appearance of your aquarium, but also help with the all round natural stability of your tank's environment.


Much like plants above water, they help in the removing carbon dioxide and increase oxygen. Furthermore, they also assist in sustaining the chemical harmony of your tank's water by decreasing nitrate quantities.

Needless to say, proper care needs to be taken when adding any new component into a fish tank. With vegetation for freshwater fish tanks, exceptional care must be taken in the decision process to make sure that there are absolutely no unwanted effects to the fish, other plants, or the purification system due to their introduction.

To guarantee the best selection, get your plant life from a reliable supplier like a local fish shop; preferably one you know well. The plants should seem healthy at first glance. Any sort of wilting or abnormal browning may be indications of an incorrectly maintained plant or even a contaminated plant. 

There are a few main types of plants that you can get for freshwater fish tanks. They are as follows: 

1. Ferns and Moss: Ferns and moss can thrive with no need for a complicated root system. Therefore they are able to attach themselves to specific things like stones, decorations and practically any substrate present within your aquarium. These are non-blooming and supply great cover leaves for fish searching for a hiding place.
2. Stem Plants: Stem plants are a type of flowering plant; however they have a tendency to grow in a far more vertical manner than rosette plants which will be discussed below. These stem plants are ideal for setting up a forest-like background for your fish tank. It is advisable that you put them to the back of the aquarium, providing a beautiful background without hindering your view into the fish tank. 
3. Rosette Plants: Rosette plants are thought to be great decorative plants. Varieties within this group will exhibit a fantastic array in colors. These will require special focus in the way they are attached into your substrate, as their root system is far more extensive than the roots of ferns. With this kind of plant life you should make sure you have a double layer of substrate in your tank. A two inch base level needs to be applied specifically to deal with the nutritional requirements of this type of plant.

Laterite is a red tropical soil and is extremely ideal for plants with extensive roots. Over the nutritional level of the substrate, a one inch covering on top of the substrate, of your preference, can be used.

Regardless of the variety of vegetation that you choose to put in your fish tank; you should supply sufficient illumination for their photosynthesis procedures to easily take place.

Furthermore, it is advisable to be on the lookout for algae breakouts as algae compete with your vegetation for nutrients. Be sure that you eliminate any algae development from the sides of the aquarium. If algae are located on the plants themselves, softly scrub the afflicted plants to get rid of the algae. A probiotic aquarium solution with beneficial microorganisms would be a good option for algae control and will not harm your plants. 

Finally, if the plants are growing out of your aquarium, do prune them to keep them at a controllable and decent size.

Plants for freshwater fish tanks do not need to be frustrating to deal with as quite a few beginner fish tank fans often consider them to be. With a little research and using the basic maintenance guideline as above, anyone can take pleasure in the visual elegance and environmental assistance which only live plant life can offer.
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Clifford Woods is the CEO of Effective Environmental Services and Organic Environmental Technology
We brew Beneficial Microorganisms that eat toxins and offer Environmentally Friendly Products

What Kind of Equipment Do You Need for Saltwater Aquariums?

By Clifford Woods

Saltwater fish tanks are generally not as easy to maintain as you might initially believe. Because of this fact, it is recommended that before purchasing a saltwater aquarium, you should take some time learning a few of the features and maintenance that comes with owning one.

Unfortunately, on the subject of owning a saltwater fish tank, it is definitely NOT a simple task of carrying the fish tank home and putting your fish in it. You need to be qualified about how exactly to put it together properly, along with learning about how to take care of your aquarium when you have it all set up.

Lighting and Temperatures for Saltwater Tanks
One of the most common types of heating unit used in fish tanks that support saltwater fish are the underwater heaters that are regulated by a thermostat. These specific designs of heating units are offered for your aquarium to help sustain the water at a temperature that the fish find satisfactory.

Just about all species of saltwater fish would rather be in water that is at a temperature of close to seventy-five to eighty degrees Fahrenheit. These types of conditions are definite for the saltwater fish in your aquarium as this is the temperature range they came out of in the aquariums at the fish store where you bought them.

In case you have one of the massive sized aquariums, then it is crucial that, instead of buying one heating unit, you purchase two. Both of these need to be set up at either ends of the fish tank to ensure that the water is warmed up to an appropriate temperature range regularly. Also, it is recommended that you own a thermostat that can you can use to regularly check the temperature inside of the tank.

Lighting is essential in any fish tank not only for visual appeal, but you will also discover that it is vital to the overall health and wellness of the fish within. With the use of the perfect lighting system, the correct eight to ten hour light cycle can be generated, which will then replicate the surroundings of life in nature for the different types of fish that you get for your saltwater tank.

You will have a choice about whether it is better to install fluorescent lights within your aquarium or go for a LED system. LED systems are one of the best to have as they can replicate natural lighting much better than fluorescent. Metal halide lights are also an option.

A good light source will help boost the growth of algae that the coral needs to be able to flourish. However, if your algae problem become too much to handle be sure to purchase an all-natural anti-algae product that has the proper ingredients necessary, ideally beneficial microorganisms, to control the algae completely.

Substrate and Other Accessories
One more important bit of equipment you will want for your fish tank is a substance to cover the bottom of the aquarium with. There are two main options to choose from. Typically the majority of people who have a saltwater aquarium in their house want to have both ocean sand and live rocks within it.

Unfortunately, ocean sand alone is not preferable for fish tanks. Instead, gravel is used as it performs better and is more helpful in the maintenance of the aquarium and it also makes sure it continues to be safe for the fish within.

The gravel, in fact, has their own microorganisms residing on them which helps with the filtration of the water in the aquarium, and reduces the amount of ammonia. Sea sand and live rocks can be used in saltwater and coral reef fish tanks in addition to the gravel.
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Clifford Woods is the CEO of Effective Environmental Services and Organic Environmental Technology
We brew Beneficial Microorganisms that eat toxins and offer Natural Organic Solutions.

Establish a Freshwater Aquarium Environment

The Correct Way to Establish a Freshwater Aquarium Environment

By Clifford Woods

An aquarium can be an effective stress-reducing addition to your home or office. For some, it tends to provide this calm atmosphere as they gaze at the different fish gently weaving through this silent water world of color. Keeping a fish tank in your own home can be such a fantastic hobby that everyone can enjoy, so below we are going to provide you with a couple of tips and some useful freshwater aquarium facts to help you get started.

Larger Aquariums Are Easier to Keep Up: This is a case where bigger is indeed better! Tiny aquariums are a bad idea for someone new to keeping fish. There are a great number of things to consider when keeping the water in your aquarium clean and ideal for life.

Smaller fish tanks have a tendency to spread the alterations in the water chemistry far too rapidly because of the small space they cover. This makes the error of margin very small. Therefore, trying to keep a small tank is not really suggested for the newbie.

Larger aquariums, on the other hand, usually disperse the changes in water chemistry over a substantial amount of water, so these types of alterations are essentially diluted, making it easier for the newbie to see and maintain the water chemistry balance.

Avoid Over-Crowding: Never try to pack a lot of fish into a small area. If you truly desire a large amount of fish in your aquarium, then the suggestion is that you purchase an aquarium tank that is about 50% larger in water volume that you anticipate you may need. Your local fish store can help you figure this out. 

Otherwise, limit the amount of fish which you intend to raise. This really is very important, since you do not want to wind up with the possibility of losing all your fish in a single day, simply because you were not aware of the amount of space that your fish really need to survive well.

Maintain a Good Water Chemistry: Now, here is one of the most important freshwater aquarium tips; keeping track of the different amounts of harmful particles and the chemical make-up of the water.

There are four basic factors that you must monitor when preserving your aquarium. Nitrite, nitrate, (yes, they are different) water's pH levels, and ammonia.

1. Nitrites are rather harmful and need to be kept at a low level to support underwater life. Nitrates are a great deal less poisonous and are the result of algae breaking down nitrites and ammonia. However you cannot have an excessive amount of them in your aquarium either.
2. Water pH levels involve the alkalinity and acidity levels of the water and are mainly managed by using the right base for your aquarium.
3. pH levels are handled by your filtration device, although they are most effectively maintained by manipulating the compounds in the water which make the levels climb or drop.
4. Ammonia is helpful only at the beginning of the start-up cycle. In various instances it is rather poisonous, and at higher amounts it can be deadly to your fish.

Routine Maintenance: This is probably the most difficult, if not the most tiresome part of establishing your aquarium. Filtration systems have to be changed every now and then and if you don’t do it, your aquarium will end up in bad shape.

Additionally, you have to replace the water in the tank regularly. You only need to remove about twenty percent of the total amount of water, with the help of a siphon, and replace it with clean water. It may be a good idea to purchase an algae scraper to get rid of any build up.

If you want to use a solution to aid in the removal of algae, choose an organic product that contains beneficial microorganisms which will eliminate the algae and the cause of it while keeping your fish healthy and safe.
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Clifford Woods is the CEO of Effective Environmental Services and Organic Environmental Technology.
We brew Beneficial Microorganisms and offer Natural Organic Solutions

The 5 Most Important Fish Aquarium Maintenance Routines

The 5 Most Important Fish Aquarium Maintenance Routines

By Clifford Woods

One of the most essential things you can do for your freshwater fish tank is to take care of it and keep it thoroughly clean. Needless to say, with our hectic day-to-day lives, what we need to know is exactly what is most crucial in keeping up with our freshwater fish tanks and how we can do it quickly. 



Below is a list of the five most significant things you will need to do in order to keep your aquarium in good condition, according to the experts. These quick clean ups are not that difficult, particularly if you do them at the same time each month. If you cannot in any way do these basic things, then owning a fish tank may not be for you. 

Task: Test Water 
When: Monthly 
Whenever your aquarium is initially established, make sure to test the pH of the tank water every couple of days. Get an examination kit from your local pet store. Following that, check the water every week for the first couple of months. Following those two months, you can examine the water once a month, unless of course your fish are displaying irregular behavior. You can find out what the correct ph balance should be for your aquarium from your local fish shop. 

Task: Change Water 
When: Weekly 
Swap out your fish tank water once a week if you can, however you may also do it every other week if you have to. You will just need to change about twenty percent of your tank's water. The easiest way to do this is to remove the water with a pipe.

Find a hose or fish tank tubing, place one end of the pipe into your fish tank, and then suck on the opposite end of the hose, with the hose lower than the water level of the fish tank. Make sure to have a suitable container prepared, since the water will come flowing out. Allow the water from the tank to flow into the container until about twenty percent of the water is taken out of your aquarium. Then add new water. 

Task: Change Filter 
When: Depends on Filter Model, Check Instructions 
There are numerous fish tank filter systems available today. Therefore, the only guidance here is to take a look the guidelines and they will tell you when to switch your filter. Occasionally it can be every three or four weeks for non reusable filters. At times, it is every six months before they need to be replaced. There are types that you can clean yourself, so simply keep close track of them and thoroughly clean them as per the instructions that come with the filter. 

Task: Vacuum 
When: Weekly 
Make use of a gravel vacuum machine to draw out the waste materials, harmful toxins and outdated food items in the bottom of your fish tank. Aquarium vacuums are generally great for removing waste substances and are available in all kinds, shapes and sizes based on the capacity of your fish tank. All of them work just a little bit differently, so be sure to check the directions that are included with them. All of them are quite simple to work with.

Task: Remove Algae 
When: Monthly or as needed 
Nothing appears more severe than algae creeping up the edges of your aquarium. On that subject, almost nothing looks better than a clear and clean fish tank that you can easily see through. You can buy algae scraping tools as well as various other tools to get rid of the algae from the aquarium. They are generally simple to use. Simply pick one that you like and use it frequently. An all-natural solution can also be purchased to get rid of algae. 

Look for one that offers both aerobic and anaerobic beneficial microorganisms as it is the best type of product for the job. 

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Clifford Woods is the CEO of Effective Environmental Services and Organic Environmental Technology. We brew Beneficial Microorganisms and offer Natural Organic Solutions

Main Differences Between Freshwater and Saltwater Fish Tanks

By Clifford Woods

Fish tanks can be quite a fantastic addition to your office or home. They give a distinctive ornamental touch while providing pleasure in viewing the work of art you have created. Furthermore, aquariums can provide a calm and soothing feel to any area. After you have made the decision to invest in having a fish tank in your house, the next thing you need to determine is exactly what kind of aquarium you will have.

There are primarily two types of aquariums for you to select from: freshwater or saltwater. Each type of tank has its own special advantages, specifications, and problems. It is very important to check them out full before you finally make your decision and buy one.

The Differences
Fish Species Among the most unique distinctions between freshwater and saltwater tanks is the varieties of fish. Freshwater fish are usually present in streams, ponds, rivers and lakes while saltwater fish are located in seas and oceans. Generally, freshwater fish are aquarium-raised while saltwater fish are from the wild.

Saltwater fish tend to be more attractive in color and are for sale in a greater variety than freshwater fish, yet can be more delicate to alterations in water temperature and chemical balance. Be sure you do extra research or consult with your local fish store in order to find out which fish will do well together.

Equipment When choosing your aquarium, take into account the location in your home that you wish to put the fish tank. Nearly every size tank will work well as a freshwater or saltwater aquarium; having said that a bigger fish tank is going to be simpler to keep chemically well balanced and will present numerous choices when choosing fish and add-ons. Most aquarium devices are made to work in both freshwater and saltwater aquariums.

Lighting is important in any type of fish tank to sustain the healthiness of the fish. Lighting specifications vary according to the kind of tank along with the fish and plants that live in it. Maintaining a consistent temperature and having an acceptable filtration system is necessary in any aquarium ecosystem.

Lastly, you should have a water testing kit. This will assist you in keeping track of the levels of your water and make changes as required to keep up an adequately well-balanced atmosphere.

Upkeep General maintenance does not vary a great deal between a freshwater and saltwater aquarium. With either choice, you will have to make sure that all devices are running correctly and replacing filter systems and cartridges as required. The container may also have to be cleaned out regularly.

Cleaning the fish tank will generally require you to replace between ten and twenty percent of the water quantity every other week. The water taken out throughout the course of vacuum-cleaning the gravel is generally enough.

Remember that the new water added will have to be treated based on the type of fish tank you are maintaining before being put into the aquarium. Washing the tank walls and examining the water for correct chemistry levels are also important parts of fish tank upkeep.

It would be a good idea to have an algae scraper on hand or perhaps an all-natural solution with beneficial microorganisms to get rid of the algae without harming the fish.

Making Your Choice Deciding between a freshwater or saltwater fish tank can be quite the complicated thing, even so it is not a choice that you need to make in a rush. Sustaining a fish tank is a commitment and you must be ready for the upkeep and expense of offering the best setting for your fish.

With the proper attention, aquariums can be quite a wonderful inclusion to your house that you can take pleasure in for a long time. 
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Clifford Woods is the CEO of Effective Environmental Services and Organic Environmental Technology.
We brew Beneficial Microorganisms and offer Natural Organic Solutions