Stocking Your Saltwater Aquarium With Tropical Fish

When most people look at a saltwater aquarium the first thing they notice are the fish. Fish of all shapes, sizes, colors, styles, and personalities. One of the most devastating things that can happen to a tropical fish lover after they have gone to the effort and expense of purchasing an aquarium and setting it up is to purchase fish that are riddled with disease that die shortly after they are brought to their new home.

The odds of purchasing a healthy fish is by purchasing it from a reputable pet store. If you walk into a store that sells pet fish for private aquariums and your immediately flattened by the odor of rotting seafood turn around and walk away. It isn't unusual for fish stores to have a peculiar musty scent. Strong odar can indicate a store who is not as concerned as they should be about the care of their animals.

Take a good look at the store's aquariums. The tanks should be clean. The water should be clear. Don't be alarmed if you see a tank that has a sign announcing that the fish in the tank aren't for sale. Many fish stores don't have enough room for a quarantine tank.

The staff should be friendly and attentive. If the store is having a slow spell the employees should be cleaning tanks or feeding fish. When they catch a fish, the handler should use two nets and corner the fish, eliminating unnecessary stress. The members of the staff should be helpful and informative.

The rule of thumb is that if there are more then three dead fish in a tank consider shopping somewhere else. Dead fish happen. When stores are busy they don't always have the time to clean the deceased fish from the tank. So one or two is not necessarily a bad omen, but more then that and you'll want to consider looking somewhere else before you stock your saltwater aquarium.

When you are shopping for tropical fish take your time and really study the fish. Take note of their physical condition. Study their eyes, fins, mouths, scales, and abdomens. Put your hand as close to the glass as you can without actually touching it. The fish should either swim towards your hand, looking for food, or they should dart for cover. If a fish doesn't look or act healthy, don't purchase it.

Before you go shopping for tropical fish, gather a little knowledge. Make sure that the fish you purchase are compatible. Make sure you know what kind of food they require (predatory fish generally need frozen or live bait). If you decide that you want to own a predatory fish that requires live food make sure that you have a way of keeping that food alive, in many cases this will mean a completely separate tank. If you are eventually planning adding coral to your saltwater aquarium you may want to start thinking ahead and purchase fish that are compatible with coral.

Setting up a Reef Saltwater Aquariums

Saltwater enthusiast have developed a love affair with coral reefs. There is nothing they love better then to design, stock and maintain a saltwater aquarium that is teaming with coral.

For years only the most adventurous were brave enough to tackle the challenges proposed by a reef saltwater aquarium. Until recently coral reef was notoriously hard to maintain.

Times have changed. Now there are several varieties of coral that even the most novice saltwater aquarium owner can enjoy.
The key to successfully maintaining a reef saltwater aquarium is to have your saltwater reef aquarium properly set up.

The first thing you'll want to find is a tank. Select the largest possible tank that you feel comfortable with. The greater the size of your tank, the greater the water mass encompassing the reef, and the more you will be able to duplicate the effects of the ocean. You can choose either the classic look of a glass aquarium or you can select an acrylic tank which gives you a larger variety of shapes and styles. Acrylic tanks are also more durable then glass tanks. Make sure that there is absolutely no copper anywhere in the tank. Copper has a lethal affect on coral.

Before adding the coral to your tank make sure that the temperature of your water stays consistent. The temperature should remain at 23-25 degrees Celsius (73-77 degrees Fahrenheit). Your coral will remain healthier in water that is always at the same temperature.

It is very important that your reef saltwater aquarium be properly filtered. The three types of filters are mechanical, biological, and chemical.

A mechanical filter is a filter made out of spun nylon floss. Mechanical filter trap and remove wasteful material and prevent your chemical and biological filters from becoming clogged. There are a variety of biological filters. Some use the tanks aquarium substrate as a part of the filtration system. The purpose of biological filters is to contain the biochemical properties and to break down waste products.

Chemical filters absorbs the ions of dissolved waste. Chemical filters are typically based on active carbon.

Many reef saltwater aquarium owners like to use other products such as Bioballs and Protein Skimmers to assist with their filtration system.

The PH level of a reef saltwater aquarium should hold steady at 8.2.

Coral reefs require a filtration system that circulates the tanks water. Moving water tends to be rich in oxygen and the currents carry food to the invertebrates living inside the immobile coral. A submersible pump will do wonders to increase the water flow in a saltwater aquarium.

When you decide that it is time to stock your reef saltwater aquarium with fish you need to remember a few things before rushing out to your favorite fish store.

Bear in mind that just because a variety of fish lives in the ocean does not automatically mean that it's compatible with coral. Some fish eat the invertebrates that make the coral reef their home. Some fish produce waste that is toxic to the coral. Some fish, like Blow-fish, produce a toxin when they die that can kill every living organism in your aquarium.

What Types of Hermit Crabs Should Be Placed in a Saltwater Aquariums?

Hermit crabs have been popular pets for adults and children alike for many years, and there are many who appreciate their unique beauty (and just as many do not-it's a matter of taste). With the increasing popularity of bringing a piece of the sea into the home it is no wonder that the notion of introducing hermit crabs into a saltwater aquarium has been gaining in popularity.

Just as there are many types of hermit crabs that can be kept as pets, so too are there many different breeds which can be kept in aquariums. Not all have the same chance for survival if kept in captivity, however, and it is important that the aquarium owner make sure that they are familiar with all of the specific needs of their hermit crabs before they are introduced to the aquarium. Below is an introduction to some of the most common breeds of aquarium hermit crabs.

- Red Hermit Crab (Dardanus megistos)- Also known as the White Spotted Hermit Crab this crab has red legs with black edged spots. It is not a safe addition to a reef aquarium but is very useful in keeping algae growth to a minimum in a community aquarium. Only one crab per aquarium please; these crabs are very protective of their personal space.

- Red Legged Hermit Crab (Clibanarius digueti)-these Mexican crabs are a hardy addition to any aquarium, eating algae from the tank. They demand a low level of copper in the water, however, as their bodies cannot survive in the presence of this metal.

- Scarlet Hermit Crab, or Reef Hermit Crab (Paguristes cadenati)-this hermit crab generally remains small, around two inches across, and has a red body with yellow eyestalks. They are very helpful in keeping the algae growth inside the aquarium under control; however, if insufficient algae is available inside the tank they must be supplementally fed with dried seaweed.

- Common Hermit Crab (Pagurus bernhardus)-These crabs are more common in Europe but can be found in other countries as well. Also known as the soldier crab.

Since these crabs carry their homes around on their backs it is important that they constantly have new shells available to them when they have outgrown their previous shell. A hermit crab in an improperly sized shell cannot grow properly. These shells can be purchased from a pet store or an online retailer or, if the owner is familiar with the requirements of their hermit crabs, these shells can often be found on a beach. If the owner chooses to go out into the wild and collect their own shells it is important that they choose the proper type of shell for their hermit crab to inhabit. As sea anemones are often an important part of the hermit crabs natural environment they make excellent tank mates, eating the leftovers when the hermit crab has finished a meal and cutting back on the amount of tank waste.

Hermit crabs are an intriguing addition to any tank, and require very little maintenance once their owners are familiar with their needs and their habits. With the proper care they can live for quite a while, providing endless hours of joy for their owners and their families.

Ice Fishing is Great Fun for Families

It’s great to fish in the summer when the air is warm and the lake is calm. There are fishermen, though, who can’t wait for winter and the lake to freeze solid. Ice fishing is a sport that many people enjoy, extending the fishing season to year-round pleasure. What’s more, ice fishing is a great family activity.

What makes ice fishing so appealing to families is that the sport isn’t just about catching fish. Getting outdoors and breathing crisp, good air while having fun sums up ice fishing well. Smiles, laughs, and playing in the snow are all pretty common occurrences while out on the ice. Those reasons are just some of the few that even people who hate fishing get hooked on this winter activity. If you’d like to try a day of ice fishing with your family, here are some things to keep in mind.

Ice fishing is usually a whole-day activity. Get out on the ice early after breakfast to enjoy the best hours. If you plan on bringing home a bunch of perch for a meal, then being ready with your lines in the water by the time the sun starts to rise is best. Fish tend to bite in the early morning or later in the afternoon, depending on the species. The period in between usually ends up being playtime for families rather than hours spent reeling up the fish.

Pack a good lunch and some snacks, because the fresh air and activity will stir appetites. Lots of finger foods and plenty of water to drink serve the purpose nicely. It’s a good idea to avoid bringing beer with you, though, as alcohol and cold don’t mix well. Alcohol can lower your body temperature and the chill in the air makes it harder to feel the effects You may end up going overboard without realizing you’ve had one to many to make the safe drive home.

Staying warm while ice fishing is a must. The open-air location will often carry a good breeze, so windproof clothing should be your first consideration. Plenty of layers underneath warm sweaters will trap the heat and keep you feeling toasty. Good boots and mitts of solid construction are best, and even better are those that are waterproof. Ice fishing involves playing in cold water, after all!

Some other accessories you’ll need are a warm hat and sunglasses. Bright sunlight reflects on the white snow and ice, which can be brutal on your eyesight and vision. Many ice anglers who don’t wear sunglasses come home and realize they can’t see well for over half an hour! Since the sun is so strong and the reflection off the snow amplifies its effects, it’s also easy to get sunburned, so apply plenty of sun block to avoid red cheeks.

If you’re new to ice fishing, choose an outfitter that will provide you with a cabin, a stove, lines, minnows and a hole-drilling service. These outfitters want to make sure you enjoy your day as much as possible and will set you up with everything you need for hours of fun. The employees will also be more than happy to answer your questions and give you tips on how to fish.

Once you’re set up, respect other people around you. Have a good time, but don’t blast a radio to upset the peace and quiet of other anglers. Don’t throw waste on the ice either and have a care for the environment. Some fishermen pour antifreeze in their holes to prevent ice from forming but antifreeze is toxic and this practice is an irresponsible one. Use the metal spoon provided to keep your holes from freezing over.

In addition, if you aren’t going to eat the fish you catch, handle them gently and practice catch and release. The growth rate and reproduction of fish is quite slow, which means negligent or abusive behaviour can put a dent in fish populations.

Lastly, pack up and head home before you get tired. Being outside for a few hours in cold temperatures will hit you hard once you get into a warm car. By the time you get home, you’ll probably feel exhausted. After a day of ice fishing, ordering a pizza for supper can be a godsend!

How to Install a Wall Mounted Aquarium

The life under the sea has long fascinated the landlubbers who attempt to learn its mysteries, and the privilege of being able to bring a small piece of it into their homes has proved too difficult to resist. Saltwater aquariums can be seen in homes around the world, containing everything from tropical fish to sharks and stingrays. For many, however, it is not enough to simply have a tank sitting in the middle of whatever room they have chosen to plant it in for them to look at and admire. They wish to be in the middle of the ocean itself, to find themselves surrounded by the marine life they have long admired.

Unfortunately, although science has made many advances in that area it is not yet possible for man to live under the sea. A small taste of what is would be like to have the ocean as your floor, walls and sky can be obtained by installing an in wall aquarium.

In wall aquariums come in many shapes and sizes, from tanks no larger than the screen on a small television sets to the great tanks that make up the walls of the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland. Installing these tanks is not difficult, although it does require a great deal of time and effort; however, with the proper directions and guidance anyone can allow themselves to enjoy these beautiful home accents.

Before you get too carried away with the concept of being able to float along in a mermaid lagoon (even if it is only in your mind) it is important that you first ensure that your home is going to be able to support the aquarium you wish to install in it. The strength of your wall studs is going to be the determining factor on whether it is possible to place an aquarium directly in the foundation of your home; if they are not strong enough to support the weight of the aquarium the mission must be aborted at the very beginning.

It is possible to hire a company to come and install your aquarium for you, ensuring that the cables and pumps will be neatly hidden and the aquarium seamlessly placed into the fabric of your home. While this is more expensive than doing it yourself it does guarantee success (after all, if a professional makes a mistake which installing your aquarium they are responsible for the repairs, not you). If you are new to the business of installing in home aquariums, or home repair in general, or if you do not have a great deal of time on your hands this is probably the option for you.

While in wall aquariums are more expensive than their traditional relations they bring with them a set of advantages uniquely their own. They generally require fewer cords and plugs, as well as less maintenance. They allow you to save space and ensure that little fingers do not find their way into the aquarium to torment the fish. Most of all, they allow you to bring just a little bit of every child's dream into your home, blending fantasy and reality in a way that was previously only available on t.v.

What to Feed Saltwater Fish Aquariums

You should be able to find several indispensable facts about saltwater fish aquarium in the following paragraphs. If there's at least one fact you didn't know before, imagine the difference it might make.

Anyone who has ever had a pet knows that one of the first things a responsible pet owner does is make sure their pet has a balanced diet. They know that the healthy their pets eat, the more likely they are to lead long and healthy lives. Fish kept in saltwater fish aquariums are exactly the same. The responsible saltwater aquarium owner knows exactly what types of food his fish needs to survive and makes sure they keep a ready supply of it on hand.

The first thing you need to know about feeding tropical fish is how much food they should be getting. The general rule of thumb is that when you feed your fish use a stopwatch and time how long it takes them to eat. It should take approximently two minutes for the fish to finish eating. If the fish in your tank finish their food in less then two minutes they probably aren't getting enough to eat. If after two minutes there is still food left over then they are probably getting over fed and you'll have to cut back. A more accurate way of measuring how much food that fifty adult tropical fish should eat approximately ten grams of food in one month, but that can carry with variety and growth.

A balanced fish food typically consists of ten percent fat, thirty to thirty-six percent protein. There should also be amino acids.

Is everything making sense so far? If not, I'm sure that with just a little more reading, all the facts will fall into place.

The first step in feeding your fish responsibly is knowing what type of food they eat. Some fish can not be kept in a tank that has coral because they like to eat the little invertebrates that make the coral their home. Predatory fish typically need to have frozen or live food. Bottom dwelling fish should be fed a type of food that is heavy enough to sink to the bottom of the tank, these fish do not do well with fish foods that float on the tanks surface. Aquarium owners who are interested in breeding their tropical fish often feed their fish brine shrimp, which they raise in their own brine shrimp hatchery.

Many saltwater fish aquariums caretakers like using automatic fish food feeders. Automatic fish food feeders are feeders that can be clamped to the side of the aquarium. Once the fish owner has loaded the hopper with food, the feeder will automatically dispense the food at regular intervals, this allows the fish owner to have more flexibility and not be forced to arrange their schedules around feeding their fish. The average automatic fish food feeder is not capable of dispensing frozen or live food, which does make them convenient for predatory fish. Some absentee fish owners place food blocks in their aquariums.

Tropical fish owners should store their extra fish food in a cool dry place in containers that won't allow moisture to seep in. Frozen fish food should be disposed of after three months.

One of the dangers in overfeeding fish is that the wasted food can wreck havoc on the pH levels of your aquariums water. If to much discarded food is contaminating the water it can contribute to the death of your fish.

It never hurts to be well-informed with the latest on saltwater fish aquarium. Compare what you've learned here to future articles so that you can stay alert to changes in the area of saltwater fish aquarium.

Creating the Perfect Reef Aquarium

Just as nature above the sea level is as variable as the sun, from the deserts of Arizona to the snow topped caps of the Swiss Alps, so can the world under the sea be a constant study in contrasts, with no two reefs the same. This is good news for the underwater enthusiast who is attempting to establish the perfect reef aquarium in their home; there is no established "formula" for the perfect tank. There's plenty of room for creativity!

One thing that cannot be shirked upon is the size of a tank. It must be more than adequate to allow the species of fish that are chosen to inhabit it plenty of room to exercise and grow. Just as a person cannot thrive in an enclosed environment, neither can a fish. A 75 gallon tank is a generous size for the home marine biologist to establish their own eco-system and allows for space for several species of fish to spread out (provided they are compatible species, of course. Putting two species together who are unsuited to tank life together is a recipe for disaster, regardless of the size of the tank).

Courtesy of advances in the convenience of establishing a home aquarium it is now possible to purchase an aquarium that has been pre-drilled in order to prevent overflow. This provides a cleaner look than the traditional "hang on the back" overflow system for the home professional who is attempting to create the picture perfect reef aquarium.

There are many options for decorating a reef aquarium, although it is generally much more aesthetically pleasing and healthy to the fish to keep all of the decorations one hundred percent organic. Live rock is a vital element to any eco-system, yet makes a lovely addition to a home saltwater aquarium. The microorganisms which grow on the rock (the rock is not really alive, obviously; it gets its name from the fact that it is a natural habitat for many species of bacteria) will help to filter out the harmful waste products produced by the fish that will accumulate in the water of a saltwater aquarium in spite of the filtering system-after all, how often does Mother Nature need to clean her saltwater aquarium? She has created the perfect filtering system as long as man does not add any elements to throw off the balance.

Live plants and coral are also essential elements to the perfect reef aquarium. There are many different types of plants which can be added to a reef aquarium, and it is best to choose based on the species of fish which will be inhabiting the tank. For successful transplantation of live aquarium plants it is essential that the sand or silt on the bottom of the tank be deep enough to allow the roots of the plants to successfully take hold. These plants will also require additional light and carbon dioxide to allow for proper photosynthesis.

There are many options for creating the perfect saltwater aquarium, many of them very costly; however, with the proper mix of imagination and frugality it is possible to create a reef aquarium that is aesthetically, ecologically and financially friendly.

Purchasing a Tropical Saltwater Aquarium

It would be a mistake for a person to plan on putting together a tropical saltwater aquarium without first learning how to set the aquarium up first.

Before you can set up your aquarium and start filling it with exotic fish you need to purchase the items that will make your tropical saltwater aquarium a success.

The first thing the potential saltwater enthusiast needs to purchase is an aquarium. Tropical saltwater aquariums can range in size from small , which are typically twenty gallons, to large, which can hold up to one thousand gallons. When you go to the store to purchase the aquarium consider how much work you'll want to invest in your tropical saltwater aquarium once its up and running. The larger the tank the more time you'll spend cleaning and maintaining the aquarium. Another thing that you should consider when purchasing a aquarium is whether or not you want the tank to have a background. Many owners of tropical saltwater aquariums like to add to the ambiance of their aquarium by painting a back ground on the tank, this must be done before filling the tank with water. Also make sure that you purchase a filter that is large enough and powerful enough to filter your tank. You will also need to get a heater that is capable of warming the water in your tank, remember tropical fish and tropical coral mean are accustomed to warm water.

The next thing the potential saltwater enthusiast needs to do is decide what kind of aquarium substrate you would like lining the bottom of your aquarium. You can line your aquarium with a layer of crushed coral or a layer of live sand.

The next thing you'll need to get is a saltwater mix and a saltwater hydrometer. You can purchase both of these items at a store that specializes in tropical saltwater aquariums.

While your at the pet store and your credit card is out, you might as well purchase a spare filter. While your doing that you should also buy a replacement filter media. This media can be something like activated carbon and filter floss. Purchasing a replacement filter right away can save you a lot of time and money if your original filter abruptly stops working. It might not be a bad idea to purchase a spare heater for your aquarium.

Saltwater test kits are kits that test the levels of ammonia, nitrate, Salinity/specific gravity, carbon dioxide, pH levels, alkalinity, Chlorine/chlorine, carbonate water hardness, phosphate, dissolved oxygen, and the amount of iron in your aquariums water. Purchase several of these kits and use them often. One way you can save a little money on saltwater test kits is by purchasing a master test kit. The master test kit.

Other items every successful tropical saltwater aquarium owner keeps on hand are rubber gloves, an aquarium glass scrub brush, two large five gallon bucket, a power strip. and a fish net.

Responsible tropical saltwater aquarium owners have a spare quarantine tank where they can keep newly purchased fish or fish that appear to be getting sick.

Blue Marlin Fishing

Marlins are characterized as big game saltwater fish. The average weight of a blue marlin is anywhere from one hundred to five hundred pounds. Their bodies can reach the length of ten feet and they are mainly found in the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans. The blue marlin is known for its ability to fight, so you must be willing to match the marlin’s will to live in order to take the sport seriously. Just like any other fish, the importance of learning the habits of the blue marlin is essential before trying to make them submissive to a hook.

When marlin are in their primitive habitat they will feed on many things including mullet, cero, whole ballyhoo, dolphin, flying fish, bonito, skipjacks, squid and Spanish mackerel. The reason for understanding the marlin’s eating habits is to know what bait will be useful to catch these mammoth fish. Any combination of the aforementioned fish will be more than sufficient bait when trying to catch your marlin.

A simple technique used in marlin fishing is the lure of the “bonito” bait. You take the bonito and hook it through the tops of their eye sockets. The bonito will stay alive for hours, making your job more about patience.

Make sure that you have half of the line on your reel because marlin have a stubborn streak and they will try to fight you until you are tired or are dragged under by the weight and persistence. Wheel in your line consistently after the marlin first takes a bite of the bait. If your line seems to be too tight, loosen up the slack in order to give the marlin a little more room. This technique will also allow you to take a small break here and there. Loosening your line will also decrease the chance that the line will break, which is a common cause of anglers losing their game.

Another traditional method for finding marlin is the study of their behavior. Marlin will usually follow schools of fish. They will also be more susceptible to trolling. Trolling is simple enough if you employ logic when you use the method. For instance, if you spot a marlin following a school of fish, do not drop your bait in front of the fish because they will scatter and scare the marlin. If the sun is positioned in front of the marlin, he will be oblivious to your bait because he will be unable to see it.

The best way to find marlin is through the use of modern technology. An ultrasound sensor is a tool that is used to spot marlin. However, the gadgets for fishing are not cheap. Unless you are someone who is dedicated to solely fishing for marlin, be careful of the purchases that you make. Often times companies will make products that are specifically designed for a certain type of fishing, in a certain location, or even a region. Make sure that you do your research before you buy any electronic fishing tool.

The one thing to keep in mind about marlin is their will to survive. A fight with a marlin could last for hours without the slightest bit of relief. If at any time you feel like you are becoming exhausted and the fish is still going strong, cut the line. If you land a blue marlin you will feel an exhilarating sense of accomplishment, but there is no achievement that should allow you to put yourself in danger at any time. Marlin fishing should be a hobby, but it is a hobby that should be approached with intelligence. You should always know the strength of your opponent before you take the challenge of a fight. The marlin is a beautiful fish, that if you become good enough, can make you a lot of money, but it will take a will that matches the fish to beat the fish.

Fishing for Sharks

It seems like every sport has a category that is set aside for the extreme. Believe it or not, there are some that were not deterred by the movie Jaws and they choose to seek out sharks instead of run from them. If you are so bold as to take on shark fishing, you should understand some basics before hitting the open sea.

If your goal is to actually catch a shark, the best time to do it is in June. The temperature is not too hot and it will attract more of the predators you seek. If you decide to fish for sharks in the middle of the summer, you should be aware of water temperatures and try to find the coolest spot possible.

When you plan a shark-fishing trip, you need to be prepared. Many people would advise keeping a checklist beforehand in order to help you with preparation. Some things that you should include when packing for your trip are chum and proper gear. Your rods and reels should be able to handle a three hundred fish or greater. Typically, you should plan to fish with three to five baits in the water at a time. Therefore, you will need many rod and reel setups to accompany the ratio of bait.

The best rod to use is a fifty to eighty pound class rod. You should not forget your harness and safety straps (you do not want to fall overboard and become live bait). In addition, you want to remember your bait and chum. Running chum is the most effective way to trap a shark so be prepared for a mess onboard.

It is important to know what species of shark you are wanting to fish. Different sharks swim at different levels and temperatures. In order to set a shark trap, you will have to tie your farthest bait off the bow rail with a flat line clip. Make sure that the line is out of the way and stay in the highest rocket holder on the particular side of the boat from which you are fishing. You should attach your bait, attach a weight or balloon on the line, and plunge it approximately eighty feet. The second rod’s bait is set down sixty feet while resting in the trolling holder; this line is also attached to the midship with a rubber band. The third line is set down thirty feet with no balloon but rather free bait. You should make sure that your drags are loose so that you will be alerted early by the clicking sound of the reel. If you color code your balloons, it will be easier to tell which rod is being pulled.

Once you have waited and finally caught your shark, be prepared. Sharks will have different temperaments and act according to their agitation. Some sharks have been known to slightly drag the bait before they swallow, while other sharks will run at the boat, run in the opposing direction from the boat, or come right up to the boat. If you need a harness, make sure that the harness is safely attached to the boat and the reel.

Once you have the shark close to the boat, your experienced sidekick will be able to help. You will want to hand wire the shark into the boat. Hand wires are meant to be sturdy and they will not break if you are attached to them. Do not wrap the wire around your hand because you want to be able to let go of the wire easily if you have to. If you are keeping a shark, you will need to gaff and rope it by its tail.

Remember that you should only keep a shark if you have plans to eat it, use it in a tournament or if you believe it is a contender for the world record. You can take a picture with the shark without killing it.

Preparing for Ice Fishing

Many people have never experienced fishing beyond what goes on at the lake during the summer. Avid anglers know about a whole other world of fishing waiting for them once the temperature drops. Ice fishing is a fantastic winter sport and an excellent family activity. It’s cheap, it’s easy, and it’s fun to do. Here is some basic information about ice fishing in the winter:

Dress warmly, more so than usual. Ice fishing takes place in the open, which means that winds will be noticeable and can be a factor in comfort. You should have plenty of layers beneath a windproof coat – it’s best to need to take off layers than not have enough from the start, as cooling down is easier than warming up. If the temperature is not very cold and no wind is present, you will probably be able to take your coat off and remove a few layers.

Waterproof boots are a good idea, as are thick, waterproof gloves. A good pair of mitts and a spare set (just in case) are fine too. A neck warmer and a hat are a must. Also, watch out for sunburn – the reflection of the sun’s rays on the snow and ice can pack a double whammy and leave you with a red face. Your eyes will also take a hit from the combination of sun and snow, so wear sunglasses to avoid eye damage.

There is not much equipment involved in ice fishing. If you choose an outfitter, they will supply you with everything you need from drilled holes to lines to bait. Many people like to purchase their own ice-fishing equipment for convenience’s sake, but it’s best to give the sport a couple of tries to see if you really enjoy it before heading to the store. If you do decide to buy your own ice-fishing equipment, here is what you will need:

An ice auger for drilling holes will be your biggest expense. There are hand-cranked models that can cost about $100 or gas-powered ones that ring in around $300. Hand-cranked models may be attractive for small budgets but they can be very tiring to use and demand a certain amount of strength and stamina. It will also be difficult to open a number of holes in a short amount of time. Gas-powered models are easier and faster, cutting through ice very quickly, but they can be heavy to manipulate, though there are smaller models hitting the market each year.

Beyond the ice auger, you will need lines. There are traditional stick models that are very simple in construction or rod and reel models. Both models can be jigged manually to attract fish or can be affixed in the snow or on a rack so that you don’t have to provide hands-on attention. Fishing lines are not a big expense and lower-end models cost less than $10 each. Flags and gimmicks of higher-end models don’t really affect results.

The last few accessories are very cheap (less than $10 each) and easy to obtain. You’ll need a bucket to hold your bait (usually live minnows), a net for scooping, an ice spoon to remove slush from holes when they start to freeze over, and a second bucket to turn over for an impromptu seat. Small hot pads tucked into your mitts or pockets will help to keep fingers warm, as putting minnows on hooks usually requires bare hands in frigid temperatures.

When you head out for your day, bring a lunch and some snacks as well as something to drink. The fresh air will leave you hungrier than usual. Avoid drinking alcohol, as it’s quite easy to go overboard in the cold air and not notice the effects of one too many until it’s too late. In addition, alcohol tends to lower the body’s temperature and makes it difficult to stay warm.

Be sure that the ice is safe to walk or drive on. Test the thickness and keep an eye out for water or any suspicious areas. The recommended thickness of ice for walking on is 6 inches. If you are planning to drive a vehicle onto the ice, wait until the thickness is well over 10 inches. Never drive fast on ice, even when thickness isn’t an issue, as ice is flexible and the weight of a vehicle creates an air bubble in front of the car. An automobile moving too quickly can drive over the air bubble. With no water support beneath, the ice can easily break beneath your vehicle.

Fishing for Beginners

If you are new to the sport of fishing, you need to know some of the basic rules of fishing. Like other forms of hunting, fishing involves both your environment and those around you. Be respectful of both. You can responsibly enjoy this treasured pastime in several ways.
 
Fishing is an ancient practice. It dates back nearly 10,000 years. A number of various techniques and traditions have been used during fishing's progression. Modern technological developments have changed the way people fish, but many of the same rules, regulations, and social norms involving fishing remain.
 
Always practice good stewardship of our waterways when you are fishing. Remember that these waterways were around thousands of years before you and will remain long after we are gone. You can make a conscious decision to leave the areas in which people fish in better condition than when you found it. Take care of our lakes, rivers, and other waterways so that others will enjoy these areas for years to come. Practicing certain behaviors will ensure that you are taking good care of the places where people fish.
 
Never litter when you are fishing. Always bring a trash bag or other receptacle to use for the collection of your trash. You can easily deposit it in a nearby trash receptacle. Dump your refuse in properly assigned dumping stations instead of tossing it in the water. You do not need to spend much time figuring out the many ways in which this hurts the environment.
 
As you fish, always use the correct type of bait and fishing gear. Certain areas allow for certain bait and gear. You will also encounter limits on the number, size, and kind of fish that you can keep. Become familiar with what these limits are and pay attention to them. Do not wait until you are at your fishing spot to search for what is allowed and what is not. Check with your destination before you head out on your fishing trip to see what the local regulations allow. If you plan on using a boat while fishing, research to see what kinds of watercraft are allowed where you are going to fish.
 
Every fishing location is different, so pay special attention to local procedures and cautions. This also applies when you decide to clean your boat after you leave the water. You do not want to spread non-native species to another body of water.
 
Finally, never fish where it is not permitted. There is always a reason why it is illegal. Some reasons include the protection of certain wildlife, the proper care of vegetation, and the safety of you and others who want to fish.
 
You should also follow a number of cautionary behaviors to ensure your safety. As with all forms of hunting, safety is first. If you will be using a boat while you fish, always wear your life jacket. Make sure that your passengers wear their life jackets, as well.
 
Be very careful when baiting and removing hooks. Make sure that you never fish on unauthorized waterways. Follow the posted speed limits and wake warnings that accompany the use of a boat. Bring with you all relevant safety items, such as water, flashlights, maps, and a cell phone.
 
Fishing continues to be a favorite pastime. 2001 saw nearly 16% of the U.S. population over the age of 16 spend 16 days fishing. You enjoy the sport of fishing, so follow the rules that allow for the continuation of fishing. Be responsible and courteous of others and your environment. Take time to discover how you can be both a better and safer angler.

Hawaii Charter Fishing

Sometimes the hardest thing about going on vacation is the overdose of downtime. You want to find enough things to do to keep you busy, but not too much to where you feel overloaded. Chartering a fishing boat has its advantages, but on the island of Hawaii, it is a day trip that you do not want to miss. There are certain basics when chartering a boat, but since Hawaii is not just a hop, skip and jump away, you want to make your plans ahead of time while having all of your questions answered.

First of all, you will need a boat. Hawaii has hundreds of charter boats throughout the islands, so availability will not be an issue. The companies that charter boats have certain criteria that they have to follow in order to run their business. The boat must be inspected for proper gear, maintenance, and repair history. They are also inspected for their experience level. No one wants to pay for a charter and catch a fish that the crew cannot handle.

The charter trips are typically broken up into various price categories. Prices will vary depending on where you are staying and where you want to fish. For instance, Kona has the lowest prices but the most competition for marlin fishing while Lahaina is the most expensive.

If you are concerned about the fish, do not worry. Most of the charters will succumb to whatever you want to do with your catches. If you want to take them home or if you want to cook them for dinner, it should not matter as long as you make your requests up front. Hawaii does have a deep-rooted tradition of selling Billfish and this concept offends many anglers. Today, many charters are willing to throw the Billfish back (at the customer’s request), but don’t be surprised if this is not the case.

You should also know that when you charter a boat, you are not chartering fish. A charter is to allow you to have an experience out on the water enjoying the scenery and trying to catch a fish. Fishing is a sport where there are no guarantees and there is no way of predicting where fish will be and when. If you charter a boat with the expectation of a refund for a bad catch day, you will be disappointed. There is no charter trip that will refund your money for a lack of fish on a given day.

Some of the things that you will need when you charter a boat for the day are not what you may expect. Most boats will provide you with tackle and equipment, but that is it. You are expected to bring your own snacks and drinks. You should also invest in some Bullfrog sunscreen, which is waterproof and commonly used on boats. Another good tool essential to fishing are sunglasses. Your sunglasses should be polarized so that you can see the fish clearer than other glasses. Lastly, bring an extra towel and t-shirt because you will probably get wet.

Make sure to leave your bananas behind. Hawaii, as well as many other fishing places, has a strict policy against bananas being onboard. They are thought to bring bad luck, so do not try to test this theory or your day may be extremely unpleasant.

Hawaii can be a little more difficult to plan a fishing trip on the spur of the moment because the locals usually have conflicting opinions. Try to do some research on the islands that you want to fish and then book a charter through a major company that has a trusted record.

Fishing with Live Bait

There are many myths that surround using live bait instead of artificial and most of them are not true. Live bait is still used by many anglers. The one factual part of live bait, which no one can dispute, it that is often messy, and it smells terrible. If you can surmount these two factors, you will be in good shape to try live bait on your next fishing outing.

There are some basic principles that should not be ignored when using live bait. None of the principles concerning live bait are clean or nice, but they are mandatory. You should never handle live bait when your hands are dry. Bait has a slimy layer on the outside, which is protective as well as inviting to predators, and if your hands are dry you will risk removing that layer.

If you are running short on live bait, try to save the bait that dies in your live well or in a nearby bucket. When your live bait has run out, you will still be able to use the freshly dead bait on your hook to attract fish. All you have to do is cast your line and bob it a little to give the appearance that your decoy has some life left. Be careful of the weight that you put on a line with live bait. Fish are going to spot a weight if it is too heavy and weighting down the bait. Your weight or sinker should be light enough to give the bait the appearance of free floating in the water.

Seasonal fishing can change the perspective on live bait. For instance, the summer months can be brutal, especially in the South. You may need to adjust your thinking and practices when the summer months hit. Keeping the bait alive will be the hardest obstacle for any angler in the summer. In order to keep your bait living, you will need to change out the water regularly so that the oxygen can keep flowing through to the bait. However, you can’t just stop at changing out the water.

The temperature of the water is crucial because the water on the surface is hot and deadly for living bait. Therefore, having ice on hand to put into the live well will be the most beneficial way of keeping your live bait happy until they reach the hook. There is also a bait shortage during the summer months on things like shrimp and live croaker. You will save yourself a lot of time if you call the bait shop the night before to ensure that the bait you want is available. The shrimp are the most common bait in the summertime, but they are not as effective as you may think. When everyone is using shrimp, the fish are not as excited by them because they see them everywhere. Try using a baitfish that is not as often used in the summer months and guarantee a better chance of catching a fish.

Some other tips you should keep in mind when fishing with live bait is to never hook your live bait in the eyes. The reason is that you want the bait to see the fish approach them because they will become more excited and it will cause the fish to latch on better. Another thing is that you should add water softener salt to the water that is holding your live bait. The salt will make the scales of your bait harder while instantaneously preserving the slimy coat that attracts predators.

Lastly, you should make sure that you know how to properly throw a casting net before trying to catch bait. People often times throw the net too hard or too soft and this results in frustration and a net that does not consistently open.

Live bait can come in handy when you are trying to have a big day out at sea. Reason and logic will tell you that a fish would be more attracted to real food as oppose to faux food. However, the live bait does increase the workload so make sure you are prepared to deal with the entire package before committing to fishing with live bait.

Fishing With GPS

In this day and age, you would be hard pressed to find a fishing boat without some sort of fish finding device. GPS devices have become the latest in technology and water safety when it comes to fishing. They are used as a means of navigation and a way to mark your spot so that you can find it again in the future.

A GPS is a Global Positioning System that is made primarily for navigational purposes. They work off a network of satellites that are placed into orbit by the United States Government. The best part about a GPS system is that because they operate off satellite, they can be used in any weather conditions at any hour of the day.

The satellites will circle the earth twice during the day and transmit signal information to Earth. The signals can then be used to calculate the user’s exact location by implementing triangulation and pinpointing exact spots. Triangulation means that the GPS receiver must be locked into three spots before a calculation of longitude and latitude can be displayed. After the satellites have mapped the location, the GPS can narrow in on other satellites for useful information such as speed, track, trip distance, destination distance and sunrise or sunset times.

The accuracy of the GPS system is very acute because of the multi-channel designs that are available. A GPS will lock onto a satellite and maintain that lock through one of their channels. A GPS fish finder is accurate up to fifteen meters while the newer models increase in accuracy up to three meters.

There are many benefits to investing in a GPS and people are using GPS more regularly and relying on them more than the more traditional ways of navigation such as maps and charts. If you have plot points that you have saved on a GPS, you may be able to save time and frustration on the open seas by going directly to the location that had the fish the last time you went out. Another advantage to the GPS is that it can detect hot fishing spots that may not be detected by older maps or charts. In addition, if you find a perfect fishing spot, you can share it with a friend when you go fishing on another boat.

GPS systems are also a great safety tool when you are out on the water. Many times, especially if there are many people socializing on a boat, it can be easy to lose concentration. People will easily be turned around or lost and a GPS is an easy tool to use to find your way back home. You can also use a GPS system if there is unexpected bad weather such as fog or heavy rain. GPS systems are also equipped with mapping software that makes it easier to find a dock. The GPS is so accurate that it is able to communicate exact positions to the Coast Guard or rescue crew if an emergency arises.

You can purchase a handheld GPS online or at your local marine or boating store. Ask a salesperson to help explain the different features and costs for the varying models. If you decide to purchase your boat from a dealer, you will need a built-in GPS. Your local boat supplier will be able to give you a reference to someone who can properly install your electronics.
You should never rely on just one navigation tool when you are fishing. A GPS seems to cover all of the bases, but it is still a computerized tool. You should always be proactive about your safety and always have marine maps and charts onboard at all times. You should also have a handheld radio handy in case of emergencies.

Freshwater Trout

People been fishing for sport for in around fifty generations now. What started as a means of survival has become a favourite pastime in North America and beyond, creating a hunger for fishing tips and aspects of fishing to be revealed in many different contexts. Learning about fishing and learning about different types of fish can be very exciting and interesting to many people.

Trout is the most common freshwater fish. They are equal to any other of the sport fish and they stand at the top of the food chain in most rivers and streams where they live. Years ago, a successful angler was judged by how many of these popular fish he could catch at one time, but now the wise angler practises catch-and-release tactics so the numbers of trout will always be plentiful. Part of what makes an angler a responsible one is caring for the sport of fishing and fish populations for generations to come.

The most popular trout fish that anglers enjoy trying to lure in is known as the “brown trout”. The brown trout provides plenty of excitement for anglers and tests fishing skills. Because it often feeds on the surface, the brown trout is considered a fish designed for the angler. It is a cold-water fish that lives in lakes and streams and jumps around the most when the water temperature is just right The brown trout got its reputation from rich English gentleman who enjoyed the trout’s fight. The world record brown trout weighed around forty pounds and was taken in Arkansas in 1992.

One of the most the most glamorized fish of the trout family actually is not a trout at all. Surprisingly, scientists have recently discovered the rainbow trout is actually a smaller cousin of the Pacific Salmon. Rainbow trout are considered a peaceful fish despite their family heritage. They coexist with any other fish in the stream. While the brown trout prefers slower water and calmer pools, the rainbow trout likes the more oxygen-rich fast running water. That enthusiasm makes the rainbow a favourite of the angler.

There is yet another trout that is not actually a trout. The Brooke trout or “brookie” lives in the cooler streams of the north-eastern US and is related to the char. This makes it a relative of the lake trout rather than a member of the family. Because the fish is only found in wilderness areas, the Brooke trout is a special favourite with anglers. Wherever they’re found, fisherman can be sure the water is pure and the ecology unspoiled. The “brookie” is often criticized for being pretty but not necessarily smart. Although anglers praise them for their beauty, it’s well known that there are harder fish to catch. The world record for the biggest Brooke trout takes place in Canada in 1918. A fourteen-pound “brookie” was caught in the Nipigon River in Ontario, Canada.

Other trout species include the red trout, a species that enjoys hiding in bracken and branches, and the deeper-water lake trout. Current population control laws protect the lake trout, requiring anglers to release catches that measure certain sizes. The size of the lake trout indicates its potential to spawn and release fertilized eggs. With continued programs of trout population protection and responsible fishing, the trout will certainly continue to survive for generations to come.

Fishing With Children

Often times as adults, we want to share our hobbies and pastimes with our children. However, it can be difficult to decide when that pastime is appropriate. Children have shorter attention spans that make it difficult to calculate when they are ready for certain things. Fishing is a common hobby of many people around the world and many people are eager to introduce their children to fishing the minute they can hold a fishing rod. Fishing is a lesson in patience for children and a structured way to teach them a sport that involves precision and safety.

When you take your child fishing, the most important thing to keep in mind is their safety. What kind of fishing are you trying to introduce? Are you thinking about a day of bottom fishing? Does pier fishing suit your needs? Are you going to go all out and take your child for a deep-sea fishing excursion?

Regardless of what you decide is best, you should have the basic safety essentials with you at all times. A first aid kit is mandatory because whenever a kid is involved accidents will happen. Children tend to get poked, scratched, and barbed, so you need to be prepared. If you are going out into the sea and away from the shore, make sure that you have life jackets and make sure that your child is wearing one even he or she has no intention of getting into the water. Keep in mind your child’s abilities when it comes to swimming. If you do not think that they are a strong swimmer, you may want to keep your boat docked.

Make sure to buy and stock your child’s tackle box. A youngster’s first tackle box should be small and lightweight. There is nothing complex about the contents of a beginner's tackle box. All a child needs are some pre-tied hooks, some bobbers, a couple of weights, swivels, and small scissors or fingernail clippers to cut their line. A tackle box is a fingerprint for many who view it as a personal expression. Let your child see the basics so that they can build their own to represent themselves one-day.

Make sure to lead by example when you take your child fishing. Teach them how to keep the line taut so that they will be able to respond properly if a fish bites their line. As soon as your child feels the bite, teach them how to set the hook. Tug back on the rod in order to firmly set the hook in the fish’s lip. Take the time with your child to let them learn techniques like “playing the fish”. Part of the fun of fishing is the struggle between the man and the fish, so let your child have the entire experience and not just a partial one.

When you introduce fishing to your child, you have certain advantages to teaching them at a younger rather than older age. Younger child have a greater absorption rate with a desire to soak up as much information as they can. Take the time that you and your child are sharing to educate them about catch and release regulations and fishing for food as opposed to pleasure. If your child decides that they want to let the fish that you catch go, make sure that you know the right way to release. Cleaning the fish can either make a child vomit or ask when the next trip is going to be, so use discretion in regards to age when preparing your catch for dinner.
There will be good days and bad days when fishing with your kids. Kids have a tendency to not listen, become disinterested fast or fall asleep at inopportune times. Patience is the key to taking children out for a day of fishing. Repetition will also make your child more comfortable with the whole process. Regardless of whether a fish is caught or not, take the time to bond with your child while using fishing as an excuse.

Catch and Release Fishing

Fishing is a sport, but it has become less about survival and more about fun in recent decades. There is an issue of fish becoming depleted and many anglers are now employing the practice of catch and release fishing. Catch and release fishing is a great theory, but many people are doing it incorrectly and as a result many fish are dying. A few steps should be followed when trying to catch and release a fish. Once you get the hang of how to do it correctly, you will be able to enjoy your hobby and keep the population of fish full in your favorite stream or lake.

The best place to start is with the hooks. A fish that has a hole through its mouth is going to be more likely to survive than a fish with a hole in its lung or gill. If you happen to hook a fish in the gut, the best thing to do is to cut off the hook as much as you can then release the fish. Many times the hook will dissolve and the fish will spit it out, but they can also live with a rusted hook hanging from them. Whatever you do, do not tug on your line to pull a hook out or you will severely hurt the fish. If you are able to easily remove the hook, use a pair of needle nose pliers. The process of pulling the hook out is easier if you remove the barbs from the hooks, but try not to wiggle while you pull the hook out.

Fish are obviously unable to survive outside of the water. Therefore, the longer that it takes you to release them, the more it becomes as if you are suffocating them. The way that a fish is gripped when out of the water will make a big difference. For instance, avoid touch a fish’s body with your bare hands. The fish have a slimy protective coat that will be stripped if you touch them with your hands. If you have to touch a fish, make sure that your hands are wet. You may want to wear gloves to protect your hands from cuts or permeating fish smells.

Part of the fun in fishing is to “play out” the fish. The struggle can be what some anglers wait all day to do. Fish are like humans; when they “work out,” they build up lactic acid. When you are fighting a fish, they are fighting too. Just like when someone works his or her body out and it feels sore, a fish experiences the same thing. The build up of lactic acid can be toxic to a fish even days later. Therefore, if you are going to practice catch and release, try to keep the struggle to a minimum.

Try not to let a fish flop around when you catch them. A fish that flops around can bruise or damage its internal organs, causing them to die later from the injuries that are incurred. You can also revive a fish if you need to do so. A fish is likely to run out of oxygen and pass out, so to speak. In order to revive a fish, you place the fish in the water with their belly down and gently grasp their tail. Start to slowly move their tail back and forth until they give you the signal that they are ready to take off into the water. Sometimes you will need to repeat the process more than once, but don’t let a fish go until they are ready. A fish that is not ready to swim could get carried away and swept into rocks or embankment and cause serious injury.

More than anything, when you are practicing catch and release, have everything ready to go. Make sure that your camera, pliers, and gloves are in reaching distance. Try to take the precautions necessary to preserve fish and one of America’s favorite pastimes.

Tropical Fish Aquarium

Tropical fish are beautiful and are brilliant for keeping at home provided that they have the right habitat. When thinking of keeping tropical fish always remember to have a suitable home for them, a large enough tank, clean fresh water, a tank that resembles their natural habitat and plenty of food. When fish are happy then they are likely to live longer so making sure that you fish has all those things mentioned then you are already on your way to being a great fish keeper.

There are several types of fish that you can have in your tropical fish aquarium. You can keep smaller fish such as Neon’s, Tetras, Angel fish, Guppies and Gourami’s or you can keep larger fish for example cichlids or Malawi’s. When it comes to cichlids and Malawi's there are different types of fish that fall into these categories. Cichlids are well known to be like cannibals, there are fish such as Oscars, black belts, jaguars, parrots and Jack Dempsey’s to name a few. The list goes on. Malawi cichlids have fish like Black Doral’s, blue nose, chidunga and luhuchi to name a few.

Tropical fish aquariums are made up with freshwater. The water needs to be completely purified, no salt or chlorine in the water. The best thing to do is set up your tank about four weeks before purchasing any fish and let the bacteria cycle, this will give your fish the best start in your tank. You get what is known as new tank syndrome, if you put your fish in the tank too soon. The bacteria has not had enough time to build up and the fish suffer. The bacteria is extremely important as this is what gets rid of the fish waste and if there is not enough bacteria the waste gathers and becomes toxic to the fish. This is also why a lot of learning needs to be done. Never use fresh water always take out boiled tank water to clean your filter so that you don’t destroy the good bacteria! When cleaning the gravel in your tropical aquarium always remember to have some water prepared a few weeks beforehand. Fill up a bucket of water and leave some chlorine solution in it. This will also help to protect your fish.

A tropical fish aquarium is an absolutely stunning piece of furniture for any home but it does require constant attention, so you have to make sure that you know what is involved before getting into fish keeping. If you are ready for the challenge and you can keep your tank clean and your fish happy, then there is no reason why you can't be a great fish keeper, good luck!

Tropical Aquarium

Tropical Aquariums are for keeping tropical fish, but you can have two different types of fish, saltwater or freshwater. Saltwater fish obviously needs saltwater and the salt needs to be a regulated level along with the PH and temperature. Freshwater fish need to have fresh purified water, both of these set ups need the good bacteria that helps to keep the aquariums clean.

Tropical aquariums that contain saltwater are only for saltwater fish. If you put a freshwater fish in this tank it will die! Saltwater fish are made to stand the levels of salt and are essential for the fish to breath and move. If salt wasn’t present they would die a death like suffocation. In saltwater aquariums you need to make sure that there are living rocks in it, this means rocks that already have the good bacteria present. You then need to leave the rock in the tank for at least two months before putting any fish in, this is to get a bacteria cycle on the go. Once the bacterium has built up, I set up the filter. After that it is safe to add the fish.

Freshwater tropical aquariums are for fish that need clear and clean water. This water has to be chlorine and ammonia free. The freshwater tank also needs to be set up and cycling for at least four weeks before adding any fish to it, as this will help the bacteria to build and make sure that the ammonia levels are kept to a bare minimum, ammonia is a substance that will kill our fish as it makes breathing for them very hard to do. You know when your tank has very high levels of ammonia because the fish are at the top of the tank struggling to breath but the trick is not to change the water, what to do is clean out the filter in some of the tank water (in a separate bowl of course) and then put it back in within a day or so. The water will be in a completely better condition. Purchase a water test kit to check your levels or nutrients before putting in your fish, they are not expensive but are a great help.

Tropical aquariums are stunning ornaments in any household! Just make sure that you don’t forget about the work and responsibility involved, they may be fish but they are still alive and should of course be kept that way!

Saltwater Aquarium

Saltwater aquariums are for fish that can only live in salt water obviously. Some of the fish are grouped for example triggers and groupers. Each play their part in the salt water aquarium set up. You can also keep corals and anemones as well as saltwater fish, but avoid things like crabs and shrimps and snails as they will try to eat the anemones.

Fish are a beautiful addition to this kind of tank, the lights accentuate the beauty of the fish and the tank looks like the deep blue sea, try to add a solid blue background at the back of the tank and the light will make the tank look fantastic and like something that you will only see in movies. There are lots if different fish that are available to be put in the tanks such as: Lion Fish, Puffer Fish, Eels, Panther Groupers, Shrimps, Crabs and dog puffers. Each of these fish is stunning and under the light of tank against the deep blue background will keep you in awe!

Another variant that you can keep in a saltwater aquarium is a coral or an anemone. Some people only have these types of living things in their saltwater tank but they can be put in with some fish, most other fish will try to eat them especially the anemones. These types of plants are living, the anemones need to be hand fed, you should just place the food on top of it and it will then curl itself around the food and open up its mouth and feed itself, its is a miraculous thing to watch.

Saltwater aquariums are like watching the ocean, the colours bounce of the fish and hey all get on so well, but it is like any other type of fish species; if it is smaller it will get eaten by something bigger. You also have to watch out because some of the fish are poisonous, for example the lion fish; its tentacles if touched will sting your hand and you need to seek medical help straight away! Saltwater aquariums are only for the professional fish keeper though, as it takes a lot of work to get the conditions for the fish correct, the saltwater needs to be at a safe level as does the temperature and the PH. This is a hard work task but the rewards are well worth the effort.

Reef Aquarium

When choosing the route that you want to follow when it comes to aquariums a reef set up is probably one of the more complex set ups that you can choose. Reef aquariums are full of corals and anemones; they also include some reef fish. Some fish can’t be included in a reef set up as they eat the anemones! Anemones are very delicate types of plants. I must say that they eat their food very funny! When feeding an anemone just lay the fish food over the anemone and the anemone then takes the food in its tentacles and starts to curl its self over and then place the food down into its mouth (the small crease that opens when the anemone is feeding in the middle of it!)

Reef aquariums are one of the most beautiful set ups that you will see, with a special set of lights you can ensure that your corals and anemones are going to look stunning. Also some fish can be included in your reef aquarium. Although when setting up your reef aquarium make sure that you avoid bottom feeders such as shrimps and crabs, another type of fish to avoid when it comes to anemones are the different kinds of puffer fish as they like to eat them although they sting! Crabs and shrimps like to eat and pick away at the reef life as well. So these are not advised!

After choosing the things that you want to include in your tank, you then have to make sure that you have the proper conditions for them. You have to ensure that the PH level, salt level and temperature are all correct for the things that you are going to place in your aquarium. If the conditions are not what the reef requires, then it will die! If taken care of ,your reef will grow to a beautiful picture and look absolutely stunning! What would you prefer?

Marine Aquariums

You basically have to be a chemist to do a marine aquarium set up, they require a lot of dedication time and effort, you are looking at about half a hour per day at least. The aquarium set up is difficult to master and then taking care of the fish that go in the marine is even harder. I'm not trying to put you of. I’m just warning you that this is for no light hearted or easy going fish friend, this is for the avid hard bearing fish enthusiast! They require the correct PH level and temperature constantly, and also the correct level of salt to water level; this would be the most important part of any marine set up as the fish need the salt to survive!

Most salt tanks need a salt level of about 1.6 or 1.7. You can buy tools that will measure what kind of level that your salt is at. They also require a specific PH level; collect fish that need roughly the same PH level or you could end up with a disaster. The marine aquarium needs a complex filter system that is made by professionals and is very, very expensive to buy. The equipment, the storage and the fish are almost double the price of a freshwater aquarium but the end result is worth all the effort and hard work. The fish are absolutely stunning and are worth whatever you were willing to pay for them, not only that you are not limited to fish in this set up, you can have coral reefs instead! You can have anemones and special corals and you need only a few fish with some bottom feeders like crabs and shrimps and this still provides a beautiful tank, but because of the delicacy of the corals, it does tend to require a little bit more work. I know you think that more work isn’t possible but it is!

A marine aquarium is stunning when it is set up, but the filtration system is complex, the materials and the fish are expensive and the whole thing needs a lot of time and work,.Only use this kind of aquarium if you are willing to do all those things I have mentioned!

Jewel Aquariums

You can walk into your local pet store and buy a plain tank and a hood, then purchase all the lighting and accessories and then the fish to go with it. This is an extremely expensive method to start an aquarium. It is like when you go shopping if there is a multi-pack you buy it, because it is cheaper than buying all the items individually. Buying an aquarium is just the same. If you can get all the items in one bundle for one price it is fantastic. But there is only one manufacturer that does this and they are called "Jewel". Jewel aquariums are ready made aquariums with a stand containing built in filters, heaters and lights, some even include ornaments and gravel.

There are several different kinds of Jewel aquariums: They record 60, 70, 96 and 120. The numbers stand for the size. They all come with the cabinet/stand, light, heater and filter. If you bought this on the internet, it is likely to be a lot cheaper than your fish shop, but your fish shop is likely to be a lot cheaper than you pet shop! There is also the Rio range; they are available in five sizes, the 125, 180, 240, 300 and 400 litres, they come in black and beech. Then you also have the jewel vision series of tanks which include the 180, 260, and 450. This tank offers a curved front glass which makes it different to the other two styles that jewel offers. Last but not least the Trigon range, they are corner fish tanks and stands and are the most expensive of the lot. They include the 190 and the 350. All of the tanks include filtration, heating and heating systems.

All jewel aquariums are beautiful and ready made to suit you. The internet prices usually include delivery. What is great about delivery is that you have a couple of extra people lift the tank in for you which is brilliant as it is very heavy. The cabinets however are to be built at home, they are flat packed!

Home Aquarium

Home aquariums are becoming more and more popular, it is a hobby that many people are flocking too and fish shops are on the rise. Fish are generally easy to keep although do they need quite a bit of attention. Puppies and kittens were the typical pet but now fish are becoming more and more frequent in house holds. In recent years fish shops have noticed a great increase in the rise if people wanting to purchase aquariums and fish, the boom has been great for local shops as the fish industry hasn’t been such a great industry before now.

When collecting fish for a home aquarium it is always great to seek some advice from your local pet shop. They are the experts and what they say should be given great consideration. They explain to you the process in which bacteria builds up. They let you know all the essentials in setting a great home aquarium and they know the best fish that is suited to your needs. They let you know all about the responsibilities that are involved when deciding to set up a home aquarium. Fish shops are brilliant for purchasing the equipment that you need, it is cheaper than anywhere else, except the internet of course. Most fish experts will advise you to purchase a ready made aquarium that comes with the tank, stand, heater, filter and lighting equipment.

Home aquariums can be as small and simple as you like or they can be huge and intensive set ups that requires hours each week of maintenance. A home aquarium can be a great experience for all the family and it is something that they can all join in, although keep the children away from the poisonous fish, and the fish waste! Which ever aquarium set up that you choose you should always make sure that you take great effort in keeping the fish. After all it would not be nice to wake up one morning and find that all your fish are dead, now would it?!

Freshwater Aquarium Fish

Freshwater tanks are a lot easier to maintain than a saltwater aquarium. The fresh water fish may not be easy to keep but the set up is a lot less complicated, you do not have to be chemist to run one of these tank set ups. Basically in your tank should be your filter, your heater and your lights. You will also need a thermometer. After the tank has been sitting for a few weeks getting the bacteria to cycle then it is ready for some freshwater fish!

There are different kinds of fresh water fish that you can get. There are of course large and small and different species of each. If you are just starting out and your tank is only for decorative purposes then stick with small fish, but if you see this as becoming a great hobby and you are going to stick to it then don’t bother with small fish as they are a waste of money, it is better to get the bigger fish! Bigger species of fish aren’t harder to keep than smaller ones, just different. When I say bigger species I don’t mean that they are bigger to start of with, but most of the “bigger species” can grow to at least half a foot long. Cichlids and Malawi's are the usual favourites of fish enthusiasts, although they are both freshwater fish they both need different types of fresh water.

African Malawi's prefer hard water, and a lower PH. American cichlids like to have a different temperature and PH level. Also there is a certain type of fish, known as Discus which is very, very expensive and hard to keep. There PH level has to be maintained almost exact throughout their tank life or it can result in death, they also like their temperature higher than most fresh water fish, nearly thirty degrees.

When choosing your fresh water fish make sure that they are fish that you like! Not to mention make sure that the fish that you choose are going to be relatively easy for you to keep, there is no point in purchasing hard to keep fish if you are not going to spend the time and take on the responsibility to look after them! Fish are living creatures to and they need a lot of looking after, so don’t purchase them if you are not prepared to do so.

Aquarium Tank

Your aquarium tank is something that you should choose wisely. It is not something to be bought on a whim. The tank has to be suitable for what you are planning to put in it. Aquarium tanks can be used for several things, decoration, fish, amphibians or corals. All these different things need different tank types and different types of things in the aquarium. Fish are the easier thing to keep whereas corals are a lot harder than the others.

Corals require a marine setup aquarium tank, this means saltwater basically. It needs to have intensive hard lights, a saltwater level of around 0.7, this is the optimum level for fish and corals that need saltwater. Corals are like beautiful rocks, they are different coloured and also available for this type of set up are anemones. Anemones are like lots of little fingers sitting on a plant that wave around in the water and are absolutely stunning. Saltwater fish can also be incorporated in a coral tank aquarium.

Amphibians don’t really need a lot of taking care of, just make sure that they have adequate water and surrounding objects that they can associate with their natural habitat. Some amphibians need water baths so that they can bath in them such as turtles and snakes, it is important to make sure that these animals have enough room and space to move around because if they don’t then they may suffer from the effects of disfigurement and growing problems.

Fish are like I said the easiest to keep in a tank aquarium; they need a full tank of water, obviously. They need a filter, heater and proper lighting equipment. There are several different types of fish that can be put in an aquarium and they all need different types of habitats, so make sure that your aquarium tank suits the type of fish that you have purchased.

Aquarium tanks are of course the most essential part of any tank set up; you have to make sure that the tank suits the type of animal that you are keeping in, otherwise you animals won't live very long! Tanks are quite expensive, because they are made of reinforced and safety glass to stop the glass breaking when you fill it with water!

Aquarium Supplier

Tanks and tank stands are not hard to come by. They are usually available at your local aquarium supplier. Always try to measure up the size of the tank that you are getting as you need to have a decent place to put it, try to purchase stand at the same time for the tank this way you won't be stuck for a place to put it! Not only do aquarium suppliers stock tanks and stands but they also have every other thing that you will ever need for setting up and supporting your tank.

Aquarium suppliers should stock all the equipment that you will need for setting up your tank and keeping it tidy and clean and full of fish, of course! They don’t just sell accessories they also sell a huge variety of fish. They tend to get one or two deliveries a week so make sure that you go in the day after a delivery to get the best of the bunch! Some aquarium suppliers often sell amphibians, things like turtles, frogs, newt and lizards. Some even stock spiders!

As well as the equipment and the animals they also sell food and water solutions, things that you can put in your tank to keep the water the way it should be. Some kinds of solutions you get are ones that will lower the level of nitrates and ammonia and get rid of the chlorine in the water. When setting up a tank always fill it with the water first then add some of these solutions and leave your tank to cycle for a little while before adding any fish. You can also add some artificial bacteria which then knocks time of the time that you have to wait before adding any fish!

Aquarium suppliers are available locally and they can also be found on the internet. The great thing about the internet is that it is usually cheaper and you get it delivered to your door so you don’t have to spend all day trailing fish shops! Shop online for a quicker and more efficient purchase.

Aquarium Stand

Aquarium stands are a great thing to have in your home when you have an aquarium. Placing tanks on tables can be dangerous; maybe the table is not strong enough to withhold the weight of the tank filled with water? The table may be on wheels? These are things that you have to think about and you can’t just leave a tank on the floor. When a tank is filled it is impossible to move as it is extremely heavy with water, and it is not very nice to get the fish settled then haul them out and start over again. So the best thing that you can do is to purchase a proper stand and place the tank on it before setting up your aquarium.

Aquarium stands can be bought at any fish shop; they usually come with a cabinet on the bottom, and range in size. They need to have their weight spread out so that they can support the weight of the full tank. Most tanks come in beech or black but they are easy enough to strip and paint. There are some aquariums that come ready with their stand. They are like multi pack aquariums, the stand and all the equipment such as heaters, filters and lights all come together and of course the stand is included. These are probably the best types of aquariums to buy.

When purchasing your aquarium stand second hand always give it a thorough checking over, make sure that there are no cracks or pieces of the stand are loose as this could make your stand faulty and it may not be able to hold the weight of the tank, which is of course essential. Examine the stand and if you have any doubts don’t buy it, it is not worth it if it falls to pieces two weeks after the tank has been set up! Choosing your aquarium stand is not hard; just make sure that it is the right size for your aquarium. Also that it is not falling to bits and of course it is in the colour that you want.

Aquarium Shop

Aquarium shops are becoming more popular, there is now at least two in each mid sized town. Fish collecting has had a great boost from out of nowhere! The best place that you can get your aquarium accessories and tanks is an aquarium shop. They are cheaper than pet shops that sell items for other animals. When buying the more specific species of fish, aquarium shops is the place to go, pet shops usually only deal in the smaller more basic types of fish whereas aquarium shops specialise in fish. That's why they have a much larger range of fish.

Aquarium shops have all the accessories that you need, you don’t need to shop anywhere else. They have everything from filters, heaters, lights, fish and food! They even stock tanks, stands and plants! They are the place to go when first starting out your fish hobby as they are the best for advice on how to get your fish set up on the go! They will let you know all about the bacteria process and what needs to be done to maintain a healthy tank! Aquarium shops also stock things such as chemical solutions to help keep the water pure and clean. They also offer things like water test kits to make sure that your water levels such as PH, ammonia and nitrates stay at the level that they should be!

When visiting an aquarium shop you should have the type of tank that you want in mind, whether it is tropical or saltwater. Or what kind of fish that you would like if you already have a tank set up. Fish shops have a more personal feel to it, the staffs are friendly and are there to give you some ongoing support with your tank, and they help you start your tank and are there for the long haul! Aquarium shops are brilliant for either the beginner or the advanced aquarist! Whatever your level of fish keeping, you will find everything that you need!

Aquarium Pump

A pump is something that isn’t essential in an aquarium set up but it is desirable as this causes more oxygen for the fish. The pump is usually attached to a long tube which is in turn connected to a long stone that has small holes through out it; the pump blows air into the holes creating bubbles in the aquarium. This creates a larger surface area therefore creating more oxygen for the fish.

It is also good for decorative purposes. Bubbles can look attractive in a tank and also you get special statues that require pumps, such as opening treasure chests and so on that are used for novelty tanks. Pumps are generally expensive but very easy to get. When purchasing a pump you have to buy the special plastic tubing and the ornament that you want to buy with it, whether it is the long stone or the novelty statue that you want.

Aquarium pumps are easy to buy but are quite expensive however the equipment that goes with the pump is cheap. It is up to you whether you have a pump in your aquarium ,because like I said, it is not essential and only there for decorative purposes and only a small amount of extra oxygen. Most simple fish set ups have pumps but harder fish such as cichlids are fussier about what goes in their tanks and they do not like a lot of bubbles, I speak from experience! Don’t worry if bigger cichlids re-arrange your tank, it happens!

When purchasing a pump make sure that you have everything that you need to go with it, the hose and the statue, not to mention a free plug socket. Aquariums use a lot of electricity and you may think that it does not matter but this will of course add to the bill. The statue or the long rock that comes with the pump needs to be maintained to prevent any blockages; you don’t want your bubbles to be stuck... now do you! Just give it a clean ever few weeks (in a separate bowl of your tank water) and this will help to prevent blockages. Other than that, that is all you really need to know about pumps. All I can say now is have fun with your new aquarium.

Aquarium Plant

Aquariums plants are not crucial when it comes to setting up a new aquarium but they do help adding attractive features to it. A tank full of fish or amphibians can be quite boring so the plants are there to spruce things up a little bit. You don’t need to put plants in a tank that has bigger fish such as cichlids in them as they will just remove them as they don’t like a lot of greenery in their tank, they like it rather rocky. When decorating an aquarium that is going to have smaller fish in it such as tetras and guppy’s plants are essential. These types of fish like to have a lot of foliage to swim around in.

Aquarium plants can be bushy or slim like trees; they are there for the fish to hind in between and for the effect of a fish’s natural habitat. Some fish were found in reefs and some where found among reeds and plants, so their habitats need to be imitated in the aquarium. A fish’s life expectancy can be greatly raised when it comes to their habitat; if they have enough room to move around and the aquarium is set up like how they are used to, then this will keep the fish happy, and when fish are happy they eat and stay alive; an unhappy fish won't eat and eventually it will die.

An aquarium plant can be used for decorative purposes or can be used for helping the fish. Plants are there to help your fish survive in its new home, if the fish is unhappy it affects the way that it lives and feeds. This in turn can affect whether the fish lives or not, and we don’t want a dead fish on our hands, now do we. So if you are going to get small fish then make the effort and spend a little more to get the best plants for the fish to keep them happy, if your going for big fish don’t bother spending the money or wasting the time! Plants are also used for decoration. Arranging the plants in a pretty way can make all the difference to your tank!

Aquarium Ornament

Aquarium ornaments aren’t there to add any benefits to the fish, they are just for you to add some decoration in the tank. You can have all sorts of ornaments, big or small, traditional or caricature, simple or even complicated. There are thousands of different ornaments that you can buy in stores or you can even make your own. However ornaments are not for all fish, some fish don’t like them, I know for a fact Oscars don’t take well to any type of ornament or even plant. Some fish do need them though, basically to hide or live in and keep away from bigger fish.
Traditional ornaments are ornaments like castles and ships, they provide security for smaller fish from the bigger ones, they also provide a place to stay and play, yes fish do play! Fish ornaments are available in pet and fish stores. They tend to range from very low to very high prices. You can of course get more detailed ornaments that aren’t shaped to be anything except for like branches with weeds on them. Some fish need their ornaments to resemble their natural home, for example lots of plants and branches in the tank.

If you have amphibians in your tank they often like a waterfall ornament with a bathing pool at the bottom of it so that they can bath in it. Amphibians need a lot of greenery in their tank as this resembles their home and therefore you should try to make sure that you fill you tank full of it! Aquarium ornaments are easy to come across and they don’t take much effort to put in the tank.

You should always try to keep the ornaments like the animals natural habitat unless it is a fish that couldn’t care less, like goldfish for example. Goldfish are very easy to keep and you can decorate their tank with all sorts of funny ornaments. With smaller fish you can try to decorate their tanks with funky ornaments but I always feel that the traditional ones are better!