Fish Chatter

One of the easiest pet to have is to start an Aquarium, but the next question is, how to care for aquarium fish.

Here are some steps that will help once your tank is established.  Some of the things need to be done once a week others a couple of times a week, but overall the daily care for an aquarium is pretty minimum.

Start by looking at the fish on a daily basis.  You want to make sure that they are active and seem to be happy and in good health.  Stress can be a big factor in how healthy your fish are.  You will want to make sure that the lights are properly working, that the water temperature is correct and that your fish are feed daily.  Many new people to keeping an aquarium make the biggest mistake of feeding the fish too much.  You only want to feed them what they can eat in 2 to 5 minutes.  Putting too much food in the tank will cause the excess to build up to high nitrite levels and can lead to sickness.

Along with checking the water temperature, you also want to keep an eye on the ph level of the water on a weekly basis.  The recommended ph level will vary depending on the type of fish you are raising.   Check with the local fish shop or company that you purchased your fish from to get the recommended ph level.

Keeping the filters keep in the next big area that you need to pay attention to care for Aquarium Fish.  The filters main job is to collect the waste that your fish excrete and any excess food.  Over time the filters fill-up and need to be replaced. You will want to check the filters and all of the filter tubing on a weekly basis.  If the filters become dirty or clogged your fish are going to suffer because the filter will not be able to keep the oxygen level where they need to be.  Keep the filters and hoses clean will ensure that your fish can breathe easy.

Changing the water in the tank should be done on a gradual basis by changing 1/3 of the tank every seven to ten days.  Make sure that you unplug any electrical lights or filters before you attempt to drain the tank.  If you are using tap water you will need to treat the water after you refill the tank.  Check with the company that you purchased your fish from to make sure that you have the correct additives before you start.

You will usually get some algae build up on your tank and this can easily be scrubbed off.  Just be careful that you are too aggressive with your scrubbing so that you done scare the fish.  Care for Aquarium Fish doesn’t have to be a huge time commitment, just get on a schedule and enjoy your aquarium.

Greenies Dental Chews – Teenie – 6 oz. – 22 pk $7.49 The dental chews your dog loves have gotten even better. Greenies have reformulated their famous chews to be even chewier and more nutritious. At 95.7% digestible and 100% edible, Greenies make sure your dog can absorb all of the beneficial vitamins and minerals. The chewier formula dissolves quicker and is molded into a shape that contours to your dog’s teeth. The results will be clear. Less tartar, a decrease in plaque and dental stain formation, and better smelling breath. Veterinarians have proven that these Greenies results in a cleaner, healthier mouth and a lower risk of periodontal disease. Treat your dog to one of these new and improved chews and you’ll see better results than ever. Size: 22 Tiny Greenies

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Guinea Pig & Rabbit Cage – Beige & Green – 28.25 in. x 17.25 in. x 16.5 in. $54.99 These cages are a favorite of our own small animal experts. They assemble in just minutes and can be cleaned just as easily. Secure locking doors on the side and on top give you unlimited access to your pet and each cage comes with a holder for roughage like hay or alfalfa. Your rabbit, guinea pig or other small pet will feel right at home in the Tommy cage. Size: 28.25 in x 17.25 in x 16.5 in

Ammo Rid for Aqua Clear 70 and 300 – 1 pk $4.39 AquaClear Ammonia Remover is a natural ammonia removing resin. Ammonia Remover is effective in freshwater aquariums for the control and removal of ammonia. The use of AquaClear Ammonia Remover is strongly recommended on a consistent basis for the control of potential ammonia surges and/or when biological conversion of toxic ammonia is compromised or impossible. Ideal for New Aquarium Set-ups Controls Unexpected Ammonia Spikes Supports Biological Filtration For Freshwater Use Only

Centropyge multispinis Blue Fin Pygmy Angel $39.99 The Blue Fin Pygmy Angel ( Centropyge multispinis ) is a dark brown fish, sometimes referred to in the trade as a Dusky Angelfish. This species is named for the vibrant blue edges on its fins. The smaller angelfish and “pygmy angelfish” available in the aquarium trade include those from the genera Apolemichthys , Centropyge , Chaetodontoplus , Genicanthus , and a few others. Of these, Apolemichthys and Chaetodontoplus are generally the largest. Centropyge is the largest group and some fish have been separated into new species and genera in recent years. Suitable tankmates for most of these angels would be community fish like tangs, clownfish, damsels, gobies, blennies, butterflies and similar fish. More shy and passive angels can be kept with smaller, more docile tankmates. Angels should not be kept with other angels in the home aquarium to avoid territorial conflicts. Occasionally, two angels may tolerate one another in a very large aquarium if they have very different coloration and appearance, but is not typical. All angels have cheekspines at the edge of their gill cover and in the dorsal fin; use caution when handling and avoid using a net that they may become stuck or tangled in. The diet of angels generally consists of meaty foods and algaes. They can be fed a variety of frozen items like formulas, mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, scallops and others, as well as pellets, flakes, algae sheets and other foods. Many can be kept successfully in a reef, but use caution with any angels in a reef system, especially with polyps and SPS corals; some have been known to nip at the occasionally polyp, coral or clam mantle but not to the extent of the larger angel species. Visit That Fish Blog for an Overview on Natural History and Care of Marine Angelfishes as well as a Species Profile on the Pygmy Angelfish and more from our marine biologists and aquatic staff.

Tropical Carnival Food for Cockatiels – 5 lb. $10.99 Treat your bird to the tasty Tropical Carnival mix Fruit, vegetables, nuts, and seeds are blended with premium gourmet ingredients like pretzels and macaroni wheels for a healthy, unforgettable gourmet meal. Beneficial pro-biotics are added to the vitamin rich and nutrient fortified formula to make a nutritious meal that your bird will find irresistible! Keep food cups filled at all times.

Simple Solution Eco-Care Puppy Training Pads – 10 pk $5.99 Eco-Care Puppy Training Pads help save you money by absorbing twice as much waste as the leading brands. Pads help you save the environment too! They are made from 85% recycled material and even keep your home clean with leak trapping polymers. Odor control helps keep your home smelling clean as well. Pheromones tell your dog where to go.

Aulonocara maulana Bicolor Peacock – Juvenile $9.99 Aulonocaras are called Peacock Cichlids due to the fantastic coloration developed by dominant males. They are Malawi mouthbrooders, and there are many color variants that have developed within species at different points in the lake. Aulonocara maulana “Bicolor”, is named for the man who discovered the population in Chitimba Bay, Malawi. The dominant males are deep blue with light edges on the fins and tail, and a wide, golden yellow band that extends from the top of the head to the breast and through the ventral fins. Peacock cichlids may be housed with other species of Lake Malawi fish with similar temperament. They should not be housed with other Peacocks unless ample room is provided, and males may not develop brilliant colors due to dominance issues. Research will help the aquarist pick out the most appropriate fish to mix. Aulonocara will accept both flake or pellet food soon after being introduced into the aquarium. A variety of foods is recommended to encourage coloration and supply the fish with appropriate vitamins and minerals. They may also be fed frozen foods as a healthy treat.

PetSafe Cat Flap Pet Door $11.99 Let your pet let themselves out with this interior Cat Flap. Easy-to-install design features a slide lock and can accommodate cats up to 12lbs. Great for those owners who keep their cat’s litter in the basement, but don’t want to leave the door open.

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USA Rawhide Beefhide – Medium Braid – 7 in. to 8 in. $2.59 Multiple braids create a unique chewing experience for your dog with these 100% American Beefhide bones. Tasty and tough, each one helps clean your dog’s teeth and strengthen his jaw.

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Fluval G – Nodes Biological Filter Media $41.99 Fluval G Nodes biological filter media features a complex pore system designed to maximize beneficial bacterial growth for superior aquarium filtration. Designed to fit tightly within the G filter baskets.

Excel Calcium Supplements Tablets for Dogs – 125 Tablets $3.29 8-in-1 Excel Daily Multivitamins are tasty, chewable tablets that provide the correct balance of vitamins and minerals essential for maintaining bone health, especially in puppies and senior dogs. They may be hand fed or crumbled and mixed with food. Excel Daily Vitamins provide supplemental calcium and phosphorous to keep bones strong, with added vitamin D to aid in the metabolism of the calcium and phosphorous. For a limited time, receive a $10 rebate directly from United Pet Group when you purchase this product. Click here for rebate.

Fluval G3 Fine Pre-Filter Cartridge $27.99 Fluval G3 Fine Pre Filters are designed for daily use with marine aquariums where suspended debris is minimal, or as a polishing cartridge for standard or fresh water aquariums. Fine mesh traps debris 75?? 1/2 (micron) or larger for unparalleled mechanical filtering results. Designed as a “no by-pass” system, debris remains caught between each pleat until it is removed and rinsed. Designed for top-loading, quick-release Fluval G3 filtration system.

Fluval G3 Phosphate Cartridge $14.99 Superior phosphate control designed for performance in your Fluval G3 Advanced Filtration system. The Fluval G3 Phosphate cartridge removes up to 2200mg of phosphate ions from your freshwater or marine aquarium. High-grade media will not leach phosphates back into your aquarium. Designed for mass removal or for continuous phosphate maintenance.

Sunterra 104506 Table Top Fountain Pump 30 GPH, Black $15.99 Sunterra’s clean water fountain pumps provide the appropriate water flow for varying fountain sizes and have a 1 year limited warranty. These pumps are utilized for Sunterra’s extensive line of fountains and water accents. They operate efficiently for extended periods of time with no regular maintenance required. These pumps are magnetic driven. These pumps run by an electrically charged magnet th…