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My first fresh water fish tank had purple gravel, a big glass head, and weird black rocks arranged artistically in a gentle spiral shape. These days, 15 years later, I prefer a much more natural look for my pet fish. Freshwater aquarium set up for a natural ecosystem style can be just as much fun as any fancy art themed tank.

Every freshwater aquarium set up starts with the substrate. If your fish lived in their natural habitat, they’d have dirt, sand, silt or rock to swim over. Mimic a natural pond or river bottom as closely as you can in the fish tank. Use brown, tan or natural colored gravel or stone for the substrate in your tank. Some people use a mixture of sand and gravel, or even mix gravel colors to create the aquatic landscape. (more…)

Barbs are a family of fish which are found in every continent except South America. They have long, torpedo-shaped bodies, no adipose fin, and often small barbels at the corners of the mouth. These fish are scientifically named cyprinids, as are their carp cousins. They are one of
the more popular types of fish to keep in a tropical, freshwater aquarium at home.

Top Five Barbs – Tropical Fish for the Home Aquarium

Aquarium Fish – Rosy Bard

The rosy barb is one of the larger varieties. It can grow up to six inches long. The body of this fish is elongated with a long caudal peduncle. The scales are a warm pink or orangey red color. There are varieties with flowing fins. These fish are fine in a community tank of tropical fish.

Aquarium Fish – Cuming’s Barb

The Cuming’s bard is also a colorful addition to a community fish tank. It has a golden body with reddish fins and two black spots. This barb only grows to two inches long. It is an active fish that likes living in a group of the same species.

College dorm rooms may have no space for a fish tank.

Taking care of a fish tank is a time-consuming and sometimes challenging job in itself. Taking care of a fish tank in a college dorm room is worse. Unless you have a private room with a locking door and you only invite one or two friends over to have a discussion about literature or work on your quilting, chances are your college lifestyle can impact your fish’s  well-being.

Taking Care of a Fish Tank – Safe Positioning

Positioning your aquarium in a college dorm room takes some planning. First of all, college dorm rooms are usually quite small and full of stuff that belongs to multiple people. You have to make sure taking care of a fish tank in will not infringe on your roommates. Ideally, the aquarium should be positioned out of direct sunlight on a sturdy piece of furniture where it is not likely to be knocked into. (more…)

Freshwater aquarium catfish for your home fish tank provide added interest to the levels of water that are not usually visited by other fish. Besides making the bottom of your aquarium much more interesting, catfish can often help clean up extra food that falls to the substrate. Some people include catfish for practical purposes only, but there are many varieties that are quite decorative and may become the star attractions in your tank.

Freshwater Aquarium Catfish – Cory Cats

One of the most popular types of freshwater aquarium catfish or cories. These small fish have squat bodies and quirky personalities that make them fun to watch. They come in many different varieties including green, bearded, bronze, peppered and blackfin. Corries  two best in small schools. (more…)

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The Baby biOrb is a sophisticated aquarium that bestows the soothing sensation of swimming fish at home or at the office. It requires very little maintenance, and all supplies, including a halogen light and a comprehensive instruction guide, are provided. The unique, built-in 5-stage filtration system combines biological, chemical, and mechanical filtration to keep the water healthy and crystal-clear for months between simple filter changes. The filter cartridge conveniently lasts up to 8 weeks, so cleaning the BiOrb is quite easy. Since the filter is barely visible at the bottom of the globe, it causes no obstruction of the underwater view when the biOrb is filled. The durable, bowl-shaped Plexiglass allows a perfect 360-degree viewing angle, and the built-in halogen light provides full observation of the swimming fish any time of day. The compact size and silver trim allow it to blend into any desk, counter, table, shelf, or mantel. The Baby biOrb measures (more…)

Hang-on fish tank filters are one of the most popular varieties of aquarium filtration. Undergravel and canister filters are both difficult to maintain and less effective. It is important to install a hang-on fish tank filter properly to ensure maximum efficacy and ease of care.

Install a Hang-On Fish Tank Filter – Materials Needed

Purchase a fish tank filter that is rated for the amount of gallons your aquarium holds. This should be stated on the box. Most fish tank filters include all necessary hoses and tubes for the filter, but, if you have a particularly tall or long fish tank and want a greater mix of water, purchasing extra tubes or hoses is recommended.

A plastic fish tank hood can be cut with a normal hacksaw or even a large pair of sheers. This is necessary to fit the filter waterfall section into the back or side of the aquarium.

How to Install a Hang-On Fish Tank Filter – Read More Here

Algae control in freshwater aquarium staff is a vital part of having a healthy and attractive fish tank. No one wants to look at a fish tank that is filled with green slime, stringy hair or brown or black dots. Different type of algae requires different type of control in your freshwater aquarium.

Algae Control in Freshwater Aquariums – Prevention

The best way to deal with algae is to prevent it from growing in the first place. Some amount of algae is acceptable in a healthy aquarium, however, excessive algae speaks of an imbalance. Basic methods to prevent algae bloom in your fish tank include keeping it out of direct sunlight and preventing a buildup of nutrients that will feed an algae bloom. Adding live plants to your tank can use up those nutrients. (more…)

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The Tetra WaterWonders Aquarium Cube allows anyone with an interest in underwater life to get started in the hobby, regardless of experience level. It comes fully equipped for complete setup. The tank is made from virtually unbreakable clear acrylic that holds 1.5 gallons of water and fits onto most shelves, counters, and desktops. Air-powered Whisper 3-stage filtration with replaceable Bio Bags keep the aquarium clear and odor-free. Decorate the tank with built-in Easy Connect Plant Grid molded into the base. Low-voltage LED lighting gives you a bright look inside from all angles. Hide fish food and other supplies inside the integrated storage drawer. Air pump, tubing, easy-changing Bio Bag filter cartridge, TetraCare brochure with samples, power converter, 2 decorative plants, and setup guide are also included.

Water Wonders 1-1/2-gallon aquarium kits are fun, easy and fit anywhere. Whisper internal filtration with easy-to-replace B (more…)

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28 Gallon elongated aquarium (45″ x 26″ Glass Top/38″ L x 20″ W x 15.5″ H Aquarium) can be seen from every angle. The clear acrylic tank displays a world of wonder to family and friends. Illuminated from beneath, the light gently shines through the blue Aquarium Tables serve up live entertainment! Imaginative, functional furniture turns your living room into a show place! Silent, beautiful, ever-moving aquatic habitat creates a relaxing easy-going atmosphere for guests…gets the conversations started at a party or quietly occupies visitors in waiting and reception rooms. Resting on an attractive black pedestal, the optically-clear tank is mysteriously illuminated from below through glass gravel. All surfaces resist scratching and scuffing to give you years of beauty and enjoyment of your underwater world.This item is designed as an aquarium and as decorative furniture. Keeping an aquarium requires maintenance and care; please consider this before making your purchase. (more…)

Buying your first 10 gallon aquarium is an exciting time. Once you have all decorations, filters, and cycled water in the fish tank, it is time to turn your attention to the freshwater fish. Stocking a 10 gallon aquarium with freshwater fish can be done in several ways. The worst thing to do is overstock your aquarium or buy incompatible freshwater fish.

Freshwater Fish for 10 Gallon Aquarium – Goldfish

Goldfish are freshwater fish that can be kept without a heater in the aquarium. They are also very messy fish that produce a lot of waste. It is not recommended to keep goldfish in a 10 gallon aquarium, as it will be hard to keep the tank clean. The water will need to be cleaned more frequently as well. If you insist on stocking your 10 gallon tank with goldfish, you should stick to one or two goldfish in a 10 gallon aquarium. Keep in mind that these freshwater fish grow to large sizes and will probably need a larger tank later in their life. (more…)