Clown Loaches and Their Care

The Clown Loach is a popular fish in tropical aquariums since it is very beautiful and not too difficult to keep. Its scientific name is Botia macracanthus and it is therefore also known as Botia fish. When you buy a loach it will typically need at least a 100 liter / 20 gallon aquarium to do well. They are usually sold when quite young and will therefore grow larger and larger as they mature. A fully grown Clown Loach will need a 540 liter / 125 gallon aquarium or larger.

Wild Clown Loaches inhabit densely grown waters in Indonesia and will therefore appreciate a planted aquarium or an aquarium with plenty of rocks and caves which the Clown Loach can hide among. A combination of both plants and caves are ideal. Adult Clown Loaches like to nibble on plants and you should therefore ideally choose tough and fast growing plants like Java Fern and Anubias. Juvenile Clown Loaches can usually be kept with all types of plants as long as they appreciate the same water conditions as the fish.

The Clown Loach loves to squeeze it self into caves, rocky formations and other tiny places that can barely fit it. To put it simple: the more decorations the better. The aquarium must be decorated when you bring your Clown Loach home from the fish store, since it is most likely quite stressed from the long journey from Indonesia. A majority of the Clown Loaches available in the aquarium trade is caught in the waters of Sumatra and Borneo. If you place your Clown Loach in a barren aquarium, it will not have a chance to recuperate. It will instead become more and more stressed. Stressed Clown Loaches are very susceptible to a parasite called Ich (White Spot Disease).

Don't be afraid if you notice that your Clown Loach has squeezed itself behind a piece of aquarium equipment, chances are that it is not at all stuck, it just likes to feel safe. The Clown Loach is also found of digging itself into tiny places. It is therefore important to use a substrate without any sharp edges in the aquarium. In the substrate your can place a wide range of different things for your Clown Loach to explore and hide among. You do not have to limit your self to plants and rocks; PVC pipes, flower pots, roots and ceramic and plastic aquarium ornaments will also be highly appreciated. It is important that the decorations have no sharp edges, since the Clown Loach will like to squeeze itself into the smallest places possible. If you place floating plants in the water they will dim the light and make your Clown Loach less shy and more active during the day.

Vigorous filtration is necessary since Clown Loaches are sensitive to poor water conditions. A combination of mechanical, chemical and biological filtration is recommended. Change 25 percent of the water at least once a week. Smaller and more frequent water changes are even better. Even a slight disturbance in the water quality can harm you Clown Loach and in a community aquarium the Clown Loach is usually the first fish that falls ill or die when the water quality drops. Since your will find the live Clown Loaches in streams and rivers, the aquarium should ideally also have strong water circulation. The aquarium must have a will fitted lid since Clown Loaches are vigorous jumpers.

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Water Features For Your Backyard Pond

You don't need a pond to have a water feature. But a water feature can make your backyard pond an attraction that will add great interest and character to your outdoor space. The way to do this is to incorporate a specific feature of some sort within your pond.

So, where to start?

First of all you need to be clear in your own mind what you want from your pond. For instance, if you want to build a pond to breed koi fish, adding a lavish fountain in the centre may not be such a good idea, because the volume of water that showers back into the pond can upset the fish. But a statue in the pond will add interest, or perhaps a tiered fountain that allows the water from the fountain to flow back gently.

If you want to add a special interest to your backyard, you may like the idea of one of the relatively new theatrical inventions that incorporates color and even music with the movement of the water from the fountain. If the pond is big enough, the fish probably won't mind at all.

There are a huge number of different fountain features on the market that are intended for pond use. There are also a lot more that you can adapt for ponds and pools. The simplest type is attached to a submersible pump and it then simply sprays water out of the pond so that it returns with gravity. The fountain head that you use will determine what the pattern of the water looks like. For instance, it may shoot into the air like a high-pressure spray, or it may look like a dome, or even imitate the shape of a water lily or tulip. There are those that shoot into the air in imitation of a hot water geyser, and others that create a much more complex and formal tiered spray.

Then there are fountains, like the tiered fountain mentioned earlier, that incorporate some sort of ornament or statuary. There are two basic types:

1. the sort that you position within the pond, so that it sprays up into the air, and
2. the sort that you position on the edge of the pond, so that it sprays into the pond.

There are even fountains that will "dance" to music, with the pump output pulsating in tune to the music of your choice. Add lights and color to this and you have your own home theater! One of the newest designs appears in the form of a rainbow that continuously changes color. Relatively inexpensive, it doesn't use batteries, but simply relies on a garden hose or a pool return line for power. Another quite recent water feature from the same manufacturer is powered by batteries. This one creates an illuminated, color-changing effect in the fountain that can be seen both above and below the water in the pond. The shifting patterns of colored light create an incredible kaleidoscope that is magical to watch. This particular water feature can be tethered within the pond, or it may be allowed to float, adding to the effect.

Of course to be effective, these amazing theatrical features do need space. So before you decide which water feature to buy, make sure your pond is suitable.

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More About Do it Yourself Aquariums

Though you have a well furnished home and have everything that one could want in life, there are occasions when you feel that there is something missing. Your weekends and Sundays are quite boring. It is high time that you opted in for a pet. While people generally tend to think about dogs and other things whenever they think about pets, how many of them think about fishes? The pleasures and joys of having an aquarium at home are immense and just cannot be described in words.

There are different kinds of fishes in the world, both big and small, and most of them can be reared in an aquarium. While you can purchase a ready-made aquarium from any store that deals in pets, have you ever thought about building one by yourself? Before you start building an aquarium for your home, it is recommended that you study a bit about the same on the net. It is also recommended that you also study a bit about fishes and the type of environments that are suitable for them.

This is important because the type of climate in your city determines the additional equipment you shall be requiring in your aquarium... especially if you are residing in a city where the winter is harsh and the fishes that you are planning to keep are from tropical climates. Once you have completed this research, it is time for you to venture forth to any hobby shop or to any pet shop that deals in DIY aquariums. You will be surprised by the huge range of aquariums that are available. You will also be surprised by the sheer range of aquarium ornaments that too are available in the stores that deal in aquariums and its accessories.

These ornaments enhance the beauty of the aquarium and also help to provide the fish with an environment that is similar to those found at their natural habitats. Though there are many different types and brands of aquariums available in the market, it makes sense to purchase those that are manufactured by organizations that are reputed. The wide range of oceanic aquariums will dazzle your eyes and shall leave you confused. You shall not be able to decide which one to purchase. They are available in different shapes and sizes and you should select one that matches the decor of your room.

If you have any doubts, you should go in for the all glass aquarium that are suitable for any room. If you are planning to keep salt water fish in your aquarium, it is recommended that you also take a look at the aquarium skimmer. Also known as protein skimmers, these gadgets help remove large molecules. However, if you are planning to keep fresh water fish, you should opt in for a bio filter to remove the large molecules. Though most DIY aquariums come with illustrated manuals, having a friend by your side and who has constructed an aquarium helps.

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The Fun of Assembling a DIY Aquarium

Most people prefer to purchase a ready-made aquarium for keeping their finny friends. They are of the belief that constructing at DIY aquarium is a tough task that requires lots of expertise. However, this is not the fact. There are many sites on the net that shall help you out with plans and materials that you need to construct the aquarium. However you first need to establish what type of aquarium you are going to build along with its size. You can check out various oceanic aquariums as a guideline.

They will also help you to determine which type of aquarium will best suit your room and will also help to enhance its decor. Lots of planning is required before you can embark upon the task of assembling your DIY aquarium. If you are going to keep fishes that are accustomed to temperate climates and you are living in an area that experiences harsh winter, you will need to plan about heating arrangements beforehand. A small bulb fitted on the hood of the aquarium serves the dual task of heating the water and also illuminating the same during the night.

Various types of aquarium ornaments are also available and they can be used to enhance the beauty of your aquarium. These ornaments help to recreate scenes that one finds deep under the ocean and will also help to keep your finny friends happy. They will love to swim in and out of the small caves that are placed on the bottom of the aquarium. Tiny seashells and small artificial plants also help to make the aquarium look more beautiful. There is an important thing that you should keep in mind.

If you are planning to keep salt water fishes in the aquarium, you should invest in a decent aquarium skimmer. However, if you are planning to keep fresh water fishes, then a bio filter is more than sufficient. These things help to remove large molecules of protein from the water... like left over fish food. If they are not removed, the left over fish food will decay and poison the water in the aquarium. While there are many different types of aquarium kits available in the market, the ones that are totally made out of glass are appreciated the most. Generally the kits that are available in the market contain glass sheets cut in requisite sizes.

These kits also contain other materials that are required to construct the DIY aquarium. In case you want to do everything from scratch, just download a plan of the fish tank you want to build and purchase the materials required to build the same from the market. Constructing an all glass aquarium requires you to have a decent knowledge of cutting glass... especially if you are not purchasing a ready to build kit. In such circumstances it is recommended that you take the assistance of a glazier. Make a check list of all required things and ensure that they are close at hand before you start constructing the aquarium.

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A Primer on Deep Water Culture

Deep water culture (DWC) is a type of hydroponic gardening in which the roots of a plant are suspended in a solution of oxygenated water and various nutrients.

Traditionally, DWC has been practiced using plastic buckets. The plant itself is suspended in what is known as a net pot. This net pot - a type of pot resembling an open wire basket - is suspended from the bucket lid in such a manner that the roots are suspended in the bucket containing the water and nutrient solution. The water is oxygenated with an air pump and an aquarium airstone such as are used in fish tanks.

Once the plants reach the flowering stage, the level of the nutrient solution is reduced, gradually exposing the roots to the open air, where they can absorb greater amounts of oxygen. The massive ingestion of oxygen and nutrients leads to maximum growth throughout the plant's life cycle.

A variation on DWC is recirculation deep water culture (RDWC). An RDWC system employs a reservoir which in turn provides water to several buckets. If these buckets are not connected in some way, it will be necessary to test each one for proper pH levels (acidity vs. alkalinity) and conductivity factor (CF, a measure of electrical conductivity used to determine nutrient levels).

In order to avoid the need for testing of each individual bucket, some RDWC systems dispense with the air stones and instead connect the buckets. The water is recirculated with spray nozzles, resulting in better aeration and oxygenation. By constantly recirculating the water in this fashion, nutrients are mixed more effectively and pH levels are stabilized throughout the system.

Building a DWC system is neither particularly difficult nor expensive, and can be done for under $100. To start, you will need a five gallon bucket, a fish tank air pump, an aquarium airstone for breaking up the bubbles, a six inch hydroponic growing net or net pot, duct tape, and a hydroponic growth medium (organic composted bark is best).

The first step is to cut a hole in the bucket lid that is the same diameter as the net pot. The net pot should fit snugly when the lip rests on the edge of the pot. You'll also need to cut a small hole in the side of the bucket near the top in order to accommodate the air line. This should be run down to the bottom of the bucket and into the airstone.

The bucket should then be wrapped in about five layers of duct tape in order to prevent any light from reaching the reservoir (which would lead to the growth of algae).

The net pot is then filled with the growth medium and the seedling of the plant you are attempting to grow. Fill the bucket with clean water, put the lid in place, insert the net pot, turn on the pump, and your new deep water culture system is in operation.

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Seedlings - A Great Way to Start Your Garden in Spring

Seedlings are a great way to start your garden inside, so you are ready for the sometimes all too short growing season. The key to planting seeds is to wait until six to eight weeks before the last frost is expected in your area. This way, when the seedlings are ready to go outside, the weather should be warm enough. Since this is not easy to predict with wheatear forecasts these days. Take it as an indication.

Things to remember about seedlings

A few things that you should remember when you are tending seedlings, is that they are quite delicate, and they require special care.

A seedling is a young plant that is not at all the strong, survivor it will once become. Usually it requires a more intense light then is available at the time you start to grow. The natural sunlight is best; but often days are still too short and the sun to weak. Because you start the seed inside, the plant thinks it's warm enough but soon discovers the lack of light. This will restrict its growth and health. This presents a problem your delicate seedling needs the best condition possible when you transplant it to your garden.

The best solution to overcome this problem is artificial light. And I must admit that I had some difficulties to overcome my resistance of investing in a special growth lamp. Because of the price tag garden centers put on these items I settled for aquarium lighting. They give you almost the same mixture of light frequencies as natural sunlight. Are fairly cheap and don't give of a great amount of heat.

Seedlings typically thrive with cycles of 12 hours of light, and 12 hours of dark in a 24 hour period. Depending on the plant you grow. When you follow my aquarium advise the light comes from above, otherwise turn them every now and then. Your seedlings will tend to grow toward the light.

Keep your seedlings moist, not wet

When you are caring for your seedlings, keep them moist, but not wet. Seedlings are very susceptible to mold and should not be kept to wet. Yes in nature spring usually comes with some rain, but don't turn your container into a

This might seem as a lot of trouble that hardly pays off. And you are right. But if you are not really trying to live of the land there is no logic in gardening, or growing vegetables, fruits, flowers or whatever yourself. The process of growing from seed, the satisfaction seeing a seed grow from a little almost invisible seed to a full-grown plant is the payoff. For me it is anyway.At our site you can find more information about transplanting different species or how to keep them inside and tend a nice in-house container garden.

I've come across problem cases where it looked as if the owner with all his or her good intentions was trying to grow underwater plants instead of normal annuals. Also don't start to fertilize unless you are growing hydroponic. The seed itself and the soil you planted in supplies all the young plant needs. Fertilizers can even kill your plants when overused. They cause an inability of the plant to suck water from the soil. No water, no photosynthesis, no sugars to grow new cells or maintain existing ones. So as with mammals overfeeding can kill.

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Looking For A New Job or Promotion? Feng Shui Can Help You Get It!

Yes it's true! Feng Shui can help direct the energies that surround you in order to get a new job or promotion! Are you read for a full out career change? Or are you just frustrated that all the good promotions keep passing you by?

Good Feng Shui works fast! Try following some of our steps as outlined below get ready to step into a new adventure!

If you are looking for a promotion, pay increase, more interesting work or a change of job and career you need to activate or enhance key sectors of your home.

THE NORTH SECTOR (CAREER)

First things first, stand in the middle of your home and with a compass determine what direction is north. This is your career area. If a bathroom or storage room is located here than activate the north direction of your family or living room instead.

How can You activate this area?

Any thing to do with water is good here! The colours of dark blue or black, or the metal colours of white, gold, silver or metallic! a water fountain, an aquarium, mirrors, paintings of water, images of fish, anything metal, wavy shapes! You get the idea!

THE NORTH WEST (MENTORS & NETWORKING)

Locate your Northwest direction with a compass. This are is where you are asking for help from other to help you with your career. The energy found here will help with decisiveness, determination and authority.

How can you activate this area?

Anything to do with metal is good here! The colours of metal are white, gold, silver or metallic, Earth colours of yellow, beige and brown are also good! Any objects made of medal (bowls, fixtures), coins in a crystal bowl, religious objects and images of powerful leaders. Place symbols of what you want to come into your life here (are you targeting a certain company - place their image here!). This is a good spot for your computer (networking). Anything to do with earth (stone, porcelain) is good here as well.

THE SOUTH (RECOGNITION & FAME)

Are you looking for more publicity for your company? Or do you want to get into Show Business, Media, PR or Sales? Than this is for you! There is talkative energy here and it includes popularity and sociability.

How can you activate this area?

The colour of fame? Red of course and all colours close to red - burgundy, pink, coral also the wood colours of green and light blue! Fire is the best activator - a fireplace, candles, triangle shapes. Images of Birds (in particular the red phoenix) are good here. Leave a light on all night in the south or in the south garden. Lights denote fire!. Whatever you want - imagine you already have it and place a symbol of it here!

THE EAST (FAMILY & HEALTH)

This direction is often overlooked as people think it is only for health. Not true! The east brings the most Sheng Chi or growth chi so it is ideal for ambition and growth.

How can you activate this area?

This is a wood area - so plants here are ideal! A bamboo plant would be a great addition. The colours of green and light blue work here as do blues and blacks. Healthy flowers in water, Tranquil images of water, water features, and items of self respect that you cherish.

THE SOUTHEAST (WEALTH & PROSPERITY)

If you want to grow as a person and attract more of the good things in life than activate this area!

How can you activate this area?

This is a wood area therefore the colours of green, brown as well as the water colours of blue and black are all good. Wooden decorative ornaments, any plants, peaceful ocean artwork, fountains, symbols of your blessings all work well.

YOUR OFFICE!

Your home office or company office is very important to set up properly. Ideally you need to know what your kua numbers are and ensure you are facing your success directions, but here are a few simple tips to get you on your way!

1.Your desk should face the power position (so that you can see the door) if you can't face this then make sure you position a mirror on your desk that reflects the door so that you can see who enters at all times

2.It is best to have a solid wall behind your back - no window - if you do have a window keep the blinds closed if you can

3.Do not pile files in front of you - put them away neatly

4.Place a picture of a mountain behind you for added support

5.The south wall is a good place to display diplomas and awards

6.The SE is your wealth corner - activate it a water image

7.Keep your workspace clutter free!

8.Do not have exposed shelves directly behind you - keep them off to one side

Don't forget that with each change you make you must do it with intention and be very clear what you want. Wanting a new job may not be clear enough and if may be one that you dislike. Wanting a specific new job or a specific new career will bring you the results you want!

© 2007 Fay Chapple

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Bedding Down By The Seaside - Custom Nautical Beach Themed Bedrooms For Kids

What child doesn't love to play at the beach? If your kid loves to frolic in the surf and sand, then why restrict his or her fun to just those scant few summery days you and the family can get yourselves down to the nearest shore? Why not transform your children's bedroom into a beach front fantasy that they can enjoy every day of their lives.

A beach theme fantasy bedroom is easy to create. Paint the ceiling bright sky blue, maybe dotted with billowy white clouds, and lit by a big, bold lighting fixture that emulates the shining, glimmering sun. Dot the ceiling with glow in the dark stars, planets, comets, meteor showers, and other nighttime phenomena for when the lights are out.

Paint the walls a deeper blue with highlights of white sea foam and tall wave crests, highlighted with images of dolphins, breaching whales, seals, sea turtles, seagulls, and other ocean life, as well as surfers, parasailers, water-skiers, and other ocean enthusiasts.

And speaking of the other life (human and otherwise) populating the typical beach scene, you can also add to the image by peopling the custom beach theme bedroom with stuffed sea animals as well as decorating it with surfboards, boogie boards, water-skis, inflatable rafts and water tubes, and other water-sport implements.

The floor of the room, meanwhile, can be divided in two: half covered in wood, ceramic, vinyl tile, or a beige carpet or floor mats evocative of the sandy shore and the other half covered in plush blue carpeting or floor mats reflective of where the water meets the shore.

The focal point of any bedroom is, of course, the bed. And the focal point of a custom beach theme bedroom would be a custom theme bed built in the shape of a structure typically seen on the sandy shore (like an adorable bungalow or thatched hut) or floating in the ocean (like a yacht, a sailboat, a rowboat, or a cruise ship).

On the display shelves on the room's walls, built into the custom theme bed, and/or the surfaces of the various supplementary pieces of furniture in the room, you can display collections of seashells, coral, and sandglass. These ornaments also do well when glued onto the borders of mirrors, picture frames, and even on the custom theme bed itself.

Other details that help flesh out the fantasy may include a beach umbrella for shade and privacy, authentic beach furniture, along with fake rocks, boulders, and steep cliffs for depth. Ample soft pillows give a sense of floating on the water, and sheer, billowing fabrics evoke the constant light ocean breeze. A small working fountain can help add the sense and sounds of flowing water, and an aquarium filled with tropical fish or goldfish do well at adding an element of life brimming on your child's private shores.

Lastly, be sure to provide plenty of beach toys for hours of beach front playtime fun. Every day is a beach day when your child lives in a custom beach theme bedroom.

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Tropical Fish Tank Supplies

There are so many different types of tropical fish tank supplies out there that it can be daunting when begin your own tank. Knowing what to purchase is essential before you start buying anything. Some of these supplies are a necessity while others simply make your tank look a lot nicer. This article will describe some of the different types of supplies that you can purchase including the different types of tanks, plants, and decorations that you can purchase for your tropical fish tank. After reading this article you should have a better understanding of what tropical fish tank supplies you need for your tank to thrive.

Purchasing a suitable tropical fish tank for needs is very important. A tank too small or too large will be very hard to look after and an unsuitable tank will lead to lots of heartache and dead fish. The tank that you purchase should be large enough for the amount of fish that you want. Keep in mind that a bigger tank will require larger, more expensive accessories like lights and filters so if you are on a tight budget try to go for a midsized tank to keep costs down. Most pet stores, online and offline will have experts on hand to help you find exactly what you are looking for. It is also a good idea to do a lot of your own research prior to making any purchases.

After you have your tank, you should think about the sort of plant life that you want. Although you can have a tank made up of only artificial plants, this will not look as good as a tank full of healthy natural plants. It is easier for beginners to use artificial tropical plants but as soon as you think you can look after real plants you should purchase a few and see how you go. Live plants also help to keep the water clean and provide a place for your fish to play and explore. You need a good substrate if you are considering using live plants.

Any ornaments or decorations that you purchase for your fish tank should be soaked in water for about 24 hours to ensure that they are clean and free of chemicals. Drift wood is a great addition to any tank and this can be found on a lot of beaches around the world for free!

Thinking about the above points when purchasing tropical fish tank supplies will help you make better decisions and have a much nicer and lower maintenance tank. Remember, choose a tank that suits your needs and time requirements, have a long think about the type of plants you want to put in your tank, and look for some cool decorations and ornaments for your tank to give it a really personal touch. The best thing that you can do is research so have a look at heaps of different tropical fish tank supplies stores and see what you can find.

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How To Create The Best Aquarium With The Right Equipment And Aquarium Supplies

There is nothing more relaxing than a fish aquarium. You can actually sit and watch it for hours. The key behind a beautiful aquarium is the proper lighting. This will not only show off you fish and corals better, the right aquarium lighting will keep your tank environment stable and free of algae. When putting together all the equipment you need for your fish tank, aquarium lighting is one of the most important items especially for those of you who are tackling a reef aquarium. Lighting is critical to the plants, corals and other invertebrates for them to stay healthy as they require photosynthesis to generate required energy. Without the proper aquarium lighting, these will likely die over time. An aquarium light timer is the perfect way to control your tank's lights without you having to be there to either turn them on or off.

If you want an aquarium with coral, reef aquarium lighting is critical to the longevity of certain types. Species requiring low to medium lighting will do just fine with VHO fluorescent or Power Compact fluorescent lighting systems. Corals that require intense aquarium lighting will do best with metal halide systems. The rule of thumb with metal halide lighting is 1 bulb for every 2 feet of tank you have. Larger tanks will require more lights of course to help with some heating as well as controlling algae. Metal halide lighting systems are designed to run 12 hours a day so this is where a good aquarium light timer can come into play.

Aquariums require a number of different supplies including heaters, chillers, air pumps, filters, ornaments and decorations. Aquariums can be quite expensive to put together so we always recommend putting a budget together before you get going. If you can plan out your fish tank, you can buy items such as aquarium lighting that you can grow into. You can find some excellent products at discount prices if you shop around and watch for sales. You may start out with fish only, and continue to add plants and corals to someday have an outstanding reef aquarium. Just remember, the most important thing about any aquarium is keeping the environment stable for your fish. The water temperature must be held constant at all times at the right temperature as too hot is just as harmful as too cool.

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Koi Pond - For an Energizing and Refreshing View

Koi is a kind of fish, which is preferred by fish lovers to breed in aquariums or even ponds. Many people also love them because they are a very nice ornament in their gardens. This type of fish is colorful, that is why many people are attracted to have them, especially in their gardens. Because of its refreshing and elegant look, many fish lovers are also attracted to build ponds to raise their Koi.

If you are planning to build a Koi pond yourself, you need to consider some matters and reminders. First and foremost, you need to consider the availability of space in your house. This is very important so take a closer look with this aspect. You don't want to build a large pond when you have a small available space, or vice versa. So, to really have that appropriate pond size, make sure of the availability of space. You should also consider the place where you are going to build your own pond. Make sure that it will be in a place where most people could observe it. However, if you want to build it just for your own, build it in a place where you spend much time. This will surely give a relaxing and refreshing effect to you.

The next thing to consider is the depth of the pond. Its depth should be according to its overall size. However, the normal depth is 4-5 feet for the Koi to have a cozy space for them. The pond's depth may also depend on the number and the size of the fishes that you are going to put.

Another essential thing to consider is electricity. Your pond should have an electricity connection to have a pond water filter. This water filter would ensure you that your Koi will swim in clean water.

After doing all those things, you can have the Koi in the water. However, everything's not yet done! You have to pay a lot of attention to the cleanliness of the water that your Koi fishes are swimming in. You need to timely feed them so that they are going to remain active and energetic. This process will continue on and on until as long as you still have Koi fishes in your Koi pond.

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How to Have the Most Stunning Freshwater Aquarium

A well-designed freshwater aquarium can be one of the main reasons a fish hobbyist really enjoys spending time at home. A one-of-a-kind aquarium can also help decorate and add appeal to your living room and make it one of the most fashionable areas in your home.

But how do you achieve that goal? Here are some of tips to having the most stunning freshwater aquarium:

Choose your fish species. This may sound complicated but if you do not have any idea about choosing from the large variety available, you need to talk to a fish pet dealer about choosing the best types of fish to include in your fish tank - if you want it to look great. It is important for a fish hobbyist to know what kind of species he or she should include in the tank by bearing in mind what fits their needs and requirements regarding the number and size of fish (based on the size of the aquarium). However, if you have a good understanding of the various types of fish available and their appropriateness for your fish tank, it's really just a matter of personal preference. As a basic rule of thumb, you should have no more than one inch of fish for each gallon of water in the tank (to avoid clutter)

Use aquatic plants. Live aquatic plants are essential to provide a balance of life and healthy living environment for your fish. Live plants help utilize the ammonium content in your freshwater aquarium and lower the tank's waste content that might harm your fish. Freshwater tanks that have live plants are more eye-catching and attractive than tanks that do not. Also, you should be able to determine if the plants that you include in your fish tank thrive well in freshwater

Decorate and explore. Decorate your fish tank by using gravel, rocks and ornaments based on personal preference. Certain fish species use decorations as "hiding places" if they get stressed which can make them live longer and grow healthier. Colorful fish tanks (by using ornaments), enhance the beauty of your tank - not only for your fish but also for you. You should also explore what other things might be included, such as corals, shells and sand that you can find at the beach or your favorite fish shop

Know where to place your tank. Knowing what part of the living room, or for that matter, your house, you should place your fish tank is just as important as taking care of your fish. A well chosen place for your tank provides a 'home sweet home' feeling for your fish and improves their chances of living a long and healthy life.
Seek the advice of a professional. If you have the budget, seek the help of professionals who are knowledgeable about the hobby. They can help you set up and maintain your aquarium. There are many issues to consider (particularly when starting out), and you need to be aware that some fish species do not live well with others. A professional can help you decorate and choose the right types from a wide variety of fish species.

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Aquarium Decor

You've got the aquarium tank, now it's time to decorate. The tanks looked so pretty in the pet shop, but if you're like me, they left you wondering where to start. First, you need to decide on a theme, anything from Disney to Sunken ships. The theme you select for your aquarium décor is a matter of personal choice. The next suggestion would be to create a little diagram and scale everything to size. This will insure that you have room for everything you want and help eliminate gaps in the tank.

There are many different aquarium decorations out there. There are hundreds, if not thousands, to choose from. Coral, driftwood, gravel, plants, artificial plants, rocks and ceramic decorations are just a few types of aquarium décor. So, once you have decided on your theme, you should have no trouble filling your tank. You will want to make sure you put all the smaller objects and plants in the front and arrange the larger ones towards the back so it can all be seen.

It should be noted that you should only put articles in your aquarium that are labeled "for use in aquariums" so as not to contaminate the tank. Driftwood, rocks and plants from your garden or elsewhere may contain harmful ingredients like pesticides or chemicals, and even minerals that can be toxic to the aquarium life.

This is also important when caring for and maintaining your tank. Soap, bleach and other "cleaning products" are harmful for fish tanks. The tank décor and ornaments should be cleaned once a month using a cleaner made especially for cleaning fish tanks and aquariums. Cleaners that will remove biological and mineral deposits should be used. Cleaning aquarium decorations on the average is very low maintenance. Just make sure that before you add or remove any aquarium decoration or ornament that you turn off and unplug all the equipment first.

Aquarium décor is more than just ornaments and decorations in your tank. It can be used to disguise some of the unsightly plumbing of the fish tank, and more importantly, provide necessary shelter for the sea life thriving in your aquarium. It can also provide a place for the fish to lay eggs and even go and brood.

Rocks and other structures used as aquarium décor often become territorial boundaries for some of the fish in the tank. When picking out the rocks and bigger structures to decorate the tank, keep in mind that fish love to explore, so the more holes and ridges the better. It's also a good idea to rearrange the décor every time you clean. It will keep the aquarium experience fun and new for both you and the fish.

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How to Take Good Care of Your Tropical Fish Tanks

Taking good care of tropical fish tanks involve diligent cleaning and maintenance checks. Doing so will ensure that your fish will stay healthy by preventing any problem from happening.

Daily maintenance

Daily checks would only require a few minutes of your time. This involves checking the water level, doing fish head count, and checking for floating detritus. If the water level drops, you need to replace the water. You must also take out any dead fish or plant matter to maintain a suitable water condition for your tank.

Also check the temperature reading of your heater and thermometer. A huge discrepancy in their readings generally means that the heater is malfunctioning.

Weekly maintenance

Water change and light cleaning of tropical fish tanks are usually done during the weekly maintenance checks. You have to remove and clean dirty ornaments, clean the tank walls, siphon off floating particles and dirt, and prune and re-anchor live plants if you have them in your tank. When changing the water, do not remove more than 25% of the water in the tank. Before you put in the new water, make sure that it is filtered, dechlorinated, aerated, and of the correct temperature. You can leave the fish inside the tank while cleaning as long as you won't make sudden movements that will disturb them.

Monthly maintenance

Cleaning and replacement of some of the equipment of tropical fish tanks are done monthly. These are your filter media and filter cartridges. Do the monthly cleaning together with the scheduled water change so you can use the discarded water to clean the mechanical and chemical filter media of your fish tank. However, do not replace nor replace the biological media as this will wipe out the bacteria colonies needed for filtration. Make sure that you test the levels of ammonia, pH, nitrates, and nitrites in the fish tank.

It is advisable to keep a record book where your observations, activities, and testing results are noted down. Referring to those notes will help you later on in case concerns regarding water conditions or fish health will arise.

Bi-annual maintenance

The pumps, light bulbs, protein skimmers, filters, and pipes of tropical fish tanks are to be checked, cleaned and/or replaced twice a year. Check the impeller of the pumps if there are missing blades or if it has cracks. Be sure to clean the inside of the pipes. When you change the light bulbs, do so at night when they are cool enough to be handled. If you need to change two bulbs or more, replace the bulbs one day at a time. When removing, reassembling, and reinstalling these equipment, follow the manufacturers instructions.

Cleaning tools

Using the right materials during cleaning will ensure faster cleaning time with less hassle. Your cleaning kit should include algae pads, magnetic cleaners, gravel vacuums, water changing tools, scrapers, brushes, tongs, gloves, and cleaning fluids. Examples of cleaning fluids specially made for fish tanks are scratch removers, salt creep removers, lime dissolvers, and glass polishers.

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How To Care For Aquarium Catfish

Catfish are a popular fish to keep in your fish tank because they are generally placid and can live comfortably with other species of fish in a community tank. They also have a distinctive appearance of having barbels around the mouth that look like whiskers and hence give them their colloquial name Catfish. This article will briefly describe the common types of catfish that can be kept in an aquarium, some of their habits and how to care for them.

The two species of catfish that are popular for aquariums are the Corydoras sp. (also known as corys, cory catfish or cory cats) and the Synodontis sp.

Corys are indigenous to the tributaries of the Amazon river system. These waters are typically clean and clear and have a constant and gentle current. Corys tend to stick at the bottom in the current searching for food on the river bed or small animal life. Corys are quite small and live in small groups in the wild. In aquariums they are often on their own.

They are fairly hardy in terms of water quality. They can tolerate slightly acidic or alkaline water but are ideally suited to neutral water. They like a fine gravel substrate as most of their time is spent foraging for food. It is important to keep the water and gravel clean because Corys will pick up bacterial infections, such as ich or fin rot, from dirty substrate. To this extent, Corys are good for cleaning up waste material off the bottom of the tank but they also eat a wide variety of food including pellets and flake food and also blood worms. They are also well adapted to cold water and can live in water ranging from 18-25 degrees Celsius.

Synodontis sp. are generally larger fish than the Corys with some notable exceptions being the upside down catfish or synodontis nigriventris. They hail from the river systems and lakes of Africa where water is quite hard. Again they are bottom dwellers that prefer fine gravel substrate that they can scour for food. Having said that they will eat most types of other food from live food to flake and pellets.

Synodontis are quite shy to some extent and prefer dark surroundings. The lighting should be low and the habitat should include plenty of rocks and wood that can create caves and other place to hide from time to time.

They also make good inhabitants of a community tank but can be territorial at times.

Catfish are great additions to any fish tank. They can provide a contrast to the more classically elegant cichlids with their odd looks and unusual behavior. They also serve a useful purpose in eating much of the wasted food that drifts to the bottom of the aquarium. Mainly they are peaceful and will live with other species of fish and they are quite hardy to water conditions.

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Fish tank use to fill up gap T61 T85 T90

Fish tank use to fill up gap.Two in one aquarium. Top tank is built with open bottom design to allow fish to move between tank. Cleaning is make simple. Changing of water for top tank is not require. Partial change of water or removing of unwanted particles if needed is carried out in the bottom tank that include feeding. ROLE OF BACTERIA IN THE NITROGEN CYCLE Many different kinds of bacteria are present in our bodies and throughout the environment, including water. There are aerobic (good) bacteria, which require oxygen, and anaerobic (bad) bacteria, which do not require oxygen. The bacteria in the aquarium will establish themselves on all the surfaces that are suitable for them to live on. These include the gravel, ornaments, tank walls and more importantly, the filter, where a majority of them will accumulate. Aerobic bacteria need three things to survive: a habitat, food and oxygen. The filter contains a medium that provides a large surface area on which bacteria colonies can establish themselves. The water flowing through the filter provides them with good food and oxygen. Food is derived from the decaying organic material in the water column ( uneaten food, fish waste, decaying plant matter). And the movement of flowing water will permit gaseous exchanges to occur, and as a result, oxygen to be produced. Normally, it takes the good bacteria approximately six to eight to be properly established before they can cope with a new aquarium's bio-load. The environment in a ...

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Column Aquariums - A Great Choice For a Space-Challenged Home

An aquarium is a beautiful addition to any home or office. The beautiful fish moving gracefully in a lush, green plant filled environment of an aquarium are a treat to watch. Not everyone has the kind of space required to place large conventional aquariums in their homes. Column Aquariums are a great solution to small spaces, as they are upright tanks, taking more space vertically than horizontally. They might take up a very small amount of space, but they provide a large viewing area as they are very tall aquariums.They can be placed neatly in the corner of a room, or right in the middle as an attention-grabbing centerpiece.

There are many types of column tanks available that are made of various materials. The best and most popular choice is the acrylic column aquarium as they are extremely clear and light-weight. They are the strongest aquariums available and will not break easily like their glass counterparts and have aesthetic rounded corners and don't require silicone to hold their edges together.

Regular fish tanks made of glass come in typical square or rectangular forms as their corners have to be held together by silicone. It is also very hard to shape glass, so tanks made of glass don't offer too many choices of shape. Acrylic column aquariums are very versatile and can come in various sizes and shapes.

These tall aquariums made out of acrylic are not only 50% lighter than similar sized glass tanks, but they also offer 20% more insulation than the glass ones. Enhanced insulation means better regulation of temperature, allowing the introduction of a variety of fish and plant life in to the aquarium. Better insulation also decreases energy needs for maintenance of a good equilibrium in the tank.

A common misunderstanding about column aquariums that are made of acrylic is that the transparency of such aquariums would be affected due the increased insulation provided and also the strength of acrylic, resulting in a hazy view. This couldn't be farther from the truth. Acrylic is capable of passing the most light when compared to any other known material; it is actually glass aquariums that often inhibit transmission of light. An acrylic column aquarium boasts of a 93% transparency rating which means that it is just as clear as high quality optical glass. All this at just 50% the weight of a traditional glass aquarium, making the process of transporting these column aquariums very simple.

Column aquariums do have a few cons though. Acrylic can get scratched easily though it won't break. Cleaning must be done very carefully using special cleaning pads. There are products available on the market that can be applied on scratched acrylic surfaces to remove the scratches and bring the tanks back to their old glory. And due to the shape and height of these tall tanks, it can be quite a pain to reach down to the bottom and clean them thoroughly. But with all the new models now built to handle most of these cons you will find them a thing of the past.

Column aquariums are a great addition to any kind of space and a boon for fish enthusiasts who are not blessed with a lot of space in their homes. As the popularity of these tall aquariums goes up, prices will come down and they will soon replace traditional glass tanks due to their versatility, strength, lightness and excellent display qualities.

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Paris - Shopping Top 4 For Fashionistas

Known worldwide for its savvy trends and head-turning designs, Paris is the place to visit if you want to update your wardrobe in style. However, if you don't know where to look, your trip may turn out to be more exhausting than you would think. Do some research beforehand to get an idea of what you are looking for before you plunge into the sheik capital, where you may be easily overwhelmed.

1) Fashion Avenues - Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Avenue Montaign and Les Halles

If you are looking for major designers that have dramatically changed the fashion world, Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore and Avenue Montaigne are the places to look. You can find the famous French shops of Emmanual Ungaro, Celiene, Chloe, Nina Ricci, Chanel, Bon Pointe and Christian Dior on Avenue Montaign, as well as Italian and American designers such as Valentino, Versace, Prada, Giorgio Armani, Ralph Lauren and D&G. On Rue du Fauborug, look out for Hermes, Gucci, Christian Dior, Givenchy, Lavin femme, Yves Saint-Laurent and Gianni Versace. For younger fashionistas in Paris, Les Halles may be closer to paradise. Featuring Anges B and Claudie Pierlot, you can't go wrong when looking for an outfit for a night on the town, or even unique daily wear.

2) Department Stores - Boulevard Haussmann

If you are looking some of the most sheik fashion in Paris in some of the world's most extravagant malls, Paris department stores are the place to look. Two of the most famous are Printemps and Galleries Lafayette, which are both located on Boulevard Haussmann. Thousands of chic goods are spread out over five floors of merchandise. Between glorified window-shopping, enjoy gourmet food on breath-taking terraces and occasional free fashion shows. Find bargains during one of the two Parisian sales seasons, either from the end of January to the beginning of March or the latter half of June.

3) Flea Markets

Sprinkled around Paris are flea markets, which offer a delightful variety of gently used merchandise and art. A few of the city's many markets are listed below.

- Antica Market - A tiny market with only about a dozen stalls, Antica offers a gallery with high-end tapestries ornaments and other household objects.
- Biron Market - Selling the highest quality antiques, Biron is known as the most upscale market in Paris.
- Dauphine Market - Probably the largest antique market in the city, Dauphine market occupies a large space and sells everything from rare books to genuine Victorian dressers.

4) Open Air Markets

Open Air Markets have been popular in Paris since the 5th century and are an integral part of Parisian Culture. Currently there are 69 open-air and 13 closed-air markets. The schedules of the open-air markets varies, but rest assured that there is at least one open in each district, each day of the week.

If you are scared to do it on your own, don't fret, there is a solution at hand. Companies such as Chic Shopping Paris (phone 06.77.65.08.01) can help you maneuver through the foreign streets to uncover real gems in the rough.

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Common Mistakes That Can Kill Your Fish

Every year thousands and thousands of people try their luck with tropical fish but only a small part of them still keep tropical fish one year later. This can often be contributed to bad experiences such as dying fish, a smelly aquarium or a green aquarium completely conquered by algae. Most of these experiences are caused by a number of common mistakes that many fish keepers make and can be easily avoided. Below you'll find a list of 5 common mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Buying everything at once and than setting up the tank when you get home. An aquarium needs to stabilize before you introduce fish into it. This process should be allowed to take at least a couple of weeks. The reason for this is that aquariums need to establish a fauna of good bacteria that helps brake down toxins created by decaying plant part and fish waste. You can speed the process along by taking water from an already established aquarium to put into your own or by buying an aquarium starter kit.

2. Smaller isn't easier. Many beginners buy a small aquarium as their first aquarium thinking that it will be easier to maintain. Nothing could however be further from the truth. Larger aquariums are more stable and require less maintenance than smaller aquariums. I never recommend anyone to start with less than
100L / 25 gallons. An aquarium of this size is still rather small, doesn't take up a lot of room and is much easier to care for than even smaller aquariums. A larger aquarium can also house larger fish and will therefore give you much more fish species to choose among than a smaller thank would.

3. Buying the wrong fish. Some fish are hardier than other and are hence more suitable for beginners. Different fish species also has different requirements as they come from different environments in the wild. Make sure to only choose fish that suits the water in your area (or prepare the water to suit the fish) and only keep fish that wants the same type of environment in the same aquarium. Make sure to choose fish with a similar temperament and that doesn't grow too big for your aquarium. A common mistake people make are buying goldfish for their tropical aquariums. Goldfish are not tropical fish and do best in colder water. Keeping them in warm water make them more prune to diseases and shorten their life spans. It is common that you hear about people keeping their goldfish alive for a couple of years as something impressing when goldfish in reality live to be 20, 30 sometimes even 40 years.

4. Cleaning the filter in hot water. Many beginners clean their filters in warm water to get them really clean, some even use cleaners. Both these practices are no nos as they destroy the important bacteria in the filter and reduces the effectiveness of the filter. Only use room temperatured water when cleaning your filter and make sure that the filter media doesn't dry out during the cleaning. It is okay if some dirt is still there when you put it back in the aquarium.

5. Overfeeding. The fish isn't hungry each time they beg for food. Feeding them to much will just put stress on the water and potentially kill your fish in the long run. Feed your fish two times a day and no more than they can eat in a couple of minutes.

Avoid these mistakes and your fish will thank you for it.

Biube Aquarium

Exotic Aquarium 3D Screensaver

Décorez votre bureau avec ce fascinant aquarium et faites-vous ressentir une partie de l'étonnant monde sous-marin. Vous serez hypnotisés par la variété des scènes aquatiques de fantaisie avec les poissons tropicaux, des plantes exotiques dynamiques et attrayantes qui ornent l'aquarium. Appréciez la beauté de cette mise en couleurs et se détendre en regardant vos beaux poissons qui nagent avec joie entre les bulles et les plantes se balançant doucement dans l'eau de leur royaume. Decorate your desktop with fascinating aquarium views changing one another and making you feel a part of the amazing underwater world. You will be mesmerized by the variety of aquatic scenes with fancy tropical fish, vibrant exotic plants and attractive aquarium ornaments. Enjoy the beauty of this colorful setting and relax watching your lovely finny friends swimming joyfully among bubbles and gently swaying plants in their water kingdom.

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Advice on Fish Aquarium Accessories and How to Set Up Your Aquarium

Once you have your tank, you should know how many gallons of water it holds, as this determines the amount of gravel you will need to put in the tank. The general opinion is that you should put one pound of gravel to one gallon of water, this will be beneficial for the good bacteria you need that resides at the bottom of your tank. The one thing you must do before you add your gravel is to wash it to make sure it is clean, this will remove any harmful bacteria before adding it to your tank.

Once the gravel is in the tank, then you can start to put your plants in, or any other ornaments you have chosen to add, but do not over fill your tank with these items. You want a well balanced looking fish tank if possible so you can enjoy your new aquarium.

Before you start to add the water you will need to get some chemicals to help purify it, this will remove the chlorine and the ammonia that are no good for your fish. Your local aquarium retailer should be able to advise you on what you will need for your particular area. Now you can fill your tank with water and add what dosage of chemicals your retailer has advised.

You also need to get a filter for your tank, these filters are rated to work on how many gallons of water there is in your tank. I would advise buying one that is rated slightly bigger than you actually need, as this will let you add more fish to your tank in the future.

Now you can choose which fish you would like in your aquarium, there is a lot of different types of freshwater fish to choose from, go to your local retailer and view what they have in there tanks and try to imagine mixing the different types together. But be careful when choosing your fish, some fish will not be happy together in the same tank, your retailer should advise you on which sort you can put together.

Try not to over feed your fish, as the excess food will sink to the bottom of the tank and effect the good bacteria that live in the gravel, which you need to keep your fish healthy. I would also advise on cleaning your aquarium once a month, but do not change all the water as this will affect the bacteria in the gravel.

There are many more fish aquarium accessories that can help you to maintain your aquarium, you will discover these as you progress with your hobby, but at this stage just sit back and relax, and enjoy your fish in your new aquarium.

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Japanese Koi Fish Breeding

Koi are domesticated ornamental varieties of the common carp Cyprinus carpio. They are not goldfish, just very closely related to goldfish, and the style of breeding and ornamentation has become very similar, probably through the efforts of Japanese breeders to emulate goldfish.

If you travel to Japan and tell friends that you like koi, your friends might invite you to eat the dull grey fish that inhabits the waters of the islands, as in Japanese, the word koi simply means 'carp'. If you tell them you appreciate Koi, they may lead you and your camera to the pond in the garden. This article is about Nishikigoi, and uses the English word koi to refer to the colourful fish.

While a Chinese book of the Western Jin Dynasty mentions carp with various colours, Koi breeding is generally thought to have begun during the 19th century in the Niigata prefecture of Japan. Farmers working the rice fields noticed that some carp were more brightly coloured than others, they would capture them, and raise them. This would have invariably saved their lives as normally the brighter coloured fish would be more likely eaten by birds and other predators.

By the 20th century, a number of colour patterns had been established, most notably the red-and-white Kohaku. The outside world did not become aware of the degree of development until 1914, when the Niigata Koi were exhibited in Tokyo. Some of them were also presented to Crown Prince Hirohito. At that point, interest in Koi exploded throughout Japan.

Nishikigoi have been called the national fish of Japan. Today, Nishikigoi are bred not only in their place of origin, Niigata, but all over Japan, and are exported all over the world. Nishikigoi continue to gain worldwide popularity as the ultimate pond or garden fish.

As Nishikigoi were developed in Japan, the language of Nishikigoi is Japanese. Japanese is used not only to name the varieties, but also for many of the terms used to describe their colours and traits.

Koi varieties are distinguished by colouration, patterning, and scalation.

Kohaku are white koi with red markings. Probably the most common variety. The hi should be deep red with well defined edges (kiwa) where it meets the white which should be pure and bright. A tancho kohaku is a white koi with a red spot on its head. An inazuma kohaku has a continuous red marking from the head to the tail, but with variation (inazuma means 'lightning strike'). A nidan (two) kohaku has two red markings, a sandan (three) kohaku has three red markings, and a yondan (four) kohaku has four red markings.

Taisho sanke (known as sanke), hi (red) and sumi (black) on a white background. A maruten sanke has a separate red spot on the head with normal markings on the body. A tancho sanke has a red spot on the head and a white body with black markings.

Showa sanshoku (known as showa), red and white markings on a black background. A hi showa is a predominantly red showa. A kindai showa has a predominantly white pattern. A tancho showa has a red spot on the head and a black body with white markings.

Bekko are white, red or yellow koi with black (sumi) markings. Shiro bekko is a white koi with black markings. Aka bekko is a red koi with black markings (aka is another word for red). Ki bekko is a yellow koi with black markings (rare variety).

Utsurimono are often confused with bekko but are mostly black with white, red or yellow markings. Shiro utsuri is a black koi with white markings. Hi utsuri is black with red markings. Ki utsuri is black with yellow markings (rare variety).

Asagi are blue-grey koi with red along the sides and belly and in the fins.

Koromo literally means 'robed'. This describes the hi pattern, outlined in a darker colour, which varies with the variety. Ai goromo is a kohaku whose scales have blue borders. Sumi goromo have solid black on the hi markings. Budo goromo have sumi overlaying the hi giving a purple/maroon colour.

Kawarimono accomodates all non-metallic koi that do not fall into the above groups:

Karasugoi is a black koi with white or orange belly. Hajiro is a black koi with white tips to its tail and pectoral fins. Hageshiro is a black koi with white tips to its fins and white head and nose. Kumonryu is a doitsu koi which is black with white markings on its head, fins and body. Aka matsuba is a red koi with black centres to its scales, creating a pine cone effect. Goshiki are white, red, black, blue and dark blue, giving a purplish appearance. Kigoi is a yellow koi. Chagoi is a light brown/olive koi. Soragoi is a blue-grey koi. Midorigoi is a green koi. Benigoi is a deep red koi. Shiro muji is a white koi, aka muji is a red koi. Ochiba shigure is blue-grey with a brown pattern.

The Hobby of keeping Koi spread worldwide after shipping of Koi became both fast and safe for the fish. Koi are now commonly sold in most pet stores, with higher-quality fish available from specialist dealers.

Christmas in Rome

If you're spending Christmas in Rome for the first time and wondering about things to do, here's our top ten activities which combine the magic of Rome with real Christmas traditions in Italy.

1. Top priority - Christmas in Rome just wouldn't be complete without the amazing experience of the Christmas market in the Piazza Navona. There are stalls selling all shapes and sizes of 'presepi' - the nativity figures you'll see everywhere in Italy at Christmas, stalls selling Christmas ornaments, models of the Italian 'befana'' who brings the children's gifts on January 6th, stalls selling nothing to do with Christmas at all, and some old-fashioned 'knock the cans off the shelf' type stalls. Not to mention a carousel, street performers and balloon sellers. Wonderful!

(Where: Piazza Navona, from 6 December until 6 January each year).

2. Admire the beautiful - and huge - Christmas trees tastefully decorated which are at all the main sites. Against the beautiful blue of a Roman sky in December they are majestic and in the dark of the evening sky they're magical.

(Various places - the best are St Peter's Square, the Colosseum and the Piazza Venezia).

3. Watch 'presepi' being built: nativity scenes are one of the major Christmas traditions in Italy, but Rome's are works of art and aren't finished before Christmas week. However, if you have to leave the city before that, one of the most interesting activities in Rome is to watch the huge nativity scene inside St Peter's basilica being built. The outside nativity, which is the biggest in Rome, is screened off until it's completed. It's wonderful to watch the craftsmen at work building not just a stable scene but a complete village.

(Where: St Peter's Basilica).

4. See finished presepi: the life-sized nativity scenes in every church and in key public places in Rome are a key part of Christmas traditions in Italy. Don't be surprised not to see the baby in the manger - he's always placed there at midnight mass on Christmas Eve.

(Where: St Peter's Square, Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps, and any church).

5. Talking of which, midnight mass at any Italian church is worth attending but in St Peter's Basilica is a particularly special event as it's celebrated by the Pope. Inside the Basilica it's strictly tickets only, but there are big screens on St Peter's Square where thousands of people gather.

(Where: St Peter's Square, from 11p.m., Christmas Eve each year).

6. See the presepi exhibition: this houses nativity scenes from all over the world as well as from the different regions of Italy. It's interesting to see how different cultures make the figures in their own image - and interesting to see the materials used which include pasta and rice as well as the more usual plaster and wood.

(Where: Sala del Bramante, Piazza del Popolo, from early December to 6 January each year. Admission charge - EUR5.50 in 2009 - 2010).

7. Escape turkey - eat Italian! Turkey is not part of Christmas traditions in Italy. Family meals on Christmas Eve are always fish-based and on Christmas Day will be lots of different types of meat - lamb, chicken, beef - but no turkey!

8. Pope's blessing: the Pope gives his traditional blessing from the balcony overlooking St Peter's Square at mid-day. It's one of the highlights of Christmas in Rome and televised all over the world.

(Where: St Peter's Square, mid-day, Christmas Day).

9. Wander round the city: you'll find shops and most bars and restaurants are closed on Christmas Day, but you can still find lots of things to do in Rome. It's a wonderful time to wander round the city in peace and see some of the usually crowded sites with very few people to bother you.

(Where: try the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, the Colosseum, St Peter's Basilica, and walk off all that food in the beautiful Borghese Park).

10. And finally, when Christmas in Rome is all over, hang around till New Year's Eve and spend it in the Piazza del Popolo. It's the place to be to celebrate New Year in Rome, the equivalent of London's Trafalgar Square, or Times Square in New York. There's plenty of singing, dancing and fireworks at midnight.

(Where: Piazza del Popolo, New Year's Eve from any time after dark!).

aquarium decorations kitchen utensils BIORB Aquariums

What Causes a Cloudy Fish Tank and What Can You Do About It?

One question that often baffles, even experienced, aquarists is what causes a cloudy fish tank? The answer is not entirely straight forward as, depending on when your fish tank turns cloudy and what colour it turns, there may be different reasons for it happening.

Let's start with a new tank and move forward through the tanks life cycle.

When a tank is first set up the water may well seem cloudy straight away. This can simply be caused by minute air bubbles being suspended in the water and will disappear after a few hours. Leave the tank overnight and it should clear.

A new tank has yet to complete the nitrogen cycle so is unable to deal with the waste produced by your fish. As the nitrogen cycle gets under way you may find the water turning milky. This is usually a sign that the bacterial stage of the nitrogen cycle is underway. Bacteria have started to multiply so quickly that they can cloud the water giving it the milky appearance. Although unsightly this will pass as the nitrogen cycle completes and settles down. Partial water changes of 10-15% will help to reduce this. Be careful not to over-feed any fish that you have as this can add to the problem.

If the tank is so new that you have not yet added fish or started to cycle the tank, cloudiness may be due to an ornament reacting with the water. Are all your ornaments aquarium friendly and were they all rinsed thoroughly before setting up the tank. If one of your ornaments is dissolving, then it needs to be removed and a large water change also needs to be done.

If you have added bogwood to the tank, this may leech a yellowy brown stain into the water. This will settle down with time and water changes and is harmless. The wood is simply adding tannin to the water. Giving the wood a good scrub in clean water can help to prevent this. As the wood ages and starts to grow its own covering the tannin problems will stop. Water changes will gradually get rid of this dis-colouration.

There are a few things that you can do to help keep all forms of cloudiness at bay.

Avoid over-feeding your fish. Feed enough so that the fish can consume everything in about two minutes. More than this and you will end up with excess waste in the water which can cause cloudy water. Keep the gravel clean. Use water changes to vacuum up any food or waste debris on a regular basis. Use bottom feeding fish, shrimps and snails to clean up leftover food. Do not overpopulate your tank. Think about the inch to a gallon rule but be sensible about it. An inch of Neon Tetra is a lot less than an inch of Guppy. Also remember the snail population. This can quickly expand and they produce waste in exactly the same way as fish. An occasional cull may be needed.

Rather than doing large water changes stick to frequent smaller water changes. Change half of your water in one go and you can upset the natural balance of the tank leading to a bacterial bloom as the cycle re-established itself. Most causes of cloudy water can be solved with time and a good maintenance routine. Regular water changes will solve most water quality problems

Aquarium Ornaments

You would perhaps be tempted to think that upon the purchase of a brand spanking new aquarium system that your work is done. And you would not be far amiss in thinking so, for almost anyone would be hard pressed to figure out how there could be any possible way to improve on such a wondrous spectacle. Depending on the type of fish that you choose to have in your aquarium, you will more than likely be inundated with a staggering display of all nature's colors, swimming away majestically. Whether you decide to go for a fresh water aquarium or a saltwater aquarium, many multi hued sea creatures are available for either type and your final decision can be made largely based on your personal preference. In other words, no matter which one you decide on eventually, a breathtaking water spectacle is in the cards for you.

It is inherent in human nature however that we must constantly strive to improve upon every aspect of our daily lives and the enhancement of your aquarium system is not at all that different. By this token, you may find yourself therefore shopping around for means to improve on what is already a good thing. Chances are good that you may eventually turn your attention to any number of the aquarium ornaments or aquarium decorations that adorn the shelves of your local pet supply store. Or you may even have already begun to peruse various pet supply websites in the hopes of finding just that perfect...something that will add the master finishing touch to your underwater display.

Some of the more popular ornaments available are the Tropical Clam ornament and the Half-Shipwreck decoration. They are popular for precisely the reason that they serve to considerably liven up what would otherwise be a fairly humdrum or run of the mill aquarium. Not to worry; these two products are totally safe for aquarium use and your precious watery friends will surely have hours of fun romping through them and chasing each other in and out of their pathways. In fact given the presence of such delightful ornaments, your fish may well be in their own natural habitat and I sincerely doubt that any of them will miss home with these toys adorning their tanks! The themes of these decorations are particularly apt given their intended usage and will add that needed little bit of whimsy in your aquatic creations.

These ornaments are not only attractive to the eye, they are also easy on the wallet. Costing only a few dollars each, there's no reason why you shouldn't have them in your very own aquarium right now and even purchasing several of them! In fact, with playthings such as these, even I would be tempted to live in an aquarium... if I wasn't so attached to my land lubbing ways that is!

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