Building Koi Fish Pond - 7 Tips For Success

Are you thinking of building a koi fish pond? Keeping these magnificent fish in your garden can be great fun and it is not as difficult as you might think. With the right care koi can live for decades and some can become almost a meter long. Follow these tips to plan your pond properly so your koi will live long and happy life.

1 Depth is important

Depth of your pond is crucial. The minimum recommended depth is 4 feet, however it is much better to give your fish six or even 8 feet deep pond. This will ensure that your koi are protected from raccoons, cats and other animals who love a fish dinner. Deeper fish pond also helps to keep water cool in hot summer days

2 Make your pond as large as you can

Small ponds are not suitable for koi. Remember, with time koi can grow quite large and they will need a lot of room. Also there are so many color variations of koi, that with time you will probably want to add more fish to your pond. So it is better to create a large pond from the start than rebuild it later. About ten thousand gallons is a good size for a koi pond, bigger would be even better.

3 Use fish pond heater in colder months

Unlike tropical fish, koi don't suffer much from cold; however you should never let your pond freeze completely. Installing a proper pond heater will always keep an opening in the ice. Also keep in mind, that koi only grow when the water is warm, so with a heater your fish will grow faster

4 Plan some shade for your koi

When selecting a spot for your pond, make sure it is out of direct sunlight. Also keeping water plants like water lilies in your pond are a good idea - not only they add beauty to the overall design, but they also provide shade for the fish. However, you should avoid building your koi pond under trees. Cleaning a fish pond of fallen leaves is no fun.

5 Plan to install a bird net

There are many birds of prey that would love to steal your koi. Don't give them the opportunity; plan your pond location so it is possible to cover it with a net.

6 Keep insecticides away from your pond

When landscaping your pond keep in mind that you should not use any insecticides or herbicides near the water. Even a small amount of common garden poison can kill your beautiful fish.

7 Get proper equipment for your pond

Several accessories are absolutely essential for a healthy koi pond. Ideally you will have to invest into a water pump, filtration system, water aerator and an ultraviolet sterilizer. If the water in your pond is still, your fish might get sick and eventually die. Koi pond filtration systems are expensive, so as an alternative you can make your own homemade filters.

Choosing Fish For An Outdoor Pond

Although you may have favorite tropical fish for your indoor aquarium, when it comes to setting up an outdoor pond you may have to adjust your selections a bit. What works inside may not work outside where the environmental conditions can be harder to keep under control. Let’s take a look at some of the more popular pond fish for outdoor habitats.

* First, before you even think about putting fish into your pond you should make sure that you turn on the pump and filtration device and let it circulate for at least 5-7 days. This allows for everything in the pond to neutralize out and also lets you test your equipment. Better to find out before you put your expensive fish in the pond that something isn’t right! Don’t forget to test the pH as well at the end of the 5-7 days.

* Next, the golden rule of thumb is you should allow 24 square inches of pond for every 1 inch of fish. Goldfish and Koi Carp are two of the more popular outdoor fish that people place in ponds. However, if you want to spend a little bit more money you can also look into getting Japanese Koi and Israel Koi which can add some welcome variety to the pond.

* Once you’ve made your selection it’s time to introduce them to the pond. This is a multi-step process, and a bit more involved than adding them to an aquarium. First, float the sealed bag for at least 2-3 hours. This allows the temperatures to come up and match in both the bag and the pond. Next, open the bag and add some pond water to the bag and reseal. Re-float the bag for another 2-3 hours or overnight. Finally, after checking the overall health of the fish, you can release it into the pond.

* Based on what fish you chose, be sure to introduce some aquatic plants to your pond to help them feel more at home. An added benefit is the plants will also help to balance out your pond ecosystem. Again, don’t crowd the pond out with plants but make sure that you have enough to help reduce algae and provide a habitat for the fish. You may also find that over time Mother Nature may also add some of her own plants to the environment!

* Finally, with your new pond up and running and stocked, be sure to monitor how your fish are reacting. Some will take to their new home with ease, while others will require a longer getting acquainted period. The simple truth is some fish just don’t do well outdoors, and you may find that you have to change your plans as you learn what species work well outside and what don’t.

Breeding Betta Fish - Why Betta Fish Fight Each Other

Betta fish fight to protect their territory, to ensure that they have enough food, and also because they want to be “king of the hill” when it comes time for them to breed. These are genetic traits, and you won’t be able to train your fish not to fight.

When you have two male Betta fish in the tank, they will “flare” at each other – (this means they puff up, flaring out their fins and gill covers, to make themselves look bigger and more threatening.) Often one fish will admit defeat and swim away, leaving the other male victorious.

When people began keeping and fighting Betta fish, aggression was bred into them, but over the last few years, this trait has begun to be bred out of them.

Most of the time male Bettas will only attack other males. However it’s not totally unheard of for a male Betta fish to attack a new female or one that he feels threatened by, so it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your Betta fish when you first introduce another fish into the tank, or if you’re putting your Betta in with other fish.

Sometimes more aggressive Betta fish will nip or bite the other fish.
So if you see this happening, remove the aggressive one right away to avoid injuries.

How to Keep Your Betta Fish from Fighting:

There really is only one way – don’t put two male Bettas in the same tank. If you only have one tank and two male Bettas, you have a couple of choices – the first is to use a “fish condo”.

Fish Condos: These are clear plastic containers with air holes that let the tank water flow through them. Depending on the size of your tank, you may be able to fit in a two, three or four space condo. Each Betta fish has his own space, and you can put up visual barriers such as plants or java moss so that he can’t see the other Betta.

You can also put a single mesh divider in one section of your tank that will keep your male Betta fish separated from each other.

About the author.

Mike owns http://www.betta-fish-expert.com

Benefits Of Shopping For Your Fish Tank And Fish Tank Supplies Online

Are you interested in owning a collection of fish? If you are, you will need to purchase a fish tank, if you haven’t already done so. In addition to purchasing yourself a fish tank, you will also need to purchase a number of fish tank supplies. In all honesty, the fish tank supplies that you will need will vary, depending on the type of fish tank that you purchase, as well as how you make your purchase, like if it is in a kit, and so forth.

Although the types of fish tank supplies that you will need to purchase are likely to vary, it is a fact that you will have to purchase some supplies. These supplies can include filters, aquarium chillers, protein skimmers, cleaning supplies, and much more. Once you have determined what supplies you would need to purchase, as well as which fish tank you would like to purchase, you will need to find a place to make your purchases from. If you are like many other individuals, there is a good chance that your first thought may be to visit one of your local pet supply stores. Of course, you can purchase your fish tank and fish tank supplies from one of your local pet supply stores, but did you know that there is a better way? That way involves using the internet.

When it comes to using the internet to purchase fish tanks and fish tank supplies, there are a large number of individuals who wonder why they should do so. As it was previously mentioned, you can shop for your fish tank and fish tank supplies anywhere you want to, but there are a number of benefits to purchasing your fish tank and fish tank supplies online. Just a few of those benefits are outlined below.

Perhaps, the greatest benefit of using the internet to get a fish tank and your needed fish tank supplies is the convenience. It is no secret that it is convenient to shop online. A simple standard internet search or a visit to your favorite online fish tank supply store and you should be good to go. With online shopping, you can shop whenever you have time to do so. Whether you would like to shop during traditional shopping hours or if you get a late night impulse to buy a fish tank or fish tank supplies, you can do so, right from the comfort of your own home.

In addition to convenience, shopping online for a fish tank and fish tank supplies is also likely to give you more options to choose from. Online, you should be able to find an unlimited number of retailers that sell fish tanks and fish tank supplies. Each of these retailers is also likely to have a large selection of products. What is nice about using the internet is that you could literally visit twenty different retail stores and examine all of their products in under an hour. That is something that you definitely could not do if you were to shop locally. In addition to having a large selection of fish tanks and fish tanks supplies to choose from, the internet also makes it easier to compare prices and find the best deals, in record times.

It is also important to mention the convenience of receiving your item or items. When you purchase something online, like a fish tank, that fish tank will be shipped directly to your home or your business. Each fish tank supplier takes great pride in their business and all of their high quality products; therefore, your fish tanks and supplies will be shipped to you in safe packaging; packaging that will ensure the safety of your items. While you might assume that the cost of shipping would be high, it is not uncommon for many fish tank suppliers to offer discounts on their shipping costs.

As you can easily see, there are a number of benefits to shopping for a new fish tank or fish tank supplies online. If you are interested in reaping some of the above mentioned benefits, you are urged to at least examine some of the many fish tank suppliers that can be found online. To get your search started, you will want to examine FishTanksDirect.com.

Hydroponics Is The Future Of Farming

These days we are losing land at such a rapid rate there is no telling how soon we will run out of land to develop. If we continue to grow at such a speed eventually the only land that we have which is still able to be developed is farmland. The thing is that if we use our farmland to put up condos as we are with the rest of the open land we will have no more room for our crops that we grow to survive. This has been a potential issue for year which is why scientists have developed another way to grow food and plants without utilizing land which is a fast depleting resource.
The great thing about hydroponics growing is that anyone can do it. If you have the knowledge and the right equipment you can do it yourself out of your home. This means that individuals that live in downtown areas and have no yard space for a garden can grow vegetables and fruits and herbs without having to trudge down to the grocery every day.
The equipment to grow plants using a hydroponics system is easy to obtain and can be easily picked up at a local store or over the internet. They are reasonably priced and easy to use. All you have to do is follow the enclosed instructions and you will soon be on your way to free groceries.
As previously stated, the land that we have here on earth is a valuable but rapidly depleting resource. There is no way to recover more once we use all of it up. The only answer to this is to learn alternate methods to do things that take up the majority of our usable land. Farming is that thing and hydroponics is a way to cure the problem

Why The Fish Tank Coffee Table Is Dreaded By Fish

If I were a fish I would hope and prey I did not go to a modern trendy home where the owners liked the latest craze. At the moment the latest trend is the fish tank coffee table. Although this type of aquarium looks stunning it is a death trap for fish. They are beautiful looking items of furniture and become the centre of attraction since you cannot fail to see and admire it.
Why the Fish Tank Coffee Table are Called Death Traps for the Fish?
The fish tank coffee table is a great piece of interior home décor; however, the same fish tank coffee table is actually murdering the fish. The reason they are cruel to marine life is because this type of aquarium gives very little place for installing proper filters, and it allows very little maintenance. The fish have height but they need the width as well in order to feel comfortable. The fish actually feel very uncomfortable if they have to swim between the different heights that make the fish tank coffee table.A solution to this problem would be mechanical fish.
If you do not want your fish in this type of aquarium to die a slow and very painful death then the best solution is to replace your live fish with mechanical fish. This way your fish tank coffee table stays as a splendid interior decoration piece without harming anyone or anything.
A Modern Looking Fish Tank Coffee Table
If you must have live fish in your fish tank coffee table then a large rectangular one would be best. This would also enable you to install adequate filters underneath the base of the table. This type of aquarium will be better for fish to live. So in order for the fish to be comfortable, they will need to be accommodated in a rectangular and long aquarium. The larger the surface the more fish can live in there.
Alternative Fish Tank Coffee Tables That Do Not Have Live Fish!
There is another choice for people who really must have a fish tank coffee table and do not like the idea of mechanical fish. You can fill a tank with colorful decorations and plants and add to it oxygen pumps which let out small and big bubbles. This, in combination with good lighting, can be as beautiful as an aquarium, without making you guilty of any cruelty. There are some lovely looking plants and colored stones and ornaments which are available to buy at very cheap prices and would really make your display the centre of attention

Tips For Backyard Fish Ponds Care

Installing a backyard fish pond is an aesthetic addition to your landscaping and offers a bit of tranquility as well. However, taking care of backyard fish ponds is not as easy as one might think. And, you have to do more than simply install the fish pond and then let it go. Backyard fish ponds care is constant and consistent. Although, if you follow these tips you will be able to enjoy your backyard fish pond with as little effort possible in its maintenance.

Tip #1 Use a Plastic Liner

Use a plastic liner to separate your backyard fish pond from the surrounding soil. By doing this you eliminate nutrients from the soil intruding your fish pond and will only have to deal with the elements that are in the pond itself or are created by the fish living in the pond.

Tip #2 No Low-lying Areas

Do not install a backyard fish pond in a low lying area where runoff from your lawn will end up in your fish pond. Maintaining the fish pond is difficult enough without introducing runoff from the lawn. When installed on a high area you will have an easier time maintaining your fish pond.

Tip #3 Water Plants

Another great suggestion is to add several varieties of plants in and around your fish pond. This way the excess nutrients will be absorbed by the plants and will not end up promoting algae growth in your fish pond. This works well because it keeps algae from growing and you having to clean the algae out.

Maintaining a fish pond takes work, and you should expect algae to be a problem, especially if you have fish. Just follow these tips to keep your algae problem to a minimum.

This article can be freely published on a website as long as it's not modified in any way including the author bylines, plus the hyperlink must be made active just like below.

Constructing Your Garden Pond - Basic Pond Building Steps

So you have decided to build a garden pond? Congratulations! With a little bit of time, effort, and money you can build a pond that is both beautiful and functional. Below you will find a checklist of what needs to be done to construct a garden pond in your backyard, as well as a list of additional things that you will want to consider when designing your pond.

The Basics

Step 1: Design/Plan your dream pond. This step in the process is not one to be taken lightly. You need to decide the best place to put your pond, how big you want it to be, the shape/depth, whether you want fish or not, and many other details. Changing your plan mid-construction will likely cost you both time and money. Write down all of your ideas and create a list of the things that you want your pond to have, and what you could do without.

Step 2: Outlining your pond. You will want to use a garden hose, or twine and stakes to outline the general shape of your pond. Double check to make sure that it isn’t in the way of power or water lines, and is away from overhanging trees or other environmental hazards.

Step 3: Start Digging. This is the most labor intensive part of the process. You can either dig the pond yourself, or hire someone to do it for you.

Step 4: Line your pond. Depending on the type of liner that you choose, this can be a simple or a complex procedure. If you use a PVC liner, it is simply a matter of getting the liner in place and smoothing out bubbles to make it conform to the shape of your pond. Fiberglass and concrete linings (which are more durable and long lasting) require more prep work.

Step 5: Finish up the liner. If you are using PVC lining, you will want to leave a couple of inches around the edge of your pond for rocks and edging. If you choose fiberglass or cement, you will want to make sure that the application was completed properly, and your system is flushed ready for water.

Step 6: Decorate! Small and large rocks strategically placed around the outer rim of your pond will help conceal the liner and make it appear more natural. You can be as creative as you want with this process.

Step 7: Stock your pond. If you plan to put plants or fish in your pond, this is the time to do it. You will likely want to wait a while before introducing fish, and test the water often to make sure that the water levels are acceptable for supporting life.

Additional Items to Think About

If you follow the steps above you will have a simple garden pond to enjoy for many years to come! If you plan on having any fish or want to design a medium to large pond, you will also want to read up on filtration systems, waterfalls, and the various types of plant and animal life for your pond.

Is The Hexagon Fish Tank Fish Friendly?

In this day and age fish tanks come in all shapes and sizes and you can get them made from a number of different materials. When purchasing a fish tank you need to decide on a number of factors. How do you want your aquarium to look? How big is your home? What kinds of fish do you want to keep etc. When you decide to buy a fish tank for yourself, you start with an idea of how your aquarium should look. Most people think an aquarium should be oblong while others prefer something a bit different. These unusual shaped aquariums such as the hexagon fish tank look amazing in your home but they are not designed for fish.

The Hexagon Fish Tank Actually Harms the Fish And Is Just a Decorative Piece

Unfortunately for the fish the hexagon fish tank is not kind to fish as it makes them feel disoriented as they need to swim round and round and not backwards and forwards as in an oblong tank. Humans are always trying to find things that look unusual and unique to impress our friends and neighbors and the hexagon fish tank certainly does this. It looks stunning and is a very decorative piece of furniture. People love the hexagon fish tank because it looks different to anything else. While the hexagon fish tank is not kind to the fish the shape is attractive and at the same it could be placed in many different spots in your home.

The space in a hexagon fish tank allows for swimming is so much less than a rectangular tank of similar size. The fish do not feel happy about being restricted in a hexagon fish tank because the shape does now allow them the freedom they want. The kindest thing you could do would be to buy mechanical fish and have an array of colorful plants and ornaments. This way your hexagon fish tank would still look stunning and you would not be making any fish dizzy.

One other alternative would be to have very small fish. These small fish would have more room to swim around compared to bigger fish who would just become ill. The hexagon fish tank would allow the very small fish a bit more freedom; however for big fish the hexagon fish tank will make them ill. They would be far happier in a large oblong tank.

Another factor to consider is the one of children. If you have children you will need to decide if you should have your hexagon fish tank made from glass or metal. Where children are concerned acrylic aquariums are far better as they are safer and they keep the water temperature stable for longer periods of time thus requiring less looking after. Whether or not you choose an oblong or hexagon fish tank you need to be careful as not to scratch it as acrylic marks easier than glass. If you are still undecided whether or not to have a normal or hexagon shaped fish tank I think the first question you should ask yourself is that of which fish would I like in my tank? If you do not mind a few small fish or mechanical ones then buy a hexagon fish tank. However if you feel that you want something more then I feel a standard oblong tank would be best

Find And Catch Those Pesky Fish With A Garmin 240 Fish Finder

Garmin 240 Fish Finder Depthfinder with Transducer - a review

The lakes that I normally fish are deep and quite rocky, and I have been delighted with the performance of the Garmin 240 Fish Finder, which gives a clear picture of what lies below. The image of the bottom shows great detail, and if it is showing fish presence then you can guarantee they will be there. It does a good job of indicating non-fishlines as well. It is at its best when performing in deep water, but perhaps isn't as impressive in shallow water.

The Depth Control feature works well in continuing to monitor changes in water depth automatically while the Whiteline feature determins bottom hardness well. The screen is easy to read, even in the dark when the backlight comes into its own. You can see the controls easily.

The Garmin 240 Fish Finder is packed full of features for less money than my old Lowrance, while the features are easily compatible."

Features

The 240-by-240 pixel high-definition display gives you a clear picture of fish, thermoclines, structure and bottom surface. By using various shades of gray, the Fishfinder 240 paints a beautiful picture, leaving little to interpretation.

Operational features include a unique control bar that identifies the most commonly used fishing settings. So without hunting through complicated menus, you can quickly configure and save the settings you want. As lake conditions change, you can fine- tune your Fishfinder 240 on the fly.

Garmin's engineering edge includes See-ThruTM technology, a Garmin exclusive. This allows the Garmin 240 Fish Finder to hear both weak and strong signals simultaneously so you to identify fish returns under the toughest conditions: suspended in thermoclines or even hiding near structure.

Another exclusive feature is Depth Controlled Gain (DCGTM), which automatically adjusts fishfinder sensitivity according to depth, not echo intensity like other fishfinders. The result is a much more detailed and accurate picture of bottom structure.

And we've often heard stories about folks who have found a great fishing spot one day, only to be unable to find it again the next day. With the Garmin 240 Fish Finder that's never a problem again.

At Last - The Eagle Fishmark 320 - A Foolproof Method For Finding Fish Every Time

Looking for a reliable fishfinder? Then check out the features that you get in the FishMark 320. This great quality finder will bring in the fish you are searching for and deliver a foolproof method for catching them every time. The sonar on board is perfect and is one that you will be impressed with.
Just imagine sitting on deck on a beautiful sunny day, not having to guess where the fish are - your FishMark 320 will pinpoint where they are, and when to cast.
The FishMark 320 has many features to mention here.
The 320 has a five inch diagonal screen with high definition 320x320 LCD resolution. It has 16 level grayscale and a backlit screen and keypad. So, what does all of that do? It gives you a great sized screen (perfect for viewing) that is clear and crisp in the images that it displays. You can see the details and therefore know what you have to deal with.
But, what shows up on that screen is what really matters. And, the FishMark 320 has what you need it to. It has depth capability of 800 feet which is perfect for the average lake. It has a 60 degree angle of detection so that means you’ll get what is below your boat and what is next to it. You also get other features that you will love including the FishReveal technology which shows your target even if it is hiding under clutter which we all know is down there. It features HyperScroll so that you can get a reliable reading even when your boat is hitting high speeds, great for finding schools of fish when you are in a hurry. You also get GRAYLINE which will help to differentiate between the fish and the bottom or structures. Fish ID and Fish Track help you to locate and track the fish that you want to catch.
Don’t worry about not finding the right one or losing it if you turn your head. Ever have a fish hide on you? It won’t be easily to hide with this technology! All in all, the Eagle FishMark 320 is the perfect companion on board your boat this fishing season!

Fishing Guides - Fishing Rod Casting Tips

Fishing Rod Casting

The action of a fishing rod is the behavior of the rod while being cast by an individual. The action of the rod may be the same for all the people who cast with it and it may be different for every person who casts with it. Very few casters cast exactly alike. Their hand, arm, muscular and nervous systems are never exactly alike and they con¬sequently perform a cast with a rod differently than any other hand and arm, etc. The action of most rods will react substantially the same for all casters, however. When a rod does not react the same for one caster as another, the action of the rod for each caster is different. That is, a rod may be called a stiff action by one caster and a med¬ium stiff action by another, and both are correct. The action of a rod, then, depends directly on the particular caster using it and may vary from caster to caster.

We will discuss rod action as it applies to fly rods, only. The rod actions are only discussed in general terms.

Wet Fly Fishing Rod Casting

WEJT FLY ACTION: Years ago, a “wet fly action” fly rod was considered to be a rod that was very limber and which bent freely from the grip to the tip. The theory of such limber, soft rods was that they allowed the flies to fall gently into the water and the line to fall straight into the water. Either claim has questionable advantages under many conditions. Gradually, as the years have gone by, fisher¬men began to find out that these old “buggy whip wet fly rods” were actually poor rods for casting the wet fly and that rods suitable for dry fly casting generally cast wet flies much more satisfactorily. Act¬ually, wet fly rods are non-existent today except when a maker turns out a poor dry fly rod and sells it to some novice as a “wet fly rod.”

Dry Fly Fishing Rod Casting

DRY FLY ACTION: There are many ways to build a dry fly rod or dry fly action into a rod. Most of these methods produce good dry fly rods. I will briefly describe some of the better known methods of producing dry fly action in a rod.

HEWITT DRY FLY ACTION: Edward H. Hewitt, as you un¬doubtedly know, was considered the best fly fisherman for trout in the world. There are those who are prone to minimize Hewitt’s abil¬ities for personal reasons or self glory. However, I have never known or heard of anyone from reliable sources who could beat Hewitt for actually putting trout in a creel. Hewitt used a rod with action or the bending in the lower or middle part but not as pronounced as in the standard Dry Fly action. On a three piece rod, for example, the upper half of the middle section and the lower half of the tip have “level tapers”, that is, the tapers are slight. This leaves these areas a little stiff. Such a rod has action all over but slightly more of the bending is in the butt section, the lower half of the middle section, and the top half of the tip.

Hewitt action is identical to the Standard Dry Fly action describ¬ed below, except that the variations in the “level tapered” areas are less from a straight taper than the Standard Dry Fly action “level tapers.”

In one of the last letters from Hewitt, he wrote me that he much preferred this type of rod to all others and that he never was able to wear one out or soften up the action of such a rod no matter how long he use it. This means something coming from Hewitt. He not only had used rods of various types for a great many years but used them a great deal ever year. As always, Hewitt had Leonard make his rods and he always had the highest praised for them.

Better Fish Care - Seven Hot Tips On How To Care For Better Fish

Sure everyone loves Goldfish but there are a very similar type of highly colored and active fish that are just as easy to care for. I'm talking about Betta fish, also known as Siamese Fighting Fish. Hailing from the Mekong river in Asia these beautiful fish usually grow to about 6cm in length although some may reach 8cm's or more. One little known fact is that their natural color is actually a dark green and brown. We see the bright colored ones today simply because of selective breeding by breeders from around the world.
Betta fish are very easy to care for and this makes them a great choice for people who have busy lifestyles and wish to keep pet fish. Below are seven hot tips to keep your Betta fish in tip top shape.
Number 1 - Simple Monitoring
After you've had your Betta fish for a while you will soon recognize their behaviors and activities. You will soon be able to see if your Betta fish are poorly. If your fish seem lethargic measure the temperature of the water. Too cold and your fish will seem listless. The ideal water temperature should be about 28 degrees centigrade (approximately 82 Fahrenheit).
Number 2 - Keep The Water Clean
This may sound obvious to some but your Betta fish need clean water. You shouldn't need a water filter but try to change at least a quarter of the tanks water twice a week. This will insure that it stays nice and clean and will help to keep away any infections. Try not to use water straight out of the cold tap but leave it out for a day at least to let it settle. Be sure to use a PH testing kit (you can get these from your favorite pet store) and try to keep the PH at around 7.0.
Number 3 - Size Matters!
When choosing a tank make sure it will be large enough for your Betta fish to swim around comfortably. A 20 litre tank is ideal. Sharp rocks and stones should be avoided. You don't want your pride and joy to rip or tear any of his/her fins.
Number 4 - Keep A Lid On It
Betta fish like to jump! Knowing this try to keep the water level approximately 6 centimetres below the top of your tank. This, along with the lid, should stop your fish flipping themselves onto the table for your cat to find. DO NOT use an air tight lid! Bettas can take oxygen direct from the waters surface so make sure there are good air holes in the lid.
Number Five - Fish Need Friends Too
It is a wise idea never to keep other Betta fish in the same tank. They are not called Siamese fighting fish for nothing! Try not to keep mirrors or shiny surfaces near the tank as they will flare up at the slightest sign of another Betta, even if it's themselves. Male Bettas tend to be the worst for this type of behavior. It may be fun to watch but all you will do is stress your fish and decrease its lifespan. You can keep other fish with your Bettas. Loaches, platies (or moons) and Cory catfish are ideal tankmates.
Number 6 - Cleaning
Never (and we mean never) use soap or detergents to clean out your fish tank. Simply use a plastic brush and warm water to scrub any rocks or decorations you may have. To remove any old food from the bottom of the tank try using a pipette or a kitchen baster. This will ensure your tank stays nice and fresh and doesn't smell.
Number 7 - Food
Your Betta fish will absolutely love live food such as brine shrimp or bloodworms. Feeding them live food will keep them active and it is great fun to watch them gobbling them all up. For variety try feeding them on thinly chopped vegetables like broccoli, carrots and soybeans. They will enjoy these just as much as live food. Feeding your Bettas on a wider range of food will help them to live longer.

5 Tips For Fish Pond Maintenance

One of the best things that individuals can include into their backyard is a fish pond. This will make the landscape of any garden appear more tranquil and beautiful. But the work that goes into having a fish pond does not end once the fish has been dropped into their new home. Fish pond maintenance means routinely cleaning and taking care of the fish pond!
Here are some easy to follow tips for fish pond maintenance:
1. Building a fish pond entails more work than just digging a hole in the ground, and filling it with water. The first thing individuals have to do is use a plastic lining to separate the ground from what to become the fish pond. This way the debris and soil nutrient does not get into the pond.
2. Including an assortment of plants inside the fish pond, and planting it around the edges will help manage and absorb the nutrients in the fish pond. Some water plants will also help to control the presence of algae. Not only does plants decorate the fish pond, but it also helps to combat the outburst of algae.
3. Be careful where you dig your fish pond. Where the fish pond is located can determine how much work a person has to put in to maintain a clean fish pond.
One of the problems that can occur from having a fish pond that is located under a tree is that it is hard to keep it clean of debris. This is because the leaves that have shed goes right into the fish pond. Although this might look beautiful, it is hard to maintain and keep free of pollution. Individuals would constantly have to fish out the debris that goes into the fish pond.
4. Also, digging a fish pond on the lowest ground level in the backyard is not the best idea. This is because it will tend to get flooded when you water your lawn.
Individuals will have their hands full with taking care of the fish pond without having to worry about other sources of pollution. So right from the very beginning of construction, people should be careful where they dig their fish pond!
5. Outline the edges with rock. One should be careful when selecting the rocks that will line the edges of the pond. Some rocks when absorbed by water, give off substance that might be toxic to the aquatic life that resides inside the pond. This will prevent the soil from going into the pond when people are walking, or changing out near the fish pond.
Remember that when it comes to taking care of a fish pond, the best way to keep it clean starts with its lay out. Make sure that it is built properly.
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Tips On Setting Up Your First Fish Tank

Let's take a splash into the world of fish. Studies show there is a calming effect on watching fish. Having a fish tank relives stress, overall improving ones health. This is why you find many fish tanks in doctors offices. Don't forget the entertainment that fish provide. All around, fish make great pets.
First thing before purchasing a tank is to know where you are going to put it. Remember three main things. First is stability. Is it going to have its own stand or be on a table? This is very important especially if you have pets or children. Flipping fish and water all over the floor because of an unstable table is not something you want to experience.
Second, fish tanks don't do well in a place where there is an abundant amount of sun because algae will form. A green fish tank is not pretty sight. Don't place your fish tank near heat, air conditioning or exterior doors because you will have problems maintaining constant water temperature. Don't forget that you will need electricity. Do not use extension cords, you need an outlet less then three feet away. Trust me, its a pain to set the whole tank up and realize there is no outlet near by.
Okay, now you are ready to purchase a tank. What type of fish do you want? Tropical fish or cold water fish. Tropical fish need a heater in the tank to keep the temperature between 74-78 degrees Fahrenheit. There are basic two types of tanks, glass or acrylic. Personally, I find acrylic much easier due to the fact that it is a lot lighter and acrylic won't crack.
One mistake to avoid is purchasing the fish tank, all accessories, and the fish all at once. Buy only the fish tank and accessories because the environment for the fish has to be established first. You need to place the water in the fish tank 24 hours ahead of time and let it acclimate to room temperature. Letting it stand also de-chlorinates the water. You can purchase drops of sodium thiosulfate to de-chlorinate the water but that does not allow the water to reach room temperature. My advise is skip as many chemicals as possible and wait the 24 hour time period.
Don't forget gravel, rock and decorations. You can get plastic plants or live plants. I personally like live plants because most fish like to eat the plants. Also, make sure you have extra carbon filters on hand.
Now you are ready to purchase fish. A good fish store will be able to assist you on how many fish to buy for your size tank. While you are there don't forget the fish food. Your choices are flake food or pellets. I have found that pellets keep the tank much cleaner. Remember only to feed the fish what they can eat in a few minutes.
You think fish can't jump? Think again! Make sure your aquarium comes with a hood. This is very important because it keeps little hands from putting things in the fish tank. The hood has a lighting fixture that usually comes with a incandescent bulb. I replaced mine with a 13w compact fluorescent light bulb because of heat build up and the possibility of getting burned. I usually keep my fish tank light on when feeding the fish so I can watch their strange antics.
Your next step? To take what you've just learned and go to the pet store and purchase a tank.
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Article written by Gary Nave of http://www.fish--tanks.com