Sounds simple? Do it right and keep your stress minimal! Wash your hands and arms to your elbows. Unplug filter and lights. If you have any UV lights, unplug those too. Close any valves if you have a sump so it doesn’t overflow. Remove any synthetic decor and scrub it with hot water and a …
Have you ever been cleaning your pond, maybe pulling out dead plants, and smelled rotting eggs? This unfortunate smell is hydrogen sulfide, the product of anaerobic bacteria buried deep in the mud. Hydrogen sulfide is highly toxic to fish and can can death very quickly. Fish who are exposed suffer an increase in secondary infections …
Dear Fish Tank Owners, Please stop replacing your filter media every month. I know it says to do so on the box! But, guess what? They do that in order to SELL MORE!! When you take out your old filter media and toss it in the trash, you are discarding all of your good bacteria. …
Everyone always wants to know how to keep their fish system from becoming infested with some horrible disease that puts all their fish at risk. Well, it’s a lot simpler than you think! Quarantine. Quarantine. Quarantine. This includes plants and ALL NEW FISH. The stress of handling and transport is enough to make even the …
To plant or not to plant? As is the dilemma facing most freshwater tank and pond owners. Live plants can add beauty and filtration, but come with their own set of issues. If you are interested in pursing adding live plants to your system, be sure to read through the following points. WAIT! I was …
How does a fish interact with its watery environment? They have many of the same senses as we do: sight, taste, touch, smell and hearing. But, did you know that fish can sense vibrations in the water around them using a special organ called a lateral line? If you look closely at the side of …
Unfortunately, fish bowls are antiquated technology still for sale on your pet store shelf today. It’s an idealized image handed down from Disney movies in our childhoods. Who doesn’t like the cozy image of a happy fish swimming around its bowl? Sorry to tell you that fish bowls are awful for fish. Fish kept as …
Most fish kept as pets are maintained in artificial systems; tanks and ponds meant to replicate their “wild” environment. In a “wild” environment, water flushes into and out of a system through streams, rivers, brooks, rain or the ocean. In an artificial tank or pond, water will come in and out at the owner’s discretion, …
One of the most important factors that comes into keeping fish in tanks or ponds is how many fish you can get away with keeping in one system. The tried and true rule is: 1″ of fish per gallon of water. Well, that’s great and all, but have you ever considered what 1″ of fish …
Proper fish tank or pond maintenance takes patience to learn but is easy to master. Once you find a routine that works for you, your water will always be perfect and your fish will thank you for it. Not to mention all the money you’ll save on veterinary bills! – Identify the different parts of …
Old Tank/Pond Syndrome What is it? This occurs in fish tanks and ponds with the following water quality parameters: pH: <6.0 Alkalinity (kH): <50 mg/L, usually 0 mg/L Ammonia: >1.5 mg/L Nitrite: >0 mg/L Nitrate: >40 mg/L The loss of buffers (alkalinity) can lead to pH swings and a pH crash. The low pH actually …
In anticipation of Finding Dory’s release tomorrow, we’ve assembled this handy guide for those of you now inspired to start a saltwater tank of your own. Please read this guide carefully before you get started! Get the PDF version here: 10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Getting a Saltwater Tank 10 Questions to Ask Yourself …
10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Getting a Saltwater Tank Read More »
At AVSNCA, we get lots of questions about water changes. How much? How often? Get all your answers in our newest article! Never heard of one? If you are a fish owner, you need to read our new article on Water Changes in our Fish Health 101. Right now.
Another new article for our fish health 101 section, this one all about proper quarantine procedures. I know quarantine is a pain, but please keep in mind… Quarantining your fish will save you time, money and lives. Maybe the lives of ALL your fish. Enjoy! Click here to read!