Cichlids come in all sizes and shapes. The African cichlids live in the three big lakes in Africa (Victoria, Malawi and Tanganyika). The other cichlid species come from South America, North America and Asia. All cichlids require warm conditions and can only be found in the southern parts of North America. You might wonder why cichlids are so popular to keep in aquariums. The simple answer is that a tropical aquarium with cichlids is the most beautiful aquarium you can get. Cichlids have adapted to many different habitats and you can always find cichlids that are suitable for your aquarium and experience level. Continue reading »

The Siamese Fighting Fish is a native of Southeast Asia. It is scientifically known as Betta Splendens but is more commonly known as Betta. It is a popular pet fish for aquarium hobbyists because of its vibrant coloring and the ease of its maintenance.

Caring for Betta fish is very simple and is similar to caring for other fish. You have to keep your fish in a bowl or tank that has adequate space so that your fish has enough space to swim around. You should not fill your tank with bric-a-brac as your fish can be caught which would cause injury upon themselves. Decorate your tank with flat surfaces that will not cause an accident and of course, keep the top covered with a lid because a Betta fish can and will jump out of the tank.

You also have to keep your fish tank water clean by regularly changing it. You should keep the water at the pH level of pure water, which is 7.0. When you wash your fish tank or anything in it, do not use soap because it could pollute your water and kill the fish.

When it comes to feeding, your Betta fish would prefer to eat meat for their diet but it is fine to feed them fish pellets. However, you should feed your Betta fish some frozen worm (thaw it first) from time to time for variety.

One last thing, do not keep more than one male Betta fish in a tank. If you do, you’ll probably end up with only one anyway. They are not called Siamese Fighting Fish for nothing.

If you have done the proper planning for your new aquarium, you’ve already purchased, or otherwise acquired, everything you need to set it up, and have prepared a location in your home where your family and guests can get the most enjoyment from it. If you haven’t, you should do your research and planning, and then go out and get your equipment. Do not get your fish yet. Wait until your tank is set up and running correctly. If something goes wrong, you don’t want to have to worry about where your fish will live while you deal with the problem.

Okay, let’s get started. Whether you have a new or used tank, you should clean it thoroughly. Avoid soap and chemical cleaners, as they can leave a residue that could make your fish sick or even kill them. Use clean water and a sponge or brush manufactured specifically for aquarium use. Fill the tank and check for leaks. It’s much easier to deal with a leak now than after you’ve installed everything. Once you’ve determined that the tank is okay, drain it and let it dry. Continue reading »

So, you’ve decided to start a hobby aquarium. That’s a great decision! Keeping fish as pets is a rewarding hobby, which will give you hours of pleasure, and is not as demanding on your time as other pets. Additionally, an aquarium will make the interior of any home more beautiful.

But don’t be fooled. It’s not just a matter of filling a tank with water, adding some fish, and sitting back and enjoying them. There are some important decisions to be made up front, as well as some commitments you must make regarding maintenance of your tank. Continue reading »