Every once in a while, I get questions about creating the proper environment for discus fish. It involves a certain amount of work and documentation for achieving the best living conditions this exotic fish needs.
The very first question you need to answer about your discus aquarium refers to the tank size. This will depend on the size of the room you've got at home and your financial resources.
If possible put these discus guys in a deep tank as these little creatures feel better in lots of water, not to mention that the more the water, the more stable the conditions. An ideal size of a discus aquarium should be at least 120 cm x 40 cm x 50 cm.
Remember the discus fish feels shy when it doesn't trust the surroundings. Keep the discus aquarium away from any noise or direct heat and light sources.
When you keep it in excess heat the plants overgrow and discus suffers due to lack of oxygen. One more thing, you shouldn't be causing them any undue stress as I said they are shy creatures If possible put the aquarium somewhere on a higher shelf as these fish are disturbed by movement. The stratum you place on the bottom for a discus aquarium is very important.
In case you create the discus aquarium to show off to your friends and family then fine gravel is great to place on the bottom of your tank, but if you are like me and use it only for breeding then leave the bottom uncovered. Thus, the discus aquarium is easier to clean as you don't have to disturb the fish during the mating period.
When it comes to plants to put in your discus aquarium, I suggest you go for the natural ones the artificial ones may look good but guess what? they won't do any good to the fish. I think you can even order the plant selection for your discus aquarium by mail and have it delivered at home.
I know many people are concerned about the aesthetic dimension of their discus aquarium If you feel the same way you may choose rocks and driftwood as decorations. Such items are close to the discus fish native waters where they mainly serve as shelter. Before you put those rocks make sure they don't have any metal ore or other contaminants.
I recommend, you use the rocks that are of the same color and texture though you may use different ones to bring diversity for your discus aquarium. Similar texture prevents functionality problems particularly when the rocks have the same provenience, You will have to sacrifice on good looks sometimes if you really care about the health of your pets. If you want more professional information click here
About the Author
Steve is a free lance writer who enjoys living the life to the fullest. His hobbies include writing, Pet-grooming, Swimming and hiking.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Little Koi Disease Guide
A Koi's health depends on the environment provided by you, the koi pond owner. Koi fish have a high resistance generally, but the stressful conditions can break down the immune system, as in humans. A stressed koi fish becomes sick. Prevention is much more easier than treating your koi fish.
Some causes of stress are: high ammonia level in the water,low dissolved oxygen level in the koi pond, not proper handling of koi fish , moving koi fish, poor water quality, too much koi in the pond, parasites, too high or low water temperature, toxic chemicals, sharp edges in and around pond and not proper nutrition.
Disease can be: bacterial, viral, fungal and can caused by parasites also.
Bacterial koi disease can be: Flexibacter Columnaris (fin and tail rot), Aeromonas (hole-in-the-side), Pseudomonas or Vibrio. One of the principal causes of fish mortality is bacterial disease. Treatment: acriflavin, nitrofurans, oxytetracycline, kanamycin, chloramphenicol, sulfanomides, salt, and so on.
Viral koi diseases can be: unfortunately there is no effective treatment except to remove growths by scraping.
Fungal koi diseases may occur as a secondary infection near some other fish injury. Affects damaged or disturbed fish eggs. Some known treatment: acriflavin, iodine, malachite green, methylene blue, salt or formalin as a bath.
Parasitic koi diseases can be the followings: Lernaea (anchor worm), Argulus (fish lice), Monogenetic Flukes, Ich, Trichophyra or internal parasites. Most fish carry some parasites. Stress situations or seasonal climatic variations may bring on infection. Treatment: Dylox, Masoten, Demilin, Formalin, Malachite Green, potassium permanganate or salt in the whole koi pond or in a bath. We can use some chemical treatments as external swabbing, injection, feed or bath in disinfectants 30 to 60 minutes. External swabbing with antibiotics and/or disinfectants can be very effective.
Partial water changes are very effective also in improving water quality and decreasing stress. You need to use it wisely.
You can find free information and pictures about Koi Fish at Nicol's Koi site.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nikoletta_Bocz
Some causes of stress are: high ammonia level in the water,low dissolved oxygen level in the koi pond, not proper handling of koi fish , moving koi fish, poor water quality, too much koi in the pond, parasites, too high or low water temperature, toxic chemicals, sharp edges in and around pond and not proper nutrition.
Disease can be: bacterial, viral, fungal and can caused by parasites also.
Bacterial koi disease can be: Flexibacter Columnaris (fin and tail rot), Aeromonas (hole-in-the-side), Pseudomonas or Vibrio. One of the principal causes of fish mortality is bacterial disease. Treatment: acriflavin, nitrofurans, oxytetracycline, kanamycin, chloramphenicol, sulfanomides, salt, and so on.
Viral koi diseases can be: unfortunately there is no effective treatment except to remove growths by scraping.
Fungal koi diseases may occur as a secondary infection near some other fish injury. Affects damaged or disturbed fish eggs. Some known treatment: acriflavin, iodine, malachite green, methylene blue, salt or formalin as a bath.
Parasitic koi diseases can be the followings: Lernaea (anchor worm), Argulus (fish lice), Monogenetic Flukes, Ich, Trichophyra or internal parasites. Most fish carry some parasites. Stress situations or seasonal climatic variations may bring on infection. Treatment: Dylox, Masoten, Demilin, Formalin, Malachite Green, potassium permanganate or salt in the whole koi pond or in a bath. We can use some chemical treatments as external swabbing, injection, feed or bath in disinfectants 30 to 60 minutes. External swabbing with antibiotics and/or disinfectants can be very effective.
Partial water changes are very effective also in improving water quality and decreasing stress. You need to use it wisely.
You can find free information and pictures about Koi Fish at Nicol's Koi site.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nikoletta_Bocz
Things That You Must Expect When Buying Koi Fish
If you are thinking of purchasing Koi fish, there are several guidelines that you must first consider before buying. It is important that you must first be acquainted with what there is to know regarding Koi fish. It is also important that you must not hastily buy the first Koi fish that you like, because you might be disappointed buying them. Remember, Koi fish are ornamental pet fish that is usually enjoyed for a long time (for those who do not know, Koi fish can live as long as six decades or sixty years and can also grow as long as three feet).Koi fish is a Japanese-bred fish that is related to the carp family and is primarily designed as an ornament. Koi fish are major attractions to homeowners and pet lovers because of the immense beauty and coloring.
Guidelines in Buying Koi fish
Nowadays, there are many people that are captivated by the dazzling and magnificent beauty of Koi fish. Most of them are enticed to collect numerous and sometimes expensive Koi fish. The most dazzling and magnificent Koi fish can cost as much as half a million dollars. Koi fish can be purchased on your local pet shop or through a public or private source, or through amateur or expert Koi fish breeders or collectors. A pond set up for a collection of Koi fish cannot be completed at once with just a wink of an eye. Accumulating and gathering Koi fishes for breeding usually takes time. Accumulating sufficient amount of Koi fish collections is surely an investment that accounts to sufficient money, heartache, and time devotions.
Things that you must expect when buying Koi fish
Most people have lots of expectations when buying Koi fish. Mostly these expectations are the main reason why they want to buy these beautiful ornamental pet fishes. For the most part, it is important that you will be the one to choose your own personal taste when it comes to the type or variety of the Koi fish that you want to obtain. If you are planning to purchase Koi fish, it is important that you first consider several factors such as the variety of the Koi fish, quality, the price range and where you will be buying the Koi fish. Most of all always make sure that your budget for the Koi fish is sufficient enough. Bear in mind that it is essential that you must have sufficient or adequate funds to sustain the maintenance of the Koi fish (such as foods, maintenance and in some cases, medications).
Keep in mind that having Koi fish is not as easy as other types of pets. These dazzling ornamental pet fish require extra effort in keeping them (such as garden pond or aquarium maintenance, foods, electricity for the filter, etc.). They typically need added attention especially during spring season. That is when the water temperature of the garden pond or aquarium becomes erratic, of which can cause consequences.
Sherlock Four is a writer and a pet lover. Read more information on guides in buying koi fish on his articles at About-Koi-Fish.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sherlock_Four
Guidelines in Buying Koi fish
Nowadays, there are many people that are captivated by the dazzling and magnificent beauty of Koi fish. Most of them are enticed to collect numerous and sometimes expensive Koi fish. The most dazzling and magnificent Koi fish can cost as much as half a million dollars. Koi fish can be purchased on your local pet shop or through a public or private source, or through amateur or expert Koi fish breeders or collectors. A pond set up for a collection of Koi fish cannot be completed at once with just a wink of an eye. Accumulating and gathering Koi fishes for breeding usually takes time. Accumulating sufficient amount of Koi fish collections is surely an investment that accounts to sufficient money, heartache, and time devotions.
Things that you must expect when buying Koi fish
Most people have lots of expectations when buying Koi fish. Mostly these expectations are the main reason why they want to buy these beautiful ornamental pet fishes. For the most part, it is important that you will be the one to choose your own personal taste when it comes to the type or variety of the Koi fish that you want to obtain. If you are planning to purchase Koi fish, it is important that you first consider several factors such as the variety of the Koi fish, quality, the price range and where you will be buying the Koi fish. Most of all always make sure that your budget for the Koi fish is sufficient enough. Bear in mind that it is essential that you must have sufficient or adequate funds to sustain the maintenance of the Koi fish (such as foods, maintenance and in some cases, medications).
Keep in mind that having Koi fish is not as easy as other types of pets. These dazzling ornamental pet fish require extra effort in keeping them (such as garden pond or aquarium maintenance, foods, electricity for the filter, etc.). They typically need added attention especially during spring season. That is when the water temperature of the garden pond or aquarium becomes erratic, of which can cause consequences.
Sherlock Four is a writer and a pet lover. Read more information on guides in buying koi fish on his articles at About-Koi-Fish.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sherlock_Four
Preparing the Water for Your Koi Pond
When you have Koi in your garden pond the water must remain in a shady area. You will have to check the water’s pH levels regularly. Any acidic content in the water can be damaging for the Koi fish in your pond.
Koi ponds have to be filled, drained and re-filled many times. You must assure yourself that your pond is absolutely cleared of all damaging impurities. And, as follows, you must maintain the cleanliness of your garden Koi fish pond.
There are many precautions you can take to assure that your koi pond is completely prepared to be the home of beautiful Japanese Koi fish.
1) Aeration and Water Filtration Systems
o Be sure to use the highest quality filtration systems for designing and preparing a Koi pond – this is very important. Without taking the proper steps to avoid making your pond a deadly home for Koi. Often, a person who loves the hobby of gardening and is dedicated to maintaining a Koi pond will consult a professional for a recommendation on the very best merchandise available.
o It is very important to have a mechanical filter, a mechanical filter is recommended by virtually any professional you talk to.
o Chemical filters are a good idea if you if you have purchased young koi for life in your pond, before they have completely matured.
o In addition, if you choose a biological filtration system you must give the system a certain period of time to become filly affective.
More tips:
2) Purchasing Koi Fish
o Koi are a kind of fish with many different species available for garden ponds in an extreme variety of sizes, shapes and an array of beautiful colors to choose from.
o You can introduce any combination of fish for you Koi pond, you can have groups of the same kind of Koi, or you can have a group of Koi consisting of several different kinds.
o Whether you choose Kohahu Koi, Shusui Koi, Showa Koi, Utsuri Koi, Ogon Koi, Tancho Koi and many, many more types of Koi fish to choose from.
3) Caring for Koi Fish in Your Koi Fish Pond
o There are mechanical, biological as well as UV filters for your Koi pond. The number one rule is to keep your Koi garden pond water clean.
o Have at least two drains at the bottom of your Koi pond.
o Make sure you know what chemicals to check for, and have the chemicals you may need to adjust pH levels in your Koi fish pond available at all times.
o Be sure to make a regular schedule for checking the cleanliness of your Koi pond – no matter what kind of Koi fish you have.
When you want to keep Koi fish in your garden pond, you need to create specific conditions for them. Do not simply introduce Koi to your pond water. Any impurities in the water could be dangerous for your Koi fish. The pond conditions for a Koi fish pond are complicated. Many people attend groups and seek consults from other gardeners to give each other advice.
Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and sports. Her background includes teaching and recreation. For more of her articles on Koi ngarden ponds, please visit Garden Ponds.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_Clarke
Koi ponds have to be filled, drained and re-filled many times. You must assure yourself that your pond is absolutely cleared of all damaging impurities. And, as follows, you must maintain the cleanliness of your garden Koi fish pond.
There are many precautions you can take to assure that your koi pond is completely prepared to be the home of beautiful Japanese Koi fish.
1) Aeration and Water Filtration Systems
o Be sure to use the highest quality filtration systems for designing and preparing a Koi pond – this is very important. Without taking the proper steps to avoid making your pond a deadly home for Koi. Often, a person who loves the hobby of gardening and is dedicated to maintaining a Koi pond will consult a professional for a recommendation on the very best merchandise available.
o It is very important to have a mechanical filter, a mechanical filter is recommended by virtually any professional you talk to.
o Chemical filters are a good idea if you if you have purchased young koi for life in your pond, before they have completely matured.
o In addition, if you choose a biological filtration system you must give the system a certain period of time to become filly affective.
More tips:
2) Purchasing Koi Fish
o Koi are a kind of fish with many different species available for garden ponds in an extreme variety of sizes, shapes and an array of beautiful colors to choose from.
o You can introduce any combination of fish for you Koi pond, you can have groups of the same kind of Koi, or you can have a group of Koi consisting of several different kinds.
o Whether you choose Kohahu Koi, Shusui Koi, Showa Koi, Utsuri Koi, Ogon Koi, Tancho Koi and many, many more types of Koi fish to choose from.
3) Caring for Koi Fish in Your Koi Fish Pond
o There are mechanical, biological as well as UV filters for your Koi pond. The number one rule is to keep your Koi garden pond water clean.
o Have at least two drains at the bottom of your Koi pond.
o Make sure you know what chemicals to check for, and have the chemicals you may need to adjust pH levels in your Koi fish pond available at all times.
o Be sure to make a regular schedule for checking the cleanliness of your Koi pond – no matter what kind of Koi fish you have.
When you want to keep Koi fish in your garden pond, you need to create specific conditions for them. Do not simply introduce Koi to your pond water. Any impurities in the water could be dangerous for your Koi fish. The pond conditions for a Koi fish pond are complicated. Many people attend groups and seek consults from other gardeners to give each other advice.
Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and sports. Her background includes teaching and recreation. For more of her articles on Koi ngarden ponds, please visit Garden Ponds.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_Clarke
Essential Elements for Proper Koi Fish Care
Koi fish is one of the most popular preferences for pet fish these days. That is because Koi fish is a dazzling and colorful ornamental type of pet fish. This much sought after types of pet fish are mostly adorned on garden ponds (landscaped mostly) and aquariums.
Koi fish is a type of fish that belongs to the domesticated and ornamental variant of the “carp” family. These types of ornamental pet fish are widely domesticated and available to almost all parts of the world (except Antarctica). So if you are thinking of having Koi fish as you pet, it is important that you must know all the essential information regarding on how to properly take care of the Koi fish. Also, it is very important that you must know everything there is to know in taking care of the Koi fish.
One of the most essential factors in taking care of the Koi fish is that you must know what are required in order for the Koi fish to be health and of course, alive. Negligence may and can cause the lives of the Koi fish, not to mention the wasted effort and money that you have invested on the pet fish.
Proper care for the Koi fish also means that you must know the seasonal care of your pet fish. That is because Koi fish have different caring needs in every season. For example, during spring season, you must give extra attention on the water temperature of the garden pond or aquarium of the Koi fish. That is because the temperature of the water during this season is irregular meaning it can either rise or fall in an instant (which is not good for the pet fish).
Also, you must always provide your Koi fish not just with adequate source of food but also with the appropriate food. It is essential that you feed your Koi fish the right kind and the right amount of food. When it comes to feeding, you must consider several issues such as the size of the garden pond or aquarium and the type of filter that is used. Always take extra effort in taking care of the garden pond or aquarium such as cleaning the filters. Remember the top most essential elements in taking proper care of the Koi fish are, the number of Koi fishes in the pond or aquarium, the season and appropriate food and proper feeding.
These are just some of the few essential elements that you must know before taking the Koi fish from the pet store. Do not hesitate to ask questions and advice from Koi fish experts or the pet shop owner for the essential information that you must know in order for your ornamental pet fish to be with you longer. Because not only these dazzling and vibrant ornamental pet fish are fun to look at (especially when feeding), some Koi fish keepers say that Koi fish are lucky.
For more information about koi fish, visit Sherlock Four is a writer and a pet lover. Read more information on how to care koi fish on his articles at About-Koi-Fish.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sherlock_Four
Koi fish is a type of fish that belongs to the domesticated and ornamental variant of the “carp” family. These types of ornamental pet fish are widely domesticated and available to almost all parts of the world (except Antarctica). So if you are thinking of having Koi fish as you pet, it is important that you must know all the essential information regarding on how to properly take care of the Koi fish. Also, it is very important that you must know everything there is to know in taking care of the Koi fish.
One of the most essential factors in taking care of the Koi fish is that you must know what are required in order for the Koi fish to be health and of course, alive. Negligence may and can cause the lives of the Koi fish, not to mention the wasted effort and money that you have invested on the pet fish.
Proper care for the Koi fish also means that you must know the seasonal care of your pet fish. That is because Koi fish have different caring needs in every season. For example, during spring season, you must give extra attention on the water temperature of the garden pond or aquarium of the Koi fish. That is because the temperature of the water during this season is irregular meaning it can either rise or fall in an instant (which is not good for the pet fish).
Also, you must always provide your Koi fish not just with adequate source of food but also with the appropriate food. It is essential that you feed your Koi fish the right kind and the right amount of food. When it comes to feeding, you must consider several issues such as the size of the garden pond or aquarium and the type of filter that is used. Always take extra effort in taking care of the garden pond or aquarium such as cleaning the filters. Remember the top most essential elements in taking proper care of the Koi fish are, the number of Koi fishes in the pond or aquarium, the season and appropriate food and proper feeding.
These are just some of the few essential elements that you must know before taking the Koi fish from the pet store. Do not hesitate to ask questions and advice from Koi fish experts or the pet shop owner for the essential information that you must know in order for your ornamental pet fish to be with you longer. Because not only these dazzling and vibrant ornamental pet fish are fun to look at (especially when feeding), some Koi fish keepers say that Koi fish are lucky.
For more information about koi fish, visit Sherlock Four is a writer and a pet lover. Read more information on how to care koi fish on his articles at About-Koi-Fish.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sherlock_Four
Eliminate Stress With KOI FISH
the KOI FISH indeed very beautiful. His colour feature that had various colours and his movement that were elegant, made the KOI FISH often was liked by the person. Previously the KOI FISH was the fish kept of the kings in China. Because of the colour feature of the KOI FISH that was beautiful, the KOI FISH was believed in could eliminate stress. Moreover also was believed caused luck for the person who maintained him. Therefore, not surprised although his price was expensive, the KOI FISH often was looked for by the person.
Currently the KOI FISH the best quality was more often developed in Japan. Therefore, several famous koi fish kinds, his name reeked of Japan, like the Kohaku, Taaisho sanhoku, Showa sanshoku, Bekko, Utsirimono, Kumonryu, Asagi, Cagoi, Ochiba etc..
The KOI FISH indeed had the expensive price. To maintain needed quite a bit of fees. Because of that not surprised when the KOI FISH more often was collected by the middle circle above. According to his history, the KOI FISH indeed not the normal fish, but the fish kept of the kings.
The KOI FISH usually was maintained in the pond, not in aquarium. Because of the KOI FISH appearance was more beautiful when was seen from above. To maintain the KOI FISH, apart from quality food, that must be paid attention to was pond water to maintain the KOI FISH. The KOI FISH only could live well in the pond that his water was clear and often contained oxygen.
The Author is mas ars owner of http://koleksi-koi-lokal.blogspot.com and http://koi-carp-online.blogspot.com and http://car-automotive.blogspot.com
Currently the KOI FISH the best quality was more often developed in Japan. Therefore, several famous koi fish kinds, his name reeked of Japan, like the Kohaku, Taaisho sanhoku, Showa sanshoku, Bekko, Utsirimono, Kumonryu, Asagi, Cagoi, Ochiba etc..
The KOI FISH indeed had the expensive price. To maintain needed quite a bit of fees. Because of that not surprised when the KOI FISH more often was collected by the middle circle above. According to his history, the KOI FISH indeed not the normal fish, but the fish kept of the kings.
The KOI FISH usually was maintained in the pond, not in aquarium. Because of the KOI FISH appearance was more beautiful when was seen from above. To maintain the KOI FISH, apart from quality food, that must be paid attention to was pond water to maintain the KOI FISH. The KOI FISH only could live well in the pond that his water was clear and often contained oxygen.
The Author is mas ars owner of http://koleksi-koi-lokal.blogspot.com and http://koi-carp-online.blogspot.com and http://car-automotive.blogspot.com
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