Aquarium Care

Aquariums are everywhere. You will see them brightly lit and full of vivacious and happy fish, swimming through tank plants, coming in and out of little underwater shipwrecks and castles. It is as if aquariums are ubiquitous, being seen at various offices like your doctor’s, dentist’s and also at other places including small restaurants. And nowadays, your friend and family’s homes provide them nice spots for their delight. So why such interest? What is the point in acquiring a home freshwater aquarium?

It turns out that keeping an aquarium has more going for it than just visual appeal. They are actually effective at reducing stress. If you put any stock in Feng Shui, aquariums are thought to bring the element of water to your environment which creates harmony, peace and positive energy.

Scientific studies have found that fish is brain food… and that aquariums can actually help boost brain power too! Children who have aquarium in the home of a home freshwater aquarium in their room tend to score higher on verbal and math SAT’s, getting an average of 200 combined points more than children without them. High schools students were found to have an average GPA of 3.5 if they had home freshwater aquariums, while students without had an average GPA of 3.2.

Other research backs up the claims of stress relief. Scientists have ling known that petting a dog or a cat actually lowers blood pressure and keeps stress levels down. One study looked into the benefits of aquariums. Volunteers were given things to read that were designed to increase their stress levels. Afterwards, they were told to rest, then watch fish in an aquarium. Their blood pressure was recorded. Another group of volunteers were instructed to watch the fish, then rest, then read the stress inducing material. When their blood pressure was recorded, it was found that they had a lower reaction to the stressful material.

So how is it that freshwater aquariums are so relaxing? Is it because of the sound of the bubbles, or the water, or the decorations? No…in fact it is the fish. Researchers have found that what relaxes us is actually watching the colors and movements of the fish. Yes, watching them elegantly glide through the water, come in an out of vegetation, move with extreme ease, make us relax and aid our mind let go.

One of the final reason to own a freshwater tank, is to know more about the ecology of aquatic environment. Knowing about different kinds of fish, and experiencing first hand the subtle equilibrium they need in their environment, makes you better aware of the fragile balance required by our environment, specifically in our lakes, seas, and oceans. Children gain knowledge of caring for fish, and in the process be taught responsibility.

So don’t wait any longer if you have been wondering about owning a home freshwater aquarium. Reasons abound to keep fish in you home. It will make you feel better a give you a brain boost. Pure natural beauty as well as liveliness will come to your home as well.

Looking to find the best deal on freswater aquarium information, then visit www.freshwateraquariumplus.com to find the best advice on aquarium freshwater fish for you.

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Research has shown that watching fish swim in an aquarium reduces stress and blood pressure. Beginning a brand new aquarium requires some understanding of the process. If done without any understanding, many fish put into a new fish tank may die of new tank syndrome. This article will show you exactly how to start a new aquarium and reduce the frustration of new tank syndrome.

The first step is deciding on the size tank you would like to purchase. There are tanks with capacities of just a few gallons to tanks with over 50 gallons. When you purchase your tank, be sure to also buy a sturdy stand. You can figure the weight of a filled tank by multiplying the total tank gallons by 10. If your tank holds 40 gallons of water, it would weigh 400 pounds filled.

After choosing the tank, other supplies you will need include a filter, air pump, hood, gravel, heater, ammonia, nitrite and pH test kits and water conditioner. You will also need an algae scraper, gravel siphon and decoration. Plan to purchase between one and 1.5 pounds of gravel per gallon of water. Hold off on buying the fish for now. If you have added an EcoBio-Stone, it will need some time to build up an adequate amount of beneficial bacteria before adding fish; otherwise, your fish could succumb to new tank syndrome. New tank syndrome, a condition where fish die a short time after being introduced to a new tank, is caused by high nitrite and ammonia levels. If fish are put into a new aquarium, there may not be enough beneficial bacteria to keep the nitrite and ammonia levels at a safe level.

Once you have your supplies, if you have purchased an EcoBio-Stone, be sure to place it in chlorine-free water and let it soak overnight. While it is soaking, it is time to start putting your aquarium together. Your first step is rinsing the tank and gravel thoroughly. Do not use soap or any other kind of detergent. This will kill the fish. Next, set up the filter and the heater according to the manufacturer’s directions.

Now add the gravel, decorations and attach the air pump to any decorations that require it. Follow this with water. Make sure you add a water conditioner to remove any harmful chemicals, such as chlorine, from the water. A water conditioner will keep the pH level at 7.0, which is what most fish thrive in. Set the heater to a level that will keep the water between 76-78 degrees Fahrenheit. After soaking the stone, add it to your tank. Now it is time to cycle your aquarium.

To avoid new tank syndrome, you must cycle your aquarium. Cycling your aquarium refers to the process of letting the aquarium build up enough good bacteria to support fish. On its own it takes about 35 days to build up enough good bacteria to keep ammonia and nitrite levels in check. Using EcoBio-Stone, your tank will have colonies of good bacteria built quite quickly. One block lasts about two years and will keep your tank water clear and bacteria levels at the correct amount.

Now is the time to buy just two or three fish. Before releasing the fish into the aquarium, set the plastic bag you carried them home in into the tank. This allows the fish to adjust to the water temperature. Wait 10 minutes. Gently release the fish and throw the water in the bag away as it will have fish waste in it.

Each week you should check the pH levels, nitrite and ammonia levels. The latter two should be zero. Each month change 20% of the water (remember to add water conditioner), clean the gravel using the siphon. Add new activated carbon to the filter and wash the filter itself. If you take the time to learn how to start a new aquarium, you will avoid new tank syndrome and enjoy your new fish tank for years to come.

An EcoBio-Stone is a must when you prepare to start a new aquarium. It helps to provide attractive equipment and healthy environment for the inhabitants.

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