Captive Aquatics: An Aquarium and Ecology Blog

Feeding Fish 101

The best part of owning an aquarium is feeding the fish, because it is the main form of interaction that you will have with your fun aquatic pets.  But, you ask, how hard is it to feed fish?  I am not saying that it is difficult to do the actual feeding part, but you do need to follow a few guidelines to best satisfy your fishes appetite.

5 Common Beginner Aquarist Mistakes

I would have loved to have found this list when I was a beginner in the hobby because it would have saved me from causing the death of countless fish.  With this list hopefully I can help some newcomers to the aquarium hobby by avoiding these common five mistakes.

A Quick "Light Requirement" Interpretation Guide

Often, while researching coral, the beginner aquarist will see general light requirements for that particular species. They will generally see one of three words: Low, Moderate, and High.

Five Easy-to-Keep Freshwater Aquarium Plants

I love having real plants in my freshwater tanks but, what types of plants are the best for a beginner aquarist?  There are tons of freshwater plants sold in local fish stores but, which to chose.  Here is a list of plants than any beginner can grow to make their tank look like a miniature forest without wasting money on the ones that won't!

Harnessing the Power of Waves

As we enter the beginning of the end of fossil fuels, alternative energy sources are going to be needed, and in abundance.  New Scientist has a few neat pictures of these weird looking (but hopefully effective!) ocean power stations here.

 

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Species Spotlight: Neon Tetra

Neon tetras are possibly as popular as the beloved goldfish in the freshwater aquarium hobby.  Many first time hobbyist purchase these colorful fish in hopes of adding color and movement to their aquariums.  But, for many disappointed hobbyist these fish end up being flushed with weeks of being added to the aquarium.  Why can't anyone keep these fish alive?  Well, hopefully I can shed some light on the care and maintenance of neon tetras.

Coral Magazine Returns!

Coral Magazine, once a quality and sought after publication from Germany, has returned!  Published now in the good 'ol US of A by the same publishers bringing you Aquarium Explorer, I'm excited that about the return of Coral Magazine.  I've reviewed the January/February issue (though the latest is June/July, I won't spoil it for you!) and I wanted to offer my thoughts. 

Get Tropical Fish Hobbyist - Free!

Tropical Fish Hobbyist is giving away a free digital subscription every Friday in July!  To sign up for their contest, visit tfhmagazine.com/twitter.  Good luck!

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Species Spotlight: Mushroom Coral

This post begins our new Species Spotlight category, bringing you species-specific information about popular freshwater and saltwater fish and invertebrates. 

Mushroom Coral are the most forgiving coral any aquarist could ask for. Quick to reproduce in the home aquarium, with low light and flow requirements, they may very well be the best beginner’s coral available in the hobby. They also have much to offer to more advanced aquarist, whether it be as a space filler, or a "Mushroom Garden" which displays the many, many color and texture varieties these coral exhibit.

Tip: Avoid pH swings!

Whenever performing water changes, introducing new fish, or adding buffer or kalkwasser to your aquarium, remember to avoid immediate pH changes larger than .1!  Since pH is a logarithmic scale (meaning each whole numerical change is tenfold greater than the previous number - for instance, a pH of 8.0 is 10 times more basic than a pH of 7.0, and 100 times more basic than a pH of 6.0) even seemingly small numerical swings can equal a big change in water chemistry.  Changes of greater than .1 can lead to fish death and coral bleaching!

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