Shrimp has become widely popular among aquarists for many reasons. Perhaps you like that they come in different sizes and colors, which further make your tank attractive and calming.

You may love the fact that shrimp is a low-maintenance creature that won’t require a special diet. Or you simply appreciate them for being scavengers that can help in cleaning your tank.

Whatever your motivation is for having shrimps in your tank, you may have wondered at least once: “what fish can live with shrimp?”

The quick answer to this question is: small, friendly, and non-carnivorous fishes are best for inclusion in a tank with shrimp.

The good news is that there are many fishes capable of coexisting with shrimps. Continue reading to know more about fishes that can live with shrimps.

Fishes that Can Live with Shrimp

Here are the fishes that can keep with shrimp in your tank:

Betta fish

If you’ve been asking “what fish can live with Amano shrimp?”, then this is the fish you have been looking for.

Also known as the Siamese fighting fish, the Betta fish is notorious for being an anti-social fish. It can live on its own. However, it surprisingly can coexist with shrimp in a tank, especially a large one.

Extremely territorial and aggressive, the Betta fish thrives in a tank with soft water and temperatures of 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

Otocinclus Catfish

A peaceful fish that feeds on algae, the Otocinclus Catfish is considered a perfect tankmate for any shrimp. This small catfish can grow up to 2 inches in length. It thrives in a tank with a water temperature between 73 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

You’ll love that the Otocinclus Catfish comes in exciting and attractive colors. One variety, the Zebra Otocinclus, has white and black stripes. The common Oto catfish’s body is colored brown and white.

Expect to pay more, however, if you choose to buy the Zebra oto instead of the common Oto catfish.

Neon Tetra

Wondering what fish can live with cherry shrimp? Then the neon tetra should be on top of your shopping list.

Similar to the Otocinclus catfish, the neon tetra is a small fish that won’t pose any threat to shrimp. It can grow up to 1.2 inches and thrive in water temperatures ranging from 70 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit.

A peaceful fish, the neon tetra has a small mouth so it won’t likely eat shrimp at all. Its bright-colored body would make it a great partner with a blue velvet shrimp.

Cory Catfish

What fish can live with ghost shrimp? This tiny bottom dweller can also coexist with shrimp because of its temperament.

Cory catfish can grow up to 3 inches in length. It does well in a tank with temperatures between 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

The cory catfish is also a low-maintenance fish that won’t require any special food. In fact, like the shrimp, it is a scavenging tank creature. This means that the cory catfish can also help clean your tank by feeding on uneaten food.

Dwarf Rasbora

If you’re looking for a fish that can add colors to your tank, and live in harmony with shrimp, then get a Dwarf Rasbora.

Also called the Pygmy Rasbora, this fish is noted for its bright red colors. It is also an active fish that would swim ceaselessly across the tank, making it noticeable to everyone.

Yet despite its active nature, the Dwarf Rasbora is a peaceful fish. This disposition makes it an ideal tank mate with fishes and shrimps.

It also thrives in a tank with water temperatures between 68 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. This fish should be kept in a tank of at least 5 gallons.

This fish is also not a picky eater at all. But it would thrive if provided with a carnivorous diet ranging from flake food to micro worms.

Bristlenose Pleco

Here are another short and peace-loving catfish that can live with shrimp. The bristlenose pleco is popular among aquarists because it is small, peaceful, active, and fun to watch.

Unlike other catfishes that can grow up to 20 inches long, the bristlenose pleco can only reach 5 inches in length. A peaceful and sociable bottom-dwelling fish, it can coexist with practically any type of shrimp.

Moreover, you would likely fall in love with its appearance. The bristlenose pleco usually comes in green, brown, or gray colors with yellow or white spots. This fish certainly can add color to your tank.

Other Helpful Tips

These fishes will live in harmony with shrimp. However, there are also certain things you need to keep in mind when adding fish and shrimp to your tank.

First, shrimps are likely to grow or thrive in smaller tanks. Aim to have 15 shrimps per every five gallons of water.

You might want to start with a tank full of shrimp first before adding the aforementioned fishes. And then add juvenile fishes so the creatures will be accustomed to having shrimp in their environs.

Lastly, shrimps aren’t the best at reacting to changes in water conditions. Therefore, you should minimize water changes at least once a week.

Conclusion

So, what fish can live with shrimp? The answer would be fish that are small and non-aggressive.

These fishes include Otocinclus catfish, Neon Tetra, Cory catfish, Dwarf Rasbora, and Bristlenose pleco. These fishes are small and friendly that it’s unlikely for them to eat shrimp. Moreover, most of them are lower fishes that don’t need any special diet.

You can be sure that these fishes will get along with the shrimp in your tank. This is particularly true if you start with a tank full of shrimp.

Then introduce these fishes as juveniles, so that the creatures inside the aquarium would be acclimated with each other. Follow these steps and tips so that your shrimp would coexist well with your fishes in the tank.

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It’s not highly unusual to see turtles as pets, but owning one isn’t that easy or simple as well. After all, there’s a lot of thought that goes into setting up your tanks for a turtle. Tank owners have to think about the setup, the aquarium, lighting, filter, and heating, among many things.

Plus, many don’t want the turtles to be alone in the tank, preferring to mix them with fish. Thus, one of the commonly asked questions for soon-to-be or even current turtle owners is what fish can live with turtles.

Turtles can indeed live with fish but that would depend on the turtle species and fish species tank owners intend to mix. In this post, we will talk about the basics of having turtles and fish live together.

The Turtle Species

If you are just about to acquire a turtle and are thinking of mixing it with fish in a tank, then you must carefully choose the turtle’s species.

Keep in mind that turtles who have been consuming feeder fish or guppies are likely to view any fish on the tank as food. As such, regardless of their species, one must avoid getting a turtle that’s been fed with fish for most of its life.

Below are turtle species that can be mixed with fish

Red-eared slider

It’s one of the most common turtle species kept by people. This species is omnivorous, however, the adult ones are more herbivorous. The adult red-eared slider can peacefully live with big fish species.

Musk and mud turtles

Musk and mud turtles are said to be the best turtle species that can be housed with fish since they are not prone to prey on fish. They also tend to shy away from preying on fish.

In their natural habitat, thes turtles wait out for prey that move slowly from the muddy part of their dwelling. Given that fish tanks generally don’t have muddy areas where turtles can hide, tank owners can then house this turtle with fish.

Pink belly side neck turtle

This species can live with fish harmoniously. They feed on small insects, fish, plant matter, crustaceans, and mollusks. Just don’t mix them with small fish and they can cohabitate in the same tank or aquarium as fishes.

Fish That Can Live with Turtles

When looking for fish that can live harmoniously with turtles in an enclosed space, then consider getting hearty fishes. Size matters too as many turtle species also eat small fish. It is best to opt for a large-sized fish. A fast fish is also a good choice since turtles who are known for being slow will have a hard time catching them.

Below are some fish species that you can choose to mix with your turtle.

Koi

Koi, a member of the carp family, is popular for being kept as attractions in water gardens and ponds. They are strong swimmers so they can easily swim away from turtles. They are large, capable of growing up to several feet, and thus cannot easily be bullied by the bigger tank dwellers

Electric Yellow and Convict Cichlids

Tank owners should also strongly consider Cichlids as many turtles don’t see this fish species as a possible prey. After all, they can grow up to 3.5 inches and not exactly the smallest fish that can easily be preyed on.

Similarly, convict cichlids can grow roughly up to five to six inches. They live in an environment full of wood, rocks, and plants, which they use to their advantage for keeping safe from turtles. Cichlids, generally, are good to combine with turtles as they are skilled at hiding.

Plecos

Plecos, also popularly referred to as Suckermouth Catfish and part of the armored catfish family, are hearty species. They are quite big, and can even grow as much as 20 inches.

Plus, their upper body has armor-like longitudinal rows of scutes that offer them great protection. It also helps that they are fast swimmers.

Neon tetra

It is a species that is commonly kept by tank owners with turtles. While they aren’t as big as others on this list, they have lightning-quick speed. Turtles will have a hard time catching up with them.

Pictus catfish

This fish species is another fish often housed with turtles. They can grow up to five inches and are known for their speed which turtles cannot keep up with.

Rosy barb

Rosy Barb is easily available in pet stores and is known for being fast. They can also grow up to six inches.

Guppy

Guppy comes in different breeds and other species that can easily cohabitate with turtles. They are not that big but they are quick. Thus, it’s almost impossible for turtles to catch them.

Tips for Housing Turtles with Fish

Aside from choosing the turtle species and fish species carefully, there are other points to consider when homing turtles and fish in the same tank or aquarium.

Space

Turtles need a good mix of deeper water and dry land in their habitat. As such, make sure to have enough tank space for both the turtle and fish you wish to house together.

You need to make the turtle comfortable by providing space that won’t make it feel claustrophobic. Plus, sufficient space also lets the turtle swim away from the turtle just in case it feels like preying on the fish.

Aggressive fish

It’s not only your turtle that can attack its fellow tank dweller. Overly big or aggressive fish can also attack your turtle. As such, stay away from aggressive fish as they may wear and stress your turtles easily

Tank decoration

Don’t just throw anything inside the aquarium or tank as decorations. Make sure you decorate the tank optimally, providing fish with escape routes just in case the turtle becomes aggressive and pursues the fish.

Rocks, driftwood, plants, and PVC pipes are some of the decorations you can use to provide fish the escape route they might need.
Well fed turtle

Make sure you feed your turtle properly so it goes hungry and is tempted to prey on the fish it lives with. Adult turtles typically need two to three meals per week. You can, however, expect turtles’ predatory instincts to activate if they are left starving.

Keeping Turtle Pet and Fish Together is Possible

It is possible to mix your pet turtle with fish in your tanks. Just be careful in selecting both turtle species and fish species, opting for an adult turtle and large-sized or fast fish species.

Giving both enough space, and an escape route for the fish as well as feeding the turtle sufficiently will go a long way in making these two live harmoniously in your aquarium or tank.

The post What Fish Can Live With Turtles appeared first on Aquatic Eden.

New homes are always clean and pristine, but this changes over time.

The same can be said for tanks or aquariums as their appearance and environment change once it’s been lived in. Much like any home, you must clean the tank’s contents, removing and scrubbing them so everyone residing in it will be comfortable and healthy.

Cleaning tanks, however, is not as straightforward as it seems. Plastic aquarium plants, for example, can be quite difficult to restore to their former state. It’s important to know how to clean plastic aquarium plants properly to ensure they don’t get damaged while cleaning.

The Challenges of Cleaning Plastic Aquarium Plants

Although plastic aquarium plants may be easier to clean than live ones, cleaning them can still be a hassle.

This is because using too much force while brushing can damage artificial plants. Plus, using harsh chemicals can cause health problems for your aquarium fish and other tank dwellers. Dirt particles may also continue to cling to the plastic plants even after they’ve been washed.

How to Clean Artificial Plants in Aquarium

Cleaning aquariums regularly will go a long way in preventing moss and debris build-up. Here’s how you can do it.

What You’ll Need

It won’t take much special equipment or fancy supplies to clean your plastic tank plants. You can easily find everything you need in your home. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare.

• Clean water
• Kettle or water heater
• Container
• Scrubber
• Vinegar or bleach
• Spray bottle

Step 1: Take Out The Plants

Taking out the plants from the aquarium is the first step. Do this when you’re changing the water of the tank and after you have removed the fish. Carefully pull out the plastic plants to avoid stirring up debris.

You don’t need any special equipment to do this. You can use your bare hands or a net to remove the plastic plants from the aquarium.

Step 2: Wash, Soak, and Scrub

Wash the plastic aquarium plants with running water. Using warm water is ideal as it can help sanitize and loosen debris tucked into them.

You can expect some algae on the plastic plants. Algae may be more difficult to clean than other dirt or buildup but you can easily remove them.

There are three options on how to clean algae off plastic aquarium plants during the wash and soak step.

Using boiling water

You can use boiling water to wash the plastic. After all, it is much easier to kill algae contamination with boiling water. Plus, boiling water limits the possibility of exposing your tank dwellers to chemicals.

Here’s how you can wash and soak using boiling water

• Place the newly boiled clean water in a clean container
• Place the plastic plants in the container with boiling water
• Leave for ten to fifteen minutes
• Using your scrubber, remove all algae on the plants
• Take out the plants from the container with water
• Wash them with running water
• Air dry the plastic plants

Using bleach mixture

You will need a bleach mixture when you are dealing with heavily contaminated plastic plants with algae. Boiling water alone sometimes won’t remove the algae.

Here is how to clean plastic plants using a bleach solution.

• Mix one part of bleach with nine amounts of water in a container. Do not use a metal container as it will react to the bleach.
• Place the plastic plants into the mixture
• Leave for at least 15 minutes
• Scrub the plants using the scrubber
• Soak the plants again in the bleach mixture for at least another 15 minutes
• Remove the plants from the bleach solution
• Rinse the plants with running water for a couple of minutes
• Make sure that every part of the plant has been washed off with clean water

Using bleach mixture

The vinegar mixture is great for removing the calcium residue build-up. Instead of spending hours scrubbing the plastic aquarium plants, soaking them in a vinegar mixture will save you hours of

• Mix half a cup of vinegar and half a gallon of sterilized water in a container
• Mix them well
• Pour the vinegar mixture into a spray bottle
• Spray the mixture on the plastic plants, making sure each area has been sprayed with the solution
• Scrub the plants using the scrubber
• Wash the plants in running water
• You can air dry the plants before putting them back in the aquarium

Step 3: Drying the Plants

Drying the plants is necessary to avoid introducing any water to the aquarium that has not yet been acclimated to the tank’s environment.

Plastic plants that still have water on them can cause an imbalance in the environmental structure of the tanks. Simply air dry the plastic plants for a couple of hours until all the moisture is gone.

Step 4: Putting Back the plants

Simply put back the plants in the aquarium. Be careful when you place them back so you won’t mess up the order of the other decorations or items inside the tank.

How to Clean Plastic Plants Before Putting in Aquarium When They’re New

Cleaning brand-new plastic aquarium plants are much easier than cleaning those that have been used in a tank.

While brand new plastic plants are not contaminated with algae and other buildup from the aquarium they can still be contained with particles or dust.

You don’t need to sterilize them. Simply wash them in cold running water before putting them in a container filled with cold water for soaking.

Leave the plants soaked for at least five minutes and wash them again with running water. Make sure to air dry the plastic aquarium plants before putting them inside the tank.

In a Nutshell

Cleaning plastic aquarium plants is not that complicated. However, you must be careful in cleaning them by simply following the above steps on how to clean aquarium plants.

Otherwise, you may not be able to remove all the contamination and build-up found on the plant. You can also expose your tank dwellers to harmful elements and put them in danger if you fail to wash and dry the plastic plants properly.

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Pterophyllum or more popularly known as angelfish is a relatively common sighting in tanks or aquariums. This South American native fish species has a body shape that lets them hide on vertical surfaces such as plants and roots easily.

It’s quite easy to spot angelfish, thanks to their striking colored stripes. But how do you tell a male vs female angelfish?

The best telltale signs are the fish’s size but there are other ways of differentiating the two genders. In this article, we will discuss how to tell male vs female angelfish.

How to Tell Male vs Female Angelfish

It typically takes six or seven months for angelfish to reach their sex maturity. However, even when they’ve already matured, it can be quite challenging to tell a male angelfish from a female one. One must look closely to see the difference between the male and the female.

Here’s how to tell the difference based on their appearance.

Female Angelfish

• Generally smaller body
• Angular body shape
• No forehead bump and nuchal hump
• Sloping face
• Has rounder, and smother ventral fins
• Wide and blunt breeding tube
• More angular belly line
• Wide cloaca
• Swollen belly during the breeding season

Male Angelfish

• Generally larger body
• Circular-body shape
• Prominent forehead bump and nuchal hump
• The area on the right eye of the male angelfish is rounder and more prominent
• Forked ventral fins
• A thin and pointed breeding tube that’s highly similar to a pencil tip
• Narrow cloaca
• Never a swollen belly as only female ones can produce eggs

Here’s a table for easy reference in differentiating a male versus a female fish.

How to Tell Male vs Female Angelfish by Observing their Behavior

Even seasoned tank and angelfish owners sometimes have difficulty identifying a female from a male angelfish, despite their physical similarities.

Fortunately, it is also possible to distinguish between the two genders based on their behavior.

Aggressiveness

The most obvious difference is how territorial one is from the other, with males being more territorial than females. This is especially evident during spawning seasons as male angelfish tend to become more aggressive.

The male angelfish during the breeding time will both shake and fan out their fins to attract a mate. The males, when chasing female prospects, tend to chase other male angelfish nearby. They also are relentless in their pursuit of female ones. As such, an angelfish that seems to be swimming towards another is likely to be a male.

Female angelfish are not prone to chase although they can harm and chase away fish that they don’t like. Plus, females are less territorial except when they are being protective of their young.

Swim Patterns

One can also tell a male from a female angelfish by observing the way they swim.

A female angelfish will normally hold her mouth slightly above the middle of her tail. Males, on the other hand, normally have their bodies oriented horizontally from mouth to tail

What Is The Best Age To Spot the Difference Between Male And Female Angelfish?

As mentioned, it takes six to seven months for angelfish to fully develop their bodies. This is why one cannot really tell the gender of the fish when they are still young as both genders pretty much look alike

The best time to distinguish a male from a female angelfish is when they are already mature, or when their bodies are already fully developed. This is around the seventh or eighth month after their birth.

At this time their breeding tubes are already formed. The female angelfish have wide and blunt tube shapes while males have a thin and pointed tube shape that’s highly similar to a pencil tip.

While angelfish normally have developed their bodies in the sixth or seventh month, one may still need to wait a bit longer if their development is delayed. Lack of space and poor environment may mean a longer time for the angelfish to reach maturity.

However, a tank owner who is getting an angelfish for breeding doesn’t have to wait long for females and males to mature. This is because most pet shops sell already mature angelfish
In a Nutshell.

Conclusion

It can be quite difficult to spot a male vs female angelfish when they are still small. The differences between the genders, however, become more prominent once the fish matures. Size and body shape are two of the easiest ways to tell a male from a female one. Angelfish behavior can also give them away.

The post Male vs Female Angelfish (Spotting Their Differences) appeared first on Aquatic Eden.

You look at your tank and notice that your fish seems to be different, looking like it has some sort of deformity. Upon closer inspection, you then ask why is my fish body bent.

It may take a while for you to notice it but once you see the bend in your fish body, then you become eager to find out more about it.

Two of the causes of the bend in your fish body are tuberculosis and scoliosis brought by inbreeding, genetic factors, and poor diet. In this post, we will discuss the causes and what you can do about them.

Why the Fish Body is Bent

Tuberculosis and scoliosis are the primary reasons why your fish’s body is curved or bent.

Tuberculosis

The bacterium Mycobacterium Marinum is the culprit for fish tuberculosis. This bacterium is highly contagious, which means one fish can easily spread it to others in the same tank or aquarium.

Fish tuberculosis or TB is a chronic disorder and may take some time to progress.

One of the major symptoms of fish tuberculosis is a bent spine.

If one day you suddenly noticed and asked why is my fish suddenly bent, then check for other symptoms of the fish listed below. Doing so will help you pinpoint if the cause of the bent spin is tuberculosis or something else.

• Discoloration
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of scales
• Folded fins
• Body sessions
• Protruding eyes
• Inflammation of the abdomen
• Edema
• Ulceration

To avoid tuberculosis in your fish, you must clean the tank regularly. Should you wish to add a new fish to mix with others, then quarantine the new fish first before adding them to your tank.

Scoliosis

It’s not just humans who suffer from scoliosis. Defined as abnormalities in the lateral curve of the spine, scoliosis usually happens at the larval stage or fish fry stage of the aquarium fish. It involves the deformation of the fish’s spine, which is characterized by a C shape or an S shape.

The larval stage is the second stage of the life cycle of the fish and is when the fish is living off a yolk sac attached to their bodies. The fry stage is the next stage, which occurs when the young fish now called fry is now ready to feed on their own.

Because scoliosis is typically left untreated for the lifetime of the fish, it negatively affects its health. Scoliotic fish can have difficulties swimming and are often bullied by other fish.

Below are the triggering factors of fish scoliosis.

Ascorbic acid deficiency

The top cause of scoliosis among fish is the deficiency in ascorbic acid. The deficiency affects gill tissues or cartilage.

Inbreeding

Inbreeding typically leads to fry with spinal abnormalities. Inbreeding generally happens when there is a small gene pool.

Diversifying the gene pool can help avoid bent spine issues due to inbreeding.

Hereditary factors

Genetic factors contribute to fish scoliosis, just as inbreeding does. A disease can, after all, be transmitted from parent to child. 90 percent of scoliosis-affected female fish will pass the disease onto their offspring.

It is suggested that you prevent your fish from reproducing if they suffer from scoliosis, as their offspring would be likely to inherit the condition.

Poor diet and bad tank environment

It is also possible for fish to develop scoliosis if they are raised in poor tank conditions and eat a bad diet.

For instance, many tank owners often feed poor-quality dry food to guppies, one of the most popular aquarium fish species. Overcrowded aquariums, low oxygen levels, and poor quality dry food can cause them to develop scoliosis.

Much like with humans and other animals, a balanced diet and clean environment are also important for fish to prevent them from developing any diseases. As such, aquarium owners should ensure that their tanks are well kept and their fish are eating nutritious food.

One should keep in mind that overcrowded tanks often result in a messy and unclean environment. Checking the aquarium for the following parameters regularly is necessary.

• Nitrates
• Ammonia
• pH
• Temperature
• Phosphates

To ensure the health of tank dwellers, owners must conduct frequent water quality tests and monitor aquarium parameters.

Conclusion

If you take a closer look at the tank and started asking why is my fish body bent, then consider that the fish might have tuberculosis or scoliosis. Fish bent bodies are mainly caused by these two factors.

Identify other symptoms, and if you suspect tuberculosis, separate that fish from the rest of the tank. You can also prevent fish with scoliosis from reproducing to limit the number of fish with the disease born. The faster you act when you notice that your fish has been bent is useful in minimizing the possibility of the disease spreading.

The post Why is My Fish Body Bent? appeared first on Aquatic Eden.

Aquatic plants furnish our fish with oxygen, food, and a place to play around. Aside from the biological benefits these plants give to our fish, they also make our aquariums livelier. However, immediately placing a new plant in water may cause harm to your fish. Learn why and how to quarantine aquarium plants to lessen the risk of getting your fish and other plants sick.

Why Quarantine Aquarium Plants

No matter where they come from, too many risks are involved with placing a new plant in an aquarium. Some unwelcome guests and chemicals will tag along into the new habitat.

One group of hitchhikers you will see in new plants are algae, pests, and parasites. Although algae post no severe harm to aquamarine animals and plants, it is better to avoid algae growth in your aquarium, especially if there are no algae-eating fish in the tank. Once algae begins to grow in your tank, it can spread quickly all over, and it will be difficult to remove.

Pests and parasites can not only cling to plants already in the tank, but they can also cling to your fish. When they are introduced to your tank, you will see less and less of your plants and possibly your fish falling ill soon enough.

Harmful chemicals and bacteria are the members of the next group. They are not visible to the naked eye, yet extremely dangerous. These chemicals include pesticides and contaminants. Getting your fish sick is not the worst they can do. Most often, fish die from exposure to these chemicals.

If the plant was previously housed where there are diseases and bacteria, placing it in your tank without proper quarantine measures is a mistake you don’t want to bear fruit. Your fish will quickly pick up the diseases and bacteria that came with the plant and fall sick. You should be especially wary if the condition is contagious.

How to Quarantine Aquarium Plants

Before you begin the process, make sure that you have an available quarantine tank.

Step 1: Remove dead leaves and rock wool

The beginning of the process is removing dead leaves and rock wool from the roots. Make sure to remove all sponge-like and absorbent materials that came with the transport of the plant.

Step 2: Cut Off Overgrown Roots

If your plant has overgrown roots, cut back 1–2 cm of the roots using a pair of scissors. Then wash the plant using clean tap water.

Step 3: Sterilize the plant

I have listed three sterilization methods in this article. Take your pick, and the next steps will depend on what you choose. As a precaution, do these methods using hand gloves.

Bleach sterilization

With this process, you will need regular bleach, d. Make sure it does not contain additives (colorant, scent, soap, etc.) harmful to plants. The ratio of water to bleach is 20:1. Fully submerge the plant in the bleach solution for 90-120 minutes, depending on the plant’s sensitivity.

In another tank or a bucket, prepare your dechlorinated water by adding a water conditioner into the water. Rinse your plant and try to remove the bleach before soaking it in the dechlorinated water. The plant would stay in the dechlorinated water for 3-5 minutes.

Rinse the plant several times with clean tap water. Arguably, this sterilization process is enough precaution, and some will actually put their plant in the tank after rinsing it.

If you are not satisfied, you can quarantine your plant for five days. Do a total water change with a dechlorinator daily. Rinse it with clean tap water, then introduce it into your aquarium.

Hydrogen Peroxide sterilization

Get 3% hydrogen peroxide and mix it with water. Use 2-3 ml of hydrogen peroxide for every gallon of water. Preferably in a dark area, submerge your plant into the solution for 5 minutes.

Rinse the plant thoroughly and treat the plant with a water conditioner for 3-5 minutes. You can now plant it into the aquarium or put it under a 5-day quarantine.

Alum sterilization

Dissolve 1-3 tablespoons of aluminum sulfate into a gallon of water (room temperature). The amount of alum will depend on the sensitivity of your plant. Soak the plant for at least 3 hours if you use more alum. Soak it for three days if you used one tablespoon of alum or less.

Rinse the plant with dechlorinated water. Lastly, introduce it into your aquarium or quarantine it for five days.

Conclusion

However minor the threat is, one must always be careful in introducing new plants into an aquarium. Quarantining the aquarium plants is not an option but rather a necessity. Knowing how to quarantine aquarium plants may save your fish and other plants from diseases. It will also keep your tank and its habitats clean and healthy.

The post How to Quarantine Aquarium Plants appeared first on Aquatic Eden.

An aquarium filter plays a vital role in maintaining the cleanliness of the aquarium water. However, there will be moments when the fish tank filter produces a sound that is so loud, making it annoying to hear.

So, why is my fish tank filter so loud? The primary reason behind it is that too much dirt accumulates inside, resulting in the filter creating a loud noise. The filter can also generate a sound when the water level is insufficient. Other things that cause that tank filter to produce a loud noise are listed below.

Fish Tank Filter is Dirty

The primary reason the filter is so loud is the accumulation of dirt inside. When the filter is dirty, it will start producing loud noises that may be irritable to any fish tank owner. When you fail to clean the filter for a long time, there is a tendency for the dirt to accumulate inside, which causes noise.

What you will do is unplug the filter and take it out of the aquarium. Then, you can remove the filtration media and remove all the dirt that accumulates inside. You can rinse it with clean water to remove all the dirt.

Since there are various types of aquarium filters, cleaning it will all depend on the type of filter you own. So, you will check the product guide and follow how to clean the filter you are using in the aquarium.

However, when cleaning is not enough and your filter is too old, there are other options that you can do aside from cleaning. The best thing to do is replace your old filter with a new one. This situation applies when your filter is still noisy despite the cleaning you have done. The filter is probably too old, which means replacement is essential for the filter to work efficiently without noise.

The Water Level Has Dropped

Another reason for the fish tank filter to become so noisy is when the water level has dropped. The primary reason behind the water level dropping is evaporation. The high evaporation rate usually happens when the temperature is high during the summer.

When the water falls to an undesired level, it can cause the fish tank filter to get noisy. What you can do to eliminate the issue is to raise the water level immediately. The most efficient way is to make the water level barely touch the output of your fish tank filter.

Defective Impeller

A fish tank filter is basically composed of a pump, canister, and filter media. When you check where the water is brought in inside the canister, you will see an impeller responsible for moving the water to and from the filter using a centrifugal force.

Sometimes the impeller can be broken because of the presence of too much sand causing it to rot over time. Another way for the impeller to get broken is when a fish unintentionally swims inside because the filter screen fell off accidentally. This situation can also cause the impeller to be broken, which usually creates noise coming from the tank filter.

To rectify the issue, you will need to check the impeller’s status. If the impeller is not broken, then you can actually clean it while applying a lubricant to eliminate the noise. Vaseline and silicone oil are used to lubricate the impeller to make it work perfectly again.

If it is broken, the best way is to look for a similar impeller online as a possible replacement. However, this part of the fish tank filter is very difficult to find, which means it is possible that you will be unable to find a replacement. If it happens, the next best thing to do is replace your filter entirely.

The Fish Tank Filter Has a High Flow Rate

Another reason why the fish tank filter is so loud is when it is set to a high flow rate. If it is, the fish tank filter will produce a loud sound because it will require all the parts of the filter to move quickly, resulting in loud noise.

The solution to this issue is to lower the flow rate setting. But you must set it properly because it can also affect the quality of its cleaning. During the adjustment, it will be better for you to put it slightly lower but not too low. The desired setting is the higher setting that will not produce any sounds once the filter works.

The Fish Tank Filter is Vibrating

Another reason why the fish tank filter is so loud is when it is constantly vibrating. Now, there are many reasons why it happens. First, when a part inside the filter is broken, it will result in its efficiency and sudden vibration.

Another reason for the vibration is the filtration media is clogged up, causing the filter to vibrate because it is not working well. Also, when the filter is rattling the wall, it can produce a vibration which will result in loud noises.

When a part is broken, it should be replaced immediately. When the filter media is clogged up, which results in vibration, the best way to eliminate the issue is to clean it. You can remove any debris or particle that is stuck inside the filter media for it to work efficiently again.

Conclusion

Why is my fish tank filter so loud? There are many reasons why it usually happens. But the primary reason is when the filter gets dirty, especially in the filter media. The fish tank filter will also be noisy if some parts are broken, making it not work efficiently. A high flow rate and low water level can also make the fish tank filter loud.

The post Why is my Fish Tank Filter So Loud appeared first on Aquatic Eden.

World Ranking 1

This is a classic Nature Aquarium style tank and the contrast between the heavily planted left side and the open right side create a tranquil border scene complete with sandy foreground. The use of rock and driftwood help to add structure to the aquascape.

World Ranking 2

A lovely hillside scene with rocky outcroppings and schools of tiny colorful fish create an idyllic scene in this iwagumi inspired layout.

World Ranking 3

The carefully placed petrified wood in the foreground of this beautiful aquascape combined with the lush, overflowing green vegetation create the atmosphere of overgrown ruins deep in a jungle. The nearly terraced midground creates a beautiful “staircase” effect up to the dip in the plants where a school of fish hover like a flock of tropical birds. This is my personal favorite of the top 10.

World Ranking 4

Diagonal layers of ferns on driftwood create a stunning effect coupled with the contrast of the orange-tipped plant on the right side of the tank. The grassy, pastoral foreground complete with a school of fish completes the scene.

World Ranking 5

This aquascape looks like a lush mountain, with the two background groups of plants overlapping, creating a valley-like feeling. I love the contrast in colors and textures in this one.

World Ranking 6

An “island” aquascape, the driftwood adds a lot of interest and I especially like the hint of red peeking over the midground plants. The white sand foreground must be a pain to keep clean though!

World Ranking 7

This is a particularly interesting aquascape. I’m not quite sure how the designer created the illusion of a waterfall, but it could have been done with sand or air bubbles. Either way, the visual interest of this aquascape is amazing. It’s such a beautiful tropical scene, with lush plants and mosses surrounding a clearing filled with grasses. The slope of the entire aquascape also adds such depth to the scene that it makes it seem much bigger than it actually is.

World Ranking 8

The most striking feature of this aquascape is the vertical rock formations. They are perfectly placed and dotted with all sorts of plants, creating an overgrown, natural look.

World Ranking 9

The black background of this aquascape helps to bring out the brilliant green colors of the plants, and the two red plants, on either side of the “valley” provide contrast.

World Ranking 10

Filipe Oliveira’s entry, this is such a unique and wonderful aquascape. The moss “tree” and the pastoral setting beneath are fundamentally relaxing and pleasing to look at. It’s also the only entry in the top 10 rankings from outside Asia.

The post ADA 2007 Aquascaping Contest: Top 10 Rankings appeared first on Aquatic Eden.

When I was still new to fish keeping, I was always wondering why does my betta fish stare at me. At first, this unique fish habit made me feel anxious and creepy, but I later adjusted to it after some time.

But to answer why betta fish stare at someone, this habit is related to the betta thinking or expecting that the person is feeding them. This fish also needs the attention of the fish tank owner, making them stare when they need attention. Other factors that cause this betta habit will also be discussed below.

Why Does My Betta Fish Stare At Me

Anticipation of Being Fed

The primary reason a betta stares at someone is the anticipation of being given food. When the fish is in your home, they can quickly associate you being the fish tank owner with food. The moment they see you coming into the aquarium, you will notice that they immediately come in front of the fish tank and watch you. This action means they anticipate that they are going to be fed by you.

The perception of the betta fish to the owners is that they are their food provider. It is just natural for the fish to feel that way. The fish comes with this small brain capacity that allows them to recognize the fish tank owner.

This ability to recognize and remember the face will allow them to connect more, especially if you are always seen. The more interaction you do with the fish, the more recognition and bond will be created with your pet.

With all these natural skills of the bettas and the bond created by your constant presence, the fish will perceive you as their food provider. The bettas can quickly associate you with food, which means the anticipation of being fed will always be there when they recognize your presence.

Bettas are Interested in the Outside World

Another habit that betta has is the interest in what is happening outside the fish tank. This situation means that the fish observe anything happening outside, including you, especially when coming to the aquarium to feed them.

It is basically the entertainment of the betta fish, anything that happens outside the fish tank. In fact, it is the only thing that will catch their total interest. The movement, the changes, and all the things happening outside will be their form of entertainment.

Like many other animals, betta fish are also drawn to motion. Any movements happening on the outside will certainly catch their attention. If you have a TV room, it is normal for you to notice and feel that they are watching. They are just curious about the colors and movement of the screen.

Since betta fish live in a confined environment in the aquarium, it is normal for them to be interested in what is happening from the outside. Any activity or sudden changes on the outside will draw their interest, making them observe and stare.

The Betta’s Instinct

The betta fish has this instinct that makes them focus and eventually stare most of the time. The primary instinct of the betta fish is to watch any movement happening around them. Whether it’s the food or something that wants to eat them, they will need to recognize this movement as part of their instinct.

Bettas need to watch all the time, making them look like they are always staring. It is just their regular routine that makes them feel safe from predators and other threats happening in their environment. They also do this routine once they are in the aquarium.

They are always interested in the contrast of colors and their movement in front of them. But since they are in a secluded environment in the aquarium, they will keep staring at the outside, including when you are in front of them.

When you are close to the aquarium, it is normal for the bettas to recognize you, which results in staring at you. But when you are far away and still stare, it is probably because they are sensing your movement from the outside.

Fish Don’t Have Eyelids Which Make Them Stare

Fish do not have eyelids which means they do not close their eyes. The result is that they will keep on staring at anything, including you. Unlike humans, the fish live in water which means they do not need to blink to moisten their eyes.

Since it is always an instinct for the fish to keep attention on what is happening around them, they will undoubtedly look like they are staring at you if you stand in front of the fish. If it is bothering you that the betta is staring, you can have the option to give the fish other things to do.

Since fish can quickly get bored outside, their attention will be diverted to what is happening on the outside, which makes them stare constantly. If they can see movement or entertainment outside their tank, they will also be interested in it. Putting a toy in the aquarium can also divert their attention but should not be done all the time because they can get used to it.

Also, a fish does not have the capability to blink. It also does not have the mental capability to do anything when it stares at you. It does not even know how to recognize themselves in the mirror, which means they cannot do anything even if they stare at you.

The Betta is Just Sleeping

Sometimes, the feeling that the betta fish is staring at you is just a misconception. When the fish is facing your direction, it will make you think that the fish is staring at you. When the fish is sleeping, they do not need to close their eyes because they do not have eyelids. When they are sleeping, their eyes are still wide open.

When the betta fish is staring at you, it is probably because they are sleeping. It only looks like they are staring at you because they are facing your direction. But little did you know that they are fast asleep and resting.

Why Does My Betta Flare at Me

You will also notice that the betta flares at you sometimes. Flaring is a sign that your betta is under stress, especially if it is aggressive flaring. When something in their territory poses a threat to them, the fish will want to get rid of them quickly, making them flare.

These threats include a tank mate, another betta, or even their reflection since they cannot recognize themselves in the mirror. This threat can make them stressed out and eventually affect their eating habits.

Once the betta is under stress, it can be harmful to them if it stays for long. Meanwhile, there are also small instances of flaring, which is manageable since it allows the fish to stretch or flirt with another fish.

Why Does My Fish Stay in One Spot

There will be moments that your betta, or any fish for that matter, stays in one spot. There is no need to worry when this situation happens because it is just normal. The fish is just trying to breathe more easily.

Fish breathe dissolved oxygen underneath the aquarium water. Dissolved oxygen levels are naturally higher near the surface, making the fish stay in a spot near the bottom to breathe easily.

Fish also stay in one corner because of the temperature of the water. When the temperature is too high or too low, the fish will remain in the bottom corner. When the temperature rises, the fish will transfer to an area where the temperature is cooler.

Conclusion

Why does my betta fish stare at me? There are many reasons why a betta stares at someone, but it is natural for this fish species to make this habit since they can recognize people who feed them and has the instinct to recognize movement on the outside. What is important is that this staring habit is usual for the betta and part of what they will do once it is inside your aquarium.

The post Why Does My Betta Fish Stare At Me appeared first on Aquatic Eden.

Dutch aquariums are an older style of aquascaping, dating back to early 20th century Holland. The style focuses on neat rows of plants radiating out from a central focal point, with lower plants in front and taller plants in the back (creating depth). You’ll often see this described as “streets” or “avenues” using plants.

Dutch aquascapes also feature more colorful aquatic plants. They can be likened to a well kept garden, where all the plants are arranged with a purpose and kept well trimmed and defined. It may not be the most natural looking, but it is extremely beautiful and visually interesting. A significant hardscape (rock and/or driftwood) is usually not present or visible. Color, contrast, and the beauty of the individual plants is paramount.

The Nature aquarium style was pioneered by Takashi Amano in the last decade. The style of this type of aquascape is very much focused on nature and imitating both natural landscapes and snapshots of natural environments. This means that a Nature style aquascape can look like a miniature version of a mountain range with tree lined slopes, or like a scene under the surface of a small river.

Hardscape usually plays a role in framing the aquascape or helps to create flow. Nature style aquascapes are often also one of three shapes: concave shaped, convex shaped, or triangular. Concave means that the height of the plants decreases to some central low point, then slopes back up. Convex is the opposite of concave, and is often called an “island” shape since the plants are low on either side but high in the middle. Finally, triangular shaped aquascapes are shaped like a right triangle, and the height of the plants slopes gradually from high on one side of the tank to low on the other. In most Nature style aquascapes, there is only one main focal point and it is almost always positioned according to the Golden Rule. Natural appearance, flow, and other Japanese gardening principles are most important

Within each of these styles there are further sub-styles that I’ll explore a little further in another article.

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