AQUARIUM 

      Now you must decide if you are

               going to have real live plants,

or plastic plants.

The satisfaction of having plants

flourish and reproduce

is very gratifying.

We should first answer the question of why you should choose live over artificial plants. Simply put, live plants enhance water quality and in doing so provide a healthy and more stable environment for our fish. In addition live plants provide a food source for many fish. Lastly, the varieties, colors, and constant changing of the aquascape with live plants can't be achieved with static artificial plants. Few things of this hobby can rival the beauty of a healthy planted tank.

M The  real plants will cost more, and are harder to maintain. The plastic plants will require no care except the algae that grows on them. Realistic plastic aquarium plants for  "true to nature" aquarium landscaping that will last for years--can't rot, die or create debris. Easy to maintain--just rinse under running water. Safe for all aquarium life. The natural-looking translucent colors never fade. The unique canoe shaped base keeps each  plant firmly implanted in the aquarium gravel. M Join... Andre's Aquarium Club today! Ask all your aquarium related questions. Setting up an Aquarium? Aquarium Plants? Sick Fish? Invertebrate Problem? Water Problems? Breeding? Propagating ? CLICK HERE Setting up a New Planted Tank I recommend starting out with the plants doing the job of removing harmful ammonia. In order for this to work, you must ensure that the plants are growing and thriving before adding the fish. My plan for setting up a new planted tank involves setting up all the tank equipment, including CO2 and Lighting, then adding plants, and giving them several weeks to get established before adding any fish. During those several weeks, the plants will get their roots established, use up any nutrients already present in the water (and begin using substrate fertlizers provided), but the algae will starve, since you aren't adding any fish food, and there is no fish waste for those couple weeks. This lets the plants get a head-start on the algae, and ensures a beautiful algae-free tank. Nitrogen Cycle Message from a member: Hello,   still can't grow the full potential of all the plants in the 96 gal tank and the 25 gal tank. the 15 gal tank grows every thing right to the top. All substrates PH's and water conditions are the same. Lighting......96 gal, about 600.00 $ worth of exotic lights. 25 gal tank two 24 " plant spectrum florescents. 15 gal tank, 1- 20 watt key board light purchased at office Depot. 3 tanks are over 2 years old. Fish thriving well in all. 96 gal fish don't prefer the $$$$ lighting. Go figure. Why the root growth and not foliage? Stumped .....Doug REPLY: One thing that may help is to put each plant in  a small clay pot under the sand. This will bind the root system so the foliage can grow. Try It. "The Aquarium Doctor" I'll bet that's why the small tank is doing so well.....the roots are down and out to the glass sides. Thanks a lot...giving it a go , Doug     Tropica.com CLICK HERE  Real plants offer a challenge to the hobbyist. They almost require more care than some fish. The water must be the right ph , the light must be correct, the temperature they need  may  not be correct for the fish you have, some fish tend to eat or tear the plants, some even pull them out of the gravel. In my opinion, the live      plant is a hobby within a hobby. There are few things as frustrating to the aquarist interested in growing aquatic plants as algae. After spending a small fortune on lights, substrate additives, liquid fertilizers, and CO2 systems in an attempt to get good plant growth, the aquarist is often rewarded with a lush carpet of algae. Unsightly and stubbornly resistant to eradication, the algae destroys the aesthetics of the tank while limiting plant growth by competing with them for light and nutrients. In desperation, the aquarist experiments with various forms of algae control, including algicides, bleach dips, antibiotics (for cyanobacteria), physical removal, and the introduction of an assortment of algae-eating fish and invertebrates. Feed levels are reduced, light duration is decreased, and various combinations and different amounts of fertilizer are tried, until through trial and error an uneasy truce is sometime reached. There is nothing you can do on a continual basis to help minimize algae and promote plant health as well as fish health as the simple water change. This is one area where there is no such thing as too much too often. A stream or river may change water thousands of times a day. Best of all worlds would be a tank that is set up to allow for a constant replacement of water on a daily basis. Unfortunately it isn't practical. Change at the least 25% on a bi-weekly basis. You'll find fish and plants will do better and the algae will be none existent. There is no better prevention for a algae build up than this. Compare that to the alternative of constantly fighting algae it becomes time well worth spending.   Eliminate algae Growth Safe for fish, plants, animals and humans Degrades and dissolves organic bottom solids and scum. End result is carbon dioxide releasing through the top of the water after BI- AQUACULTURE consumes the nitrates & phosphates. Other products require the tank or pond to be vacuumed creating excess maintenance Improves water clarity and quality; no more green water Will work in fresh and saltwater Cuts and eliminates odors Converts nitrites to nitrates Oxidizes Ammonia to nitrite Click HERE BI-AQUACULTURE Check our great Aquarium supply store, recommended products by our members, (Eliminate algae growth with BI-AQUACULTURE) order it today!!

Easy Plant Tanks What the heck do I have to be, a chemical engineer/civic engineer to design a nice        well planted tank? The answer simply is, NO.

First step in creating planted tanks is to carefully consider what  you are trying to accomplish. Before the first plant is purchased, before the tank is even bought you need to sit down and consider just what you want and expect. If you want super growth and don't mind all the equipment and time invested in it, well then you have to wait for the next article. If your primary interest is fish and you only want a plant or two as accent or decoration, then in all honesty you would be better off with plastic. If you want a balance between plants and fish, or if you really just like plants and want to emphasis them with fish being primarily for cleanup and accent for the plants then you are in the right place.

ALGAE? FORGET ABOUT IT!! Keep water and plants pristinely clean. You can have a beautiful aquarium now with minimum effort. Eliminate algae Growth Safe for fish, plants, animals and humans Degrades and dissolves organic bottom solids and scum. End result is carbon dioxide releasing through the top of the water after BI- AQUACULTURE consumes the nitrates & phosphates. Other products require the tank or pond to be vacuumed creating excess maintenance Improves water clarity and quality; no more green water Will work in fresh and saltwater Cuts and eliminates odors Converts nitrites to nitrates Oxidizes Ammonia to nitrite Click HERE BI-AQUACULTURE

i i i Start Right There are few things as frustrating to the aquarist interested in a beautiful aquarium as algae. After spending a small fortune the aquarist is often rewarded with a lush carpet of algae. Unsightly and stubbornly resistant to eradication, the algae destroys the aesthetics of the tank while limiting plant growth by competing with them for light and nutrients. In desperation, the aquarist experiments with various forms of algae control, including algicides, bleach dips, antibiotics (for cyanobacteria), physical removal, and the introduction of an assortment of algae-eating fish and invertebrates. Feed levels are reduced, light duration is decreased, until through trial and error an uneasy truce is sometime reached.   There is nothing you can do on a continual basis to help minimize algae and promote plant health as well as fish health as the simple water change. This is one area where there is no such thing as too much too often. A stream or river may change water thousands of times a day. Best of all worlds would be a tank that is set up to allow for a constant replacement of water on a daily basis. Unfortunately it isn't practical. Change at the least 25% on a bi-weekly basis . You'll find fish and plants will do better and the algae will be none existent. There is no better prevention for a algae build up than this, water changes. Compare that to the alternative of constantly fighting algae it becomes time well worth spending.

Marine Plants

Algae Filters The use of "algae filters" has become popular in recent years, in part, because it is a natural approach to filtering water. The construction of such a scrubber involves simply growing macroalgae in a sump area below the aquarium or in a side mounted refugium. The Refugium An established refugium can aid in the removal of pollutants in the display aquarium, so that undesirable species of algae will not grow. Many aquarists use this area not only to grow macroalgae, but also to contain live sand and raise mysid shrimp that are found in live rock. These small crustaceans are used to feed delicate fish such as Anthias sp. and different species of Dragonets. For best results, lighting should be provided for an extended period of time (18 to 24 hours per day). The reason for the extended photoperiod is that plants only convert carbon dioxide while lighting is available. During the dark periods, plants use oxygen and release carbon dioxide. This can result in a decline in pH, and proper buffering agents need to be employed. Excessive growth should be pruned and removed as required. Macroalgae can also be kept in the main aquarium, providing valuable hiding places along with a natural food source for many fish and invertebrates. PLANTS FOR THE SALTWATER AQUARIUM Grape Algae Caulerpa racemosa Purchase here Halimeda Halimeda sp. Shaving Brush Algae Penicillus capitus Fan Algae Udotea flabellum Corralline Bush Algae Galaxaura sp. Improve the water quality of your marine tank while adding natural biodiversity to your underwater environment. In addition to helping clarify your water by absorbing nitrates, carbon dioxide and some metals, algae also serves as a food source for many marine species – whether they feed directly on the algae itself or on microfauna attracted to the algae. MANGROVES - SEA GRASS Plant in live sand, requires strong light.  Red Gracilaria Feeding Algae Red Gracilaria Algae is a reddish transparent algae that is a natural food source for all herbivorous fish. This live food will provide the proper nutrition for many species of plant eating marine fish. Sold by the bag that contains about 4 cups of algae, your tangs and angels will go crazy over this algae. This feeding algae is in small 1-4" pieces that may be placed directly in the aquarium fed in a similar fashion to flake foods.

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Macroalgae and Marine Plants Macroalgae and marine plants add unique color and interest, and at the same time, provide healthier ecosystems within marine aquariums. The benefits of macroalgae cannot be understated due to their filtration abilities. Marine plants absorb nutrients in order to grow, thereby, helping to reduce excess levels of nitrates and phosphates and other water pollution. When aquascaping your marine setup and duplicating your fish species' natural habitat, be sure to include a few of these special plants allowing your fish to reap the reward Halimeda: The Cactus Algae Halimeda are generally hardy in a marine aquarium, and few fish will feed on it. It is not an invasive plant that will cause harm to close neighboring corals or invertebrates. In addition to light, it requires a sufficient level of calcium to grow. They are not as tolerant of high nitrate or phosphate levels compared to some other algae. They also do not tolerate extensive pruning. Shaving Brush Plant (Penicillus sp.) These plants help reduce excess nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates in the aquarium. Most herbivorous fish and invertebrates will not normally consume this plant, but sea urchins may uproot and consume this species. Plant the Shaving Brush in the substrate in a well-illuminated place in the aquarium or refugium. This plant will benefit from the regular addition of an iron supplement, as well as trace elements. Shaving Brush Plant, Penicillus capitus, grow in sandy substrates via rhizoidal "root balls" or holdfasts. Its elongated stalk and green grass-like upward branches make a nice contrast against other natural decorations and corals in the home aquarium. Like the Halimeda Plant and like Coralline Algae, the Shaving Brush incorporates a hard Calcium Carbonate skeleton within its living tissue. This Caribbean-Atlantic native is functional in that it helps in the removal of organic nutrients because it consumes many waste by-products in the home aquarium. This easy-care marine plant does well in a variety of conditions. Medium light and water-levels should suit it fine. Calcium and iron will definitely be beneficial in overall health and in growth.

MARINE PLANT CARE                        Marine Plant Care Index Caulerpa Algaes Coralline Algaes Macroalgaes Mangrove Plants Other Algaes & Marine Plants Algae In The Saltwater Aquarium Macroalgae are found in many shapes and colors, including green, red, brown and blue. They are photosynthetic, using chlorophyll to synthesize their food. They will generally find sufficient nutrients in the water (nitrates and phosphates) and, by absorbing these elements, play an important role in maintaining good water quality in your aquarium. Moderate to strong light is recommended. Despite many claims to the contrary, the best way to control algae in the aquarium is to control the conditions that foster its growth. Primarily, these are water chemistry and the nature and amount of light falling upon the tank.

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Getting rid of Bubble Algae. Bubble algae is pretty easy to recognize. Bubble algae forms green bubbles on a hard surface like live rock. The bubbles can be masses of small irregular bubbles, or can be single or small groups of larger rounded bubbles up to over an inch in diameter. The surface of the bubble can be smooth or rough depending on the particular species. Bubble algae is BAD. After the initial excitement of finding cool looking green pearls in your tank, you should remove the bubbles to keep it in check. Bubble algae grows rapidly and can spread through the tank. It will tend to crowd desirable specimens out. Fortunately, it is normally possible to manually extract bubble algae and keep it under control unlike hair algae. Bubble algae can be picked off by hand. It is unclear if breaking the bubbles can help spread the pest or not, but should probably be avoided. On small rocks, it is sometimes easier to remove the rock in order to pick off the pests. The Sohal Tang (Acanthurus sohal) will often eat bubble-type algae, as will the Red Sea/Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang (Zebrasoma desjardinii). It sometimes helps to break the bubbles to make it easier for the tangs to eat them There is also evidence that Naso tangs may eat the stuff. The best way to get ride of it safely is by introducing a small crab called " Emerald Crab" They have tested these crabs with all kind of corals & they were fully safe...The crabs attacked the bubble algae only without touching the corals.. The Emerald Crab does very well within a Reef Aquarium. It gets along well with other tank mates, seems to be totally herbivorous, and is well known for the consumption of bubble algae. Some Coral Farmers maintain an Emerald Crab tank in order to remove encroaching algae from around hard Corals. Some items that share similar habitat in the wild with Emerald Crabs include: Sea Cucumbers, an assortment of Brittle Stars and Serpent Stars including the Harlequin Serpent, Sally Lightfoot Crabs, Porcelain Crabs, Astrae Snail, Cerith Snails, Blue leg Hermits, Eyelash Blennies and Surgeon Tangs. What-is-caulerpa? BEWARE

marineandreef.com Toll Free Phone Number: 877-878-9349 Members will receive a 5% discount on all orders when they mention that they are members... Toll Free Phone Number: 877-878-9349 Hours for Telephone Orders & Telephone Customer Service: M-F 8AM-4PM (Mountain Time--Note: we do not have daylight savings time in Arizona) ú Gina's Aquarium Supply and marineandreef.com is owned and operated by The Aquatic Group Toll Free Phone Number: 877-878-9349 Saltwater supplies Marc Weiss: Algae Magic 6 Oz Enhances clarity of the tank by eliminating the food sources for nuisance algae blooms (including green hair, brown diatom and red slime) Not harmful to fish, plants, corals, rocks and other living organisms in the aquarium Does not contain copper sulfate Algae MagicTM is 100% organic. It takes the natural chemistry of the past and transforms it to the present. Clarity of the water relates directly to a water-balanced tank. Algae MagicTM provides the ability to lower the food supply of the nuisance algae. This event can take a short amount of time but it is not instantaneous. The objective of the formulation allows the desired plant growth to deal with wastes in the tank to more efficiently maintain better oxygenation. As the increased aerobic conditions of the tank predominate, nuisance algae will still exist (because this is the natural state of the life cycle), however, they will not predominate and cause displeasing aesthetics. Algae MagicTM when added to your tank will fortify your plants' leaf structure. The by-product of this effect enhances oxygenation within the tank and adds an additional food source for animal life. As the plants and microscopic creatures respond to the enhanced environment, the tank naturally clears of visible wastes and nuisance algae ? creating an awesome view. $11.99 Check out all the other great discounted aquarium products Freshwater and Saltwater

I recommend that if you can, check out,

M This wonderful shop in Sacramento, California

Capitol Aquarium
29th & T
916-452-5556 Call for free Advice
....................The best selection of fish and plants ......................
.....If you have a question they will get the answer for you.
Spend $100.00 and get $10.00 in Free Fish

             

A comment from a member........ Oh, I used to live in Sacramento and just loved Capitol Aquarium. It is where I bought my first tank and fish. Never had any problems with their fish. I haven't been able to find a fish store anywhere near the quality since moving away! Sometimes, I would just go there to look at the fish, like going to the zoo.  Melody

             

The Aquarium Doctor The Aquarium Doctor is a Member of Andre's Aquarium Club. If you have any aquarium related questions check out the Aquarium Doctor. Aquarium Doctor

Everything you will ever want to know about the Aquarium is available to you on Andre's Aquarium Pages.

"Spirulina, all fish need it in their diet "

Looked everywhere for an answer? The The AquariumVet IS the ANSWER! M for Non-members M Now   Only $3.99 using PayPal M Use PayPAL If you have a question about your fish or aquarium, you may send $3.99 using PayPal and you will be contacted by email to receive an answer. The AquariumVet M The AquariumVet M With sick fish or any aquarium problems...? Questions about Plants? M Members may click here.. Please use your password. This is a free service for       members. M M Ask any Aquarium related question Receive individual help with your Aquatic World..... Speed and accuracy are vital in taking action to remedy a problem. M The AquariumVet M

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