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Converting to Live Plants

2012-05-16T10:12:23Z

There are many benefits to having live plants in your aquarium. They provide a more natural habitat for the fish, eliminate toxins, and provide a haven for small or timid fish. Converting to live plants is not as hard as you might think.

If you'd like to know what to do, and pitfalls to watch out for, this journal is a good start. Written by a new aquarium owner who decided to make the switch from plastic to live plants, the journal has lots of great tips. She documented every step of her journey, complete with photos and commentaries from your Guide, and Don Matakis, an expert plant grower.

Photo © Don Matakis

Converting to Live Plants originally appeared on About.com Freshwater Aquariums on Wednesday, May 16th, 2012 at 10:12:23.

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Black-Banded Leporinus

2012-05-14T17:56:15Z

Not so long ago it wasn't easy to find Black-Banded Leporinus for sale in your LFS. Now many shops carry them, but they are usually young and fairly small, like the one my sister fell in love with and took home.

Little did she know the cute little fish that resembled a little bumblebee would outgrow the tank. Before you take home a Black-Banded Leporinus do your homework, or you might be in for an unwelcome surprise.

Have you kept a Black-Banded Leporinus? If so, share your experiences about care, habitat, feeding and breeding of Black-Banded Leporinus. Your knowledge could help other owners.

Photo © Shirlie L Sharpe

Black-Banded Leporinus originally appeared on About.com Freshwater Aquariums on Monday, May 14th, 2012 at 17:56:15.

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Yo Yo Loach Help

2012-05-13T08:07:54Z

This new Yo Yo Loach owner is having trouble with his fish. Can you offer suggestions to help?

"I have recently acquired originally two Pakistani loaches. I found when I put them in the tank for the first two weeks they swam around getting used to the tank and other fish (5 small mainganos, 4bristlenose catfish and 4 kuhli loaches) they then began to hide and I went searching for them.I thenbought 4 more which were smaller in size hoping to entice them out but that didn't work as all they want to do is hide in the small space behind the filter even though there are plenty of hiding spaces such as caves ornaments and plants. Water pH is 7.5 and had a water change a couple of days before buying the last lot. The original two died today. What do you suggest?"

Photo © Barbara Brooks

Yo Yo Loach Help originally appeared on About.com Freshwater Aquariums on Sunday, May 13th, 2012 at 08:07:54.

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Killifish

2012-05-12T10:04:48Z

If you want to take on a new and interesting challenge, consider raising some Killifish. They are fascinating fish that are fun to hatch and raise. Although you may not see them often in pet shops, if you do a little research you can mail order Killifish eggs and raise them yourself. Scott Davis, a well respected expert on Killies, was kind enough to answer a reader question about that very topic.

Photo © Laurie Fletcher

Killifish originally appeared on About.com Freshwater Aquariums on Saturday, May 12th, 2012 at 10:04:48.

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Goldfish Varieties

2012-05-10T08:26:24Z

Goldfish have been kept as pets for over a thousand years. From simple to fancy, white to black, dozens of Goldfish variations abound. In fact, there are currently over 120 varieties of Goldfish. This gallery spotlights some of the popular Goldfish varieties.

More About Goldfish
How To Clean a Fish Bowl
Keep Goldfish in a Bowl?
Most Popular Fish
Swim Bladder Disorder
Wall Bowl

Photo © Shirlie L Sharpe

Goldfish Varieties originally appeared on About.com Freshwater Aquariums on Thursday, May 10th, 2012 at 08:26:24.

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Harlequins

2012-05-09T11:23:19Z

Harlequins, often referred to as the Red Rasbora, are arguably the most popular of the more than five dozen species of Rasbora. Small and colorful, a school of Harlequins make an attractive addition to a community tank.

Photo © Shirlie L Sharpe

Harlequins originally appeared on About.com Freshwater Aquariums on Wednesday, May 9th, 2012 at 11:23:19.

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Stocking Your Aquarium Evenly

2012-05-08T07:51:46Z

The level the fish prefer to swim in is important when choosing fish. Your aquarium will be more interesting and attractive if you select fish that prefer different levels. You'll also have happier fish because they will not have to compete for the same swimming space. Here is how to stock your community tank evenly.

Photo © Jeff Bowers

Stocking Your Aquarium Evenly originally appeared on About.com Freshwater Aquariums on Tuesday, May 8th, 2012 at 07:51:46.

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Aquarium Filter Media Order

2012-05-07T07:49:42Z

Canister filters are used by many aquarium owners. One question surfaces over and over - what order should the filter media be put in? Rings first, or is it the sponge? Although personal preference and experience factor in, there are some basics to remember when determining the aquarium filter media order.

If you've tried arranging filter media and found an order that works well for you, share what you do and why.

Photo Courtesy of PriceGrabber

Aquarium Filter Media Order originally appeared on About.com Freshwater Aquariums on Monday, May 7th, 2012 at 07:49:42.

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Kribensis

2012-05-06T15:10:47Z

Pelvicachromis pulcher, better known as Kribensis, or just "Krib", is an easy to care for and colorful dwarf cichlid. Available in variety of color morphs such as yellow, red, green, and blue, they are a great fish to consider if you want to try your hand at breeding fish. Here's what you need to know to keep and breed Kribensis.

Photo © Stan Greenbaum

Kribensis originally appeared on About.com Freshwater Aquariums on Sunday, May 6th, 2012 at 15:10:47.

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Angelfish Photo Gallery

2012-05-05T15:25:13Z

Believe it or not, most Angelfish sold in the aquarium trade belong to the same species -- Pterophyllum scalare. However, there are many interesting and beautiful color variations of that species. Here are some of my favorites. If you have a color variation you'd like to add to the gallery, here is how to submit it.

Photo © Shirlie L Sharpe

Angelfish Photo Gallery originally appeared on About.com Freshwater Aquariums on Saturday, May 5th, 2012 at 15:25:13.

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