About.com Freshwater Aquariums

Figure Eight Puffer

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 03:11:54 +0000

The Figure 8 Puffer is almost impossible to resist. Their expressive faces and propeller like fins make them the focal point of any aquarium.

However, puffers require different food and water conditions than most freshwater aquarium fish. Before you purchase one, be sure you know how to care for it.

If you have kept a Figure Eight Puffer, share your experiences. Your insights could help other owners.

Photo � Shirlie L Sharpe

Aquarium Lighting

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 04:01:39 +0000

This forum visitor asked for help with aquarium lighting, which sparked a long and interesting forum discussion that is well worth reading.

"Hope you can help! With my new 100gal tank, I received two lights that sit on top of the tank. Both are 24" long. I would like to transfer my few plants from my 30gal. tank like anacharist, nana plants, java fern, and I would like to add grass-like plants. The tank is 601/2"L, 201/2"H, 183/4"W, I think. Can you suggest what kind of bulb to get for those plants to survive? Thanks pasha."

More About Aquarium Lighting
Aquarium Light Fixture Guide
How Long Should Aquarium Lights be Left On?
What do Bulb Letters Mean?

Fish Fun

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 07:49:14 +0000

Summer is officially here, which means the fun is here! This time of year I like to take a moment to celebrate the summer solstice with lighter fare.

Name the Fish Quiz #1

Name the Fish Quiz #2

Who Wants to Be a Fish Expert?

Fish Trivia # 1

Fish Trivia # 2

Welcome to Fishkeeping

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 15:54:32 +0000

Father�s Day is special to me this year, because it will be the last one with my father. Today I can�t help but reflect on my passion for aquarium fish keeping, which I acquired at my father's knee.

Equipment wasn�t high tech, fish shops were rare, and there was no internet to get information from. I did just fine because my father taught me all the important things about setting up an aquarium. While I was mastering math tables in school; my father was teaching me about fish species at home. He was a good teacher; what I learned about fish stuck with me longer than my math lessons did.

Technology has changed since then, pet shops abound, and we surf the web routinely for help now. But the joy of fish keeping remains the same. Perhaps that is the best legacy my father could have given me, as it is one I have shared with my family and everyone who has come into my life. Thank you for that, Dad.

I hope you enjoy fish keeping as much as I, and share it with your children. It�s a great family hobby. If you have special stories to share from your beginning days of aquarium fish keeping, please share them.

Photo � Shirlie L Sharpe

Emperor Tetra

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 01:06:40 +0000

The attractive coloration, and elegant finnage of the regal Emperor tetra leaves little doubt why it was given it's name. Introduced to home aquaria over forty years ago, they have become one of the more popular of the tetra family.

Have you kept an Emperor Tetra? Share your experiences and help other fish owners.

Photo � Shirlie L Sharpe

Electric Blue Jack Dempsey

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:05:07 +0000

Any Dempsey owners out there? Perhaps you can help this forum visitor who recently aquaried an Electric Blue Jack Dempsey.

"I just purchased an Electric Blue Jack Dempsey for my community tank. It was not a planned purchase, but when I saw how beautiful the fish was I Googled information on it and came across information that suggested it was not as an aggressive fish and saw where people had placed them in their community tanks.

I asked at my LFS, the only place I shop (have been in business since 1961) and they said it should be fine with my other fish:

3 Boseman Rainbow fish
6 Barbus Ticto
2 red & Blue Colombians
13 Golden Neons

In a 55 gallon heavily planted aquarium with a piece of driftwood and 3 large lace rocks grouped together. I did a slow temperature acclamation and than slowly poured water from my tank into the bag, took a total of about 1 and 1/2 hours. Does anyone here have any tips on keeping this fish at its optimal health, its about 3" in size currently. And is right now still getting adjusted, I just released him/her and it basically hiding in the plants, occasionally peeking out. Any information/personal experience would be appreciated.

Bleeding Heart Tetra

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 07:35:45 +0000

Bleeding Heart Tetras are aptly named. Reaching an adult size of almost three inches, this easy to care for fish makes an excellent companion for Barbs or larger members of the tetra family.

Have you kept a Bleeding Heart Tetra? Share your experiences and help other fish owners.

Photo � Shirlie L Sharpe

Outdoor Rocks

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 07:26:34 +0000

Did you ever see a rock by the side of the road that you wanted to put in your aquarium? Perhaps you even stopped and took a look, then decided you didn't want to risk it.

Some outdoor rocks and gravel are safe for aquarium use, while others are not. Here are tips for sorting out the bad from the good.

Have you used rocks from the great outdoors? Share your story with the us.

Aquarium Water too Hot?

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 07:04:04 +0000

Warm weather often brings a challenge to the aquarium owner in the form of aquarium water that is too hot. Hot water can be dangerous, or even lethal, to fish if it remains high for a period of time. Here are the steps to take if you have a hot water problem.

Silver Dollar

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 13:34:48 +0000

There is little doubt where the Silver Dollar got it's name. If you have a community tank, the attractive and peaceful Silver Dollar is worth investing a few dollars in.

Don't know the sex of your Silver Dollar, but want to? Sexual differences aren't easy to distinguish, but you can get tips at the forum.

Have you kept Silver Dollars? If so, how about sharing what you know so other Silver Dollar owners can benefit from your experience.

Photo � Shirlie Sharpe