Cooling Hot Aquariums

Summer isn't officially here yet, but you wouldn't know it to look at the thermometer. Are your fish cooking in the summer heat? Here are some tips for cooling hot aquarium water.

Photo © Markus Schweiss

Desert Rainbowfish

Although not frequently available outside of Australia, the Desert Rainbowfish is a robust, easy to care for, schooling fish, that is worth going the extra mile to find. Highly adaptable to a variety of water conditions, the Desert Rainbowfish can even be kept in an unheated tank. Ask your local pet shop if they can order some for you, or check for a supplier online.

Have you been fortunate enough to keep a Desert Rainbow? If so, share what you know so other owners can benefit.

Photo © Shirlie L Sharpe

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Black Ruby Barb

The beauty of the Black Ruby Barb is so great that it nearly caused its demise in nature. Discovered in Sri Lanka, this popular Barb was over-fished to near extinction. Fortunately captive breeding has kept these lovely fish alive, and available to grace your aquarium. If you are looking for a peaceful fish to keep with other Barbs, the Ruby Barb is worth considering.

Have you kept Black Ruby Barbs? If so, please share your thoughts and experiences.

Photo © Derek Ramsey

Heater Placement Tips

Is one spot better than another to put the aquarium heater? It's a simple enough question, but one that often is not published in setup instructions. Here's what you should know about aquarium heater placement.

Not sure what size heater you need? Check the heater size guide.

Summer Feeding Help

Concerned about your fish while you are away for summer trips? Perhaps a neighbor is willing to help, but you fear they might feed the wrong amount?

There is an easy solution. It's my favorite, and least high tech, fish feeding gadget - an inexpensive pill dispenser. They are great for portioning out a weeks worth of food, and won't kill your budget to by fancy equipment. Check all my favorite fish feeding gadgets that are inexpensive and easy to use.

More About Feeding
Nutrition 101
Choosing Fish Foods
Flake Foods
Dietary Types

Photo Courtesy of PriceGrabber

Nitrite Poisoning

Nitrite poisoning follows closely on the heels of ammonia poisoning as a major killer of aquarium fish. Just when you think you are home free after losing half your fish to the ammonia spike, the nitrites rise and put your fish at risk again. Anytime ammonia levels are elevated, elevated nitrites will soon follow. Here is what to look out for, and how to deal with nitrite problems when they strike.

Velvet

Velvet might sound like something nice to have, but it's definitely not something desirable for your aquarium fish. Velvet can swiftly strike down every inhabitant in an aquarium before the unfortunate owner knows anything is amiss. Learn what to look for so you aren't caught unawares.

Photo © Tan Tze Sin