Aquaculture The Science of Fish Keeping

Keeping fish contributes to the development of scientific research into aquatic environments, and is relevant to the study of animal and plant biology, ecology, reproduction, feeding, and behavior. Researchers use some species to test the toxicity of pollutants or suspected pollutants.

Aquaculture or Fish Farming: The production of living creatures with the principal aim of selling them as food has features in common with fish-keeping  In both cases, it is a matter of maintaining fish in captivity and encouraging them to reproduce, always under the best possible conditions. The use of aquariums has allowed us to improve our knowledge of, for example, the breeding of marine larvae destined eventually for human consumption. It can also aid the preservation of species threatened with extinction for various reasons; we can study their behavior and reproductive methods with the aim of rearing young which can be released into their natural habitats.


On the other hand, aquarists are regularly accused of being party to the destruction of certain environments.
The fact is that though the vast majority of freshwater fish kept in aquariums are the result of captive breeding, the same is not true of marine fish, which are caught mainly in their natural habitats. The numbers taken are out of all proportion to the needs of aquarists owing to unsatisfactory conditions of capture and transport. For every marine fish which arrives alive in an aquarium, how many have died as they were being caught often in a highly questionable manner or during shipment or in the course of acclimatization? In this sense, the accusation is justified. The only solution is to impose stricter controls and improve techniques so that the number of fish caught to supply aquarists remains within a safe limit.

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Aquarium: A Window to Another World

There was a time when the keeping and study of exotic fish was the preserve  of serious  researchers  closeted in their laboratories; today, it is an established and popular hobby. Dealerships and specialized sales areas in large stores are springing up everywhere, paralleling an explosion in the number of public aquariums and books or magazines devoted to the subject. More and more people of all ages are falling under the spell, enjoying permanent access to a part of the natural world that was formerly beyond their reach. There are almost as many kinds of hobbyists as there are types of fish: the semiprofessional, the "small" and the "modest" collector, the specialist. There are the fanatics, who spend every minute of their time and energy on their aquariums, while for others fish keeping is just a passing fad. Enthusiasts include the young and the not so young; those with scientific knowledge or mere novices; those actively working and the retired. Such an immensely varied following guarantees that the world of the aquarist is full of interest and color.

We have all become familiar with how our television screens offer us, from the comfort of our living rooms, a small window onto the wide world outside. An aquarium also provides a glimpse into a different universe but this time inhabited by real, live creatures. A lot of thought and work goes into a top-class aquarium. We select the best site, we want fish and decor which satisfy our sense of beauty. Before long, our new purchase has relegated to the background our photos, pictures and even the TV.

The last ten or so years have seen the aquarium come into its own in institutions and public buildings. In educational establishments it represents an important teaching aid, enabling students to observe creatures in conditions resembling their natural habitats. The medical profession has likewise realized its benefits. The fish gliding through their silent, predominantly green world in a kind of underwater ballet are the perfect sedative for nervous patients; it is by no means unusual to come across tanks in the waiting-rooms of doctors and dentists, in physiotherapy rooms, hospitals, and indeed in psychiatric clinics. More recently, aquariums have been introduced into prisons.

Ultra Life is helping maintaining an aquarium by providing best aquarium accessories since 1990.

Aiptasia: The Killer Aquarium Anemone

Aiptasia is a sort of a reciprocal Coelenterata from the Anthozoa class. Most saltwater aquarium owners have to deal with the Aiptasia anemone. Most stories of Aiptasia beginning are found similar. Unexpectedly, a new little anemone is marked on a newly added piece of live rock or live coral piece, just an innocent, small and sometimes attractive new anemone.

But soon that innocent and small one becomes two, five, twenty and then many more. They are stressful to about all kinds of coral around them; even they can sting fish and look for invertebrates to kill to eat. Yes, it’s unbelievable but truly if the Aiptasia is kept untreated then they’ll take over your aquarium within very short time and alike a monsters form ancient story they’ll eat all living things they find in your aquarium to survive.

So, it’s no wonder if you don’t take proper action against the Aiptasia then it’s possible that you’ll lose about everything those are inhabitants of your aquarium, only Aiptasia will stay.

I think there’s no need to talk more about the need of Aiptasia removal, as if you don’t remove them timely and properly they’ll remove all living stuffs from your aquarium.

Saltwater and reef aquariums are more vulnerable to Aiptasia attack than freshwater aquariums.

Now, let’s head to the process of Aiptasia removal. In order to remove something from a place it’s a must to know what exactly to remove? So, identifying Aiptasia is the most important thing at very first.

There are 17 accepted species of Apitasia 4 among them are found commonly than others. Whichever the Aiptasia is, they are equally harmful. All kind of Aiptasia are shaped like miniature of a palm tree, with a polyp body (the coelenteron) up to 5 cm (2 inches) in length and an oral disc up to 2 cm (3/4 inches) thoroughly surrounded by a mixture of a few long and many short tentacles located in thin rings on the outer margin of the oral disc. The tentacles are long slim lips that form sharp points at their ends.

4 species of Aiptasia are found commonly in aquariums now days.

• Aiptasia Pallida : Brown Glass Anemone, Pale Anemone
• Aiptasia Pulchella : Glass Anemone
• Aiptasia Diaphana : Small Rock Anemone
• Aiptasia Mutabilis : Rock Anemone, Trumpet Anemone

All Common Aiptasia

Truly as their names (Aiptasia means beautiful) Aiptasia looks beautiful, Aiptasia have developed to be survivors.  They breed both sexually and asexually, and are capable of regenerating and entire creature from a single cell.  In addition, they are heavily equipped with arms to kill!

When Aiptasia are bothered, either by a passing fish or invertebrate they eject some kind of dangerous white harsh threads called Acontia that contain poisonous cells named nematocyst.  Nematocysts are capable of bringing a potent wound that can cause tissue recession in sessile corals, immobilize prey, and even kill unlucky crabs, corals, snails or fishes.

How to get rid of Aiptasia?

Till today there are couples of ways followed by people to get rid of Aiptasia from their aquarium. We may classify them into Mechanical, Biological and Chemical procedures.

Mechanical Process: If Aiptasia can be found in very early stage when there are no more than 10 Aiptasia grown in the system once people used to follow this process. The process is very simple; pick up the live rock or piece of coral on which Aiptasia grown up. Bring it out of the aquarium and rub out the Aiptasia very carefully from that piece. You should be carefull because if some single cells of Aiptasia remains in the piece and you put that back in the system after a few weeks there may be numerous Aiptasia from those cells. This method is not suggested to follow now days. You may only try this no expense method if you are sure that you’ll activate the Biological method just immediately after Mechanical process. As the Aiptasia which will grow later they’ll be baby and will be easier meal to the Aiptasia eaters to eat.

Biological Process: There are some natural cures to prevent Aiptasia best one among them is adding some Lysmata wurdemanni aka Peppermint Shrimps to the system as they eat Aiptasia. They’ll become successful if there are low numbers of Aiptasia. If Aiptasia grown high in number and made their own way to survive as they are superior survivors then the Biological method will also fail.

Chemical Process: This is the full and final method which you can follow anytime without any hesitation, you just need to follow the instructions to use the chemical solution properly. Ultralife has developed a very special product to fight Aiptasia & Majano only. This product is developed for the specific purpose and it’s the best available stuff to fight with Aiptasia properly. Find the product at Ultralife Aiptasia & Majano Remover

Finally, beware of Aiptasia, never fall weak seeing their primary innocent beautiful look. Wish you best of luck to win against such killers who can destroy your beloved aquarium suddenly.

Lesson to Buy Ozone Generator for Aquarium

Being able to get water clarity is very important for your aquarium.  Aquariums can get dirty looking water and even when it is changed; it doesn't make a lot of difference.  This is why an Ozone generator is going to be a vital tool for any aquarium.

With an Ozone generator, you are going to be able to get water clarity.  However, when you use an Ozone generator, it will oxidize the materials inside the aquarium and ensure the water is crystal clear.

The Main Benefits with the Ozone:

·        Keeps The Water Clean And Clear Fully

·        Keeps The Levels For Ammonia Low

·        Keeps The Levels For Nitrates Low Also

·        Removes All Bacteria And Fungus Found In The Aquarium

·        There Is No Need To Have Any Chemicals Or Use Chemicals In The Aquarium

·        Kills All Pathogens

Caution When Buying Generators

These are all very important parts when it comes to keeping the aquarium clean and ensuring that all fish and aquatic life are kept safe and healthy.  Though, with the Ozone generator, you will be able to control everything that happens with your aquarium.

This will be one of the very best tools to have when it comes to keeping your aquarium in top condition.  There are many generators that don’t require any timer controls; and you can easily attract this to an air dryer if you wanted to but of course you don’t need to, it’s a nice choice though.

This is going to be very simple to set up and use; with the 2 air stones and pipes included with the Ozone generator and some generators will come with a warranty which is a plus.  The integrated air pump is a fantastic feature to have also.

The Ozone generators are going to be an important part of any aquarium because any bacteria forming can harm or even kill the fish.  If certain bacteria are allowed to build up, the fish can be harmed but with the generators, this doesn't happen.

However, when it comes to buying a new Ozone generator, you should look for the generators that will fit into your price range as well as offer the best quality.  It is not all about the price, it is also about the type of quality you will get with your generators and whether it will be effective to your aquarium also.

When you are looking to purchase, you have to ensure you are getting a name that you can trust and be sure of.  If you don’t think a particular generator isn't going to be effective for your aquarium, then search for another variety.  There are many good Ozone generators out there to choose when it comes to getting one for your aquarium.

It will be important to look for a name that you can trust because you have to be confident in what you are using.  This is essential when it comes to buying a new Ozone generator.

Head to Ultralife to select the best quality Ozone generators and Ozone generator accessories.

Saltwater Aquarium Maintenance

While choosing aquarium to increase beauty, bring luxury and pleasure; saltwater aquariums are most preferred as they offer wide variety of fishes, shrimps, plants and additional stuffs than freshwater aquariums. Saltwater aquariums demand better maintenance to keep itself in ideal condition. There are some maintenance works for saltwater aquariums which are needed to be done every day; there are some other tasks for weekly, bi-weekly and monthly as well. Proper maintenance of saltwater aquarium might recompense you enjoyment for many years. It is recommended that, you maintain a calendar to keep the maintenance works for your aquarium reminded. Now, let’s see what are the regular tasks required to keep your saltwater aquarium free from issues to offer the best living place to the inhabitants living in it.

Health of Fishes and Other Inhabitants

One of the most important responsibilities of any kind of aquarium maintenance is checking the health of all the fishes, shrimps and plants every day. This should contain visual inspection of their attitude, scales and fins of the fish in addition to the coloring and vibrancy of them. If any of the fish are dead or seem dying, they must to be removed fast and any creatures which appear unhealthy should be relocated to a quarantine culture according to the sick inhabitant’s requirement and treated accordingly.

Proper aquarium maintenance also needs to familiarize you with the behaviors of the fishes in order to discover if anyone is becoming unhealthy quickly and more swiftly. If any creature in the aquarium die and get overlooked, then the decaying of their body will diminish the quality of the ecosystem very fast because of the development of ammonia to toxic levels.

Changing Aquarium Water Frequently

Changing water is a vital part of saltwater aquarium maintenance roster. Every week melted water should be replaced with prepared saltwater and any algae growth on the glass should be removed properly. Partial water changes can be performed weekly or bi-weekly depending on how well the system is maintained overall, additionally to the species of fishes and other creatures within the aquarium. Removing off any excess rubbishes or waste matter should be done while changing the water.

The saltwater should be premixed a day early as the solution becomes less acidic and this will ensure your fishes are not harmed or get shocked because of sudden addition of the new water.

Aquarium Equipment

Proper maintenance of the equipment is crucial for the well-being of your aquarium system. The water temperature should be checked if the heater is working perfect and any required adjustments should also be made. The protein skimmer cup should be cleaned every day or at least once in every two days. Doing this irregularly can threaten the fitness of the aquarium. Whole protein skimmer should be cleaned along with the hoses and tubes beside the skimmer cup. The stuffs which lay at the lower portion of the aquarium like stones or anything else should be scrubbed well. Carbon of the filter and all kind of absorbers should be replaced according to their own time frame because when the absorber is full with the absorbed stuffs then it can’t absorb any more and then the stuffs you want to remove from the system are staying within.

When conducting deep maintenance each three months, all filter containers and hoses should be systematically cleaned both inside and out, also switch the air pads of the air pump. Carefully inspect impellers for any signs of damage, interchange the air valves and cleanup or replace (if needed) UV tubes if you use an UV device.

Phosphate & Algae Control
Controlling Algae is a regular challenge in Saltwater Aquariums. You should head to this article if you've missed learning the best about Phosphate & Algae Control: Decrease & Control Phosphate to Control Algae & Keep Aquarium Healthy

pH, Conditioners and Vitamins

You should test the salinity and pH balance of your aquarium water, if needed you can add any trace elements, conditioners, and vitamins for the inhabitants.

Lighting

Most aquarium owners don’t think this, but undoubtedly it’s a great concept to use 2-3 alternate lights of different colors, you may change the lights every week, it gives exceptional feel and also have positive impact on the aquarium system (modern research says), don’t choose such color for lighting which may bring difficulties for the plants or any fishes.

Saltwater aquarium maintenance may seem to require an ample level of work, by spreading out the required tasks into small quantities it can become relatively easy and results in an aquarium that enhances beauty gives pleasure to you and everyone else in its presence. Just like anything, you get output according to your input.

Ultralife Aquarium Accessories can make the tasks easier and do everything with more efficiency. You can try Ultralife products before anything else if you are determined to keep your aquarium in its best quality all the time.

Decrease & Control Phosphate to Control Algae and Keep Aquarium Healthy

Fishes in Aquarium

Phosphates (Chemical Sign PO4) are present in every single aquarium, even though lots of aquarists are unconscious about it. Improper aquarium maintenance surely increases phosphate levels. There are number of difficulties those may occur if Phosphate is increased than the required level.

One of the most irritating problems in your aquarium is probably the continuous combat against algae. If you don’t check, it has the ability to even cover the glass. There are algae in colors alternating from black to bright green.  It can make impossible to view your beautiful inhabitants living in the aquarium. It can very quickly cover the decorations; lessen the charm of the entire environment as well. It’s no wonder if filtration system gets troubled because of over growth of algae.

The increase of Phosphate is the one and only reason that helps algae for massive and devastative growth. So, removal of unwanted algae is not the solution if you don’t care about Phosphate in your aquarium’s ecosystem. In order to keep it a cool living place for all the fishes and plants in the aquarium you must care about Phosphate control which will automatically control algae growth.

As Phosphate control is the key concern! So, we should know the sources from where they can come in the aquarium. There are the key sources of Phosphates in Aquarium below:

• Uneaten foodstuffs
• Fish excrements
• Dead fish
• Plant decay
• Dying algae
• Aquarium salts
• Carbon filter media
• Water itself
• pH buffers
• kH buffers

Balanced Level of Phosphates: Before we head to Phosphate removal, you should understand Phosphates cannot be removed by 100% and that will destroy the ecosystem if occurs. Phosphate must stay to keep all living stuffs alive. But in aquarium they should be maintained within tolerance level to keep the aquarium free from unwanted algae growth.

Tolerance level or we can call it desired balanced level of Phosphate is 0.01 ppm to 0.10 ppm. PPM stands for Parts per Million, in aquarium measurement it’s actually Milligram per Liter or mg/L. 1 ppm = 1mg/L.

Another thing should be kept in mind that Phosphate test kits can measure inorganic Phosphates only. There are organic Phosphates and probably in more quantity in the aquarium as well. So, when the measurement kit shows 0.7 - 1.0 ppm or above then it’s risky, algae will start growing, when its 2ppm+ overgrowth is very likely to occur.

Massive Destruction by Highly Increased Phosphates: May be you are not aware but as it’s an ecosystem so too many known and unknown biochemical reactions are going inside the aquarium. If Phosphate increase by the level of 3-5 ppm in that case there’s a very possible chance Phosphorylation. Phosphorylation means the addition of protein or any other organic module with Phosphate. Normally there are number of enzymes in the aquarium which are helpful for the living stuffs to live and do their required things accordingly. Phosphorylation always creates a number of protein enzymes and destroys in high volume as well; it also alters the function and activity of enzymes. This change has potential to make the ecosystem a death trap for most of its living stuffs. So, if we look at the root. Too much Phosphate can become reason of death of your lovely aqua pet.

If Phosphate has already been increased first it should be lowered to balanced level as soon as possible. Below there are some procedures discussed about lowering increased Phosphate:

• Increase Water Change Quantity & Do It More Frequently: You should increase water change percentage and change water more frequently than usual.  Such water changes will help to bring Phosphates down quickly enough, but if the underlying sources are still there in the lower portion, then it will be temporary. Until all reasons are cured and Phosphate comes in balanced level, keep changing water in higher volume than usual time.
• Clean Aquarium: Scrubbing inside the glass, removing the rocks and other decorations and scrubbing them well can help to get rid of the extra Phosphate which was attached with those stuffs. Let everything get settled, if possible, give the substrate materials a good vacuuming. Wait a few days to give things a chance to stabilize, and then clean the filter finally, before setting up the aquarium.
• Vodka Method: It’s an effective and cheap method to extract Phosphate from aquarium. You can try it but use safely. Periodically add little amount of Vodka to the aquarium. It has been proved that, this can isolate both Phosphate and Nitrate in the aquarium system.
• Use Absorber: At last, the best way to control Phosphate smartly is using Phosphate absorbing media. It’s effective very much that you can depend on it to do more than 50% of your duty. These can be added to almost any filter.

NOTE: Using chemicals should be your last option. Meant, you should do the things told above first. It is suggested not to try removing more than 1 ppm of Phosphate in a 24 hour period, in order to avoid tank cloudiness, add any chemical to the skimmer or mechanical filter intake. Also you must keep in mind, absorbing materials or compounds needs to be changed or revived regularly; as once they become soaked they are exhausted. This means they can’t absorb anything more, and what you are trying to eliminate is just staying within the system.

You can use “UltralifeLiquid Phosphate Remover” a best performing chemical solution these days. There’s also another item, that’s cool one. It’s a Ceramic Medium which works best to remove Phosphates, Silicates, Nitrates and many more salt type compounds those are within the aquarium beyond eyes. It may be called “Multi-Salt Absorber” undoubtedly you should try it if you haven’t experienced it before.

Keeping Phosphate Level Balanced: Once you have reduced the extra Phosphate level now you should be careful about avoiding Phosphate increase in the future. Below, there are some ways you can follow to maintain Phosphate level lower constantly:

• Feed Sparingly: The topmost Phosphate source in the aquarium is flake food. Cut back on the frequency and amount of food. Just a squeeze once a day is adequate for most adult fish. Remove any uneaten food quickly upon notice.
• Low Phosphate Food: Generally, Phosphate is used as a preservative in flake foods. All brands are not same, so find and serve foods from those brands that have lower Phosphate levels.
• Water Source: Check source of your water. It is not abnormal for tap water to contain up to 1 ppm of Phosphate. If the level is higher, find another source for your aquarium water.
• Tank Maintenance: Keep the tank free of rubbishes. It will help to avoid phosphate buildup. Vacuum the bottom regularly to get rid of uneaten food, plant decays, and fish wastage.
• Good Filtration System: Use the best filter fit for your aquarium. Choose the best media and chemicals as additives in your filter.

If you use “UltralifeLiquid Phosphate Remover” combining with “Ultralife Hair & Sludge Removal System” in the filter as media, then it will become easy to keep your aquarium fit and out of numerous unwanted stuffs. You may use the Ceramic Medium which works best to remove Phosphates, Silicates, Nitrates and many more salt type compounds those are within the aquarium beyond eyes. It may be called “Multi-Salt Absorber” undoubtedly you should try it if you haven’t experienced it before. In order to maintain complete fitness also try to combine “Aiptasia & Majano Remover” “Slime Stain Removers” along with all the told stuffs before to keep best fitness of your aquarium. Using Quality Protein Skimmer is suggested as well.

Thoughts on Aquarium Lighting and Decorating Aquariums

Lighting is very essential in the aquariums because with this tact beauty of these aquariums can be increased easily. In this matter, this is also reality that this enhancement is liked and admired by the public because a majority of customers are purchasing these aquariums with the desire of gaining beauty and gorgeousness in their houses and companies. Some people are purchasing these aquariums because they are related with these matters as a businessman and businessmen are also interested to increase their financial benefits that can be increased and enhanced with keeping the element of beauty highly in aquariums. This beauty is possible easily and effortlessly because this beauty is linked with the usage of colors and pictures. With changing some colors and pictures beauty of these aquariums can be increased without any complexity and difficulty. So, those people that are interested to gain high beauty in this matter should proper sources for this purpose and proper sources are stated as usage the services of professionals and experienced personals that are helpful to make those tasks possible and probable that are looking impossible in common conditions.

So, aquarium lighting is very important in aquariums but this lighting should be performed with proper consideration of location and situation that is most important for making the life gorgeous and good looking according to desire of people in the social order. Aquarium lighting is also easy in the present age because this can be performed with the concern of modern technologies that are reachable for all people without any doubt and trouble. In this mater, this is also reality that with bringing high quality in lighting, businessmen are very pleased because they are easy and trouble free to enhance their financial and economic benefits by increasing the quality and standard of business through gaining attraction of people as customer. In the same way, people are also easy and flexible because they are using these aquariums for their houses and homes with the impacts of beauty and prettiness. This prettiness is possible with the usage of proper things at proper time because this suitability is producing some useful fallout according to desire of people in the public matters. In the same way, this beauty is also needed for making the businesses successful and accomplishment. So, those people that are interested to purchase these aquariums are taking right decision because this decision is bringing a positive and shining change in their social and common life that is liked highly by all people without difference of age and gender in this matter. As the result of this situation, people should purchase these aquariums and also used with obligation of proper directions of those people that are experts in decoration of locations.

Visit Ultralife Aquarium Accessories Shop to find best quality accessories for your aquarium. There is aquarium lighting solution as well.