A Guppies Aquarium

One of the easiest aquarium setups there is that can be great to learn all the intricacies associated with being an aquarium owner is to set up a guppies aquarium.  These interesting little fish are by far found in many aquariums around the world because they are so hardy, and breed prolifically.  Each male fish is as individually color marked as a fingerprint is different.  Look as hard as you want and you will see there are no two the same.

Besides its beauty the guppy has other great attributes.  Hardly any other tropical fish species combines so many great points in such degree.  It is a live bearer, extremely fertile and dependable breeder.  It is a very active fish keeping the gaze of many a viewer transfixed on the guppies aquarium.  It thrives in close confinement, can stand fairly foul water, and handles a larger range of temperature than other tropical fish.  It pretty much eats any kind of food, does not fight, is not timid, and matures rapidly.  It is subject to very few diseases, making it great for a novice to learn aquarium principles. Add to the fact that you can pick these fish up for a very reasonable price anyone can afford, even kids, makes it the ideal choice for a beginning aquarist.   

The female of this fish species is larger than the male as usual with a live bearer, and if pregnant will show a darkened area near the anal fin (circled below in red).  The bulging line of the belly indicates that delivery is near, especially when the sharp fullness extends to the forward part of the body just behind the head of the fish. mother guppy A Guppies Aquarium

The tail fins of Guppies often appear to be oddly shaped or sometimes partially clipped.  This is usually due to the opaque color markings being placed on fins, which are so transparent that it is almost impossible to see them.  When selecting a guppy or two when starting an aquarium, don’t worry about the tail, it is probably all there you just can’t see it. 

A great starter tank would be a 10 gallon aquarium filled with a mating pair of guppies.  In a while the aquarium will be teaming with more of them especially if you choose a pregnant guppy right from the aquarium store.

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Fish Tank Algae

Sooner or later, all aquariums will fall prey to some form of fish tank algae. No matter how often you clean or how well you maintain your tank, the truth is that they will always find a way to get in and thrive. At best, these algae are a mere nuisance, marring the aesthetic value of your aquarium. However, more severe infestations could result in the destruction of the delicate ecosystem in the tank and the loss of all your fish. This is why it is important to understand how and why it grows in our aquariums, and the best way to manage or eliminate the problem completely.
There are many different types of fish tank algae growth, with the varieties depending on what type of habitat the aquarium is. Most healthy fish tank aquariums will have only a slight infestation of algae, while other less maintained aquariums will suffer from full blown growths on every surface. The truth is it’s impossible for your tank to ever be completely rid of it. This is because they live off the very same things that you provide your pet fish and aquatic plants, such as lighting and food. The best way to control growth is to limit your aquarium’s exposure to direct sun light keeping it to a bare minimum, and to not over feed your fish. Frequent water changes will also deprive algae of the excess food and minerals that it needs to thrive. Keeping aquatic plants in your tank will also help, because they will compete with the algae for the same resources, helping limit their growth.

There are some algaecides available on the market, usually in some liquid or tablet form. While they may rid you of algae in the short term, they could end up doing more damage to your aquarium. This is because all the algae that get killed by the algaecide will end up floating in the water decaying and releasing ammonia, phosphates, and other harmful chemicals. This sudden change could adversely affect the long term habitability of your aquarium’s water, eventually forcing you to start over with fresh water.  If you only have a slight problem on a glass wall surface then an algae eating fish from the shark family can take care of that problem.

algaeeater Fish Tank Algae

algae eating shark

 The best way to manage fish tank algae growth is through thorough and regular aquarium maintenance.

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