Pond filters, vital for any home or garden pond, can work wonders if you want to keep your fish tank extremely clean. Intake, submersed, in-line, and external filters are just a few of the different pond filter options available. Intake filters are reasonably priced and can be easily removed but they are small and don't effectively clean fish waste. Submersed filters are larger, and they improve water quality while protecting the pump, but they can take up valuable space in the fish tank. In-line filters to not have to be cleaned often, but they can be hard to re-seal. External filters may be too large for your tank, and they are usually located above ground.
Filtration falls into three major categories: biological, mechanical and chemical. Biological filtration works by using bacteria to break down wastes, changing them into harmless elements that can be used as water plant fertilizer. Mechanical fish tank filters work by catching and eliminating waste and sediment, thus cleaning the water. Chemical filters destroy all living organisms they contact, and are best left for pools and spas.
Most tanks come fitted with a light and hood. Lights do not really matter for a fish-only tank, you can manage with pretty much any kind, although experts advise against incandescent since they tend to overheat during the day and promote the growth of algae. If you are planning to grow plants, corals or anemones, however, lighting becomes a BIG deal.
Most fish could not care less what type of light you give them. The little bit of light naturally occurring through the windows is enough for some species. Plants, however, need Photo Active Radiation, and the amount they need varies according to the height of the plant. Lighting for your corals will depend on whether you're growing hard or soft species, the mounting distance for the light, and the depth of the tank.
Algae can develop on any surface in the tank. Types of algae: Diatoms ? floating brown algae that is among the first to appear in the tank Brown algae ? a matted covering over the substrate, this variety is also among the first to appear Green algae ? one of the most common types of algae in fresh and salt water Hair algae ? these are specialized forms of green algae with green strands that grow anywhere and attach to any surface Blue-green algae ? starts in one spot and grows progressively Brown slime algae ? this algae can push itself through the water and then build up on surfaces Red algae ? this is beneficial in a reef tank, and helps reduce other less desirable forms of algae
You can combat this problem with algae eaters ? small fish such as Ottos, Chinese Algae Eaters, Flying Foxes and Plecos. You can also try snails, but they multiply rapidly and are hard to get rid of. Click on the underlined text for more on maintaining a fish tank.
Adam O'Connor is the owner of www.allfishtanks.com, which provides excellent free information on maintaining a fish tank. Adam O'Connor is an expert in his industry and his website helps people decide on which type of mechanical fish tank filters would work best for their tank.
When he met total resistance on his fifth cast, he was sure he had landed a trophy fish. A minute later, he knew he had snagged a log. He fought to free the expensive lure, but it wouldn't budge.
For added leverage, he stood in his boat and yanked with all his strength. When the lure broke free, it rocketed from the water and he lost his balance. The plug lodged in his cheek as he toppled backward into the lake.
A doctor had to remove the treble hooks from his face. Knowing he had narrowly escaped being blinded and drowned, Pete called it a day and headed for the golf course, where there would be no talk of the one that got away.
Annually, over 60,000 fishing injuries require emergency room treatment. Eye injuries from fishing are the No. 1 sports-related eye injury.
Most fishing injuries are caused by fishing hooks, while most fatalities are the result of drowning. To fish safely:
In A Boat
* Always wear a Coast Guard approved lifejacket.
* Never overload your boat.
* Load the boat properly, keeping the heaviest items in the middle and bottom of the boat.
* Before taking out any boat, make sure it is equipped with an extra oar or paddle, a bailing can, an anchor and line, and if motorized, a full gas can.
* Change positions only on shore or in shallow water.
* In a storm, lie low in the boat. To avoid being tipped, point the bow of the boat into the waves.
* Exercise special caution around dams. The falling water creates a back current that can pull a small boat into its turbulence and cause it to capsize.
* At night, slow down and use running and marker lights.
* If the boat capsizes, stay with it until help arrives. Do not remove your clothing or boots. They will keep you afloat by holding air, and they will keep you warm.
* Avoid alcohol use.
In A Stream
* Never wade alone, and wear your lifejacket.
* Wear cleated or felt-soled waders or boots that will provide maximum traction on the slippery rocks underfoot.
* Unseen holes or drop-offs are a dangerous hazard. Test each step carefully in advance by taking a tentative shuffle. Better yet, use a wading staff to measure the depth of the water before each step.
In Any Event
* Carry a radio for weather information, and a cell phone for emergencies.
* Dress with the weather in mind, preferably in layers. Pack a wind-and waterproof outer shell.
* Wear properly fitted eye protection that covers the eye socket to guard against hooks and glare. Polycarbonate lenses are recommended for their strength and protective capabilities.
* Do not cast over a companion's head. Always look around before making a cast.
* Carry sharp pliers and disinfectant in your first aid kit.
* When landing a fish, work from the rear of the boat. Use a net.
* Ease a fish out of the water. Yanking it into the boat can release the fish and create a dangerous sling shot effect.
* To remove the hook, wait until the fish is exhausted. Use a special gripping glove, and know the techniques for each species.
* Be especially careful dislodging lures and hooks from submerged branches or roots. Invest in a lure retriever to do the work.
* If you are snagged by your own hook, do not try to back it out. Instead, push it through the skin until the point and the barb are exposed. Snip them off; also snip off the eyelet. Now pull the smooth hook through your skin following its natural arc. Cleanse the wound and apply disinfectant. Watch for infection.
* Look out for overhead electrical lines, especially around the dock and in an unfamiliar stretch of water.
* Carry your rod parallel to the ground whenever possible.
* Don't fish from railroad trestles. You're the one who may be caught.
Both Adam O'connor & John Myre are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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