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Tips in Selecting an Aquarium Tank

If you’re thinking about buying an aquarium tank, the first thing to determine is how many fish you want, and what kind of fish. This will establish the size of tank that you need. Although many believe that fish will grow to the size of their aquarium tank, most species will actually keep growing, and will outgrow a tank that is too small. If this happens, you’ll need to upgrade to a larger size. It is much easier to buy the larger tank the first time around than to upgrade as your fish grow. Always choose an aquarium large enough to accommodate your chosen fish at their full-grown size.

The amount of water that the fish needs is also a factor to look into. Follow this rule of thumb to find out how much water your fish will need. A fish that will grow to adult size of less than 4 inches, like guppies and tetras, will require a gallon of water for every inch of fish. A large fish like the cichlid will need at least 55 gallons and the angelfish, at least 29 gallons. It is essential that your aquarium tank is able to hold the amount of water that all your fish need.

You can find aquarium tanks in various shapes and sizes. There are rectangular, round, bow-front, hexagonal and many others. They may be as small as two and a half gallons or as big as several hundred gallons. A small tank is recommended for a first aquarium because of the low maintenance involved. For greater convenience, check out a prepackaged kit containing everything you need as a beginner. This kit may include light, filter and a heater.

Aquarium tanks can be found in both glass and acrylic styles. Those that are glass are less expensive and widely available. The glass will not scratch, but it is heavy. Glass aquariums come in limited shapes. Compared to glass, acrylic is lightweight. The acrylic material allows for a wider range of custom shapes and sizes. They are easier to scratch than glass aquariums, however, and are usually the more expensive option.

Once an aquarium is filled, it can get very heavy. It can weigh 10 pounds for every gallon of water. Be sure that the stand that you put it on is very sturdy and will not collapse under the heavy weight. There are stands, made of either wood or metal, which are specially built for heavy aquariums tanks. They even come equipped with compartments that will hold your aquarium supplies. Aside from the stand, you will also need to get a lid for the tank. Make sure that the lid, sometimes called the “hood” fits your tank properly.

Once you purchase your aquarium tank, place it in your bathtub or backyard and fill it with water. Add your heater, filter, and any other equipment, and plug these items in. Then, wait overnight, to test both the aquarium tank and the equipment. You don’t want to add fish immediately only to find out that the tank leaks or your heater does not work. Selecting the proper aquarium tank size and type, and making sure that it is ready for fish before adding them, can ensure that your fish will live a long and happy life in your aquarium.

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September 25, 2009 at 3:08 am Comments (0)

THE WEIMARANER: A GREY GHOST

A Weimaraner is often referred to as the grey ghost, due to the distinctive color of its short, sleek coat. It is a grey dog with an aristocratic bearing, and it was originally known as the Weimer Pointer, for Weimer Court, to which the noblemen that sponsored the breeds development belonged to. It is reared for speed, courage, intelligence, an excellent nose”all these traits render this dog an outstanding game hunter and a worthy participant in many dog sports.

Being a product of discerning German breeding, the Weimaraner derives from the same general stock as other German breeds. It is also believed to be a descendant of the Bloodhound, and was tasked to track and hunt such big game as wolves, boars, elk, deer and even bears! When it was no longer being used for hunting large game as these, the Weimaraner eventually became a bird dog and personal hunting comrade.

The Weimaraner is admired for its agility, fearlessness, and stamina in hunting. It is very trainable, and is a sociable, dutiful member of the family. This breed loves children and takes pride in being a member of the pack or family. It is also quite easy to groom, due to its short, smooth coat.

Weims are linked to the German Shorthaired Pointer, and are also bred from the Red Schweisshund, which is a tracker and scenter derived from the Bloodhound. Because they were raised and honed to stay on an all-day hunt with their masters, this breed possesses a lot of energy! If you want a dog that just lazes around the house all day, the vigorous Weimaraner wont stand for that!

True to most large hunting breeds, the Weimaraner should be given plenty of exercise, and in order to avoid him going out to stalk game, he should be best kept in a fenced yard. His instincts will tell him to track or hunt small animals and birds because of his hunting dog traits. Unlike most hunting breeds, though, the Weimaraner, or Weim is a house dog and should also be given a lot of love and attention from the family to avoid him becoming melancholy and listless.

Playing ball, spending days in the field, or generally just taking hikes are some of the activities suited for the Weim. Exercise is needed for this lively, athletic dog! Keep his toned body in shape with daily brisk walks and firmly establish who is boss so that you can end up with a fit, happy and submissive pet.

This animal is noble, elegant and athletic in appearance. The breeds short-haired, very smooth coat and unusual eyes give it a regal demeanor different from any other breed. The eyes of the Weimaraner can be light amber, blue-gray, or gray, and the coat may range from charcoal-blue, mouse-gray, to silver-gray, and has been romantically described as moonlight on chocolate.

The silvery-gray hue of its coat is uncommon in dogs, being the product of breeding for a recessive gene. The Weimaraner is called the silver or grey ghost because of this. This sturdy, hard-working and devoted animal will bring cheer and happiness to your family and home.

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May 29, 2009 at 3:07 am Comments (0)

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