Main Differences Between Freshwater and Saltwater Fish Tanks

By Clifford Woods

Fish tanks can be quite a fantastic addition to your office or home. They give a distinctive ornamental touch while providing pleasure in viewing the work of art you have created. Furthermore, aquariums can provide a calm and soothing feel to any area. After you have made the decision to invest in having a fish tank in your house, the next thing you need to determine is exactly what kind of aquarium you will have.

There are primarily two types of aquariums for you to select from: freshwater or saltwater. Each type of tank has its own special advantages, specifications, and problems. It is very important to check them out full before you finally make your decision and buy one.

The Differences
Fish Species Among the most unique distinctions between freshwater and saltwater tanks is the varieties of fish. Freshwater fish are usually present in streams, ponds, rivers and lakes while saltwater fish are located in seas and oceans. Generally, freshwater fish are aquarium-raised while saltwater fish are from the wild.

Saltwater fish tend to be more attractive in color and are for sale in a greater variety than freshwater fish, yet can be more delicate to alterations in water temperature and chemical balance. Be sure you do extra research or consult with your local fish store in order to find out which fish will do well together.

Equipment When choosing your aquarium, take into account the location in your home that you wish to put the fish tank. Nearly every size tank will work well as a freshwater or saltwater aquarium; having said that a bigger fish tank is going to be simpler to keep chemically well balanced and will present numerous choices when choosing fish and add-ons. Most aquarium devices are made to work in both freshwater and saltwater aquariums.

Lighting is important in any type of fish tank to sustain the healthiness of the fish. Lighting specifications vary according to the kind of tank along with the fish and plants that live in it. Maintaining a consistent temperature and having an acceptable filtration system is necessary in any aquarium ecosystem.

Lastly, you should have a water testing kit. This will assist you in keeping track of the levels of your water and make changes as required to keep up an adequately well-balanced atmosphere.

Upkeep General maintenance does not vary a great deal between a freshwater and saltwater aquarium. With either choice, you will have to make sure that all devices are running correctly and replacing filter systems and cartridges as required. The container may also have to be cleaned out regularly.

Cleaning the fish tank will generally require you to replace between ten and twenty percent of the water quantity every other week. The water taken out throughout the course of vacuum-cleaning the gravel is generally enough.

Remember that the new water added will have to be treated based on the type of fish tank you are maintaining before being put into the aquarium. Washing the tank walls and examining the water for correct chemistry levels are also important parts of fish tank upkeep.

It would be a good idea to have an algae scraper on hand or perhaps an all-natural solution with beneficial microorganisms to get rid of the algae without harming the fish.

Making Your Choice Deciding between a freshwater or saltwater fish tank can be quite the complicated thing, even so it is not a choice that you need to make in a rush. Sustaining a fish tank is a commitment and you must be ready for the upkeep and expense of offering the best setting for your fish.

With the proper attention, aquariums can be quite a wonderful inclusion to your house that you can take pleasure in for a long time. 
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Clifford Woods is the CEO of Effective Environmental Services and Organic Environmental Technology.
We brew Beneficial Microorganisms and offer Natural Organic Solutions

How to Set Up a Freshwater Aquarium

Clifford Woods

Putting together a freshwater aquarium does not need to become a headache. You just have to acquire the proper materials and follow a few basic steps and in a short time you will have a fantastic looking aquarium that is appropriate for your fish.

There are a few things you should be aware of with a freshwater aquarium arrangement however; there are some responsibilities involved. To begin with, there is the price factor. You will have the one time expense of putting it together, and after that you will be purchasing various maintenance products as well as fish food.

You will also have to care for it regularly; at the very least, feeding the fish, and then just about every couple weeks or on a monthly basis you will be doing some sort of maintenance. It really is just like owning any other pet, the more affection you give them, the more gratifying it will be.

Below are some suggestions for setting up your freshwater aquarium:

1. The dimensions of tank which you select will be based on the amount and size of fish that you would like to maintain. You cannot have fish that are congested, or a tank which is too large. The easiest method would be to begin with a ten gallon aquarium and then stock it with little fish which do not grow too big. As you become a little more knowledgeable, you may test out various other types of fish along with a larger aquarium.
2. Search for a spot to keep the fish tank that is secure and protected. It should be out of the reach of children and other pets that may disturb it. If it is too close to a window that allows direct sunlight, this may boost the temperature of the water. An excessive amount of direct sunlight ensures that you will have to do more algae control.
3. Evaluate the equipment needed. Filtration systems are diverse and are all priced differently. A few fish also generate far more waste as compared to others and they're going to require unique types of filtration systems. When thinking about a heater, make sure you take the size of your tank into consideration. In addition, you will also need to give some thought to substrate, vegetation, along with any other accessories you will be placing into the aquarium.
4. Rinse the fish tank with warm water and rinse each of the parts which will go in there at the same time. Avoid using soap as this is not considered to be good for your fish. Install your filter as soon as your parts and aquarium are thoroughly clean.
5. Rinse the gravel in clean water along with the other accessory you have for your freshwater aquarium. The substrate must be flushed extensively and you can do this using an appropriate strainer.
6. After you have all of this setup, now you can put in the water. Water needs to be at room temperature and de-chlorinated.
7. Put in the heating unit and wait for about fifteen minutes for the temperature setting in the heating unit to adjust to the water temperature.
8. Now you wait. You must allow the tank to undergo a complete nitrogen cycle before adding fish. You will recognize when ready whenever you observe the water is becoming cloudy; usually after a couple of days.
9. Finally, put in your fish. You need to let the fish gradually adjust to the change before you put them in. Follow the instructions from the fish shop on how to go about doing this.

To keep your aquarium clean, you'll want to use an organic probiotic solution that completely gets rid of the main cause of bacteria. The probiotics in such a solution will also greatly enhance the life of your plants and fish. Chemicals are not recommended.
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Clifford Woods is the CEO of Effective Environmental Services and Organic Environmental Technology
We brew Beneficial Microorganisms that eat toxins and offer Natural Organic Solutions

Easy Methods to Eliminate Cloudiness in Aquariums and Fish Ponds

By Clifford Woods

If you are among the many individuals looking for tips on how to clean up a cloudy fish pond or aquarium and have carried out just about everything the professionals say to do, yet you've still got cloudy water, then the advice below should be of help.

There are various factors as to why a pond will end up green or cloudy. Weather conditions tend to be the leading culprit. Various temperature ranges, rainwater, and an excessive amount of sunlight will play a role in a cloudy pond.



Furthermore, insufficient purification and over-feeding will result in difficulties, along with inadequate chemical compounds. Listed here are a few of the real solutions when it comes to preserving a fish pond or aquarium.

Filtration Systems: Are They All the Same?

• Submersible filtration systems are challenging to upkeep since you need to climb into the waters in order to execute proper servicing of them plus they usually elevate the temperature of the water.
• Sand filters are generally difficult to thoroughly clean and don't capture all of the particles within the sand, enabling a few to re-enter the pond or aquarium. Furthermore the sand filter needs to be functioning twenty-four hours each day for ideal purification and should be back washed on a regular basis.
• The bio-filter is nearly the same as the sand filtration system only that it can be even tougher to completely clean.
• Cartridge filters are likely to be the most effective filters to make use of. They filter out basically all of the wastes, are incredibly simple to wash, and keep working for an extended period of time. You may use cartridge filters in fish aquariums as well.

Which Chemical Solution Should I Purchase?
Algaecide is highly suggested to get rid of algae and clearing up any cloudy or green pond. On the other hand, algaecide is toxic not just to your fish, but to the surrounding environment as well. Algaecide consists of copper sulfate which can build up in the internal organs of fish and other creatures.

A few cities have prohibited copper sulfate since it seriously will contaminate bays and lake and can be considered unsuitable for aquatic environments. There is, however, an organic algaecide that exists filled with beneficial microorganisms which will benefit the overall wellness of the pond. A probiotic solution is one of the best choices you can make.

Oxygen Generating Plants May Be a Good Idea
Any underwater plant species that thrives beneath the surface of the pond, or even if part of a plant is submerged underneath the pond water, is considered to be an oxygen generating plant. These underwater plants typically have thin roots designed only for anchorage to prevent movement from any currents or wind. The nutrition and gaseous transaction occur on the exterior of the plant directly to each individual cell. With these plants in the water, you can be sure that any cloudiness will start to vanish due to an increase of oxygen in the water.

Install a UV Clarifier
One of the most effective methods for managing pond cloudiness and algae is to install a UV clarifier. The potency of the UV illumination, which is produced at a particular wavelength, is a miracle for pond keepers. UV light is a natural occurrence and is the main trigger of sun burnt skin when we are in the sun for an extended period of time.

The ultra violet light rays eradicates the cloudiness by getting rid of the cell walls of the algae, bringing about the system known as flocculation, which is essentially the process in which bacteria heaps together into large clumps. This bulky piece of bacteria is now far too big to simply go through any filtration systems without notice, so the next time it runs through a filter it will be removed for good. 
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Clifford Woods is the CEO of Effective Environmental Services and Organic Environmental Technology
We brew Beneficial Microorganisms that eat toxins and offer Environmentally Friendly Products

Control and Eliminate Algae with UV Sterilizer

By Clifford Woods

If you have been putting up with algae, then it is likely that you do not own a UV sterilizer for your pond. Without a doubt, UV light is crucial for all ponds where metabolic action occurs. Pond algae are brought on by microscopic algae cells that feed on aerobic bacteria in the water. They are especially common during the summer seasons while there is a great deal of sunshine. A little quantity of green pond algae is helpful to marine pond life like Koi and other fish as they use it as a food supply as well as camouflage from predatory birds.

Algae additionally act as cover from the sun on hot summer time days. The fact is that pond algae multiplies at an extraordinary pace and if left without treatment it will ultimately wreck the look of your pond and can begin to hinder the pond pH balance as well as the amounts of oxygen within the pond. The simplest way to manage pond algae is by using a UV sterilizer, also referred to as a UV clarifier, UV illumination or simply just a UV. 


A number of people would rather use pond algaecide products which are only safe if it is completely organic and contains beneficial microorganisms.

The Struggle with Temperature
The strength of blue ultraviolet light which is created at a specific wavelength is a wonder for pond owners. UV light comes about by natural means in nature and is a primary reason we get sunburned when we are out in the sun. The performance of a UV sterilizer is affected by temperatures to a large extent. If the unit is positioned under the pond's surface then it will work at no matter what the water temperature happens to be.

The way in which companies bypass the drop in effectiveness is to use a quartz sleeve, which will protect the lamp from cold water temperature ranges, guaranteeing optimum effectiveness is taken care of. Ultraviolet light transfers effortlessly through quartz, but not glass. This is why quartz sleeves are utilized rather than glass in the production of UV sterilizers. 

Be mindful that not every producer makes use of a quartz sleeve; a few use plastic covers. Glance at the production standards and if it does not have a quartz sleeve, investigate another product.

The UV Sterilizer System
Pond water is streamed by way of a quartz tube, blocking chilly pond water from coming directly into contact with the ultraviolet source of light. Keep in mind that UV performance is affected by temperatures and functions suitably at one hundred degrees Fahrenheit. As the water moves through the sleeve, it is hit by UV rays, either directly or reflectively.

The ultra violet illumination eliminates the algae by wiping out the cell walls, leading to what is known as flocculation to occur. This mass that is too large to pass through the mechanized purification systems employed by your pond filter and is caught and taken from the pond water.

Organic filtration systems are made up of pond plants which are intentionally deprived of nutrition. The marine plants obtain their food supply from the nitrates within the pond water. They contend with algae for the nourishment and for that reason help in keeping the pond algae in check. They don't ensure algae-free garden ponds though.

The only real assured strategy for managing green pond algae is by using a UV sterilizer or a probiotic algaecide solution plentiful of beneficial microorganisms. Such an option will completely eradicate the algae from your garden pond as well as boost the overall health of the vegetation and fish within your pond.
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Clifford Woods is the CEO of Effective Environmental Services and Organic Environmental Technology
We brew Beneficial Microorganisms that eat toxins and offer Environmentally Friendly Products

All about Pond Magician and How to Use it Effectively

All about Pond Magician and How to Use it Effectively

By Clifford Woods

Pond Magician is made up of an incredible number of beneficial microorganisms that maneuver through your pond and consume the microbes and contaminants which make your pond unpleasant as well as foul-smelling.

Unlike similar pond cleaners which exclusively deal with natural materials, Pond Magician is made up of both aerobic and anaerobic beneficial microorganisms, therefore making it easily adaptable to a large selection of pond water situations.

What are Beneficial Microorganisms?
Beneficial microorganisms are composed of an incredible number of friendly microorganisms. Generally, they simply eat up the algae and unwanted organisms. These microbes are advantageous to the water, plants, and fish life that thrive within your pond and they can be extremely eager for the impurities and organisms which make your pond unclean.

A few of the beneficial microorganisms can flourish even within environments where there is little if any breathable oxygen available. For this reason, beneficial microorganisms are quite effective regardless of the situation. Apart from being less expensive when compared with other deodorizing remedies, the application process is quite easy.

How to Use Pond Magician and Determine the Quantity Needed
Pond Magician is incredibly user-friendly. Simply pour it into your pond directly from the container. Put just a little at a handful of locations around the border of the pond or even dump it into the flow or waterfall for those who have one. The concept is to get the solution equally distributed within the pond. You may also apply it on top of the pond's surface area with a backyard sprayer. This can help in the case that you have a large amount of surface algae.

Before you apply it, first you have to determine the amount of gallons in your pond by employing this basic formula:

1. Multiply the average length in feet of the pond by the average width in feet.
2. Then multiply that answer by the average depth in feet.
3. Then multiply that answer by 7.48.
4. This answer is the approximate number of gallons in your pond.

After that, making use of the guidelines below will determine the quantity of Pond Magician you will need for two applications. 0-1,000 Gallons = 1 Quart 1000-5000 Gallons = 1 Gallon 5,000 - 12,500 Gallons = 2.5 Gallons 12,500 Gallons or More = Please give us a call for precise instructions at (818) 897-4444

The Benefits of Pond Magician
As these beneficial microorganisms carry out their job, your pond will receive the subsequent advantages:

• The pond is going to have an extremely enjoyable, refreshing aroma.
• The pond water is going to be as healthy and crystal clear as water coming down a flowing mountain stream.
• The plants and fish will be extremely pleased and live longer.

Over dosage Precautions
Essentially, there is absolutely no chance of overdose due to the fact Pond Magician is made up of beneficial microorganisms. On the other hand, using more than needed will become significantly less cost-effective to the customer. In contrast to chemical products, where there exists a devastating consequence when overdosing occurs, organic bio-solutions only will stop functioning whenever there isn't enough excessive nourishment within the pond.

The main issue linked to overdosing beneficial microorganisms, besides cost, is the fact that when there is a great deal of natural and organic accumulation when you overdose, it is possible to induce an excessive amount of activity and need for oxygen. Basically, an over dosage of microorganisms would use up the oxygen in the water that sustains the fish.
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Clifford Woods is the CEO of Effective Environmental Services and Organic Environmental Technology
We brew Beneficial Microorganisms that eat toxins and offer Natural Organic Solutions.

Caring For Your Koi Pond During Spring

Clifford Woods

Throughout the spring, your Koi fish pond will become more active. For most of their time during their deep winter sleep, the existing creatures in your pond are preparing to spring alive at the very first indications of the warm weather. This point is the most ideal time to care for your fish pond and preserve it well before your fish, vegetation, and other organisms in your pond return to life from their deep hibernation. Considerable changes will be taking place as the days and nights become warmer.

Simply keep track of temperatures and when it reaches about fifty degrees on average this will be about the most ideal time to take care of your Koi pond. 

The upkeep necessary for your fish pond is dependent upon just what has occurred throughout the winter months. A harsh winter calls for even more modifications than normal. This is one of the reasons that it is a smart idea to start once caring for your pond as soon as you notice alterations in the climate.

Always remember that servicing in the springtime must be carried out on an annual basis, regardless of how minor or severe the prior winter season has been. Pay attention to the water quality of your Koi pond. You will observe that the pond's water is extremely clear when the conditions change from winter to spring.

Do not let this clear appearance deceive you, because there are going to be variables which will result in serious complications once summer comes along if you do not solve these problems at the earliest opportunity.

Throughout the autumn and winter months, leaves along with other plant substances could possibly have found its way into the fish pond. Despite the fact that the water appears clear, these components have inserted considerable amounts of nourishment in the water, which will lead to immediate algae development once the spring hits.

In addition, large quantities of natural materials in the pond will begin to go through decomposition, which will reduce the oxygen levels in the water. Now, because the water in your pond is extremely clear, this will be the ideal chance to clear all those undesirable debris and wastes.

  You can accomplish this by:

• Employing a fine mesh net to scoop out most of those particles. At this point, the only real issue here is that many nets are only going to cause more debris in your pond as opposed to eliminating them from it.
• Once you have taken out those unnecessary particles and wastes, test out the quality of your water. The winter months would have caused changes in the pH quantities of the fish pond. At the start of the spring season, the pH volume of the water should be eight.
• Above all else, always remember to take care of and look after your fish. Take into account that spring is an extremely vulnerable time for your fish since they have not ingested any food for ages and they've been dwelling on a fairly low amount of energy. This could cause your fish to be far more susceptible to problems with harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
• At this point in time, it is an excellent idea to take every one of the essential precautionary actions for your Koi and the overall health of the pond.

Manage your Koi pond with the addition of a probiotic algaecide solution filled with beneficial microorganisms which will substantially reduce those dangerous infestations and debris. As soon as the weather warms up, an additional amount of this kind of treatment solution will secure the well-being of your Koi as they rebuild their own defense systems.

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Clifford Woods is the CEO of Effective Environmental Services
and Organic Environmental Technology
We brew Beneficial Microorganisms that eat toxins and offer Natural Organic Solutions

Benefits of LED Lighting in Fish Tanks

Benefits of LED Lighting in Fish Tanks

By Clifford Woods


If you have or take care of a fish tank, you likely are aware of the pleasures of building an underwater environment and observing as well as enjoying the fish, plants, and overall ecosystem within the aquarium.

One of the most important aspects of owning an aquarium is keeping it clean, which you can easily do with an all-natural solution with beneficial microorganisms. Another important part of a good fish tank environment is appropriate lighting to both improve the mood created and to provide a vibrant atmosphere for the fish and vegetation in the tank. 

There are a variety of methods to present good lighting effects for fish tanks.
Below are a few of these possibilities and the benefits that come with them. 

As mentioned previously, appropriate lighting is vital in assisting with the improvement and protection of the aquarium's setting. The right color and wavelength have an important role in maintaining the health of marine life.

For several years, aquarium enthusiasts counted on different varieties of light settings. The first variations made use of incandescent light bulbs; however this failed to provide suitable benefits because of the type of lights used along with the colors and wavelengths they put out. The bulbs additionally were hot which influenced the temperature of the water in the fish tank.

A vital advancement in lightning techniques occurred with the creation of florescent lighting. This type of light works at a significantly cooler temperature and can be tweaked to produce various wavelengths and colors of light. It has been the standard for the majority of fish tanks and it has undoubtedly provided tolerable and satisfying benefits.

Nonetheless, latest improvements in LED (a type of light called light emitting diode); lighting technologies have created an entire new category in tank lighting. LED lighting has numerous advantages. To begin with, the lights last for a long time. With regular use, they should not require changing for a long time.

An additional major advantage of LED lighting is their particular performing temperature ranges. LED lighting will not increase the water temperature. This will make it simpler to manage the correct water temperature inside your fish tank. 

Although you may make use of a modern LED tank lighting bulb in addition to fluorescent lights, the products generally have a heat sensor and fan to lower any additional heat.

LED lights are additionally quite effective at changing electrical power into light. This reduces running costs and improves maintenance since the lights last considerably longer. Do not concern yourself with changing bulbs or additional typical expenditures. It also allows you the luxury of not having to change out expensive ballasts that would have been required for various other forms of lighting such as fluorescent. The lessened upkeep features are very appealing for LED lighting devices.

A few tips to be aware of when selecting LED tank lights.

1. Try to find devices that have dinning capability. Instead of needing to manage how much time the lights need to be on, it is significantly better to have the ability to change the strength of the light.
2. Look for models that are CE authorized. This electrical power standard is a lot stricter than UL authorization which is your guarantee that this LED lighting product is made to the highest level of quality, longevity, and protection.

LED tank lights are available in a variety of models and settings. There is certainly a unit out there that is well suited for your particular tank. So make sure you provide optimum lighting for your fish tank by means of these kinds of devices. Your local fish shop can usually help with any questions.

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Clifford Woods is the CEO of Effective Environmental Services and
Organic Environmental Technology.
We brew Beneficial Microorganisms that offer Natural Organic Solutions

Algae: The Leading Cause of Fish Deaths in Ponds

By Clifford Woods

Fish pond algae are really a general name which represents all of the various types of algae, normally present in ponds. A few varieties of algae can actually be beneficial to the overall health of the pond while others types can be viewed as a real annoyance.

You will need to prevent as many algae blooms as you can in order to keep your fish and visual appealing pond vegetation alive. 

The most prevalent type is the floating green algae, like chlorella, euglena, and chlamydomonas varieties. They grow and reproduce quickly through cell division or spores.

Filamentous algae, also known as string algae, appear to be lengthy green noodles and have a hair-like visual aspect to them. The looks are a result of a combination of cells joined up end to end. Horse hair algae and blanket weed types like spirogyra, oedogonium, and cladophora are quite prevalent.

The Factors That Lead to Pond Algae Growth: The main three variables that enables pond algae to produce consists of: hot temperatures, vitamin abundant pond water, and crystal clear pond water that permits sunshine to pass through. A rise in temperatures speeds up both blanket weed and suspended green algae advancement.

How Various Algae Varieties Affect the Overall Health of the Fish Pond: Floating plank-tonic algae distribute at a speedy pace and can only be managed by ultraviolet illumination from a UV sterilizer. The UV spectrum splits the cell surfaces, resulting in the algae to collect together which in turn allows filters to easily remove the algae from the pond. A substantial amount of floating green algae can produce what is known as algae blooms. They could be devastating to pond fish as the blooms will at some point deprive the pond of oxygen thus killing off all underwater plants and fish life.

Why Too Much Algae is Harmful for Garden Ponds: Algae does not just make the pond seem unpleasant and overgrown, but in more severe situations, can actually cause the pond to smell foul. The rotting process of algae eats up oxygen from the pond water. This is especially harmful to the oxidizing bacteria and pond fish population, which both need oxygen to thrive.

Keep in mind that ammonia must be changed into nitrites by the oxidizing microorganisms. The oxidation procedure calls for vast volumes of oxygen to be able to take place. The rise in ammonia, which is additionally created by decaying algae matter, puts even more stress on the pond filtration system that houses the nitrifying bacteria.

How to Control Algae in Your Fish Pond: By far the most effective way of handling suspended plank-tonic algae is to make use of a UV clarifier or UV sterilizer. The ultraviolet spectrum eliminates the single-celled algae, resulting in it expiring and sticking to other deceased algal cells. Make an effort to cover a minimum of one third the surface area of the fish pond with plants, since they contend with algae cells for the accessible vitamins in the pond water.

Conduct regular cleaning by getting rid of string algae and blanket weed by using a garden rake. Not all algae are bad for a fish pond however. In fact, algae can be quite helpful to the pond because it supplies a way to obtain food for fish, presents shade from the sizzling sun, and offers as a shelter from king fishers, heron, along with various other birds.

It really is alright to have a bit of algae on pond surfaces, filtration systems, as well as other pond maintenance gear. The key is to keep it in check with a probiotics solution such as an organic algaecide created with beneficial microorganisms. 
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Clifford Woods is the CEO of Effective Environmental Services and Organic Environmental Technology We brew Beneficial Microorganisms that eat toxins and offer Natural Organic Solutions