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

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

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

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

5 Key Factors for Green Pond Water

5 Key Factors for Green Pond Water

By Clifford Woods

Algae overgrowth can have disastrous consequences on the well-being of our ponds. Below are five factors that contribute the algae development and how it can be stopped.





#1: Excessive Fish
If this sounds like your situation, then immediately limit the volume of fish or add to the size of your organic filtration system. Keep in mind that fish grow in size and in quantity, therefore the scale your organic purification system which you believed might be the right size in the beginning, may not be the proper size for your pond now.

#2: Seasonal Changes
It is the start of the spring time or the later part of the fall when the pond encounters its largest change in the temperature of the water and biological bacteria development. If this is the situation, try to be calm and give your pond a few additional weeks. 

Every single pond takes around four to six weeks in the beginning of the season to discover its new environmental equilibrium. When this occurs, the pond water will likely be green in appearance. In fact, you can count on it. At any time you increase the water level of your pond during the year, your pond is likely to turn green as well. 

Simply add the most appropriate beneficial microorganism’s solution to provide your pond with good aeration and stay patient. Bear in mind, it will require several weeks, not just a couple of days. Never persistently drain and refill your pond because you will be consistently altering its ecological stability that it's striving to achieve – so give it a hand, be patient.

#3: Accumulation of Organic Matter
For those ponds that have more organic substances, like dead leaves, fish wastes, muck, sludge, and so forth, in them than the amount of beneficial microorganisms in your filtration system where beneficial microorganisms reside and flourish, you may either have to add to the size of your organic filter or increase the total quantity of beneficial microorganisms in your pond.
You can do this by one of two ways; basically increase the size of your filter of add more beneficial microorganism to your pond. You need to be incorporating beneficial microorganisms on a regular basis into your pond in any case.

#4: Too Much Water
Remain calm with your pond as it sets up its new environmental equilibrium. This often completes in about four to six weeks following the previous time you have added extra water. Whenever you add more water, you cause a difference in the pond which causes new algae to prosper and green water to occur. Simply have patience and increase the amount of beneficial microorganisms you add to your pond.

#5: Other Factors That Could Be Causing Algae and Killing the Beneficial Microorganisms in Your Pond
If you are introducing fresh water into your pond on a regular basis; quit doing so now. Allow the pond to find its new environmental stability. In the case that you are including beneficial microorganisms to it, but not disabling your UV clarifier or UV sterilizer, then make sure to turn it off no less than three to four days just prior to when you added the bacteria to ensure that the microorganisms have had an opportunity to attach themselves to the surface area within your pond or organic filter.

A few chemical compounds put into the pond can also be the reason for precisely what is wiping out your beneficial microorganisms. If that's the case, invest in an organic algaecide that contains beneficial microorganisms. You'll be killing two birds with one stone with such a solution as you will be eliminating algae as well as replenishing your pond with bacteria that will improve the pond's overall health.
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Clifford Woods is the CEO of Effective Environmental Services and Organic Environmental Technology.
We brew Beneficial Microorganisms that eat toxins in the environment and offer Natural Organic Solutions.
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Sources
"Pond Magician"; Effective Environmental Services
"Pond Maintenance 101"; Awesome Library
"Pond Care"; Planet Natural
"Ponding 101"; 123Ponds
"Seasonal Pond Maintenance Checklist"; Doctors Foster and Smith

The Value Of Clean Water

By Clifford Woods

It is a known fact that clean water is essential to all living things to be able to survive. With the environmental changes occurring at present however, the environment is at risk of losing clean water with all the uncontrolled pollutants that are incorporated in the water system.

There might be a time when clean water scarcity will be experienced all around the world.

One solution in addressing the problem of contaminated water is the use of beneficial microorganisms.

Beneficial microorganisms, either in the form of bacteria or fungi, have the ability to breakdown almost anything to use them for food as a source of energy. They are the reason for the decay of organic materials in the environment. Beneficial microorganisms, which we commonly term as good bacteria, are very helpful to the body since they fight harmful microorganisms or bad bacteria.

Aside from their benefits in the body, they also have some benefits in our environment, such as helping in production of clean water. These beneficial microorganisms are versatile; they can adapt to any type of environment they are in. These have the ability to clean water and thus, they are incorporated to dirty ponds and lakes that need to be cleaned up. Although there are natural floras already present in the local environment, they have already been depleted by pollution and thus, the need to incorporate cultured microorganisms into them is imminent. 

Beneficial microorganisms may be incorporated in ponds to produce clean water. Some types of beneficial microorganisms break down toxic ammonia present in ponds. They break them down into nitrites, which are converted into a useful form. An increase of nutrients present in the pond environment can also become harmful, beneficial microorganisms also feed on these excess nutrients. A pond that is full of algae and dead plants has its oxygen content of the water depleted. The introduction of beneficial microorganisms can help clean water by feeding on these dead plants and algae and emitting oxygen back into the water. The pungent odors due to increase in algae and dead plants are also reduced. In this way, other living things present in ponds and lakes, such as fish are able to thrive in the environment. And people enjoy the clean water caused by beneficial microorganisms too.

Bad bacteria present in a pond environment can cause illness to humans resulting in ulcers, septicemia, and gastroenteritis. These harmful microorganisms are incorporated into water systems that mix with water sources and then come out in tap water, which all the while is thought as clean water. Beneficial microorganisms can eliminate stomach illnesses by releasing antibacterial properties.

Beneficial microorganisms are able to balance the ecosystem around their environment to help other living things to thrive, such as in the case of ponds and lakes to keep clean water flowing. 

However, if the beneficial microorganism is out-numbered by harmful organisms and substances, the rate of pollution is faster than the breakdown from the beneficial microorganisms. They cannot do the entire job alone and so there is a need for humans to maintain cleanliness in the environment and to reduce pollution as much as possible to have unending supply of clean water. 

It is important to implement methods that will keep the correct balance of both algae and bacteria so that a healthy ecosystem is maintained. Where matter and waste are allowed to collect in the bottom of the pond, the oxygen content eventually decreases, which means that beneficial bacteria or microorganisms are unable to control for high levels of ammonia and nitrites. Even the application of a pump or filter to aerate the water will prove ineffective.

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Clifford Woods is the CEO of Effective Environmental Services and Organic Environmental Technology
Find out more about our Benficial Microorganism Pond Cleaner - Pond Magician
We brew Beneficial Microorganisms that eat toxins and offer Environmentally Friendly products

Hydroponics and Beneficial Microorganisms

By Clifford Woods

Hydroponics is a subtype of hydro-culture or growing plants in water with nutrient solutions. It is a soil-less way of planting. Hydroponics derived its name from the Greek word “hydro” or water and “ponos” meaning labor. William Frederick Gericke of the University of California at Berkeley was one of the first ones to cultivate plants on mineral nutrient solutions. Gericke coined the term hydroponics in 1937 (although he asserts that the term was suggested by W. A. Setchell, of the University of California).

Through these types of studies, it was discovered that plants could thrive not only in soil, but also in water, since water contains the essential nutrients and beneficial microorganisms that are also present in the soil.

Hydroponics turned out to be more advantageous than soil culture, because pests are easy to control in this type of system. In natural conditions, soil acts as a mineral nutrient reservoir but the soil itself is not essential to plant growth. When the mineral nutrients in the soil dissolve in water, plant roots are able to absorb them. When the required mineral nutrients are introduced into a plant's water supply artificially, soil is no longer required for the plant to thrive.

Almost any terrestrial plant will grow with hydroponics.

Since the water environment of the plant can be controlled, nutrient solutions can be incorporated into the water depending on the nutrient needs of the plant. Many hydroponics growers also incorporate beneficial microorganisms as supplements to nutrients in the water.

There is actually a full range of ways to benefit from beneficial microorganisms, which can be utilized in hydroponics. The secret is only to know when to apply and how much to apply. Here are some of the benefits of beneficial microorganisms.

Development of Seeds and Clones Beneficial microorganism is not just used on the hydroponics systems itself, but also for propagating seeds and also on developing the cuttings. This stage of crucial development in plant life and beneficial bacteria will help boost the growth and development of these plants and cuttings. During this time, beneficial microorganism incorporation should be three times the normal use.

Elimination of Pathogens in the System Harmful microorganisms that cause diseases increase even in the hydroponic systems during root development. These harmful microorganisms, which are also called pathogens, result to plant diseases or plant death. There are certain types of beneficial microorganism that kill these pathogens. It is important to know what type of pathogen is attacking the system to know what type of beneficial microorganism to incorporate in the hydroponics system. Moreover, these also strengthen plants defences against harmful pathogens in a way like the immune system is boosted by supplements.

Boosts Nutrient Uptake of Hydroponics Plants Most beneficial microorganism types boost the nutrient uptake of plants in the hydroponics system by keeping the roots healthy by strengthening roots and increasing root size, since it is the one responsible for absorption. When spraying leaves with foliar fertilizer, these microorganisms may also be incorporated in the solution to enable the stomata of the leaves to absorb better.

Makes the Environment Suitable for Plant Growth Beneficial microorganisms control the environment such as correcting the atmospheric nitrogen and producing nitrogen for plants, since plants cannot produce their own. Some fungi types also help in assimilating phosphorous when incorporated in the hydroponics system.

Hydroponics is a new way in cultivating plants where the environment can be controlled to eliminate any usual problems experienced from soil gardening. The strategy is to provide an environment that plants can thrive on and this is through providing the correct amount of nutrients supplemented with incorporating beneficial microorganisms.

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Clifford Woods is the CEO of Effective Environmental Services and Organic Environmental Technology You can find out more about our Organic Lawn and Garden Product
We brew Beneficial Microorganisms that eat toxins and offer Environmentally Friendly Products.

What is Phosphate?

By Clifford Woods

Phosphates, which contain phosphorus, are essential nutrients that contribute to the growth and metabolic reactions of all animals and plants. The quantity of phosphorus can either increase or limit growth. Since it is essential to the growth of plants and animals, an imbalance in the amount of the natural growth of phosphorus can produce harmful changes to the environment. This is when it becomes a job for a phosphate remover to handle.

Contributing Factors In Phosphates Overgrowth
The internal contributor in the growth of the presence of phosphates in your fish pond is from the mineralization of dead matter, such as plants, uneaten food, feces, fish slime, bacteria, etc. The rotting food particles or dead plant materials settle either within the filter or on the substrate.  Vacuuming the gravel or rinsing filter materials every time you change the water in your pond or tank will substantially decrease the potential accumulation of phosphate deposits. The probable external sources, on the other hand, are additives such as frozen fish food, carbon or pH stabilizers.  

Effects Of Phosphates In Fish Ponds
For people who raise fish on ponds, the elevated presence of phosphates means algae invasion and that is a big threat to the lives of your fish. Using a phosphate remover is ideal in this kind of pond situation. Partially, changing the water in your fish pond more frequently can also help. Once the growth of water weeds and algae in your pond becomes uncontrollable, they will dominate the use of oxygen until the water in your pond will not be able to support the life of your fish any more  leaving them to die. So, use phosphate removers as soon as the presence of phosphorus becomes threatening.

Addressing The Issue With Phosphate Removers
The ideal amount of the presence of phosphates in your fish pond should be below 0.005 ppm. A phosphate remover will control the level of phosphates in your pond by reducing the amount of algae that grows in it.  

When phosphate removers are applied into the water, it basically traps the phosphates and immobilizes them, making them insoluble nutrients. 
Phosphates in ponds are harder to eliminate, since you cannot control what products people use in their lawns and farms. 

That said, you can control the levels by always ensuring that your pond is clean and using a phosphate remover often. With persistent testing and removal, your pond can have a good water quality for your fish and other marine species to thrive better.

For salt-water aquariums, it will maximize the coral growth in it. When buying them, make sure that you thoroughly check the brand specifications. Most often, it comes as phosphate mesh media bags or reactors.  

Those that come in reactors need to be installed, while those that come in mesh media bags are packed with phosphate removal media and employed inside the sump or canister filter.  

If you want to be rid of a persistent phosphate problem, be vigilant in eliminating the causes of its overgrowth in the first place instead of always relying on a phosphate remover to do the job for you. Avoid over-feeding your fish to reduce or eliminate the presence of uneaten foods. Choose a brand of fish food with the lowest levels of phosphates. Perform tank maintenance regularly by vacuuming the bottom of your ponds or tanks to remove plant decay, fish waste, and uneaten food. A filter’s job is to skim all dirt, so make sure you always remember to clean it, too.

Keep all these important maintenance steps in mind for your fish to have smooth-sailing lives.

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Clifford Woods is the CEO of Effective Environmental Services and Organic Environmental Technology
Find out more about our Organic Pond Cleaner - Pond Magician
We brew Beneficial Microorganisms that eat toxins and sell Environmentally Friendly Products.