Nitrate (ppm) Do not need to worry about nitrates as it relates to fish deaths or direct health. High Nitrate levels may cause some algae growth, but not harmful to fish. Very high nitrates in an old existing aquarium could indicate “poor” overall water quality/conditions, necessitating a water change, but the nitrates themselves are not harmful to the aquarium or fish. It means water changes haven’t been done regularly, so essentials for fish metabolism (proteins, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, etc.) have been depleted (creating poor overall water quality) and need to be replaced for fish h ..read more

New Aquarium:          In a new aquarium, Ammonia and Nitrites are normally present and necessary to start growing the beneficial bacteria. However, any levels of Ammonia and Nitrites need to be reduced to minimize damage to the fish. (Choose hardy, beginner fish if cycling the aquarium with fish, White Clouds, Barbs, Danios, Black or White Skirt Tetras). The ONLY way to reduce ammonia/nitrites is to add biomaterial. Established Aquarium: If Ammonia and Nitrites are present in an established aquarium it is normally caused by adding too many fish at one t ..read more

The Central America River Environment consists of the major rivers that flow from rocky lakes in the region. The lakes are high in limestone, thus making the river waters hard and alkaline. As the rivers flow toward the coast, they mix with the acidic waters of heavily vegetated side streams. Eventually, they become brackish due to the back flow of coastal streams, bays and estuaries. A medium grade, tan gravel mixed with sand is recommended to simulate the natural substrate. Round, water smoothed pebbles, driftwood, and plants should also be used to recreate this niche ..read more

Along the east coast of Africa lie the famous rift lakes. The most popular of which are Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika, and Lake Malawi. These deep-water lakes have very steep, rocky sides and sandy bottoms. They are home to a tremendous variety of some of the most popular and colorful Cichlids available to the hobbyist. These unique Cichlids have well defined social structures and unusual breeding habits. White to light tan sand is recommended to stimulate the natural substrate. This particular substrate will also help keep the pH levels up where they need to be. Various size and shape rocks ..read more

The Southeast Asia River Environment includes the larger rivers of mainland Asia, as well as those in the Malay Archipelago. These waters are fast moving, very high in oxygen, and grow rich in plant fauna. This niche is also a typical habitat for thin, fast moving, streamlined fish. Tan to light brown gravel mixed with white or tan sand is recommended to simulate the natural substrate. Large, round pebbles (which have been made smooth by the flowing water), driftwood, and plants should also be used to recreate this niche ..read more

Hundreds of backwater streams zigzag along the west coast of Africa and eventually empty into the Zaire (Congo) River. These backwater stream environments fluctuate depending upon the rainy and dry seasons. During the dry season, these streams evaporate. During the rainy season, they swell and overflow their banks. This flooding covers the dense tropical vegetation and creates very acidic, tea colored water environment similar to some South American streams. Very unusual fish such as the freshwater flying fish (African Butterfly Fish), brightly colored Annual fish (Killiefish), and the dolphin ..read more

Environment Recreating the environment is a crucial aspect of fish keeping.  If we can reproduce the conditions fish naturally live in, the fish we keep will respond by showing intense coloration, natural behavior, and increased longevity.  Water conditions are a large part of this formula, from reduction of fish wastes to maintaining a consistent temperature.  Providing structure and ample space are another factor that can make or break a successful aquarium. Behavior Understanding behavior is a vital part of keeping fish alive and healthy.  From breeding behavior to behav ..read more

Freshwater Most of the fish kept in aquaria are found in freshwater.  The lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds on every continent provide an environment for an endless variety of fish.  However, the aquaria industry is primarily concerned with those fish that are found in tropical waters.  This simply means those waters with an average temperature of 75-80°F. Brackish Brackish water occurs naturally where rivers and streams enter the ocean.  This mixing of freshwater and saltwater results in a blend of salinities.  Most fish prefer one or the other, and do not inhabit thi ..read more

Part 1 The water, in which fish live, is extremely important to them. It carries oxygen to them, and carries away their wastes.  Toxic Waste Products Fish produce wastes as a natural part of life. These wastes need to be processed; otherwise they will accumulate to dangerous levels in the aquarium. Filters help accomplish this process.  Ammonia (NH4) is the primary nitrogenous waste product created by fish. In elevated levels, ammonia will damage sensitive tissue areas of fish, such as fins and gills. Nitrites, another waste product created by fish, can be harmful in elevated doses ..read more

Part 1 The water, in which fish live, is extremely important to them. It carries oxygen to them, and carries away their wastes.  Toxic Waste Products Fish produce wastes as a natural part of life. These wastes need to be processed; otherwise they will accumulate to dangerous levels in the aquarium. Filters help accomplish this process.  Ammonia (NH4) is the primary nitrogenous waste product created by fish. In elevated levels, ammonia will damage sensitive tissue areas of fish, such as fins and gills. Nitrites, another waste product created by fish, can be harmful in elevated doses ..read more