Caring for a Goldfish Aquarium

Caring for a Goldfish Aquarium

Keeping Goldfish can be a fun and rewarding hobby. As with any new hobby, especially one that involves living creatures, always consider the maintenance that will be involved. If you care for your aquarium properly, you will be sure to have happy and healthy Goldfish for many years. Goldfish have a life expectancy of five to ten years. If you do a good job maintaining their fish tank, you should have fun, beautiful fish for a long time. Make sure to feed them correctly and keep their water fresh and clear.

Aqueon Goldfish Aquarium Fish Food is a complete balanced nutrition for your goldfish and ornamental pond fish. Granule food contains all natural ingredients to bring out the best in your fish. Formulated so your fish can utilize more and create less waste. Premium ingredients like whole fish meal naturally attract fish and promote healthy immune systems and bring out true, intense coloration. Fortified with vitamins, minerals and trace nutrients for complete health.

When starting any new aquarium, you should get everything in place before buying the fish. If you are going to put gravel on the bottom, you may want to put only a thin layer. This will make it easier to keep clean, as Goldfish tend to be messy. Make sure that you rinse the gravel thoroughly before placing it in the bottom of the tank. If you have some decorations, you should add them now. Make sure that you rinse them well before putting them into the tank. Also be sure that the goldfish have plenty of room to swim, as they as active fish. Give them a place or two to hide, and that should do nicely.

Now that you have everything in place, you can add in the water. You will need to use a dechlorinator, as the chlorine in tap water is poisonous to fish. Once the fish tank is filled up, you can turn on the filter. Change it as often as recommended to keep your fish healthy. Goldfish live at room temperature, so you will not need a heater. They are quite comfortable in temperatures from 68 to 80 degrees. However, they should not be exposed to rapid temperature changes. You might want to let the filter run in the new goldfish tank for a day or so to filter out any chemicals or dyes that might have been left on the gravel and decorations that you just added. Waiting to buy new fish can be one of the hardest things about fish keeping!

You need to add fish gradually. Fish excrete ammonia. If you add too many fish at once to a new fish tank, the water will not be seasoned enough to dissipate it. As the water in your Goldfish tank ages, it builds up beneficial bacteria that turn harmful chemicals excreted by the fish into harmless ones. However, this will take some time. Start out with only one fish. The nitrogen cycle will not begin until you add the fish, so running an empty tank for several days will not help. Since your fish tank is brand new, you might want to consider making partial water changes of about 25 per cent of the total water volume every few days for the first week or so.

Filteration can be controled by using a Tetre Whisper Aquarium Power Filter. The world-famous Whisper power filter updated for the 21st century! Whisper EX-series aquarium filters offer a host of modern conveniences and advanced filtration capabilities to keep your aquarium clean, clear and healthy. Keep your hands off of messy carbon pads with the Whisper Filter's squeeze-to-open filter cartridge design. Special TimeStrip tabs are included with each filter cartridge and attach directly to your filter so you know exactly when to change. A new in-tank Whisper motor design lessens noise, eliminates priming and lowers the profile of each filter. Rounded chamber design promotes water flow and lessens build-up on your filter's bottom. An enhanced biological grid promotes optimum bacteria growth. Choose the size that fits your aquarium.
 

You can find Goldfish food at almost any pet shop. Make sure to purchase some when you buy your first fish. Feed only a small amount. Especially at first. Any uneaten food will sink to the bottom and rot. Keep this to a minimum. Watch your fish the first few times that you feed them. Feed only as much as they will eat in two to three minutes twice a day, or as recommended on the Goldfish food label. Be especially careful not to overfeed when the Goldfish tank is new. This will cause excess build up of toxic chemicals and can kill your fish quickly.

As the water in your fish tank cycles through the nitrogen cycle, you may notice that is becomes very cloudy. This is a normal process and should clear up in a few days. Do not add any new fish until the water is crystal clear again. Clear water will signify that the nitrogen cycle is working and that the toxic chemicals are being converted to good ones. Remember that Goldfish will grow large and they need a big space. Don't overcrowd the tank if you want to keep healthy fish. If you follow this little guideline, you will be sure to have a healthy goldfish aquarium.

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The Pet Guy

Aqua Terras
ePet Products

 

Ferrets & Their Environment

Ferrets & Their Environment

Although ferrets have eyes, they are not unable to see that well. As a result, they use their other senses to guide them through their environment using their hearing and smell.

Since domesticated ferrets are not afraid of humans, they will be able to handle any new environment that they encounter without any fear. In fact, they don’t mind living with other ferrets as it has been observed that some sleep on top of each other. Fettets like to climb Make sure their housing has several layers. Marshalls Ferret Mansion Cage is one of the best. This is the ultimate accommodation for your ferret family. It easily houses up to 6 ferrets. Features include: a lockable slide out pan for safe and easy cleaning, swivel casters for mobility, 2 doors, 3 adjustable ramps and balconies.

One reason that ferrets behave this way is due to the fact that they have been neutered thus decreasing the tension or rivalry in finding a mate however, they still show aggressive behavior towards other ferrets when playing, marking their territory or hunting. Let’s talk about this behavior in their environment some more.

Ferrets play among themselves and neck biting is one example. Some scientists believe this is how the male controls the female during mating. But since they are already neutered before being given to the new owner, this may serve another purpose such as practicing how to hunt.

Since domesticated ferrets no longer have to hunt for food, this is now used to protect themselves from an attack. The amazing part about it is that because ferrets have very thick skin on the back of their necks, you won’t find a single mark afterwards. 

Keeping their coats clean and shinning is easy by using Marshall Ferret Furo-Tone. The Furo-Tone contains essential fatty acids, which when not present in sufficient amounts in a diet can result in a dull coat, flaky skin, excess shedding and scratching. To keep your adult ferret's coat in peak condition, add 0.75 teaspoon to food daily. For babies and lactating jills, add 1.5 teaspoon's daily.

Being on the offense is not the only way to fend off attackers. Other tactics include dancing, hissing, lunging, sideways attack, screaming, snapping of the jaws and a clucking sound.

You can prevent a fight from taking place by providing a separate area for both ferrets to call as their own. Eventually, they will sort out their differences which is something we humans also do whenever we are engaged in an altercation or misunderstanding. But fights among domesticated ferrets are rare given that many owners just purchase one.

Given that ferrets are very friendly and sociable animals, you have to house proof your home as these curious mammals will most likely go to dark corners and small holes. They might take a nap under the cushion of the couch when they feel like it so you better check underneath first to prevent any problems.

They will also have to be toilet trained so they don’t dump their waste just anywhere in your house. Studies have shown that this is the ferret’s way of marking their territory and if they are out of the cage, they can easily find the litter box even if this has been relocated. Most animals prefer to do their business in one corner of their cage. Take advantage of this with the Hi Corner Litter Pan. The Hi Corner Litter Pan is ideal for use with ferrets, rabbits and guinea pigs. It is made of hi-impact plastic which makes it very durable and fits most cages while conserving space. Easy cleanup

In terms of their diet, experts suggest that this should be a combination of various products so that they don’t get used to one type of food. If one runs out, this can easily be changed with another.  Also, the amount of protein that they should take in decreases as the ferret grows older. Marshall's Premium Ferret Diet provides all the essential nutrients healthy ferrets needs - without the extras they don't. High meat-based protein content keeps your ferret in amazing health, while a unique vacuum-sealing technique locks in valuable amino acids. Nutritionally superior for ferrets of all ages.

Ferrets are adaptable mammals and once they are brought home from a breeder, pet store or animal shelter, they will in no time adapt to their new environment. So, just give them some time to get themselves familiar with their new surroundings and don’t be scared if they show some aggressive behavior because after all, they were once from the wild.

The Pet Guy

Aqua Terras
ePet Products

Bringing Home A New Pet Cat

Bringing Home A New Pet Cat

Make sure your new baby starts off with healthy food and treats. It all starts now. Once you cultivate certain eating habits, it’s almost impossible to break them, especially with cats. It is not uncommon for a cat to get hooked on one food only. If that food is a good food then you lucked out. If it is not a good food, conversion may be extremely difficult for you and your cat. Once you add something to the food, you will create a picky eater and possibly jeopardize his nutrition. In other words, once you've done your home work and selected the best food and treats for your pet cat. 

Teach Boundaries. From the first day, determine where your pet can or cannot go and things you simply don't want your pet doing. Pets are creatures of habit. Once they do something a few times, they tend to continue that behavior. Once you determine your boundaries, stick to them, even if they break your heart. Remember that what may seem cute now (chewing on pillows for example) will be disastrous later on! Realistically, many of the boundaries we set will be trial and error. Sometimes it takes bad behavior for us to take a look at a situation, declare it out of hand and make rules that will change it. Pets can get mighty creative in their curiosities and in their rebellions.

House breaking. Of course there will be accidents; - however, the goal is to complete toilet training. Cats are easy. Bring your kitten to the cat box and put her in it. As long as she knows where the box is, toilet training will be accomplished. Cats like a little privacy when they use the litter box, so this hooded pan is ideal for cats of all ages. In addition, this litter box is a stylish pink color, so no matter where you put it, it will look good. Microban protection kills microbes and limits bacteria growth.Litter boxes don't have to be boring anymore, thanks to this brilliantly pink Hooded Pan set that you and your cat will love.

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Pick a talented vet. Your veterinarian is critical to your new pet's health. General check ups, vaccines, flea control preventive must be taken seriously. Select a Veterinarian you feel comfortable with. Visit the veterinary hospital first. If the staff is friendly and the hospital smells good, you are on the right track. Ask to meet one of the veterinarians. If you both get along, then you probably found your pet a family doctor. Don't select your veterinarian just based on location.

The Pet Guy

Aqua Terras
ePet Products

9 ways to protect our bird from illnesses

9 ways to protect our bird from illnesses

1. Good hygiene – regularly clean the bird cage and the appliances in it. The cleaning must be accomplished minimum twice a week. Nature's Miracle Cage and Aviary Cleaner and deodorizer with nature's enzymes completely eliminates even the toughest odors. Safe and effective, will also work on old and deep-set odors. Non-toxic, non-flammable, non-caustic, and non-acidic. Safe for use around children, birds, and pets, on colors, and on all water-safe surfaces.

 

2. We mustn't let our birds have contacts with wild or free – living birds, who are the main carriers of diseases and infections .

3. Do not put the bird cage exposed to draughts – the birds can catch a cold , and they should be exposed to the sun no more than 1 – 2 hours , because they can get overheated and can suffer from hypothermia .

4. If you have other pet animals – a dog , a cat, first get sure that they are not aggressive towards the birds and only then you can leave them in the same room together.

5  Examine the bird cage for protruding parts and objects that can hurt the birds. Blue Ribbon Bir Cage Kits make a great home for small birds. Complete bird cage kit is ideal for smaller parrots and conures. Each one includes toys, perches, ladder, food and water cups, and everything else you'll require. Each one makes a great starter cage for that budding bird owner.


Cage comes with: two (2) seed and water cups, two (2) Comfort perches, three (3) toys, wood ladders, swing, cement perch, calcium block, treat cup, six (6) sanded perch covers.

6. A very important factor for the good health of the birds is the proper and balanced feeding . Except for grain mixture, they should get enough quantity of fruit and vegetables, from which they will supply themselves with necessary vitamins.

7. Also, with great importance for the health of birds is the proper supply with minerals . You can buy them from the zoo in combined form.

8. It is also necessary that your birds get small stones and sand in a separate container , which contributes to the good digestion and food – assimilation.

9. Overfeeding the birds with proteins of animal origin is very dangerous for them and it can cause podagra and lead to abnormal appetite.

The Pet Guy

Aqua Terras
ePet Products

Horses - Breeds, A To Z

Horses - Breeds, A To Z

A horse is a horse of course of course.  Right?  Well, not exactly.  There are more breeds of horses than Carter has liver pills.  We're just going to touch on a few examples here, otherwise we're going to need a book about 2000 pages long. 

For example, and we'll just start with the letter A, there is the Australian Stock Horse.  This is one of those horses that arose from selective breeding due to the demands of the environment.  The history of this breed actually began in 1788.  When the first breed of horses was brought to Eastern Australia by the First Fleet.  These horses were of mixed English Thoroughbred and Spanish stock and they were hardy enough horses that they were a perfect choice for the cavalry. 

Moving along to the letter B, we have the Basotho Pony.  This horse is found only in Lesotho, which is in South Africa.  The horse is used almost exclusively for riding.  The breed itself was developed sometime after 1825 from the Cape Horse.  By the start of the 20th century this breed almost completely disappeared due to exporting of the horses and cross breeding with Arab and Thoroughbred horses.  Fortunately, during the later part of the 20th century, a society was formed to revive the breed. 

One of the most famous breed of horses starting with the letter C is the Clydesdale.  This horse was developed in a district of Scotland.  It is a heavy draft horse breed.  The breed itself was developed by farmers in Lanarkshire, which is the old name for Clydesdale.  This horse was mainly bred to meet the agricultural needs of farmers.  The Clydesdale is a real work horse.  Make no mistake about that. 
The letter D gives us the Dartmoor Pony.  This horse is one of nine breeds that are specific to the British Isles. 

This particular breed comes from a barren moorland called Dartmoor, which is located in Devon, England.  These are very old horses which go all the way back to the reign of King Henry I.  Today, Dartmoor Ponies are found all over Great Britain as well as countries like France, Sweden and Germany.
 
Moving along to the letter E, we have the Eriskay Pony.  This particular pony is the only surviving variety of the Hebridean pony.  It is found on the Hebrides Islands off the coast of Scotland.  Today this particular breed of pony is almost extinct.  Recent DNA testing of these animals show that they are of very ancient origin.  These horses are mostly used for transportation and common chores such as pulling carts and even taking children to school.

And in case you are wondering, yes there are breeds of horses that begin with the letter Z.  One of them is the Zaniskari Pony, which is found in Northern India.  This particular breed is what is called a riding and pack breed.  Yes, there are more breeds of horse than you can possibly imagine. 

The Pet Guy

Aqua Terras
ePet Products