Tropical Fish

Gift Ideas for aquarists. Aquarium essentials and specialty products make great, practical gifts appreciated by the aquarium hobbyist in your life.  

Order live Blue Angelfish at Saltwaterfish.com.

Powder Blue Tang [Acanthurus leucosternon]

"The Powder Blue Tang is quite simply one of the most beautiful fish in the sea. These fish are baby blue in color with a bright yellow dorsal, white ventral and anal fins, black face with white markings, and large eyes. Once established, these fish do very well in an established tank with lots of live rock and swimming room. Keep only one per tank. These fish are very fragile and do not like to be abused by other fish. They are voracious algae eaters. The Surgeonfish family consists of fish which are colorful, thin-bodied, and usually have an oval shape. These fish have long continuous dorsal and anal fins and crescent tailfins. The scalpel at the base of their tailfin is very sharp and is used by the fish for protection from predators as well as a way of establishing itself with other fish. These fish are usually seen at reefs eating algae all day long." Photo by Saltwaterfish.com member, Nicole Duncan. Order live Seahorses at Saltwaterfish.com

Drs. Foster and Smith's Live Aquaria offers you the best shopping experience possible for quality freshwater and marine fish, corals, live rock and sand, invertebrates and live plants...all at great prices.

Drs. Foster & Smith's Live Aquaria offers you the best shopping experience possible for quality freshwater and marine fish, corals, live rock and sand, invertebrates and live plants...all at great prices. Owned and operated by veterinarians Dr. Race Foster and Dr. Marty Smith, widely regarded as the nation's leading pet product experts, Live Aquaria is the largest and most responsible supplier of aquatic life in the country.

For over 20 years Drs. Foster & Smith pet supply catalogs have been invited into the homes of millions of pet owners - dog, cat, bird, reptile, aquarium & pond, and more - making them the leading direct marketer of pet supplies in the country. In addition to the live species you'll find at Live Aquaria, Drs. Foster & Smith also offer the most complete selection of fish and aquarium supplies in the industry.

LiveAquaria.com: The Trusted Source for Aquarium Plants

Setting Up A New Aquarium
by Leon Huang

Location of your aquarium
So, you bought your very first fish tank. And you probably already decided where to place it. But keep in mind that a fish tank filled with water is much heavier than it seems. So please, place it on something strong and stable. It is also advisable to keep your fish tank away from direct, or even indirect, sunlight. Long hours of sunlight will induce algae, something you do not want if you wish to keep your aquarium beautiful.

Any gravel 
Skip this part if you plan to have a simple bare-bottom fish tank. Personally, I feel that gravels make an aquarium looks so much nicer. Having gravels also helps hide your fishes' wastes. Before you start pouring your gravels into your fish tank, stop! Take a pail, pour your gravels into it instead. Start washing them over and over until the water is decently clear. This is important, as you don't want your fishes to be swimming in chocolate milk.

Preparing your water 
Water is the single most important element of an aquarium. It is important to prepare your water before adding any fishes, as most tap water contains chemicals like chlorine and chloramine, which are harmful to fishes. So be sure to get a bottle of water conditioner from your favourite pet shop that neutralizes both chlorine and chloramine. If you have gravels, be very gentle when pouring water into your tank, so as not to stir up the gravels. A useful tip is to pour your water onto a floating plate or saucer, so as to divert the force of the falling water. Fill water to your preferred height, and add measured amount of your anti-chlorine-and-chloramine water conditioner.

Setting up your filter 
Setup your filter according to your filter's manual. Make sure that it is working properly as intended, as the filter is a very important part of an aquarium. Your filter provides water circulation, and also oxygenates the water, if your type of filter causes water surface disturbance. If your aquarium is heavily loaded with fishes, and your filter fails for even a few hours, it could be fatal. What is cycling''Cycling' is the process where bacterias break down ammonia(NH3) into nitrite(NO2), and from nitrite to nitrate(NO3). Ammonia and nitrite are both very toxic to fishes, and nitrate being the least toxic of the three. Therefore this process is the most important for any aquarium.The nitrosomonas species of bacteria starts forming when ammonia is present. They form all around our fish tank, the driftwoods, the substrate, and especially inside our filter. Slowly, they will form into a colony large enough to efficiently breakdown ammonia into nitrite. When nitrite in the water has reached a certain level, the Nitrobacter species of bacteria starts forming. Slowly, they will breakdown the nitrite into nitrate. And finally, nitrate in the water can be removed via the most common and cost-effective method, water changes.

Introduction of ammonia 
These are the various ways of introducing ammonia:

• Seeding
• Transfer some gravel or filter sponge/wool/etc from an established fish tank into the new one.
• Fish wastes
• Zebra danios are very hardy fishes that are commonly used for cycling.
• Market prawns
• Yes, it will stink
• Commercial Products

Personally, I feel that the 'seeding' method would be the most reliable and yields the fastest results.

Fish method is slow, but adding more fish does makes the process faster. Just that the fish might not survive the intense ammonia poisoning. We don't want fish to die in our new fish tank. It is also not recommended to use feeder fish for this task, as they often carry diseases. Prawn method is easy, throw them in and wait. But be prepared for the smell. Commercial products are not the most reliable. Most of us would wonder how much shelf life do these products have. After all, we are talking about live organisms here.

But there are indeed cases where hobbyists introduce fishes without cycling, relying on commercial products to do its work. It all boils down to how much risk you are willing to take. Personally, I have a bottle of Nutrafin Cycle, which I bought when I upgraded my filter.

The wait 
So you've introduced ammonia, turned on your filter, and is waiting for your fish tank to cycle. I would recommend at least three days of cycling before introducing your fishes. Longer, if the fishes you plan to keep are sensitive. Or if you have not decided on what fishes to keep, now is a good time to research on that. Find on how big will the fishes grow up to. Most fishes are so tiny when young, but can grow up to huge sizes. This is important, as having no space to swim will stunt their growth, their colors will not show, and they get sick easier. So get suitable fishes, unless you have plans to upgrade to a larger fish tank. Find out if the fishes are to be kept in brackish water or fresh water. Do not mix the two types of fishes. Find out also their aggressiveness, feeding habits, behaviors, and anything else you need to know to keep your fish healthy and happy.

Acclimatizing your new fish 
Finally, it's time for you to go out and buy your fish. Get the pet shop people to help you select healthy ones. While at the shop, make sure you've already gotten everything you need. Things like food, aquarium salt (if keeping brackish water fish), net, water pump, and a bottle of anti-chlorine-and-chloramine water conditioner.

Once you reached home, float the packet of your new babies in your tank water. This is to acclimatize your fish to the new water temperature. Float for about 15 minutes, then open up the packet, and pour some of your tank water into it. This is to acclimatize your fishes to the new water parameters. Wait for another 15 minutes, or more, if your fish are sensitive species. And finally, use a net to catch your fish into your fish tank!

Observing your fish 
If your fish tank has decorative objects, most likely your new fish will go into hiding. This is normal, and will last up to a few days. When they do show themselves, observe them. Take note of how their bodies look like, and how they behave, so you will know when something odd happens. Feed very sparingly during this beginning stage. As the filtration and bacteria system is still new, do not want to pollute the water too much.

I suggest feeding small amounts once a day starting from the second or third day. If your fish refuse to eat, do not put in more food. Try feeding again the next day. This is normal and you do not need to worry, as the fishes most likely already eaten when in the pet shop, and they can survive for as long as a week without food.

Conclusion 
Soon, your fish will get used to their environment. They will start becoming more active. Their vibrant colors will start showing. And they may even recognize you whenever you come close to feed them. That is the reward of fish-keeping! But of course, you have to be a responsible owner. Performing the regular water changes, medicating them when they get sick, and feeding them quality food everyday. And I officially welcome you to the hobby!

For more fishy articles by Leon Huang, visit http://www.fishfriend.com

Article Source: http://www.animalpetsandfriends.com 

Reptiles

We've looked under every rock to find the very best insects to feed your reptiles, and here they are. High quality, farm-raised mealworms (approximately 1" L) encourage natural feeding behaviors and have an excellent shelf life. We guarantee live delivery to your door. 

The Most Important Thing to Know About Reptiles 
by Gary

The sudden popularity of reptiles and amphibians as pets, in particular exotics, has created a host of problems for those who want to keep them. Legislation regarding type, size, breeding restrictions and cage requirements have been swiftly passed at many levels of government to ensure that the general public and local fauna are not put at risk by the accidental introduction of non-indigenous species. Meeting these requirements can mean unexpected expense and frustration.

Husbandry can be problematic for potential owners as well. When one keeps a dog or cat, a general understanding of their needs exists and people are usually prepared to meet those needs. Reptiles and amphibians are not as easily cared for as conventional pets. For one thing they have a wide spectrum of environmental needs. One may require a constant supply of vitamin D via exposure to sunlight, while another is completely nocturnal and sun-reclusive. Not meeting these needs can result in needless suffering, big veterinarian expenses or loss of the animal.

Sustenance can pose even more of a challenge. One must be able to meet the dietary needs of the animal they plan to keep. For instance, most people are not aware that snakes are carnivorous without exception. The cute, colorful animal at the pet store will not eat fruit or vegetables. Depending on the species, you will have to provide mammals, fish, other reptiles and amphibians or insects. Even if you opt for pre-killed frozen food, many find this a repulsive task.

Then there are the vermin that may come with the animal. Snakes are prone to mites, lizards and turtles to burrowing parasites, amphibians to fungus. Then there is mouth rot, rickets and eye caps, just to name a few of the scores of ailments that can occur.

There is much to consider before choosing a reptile or amphibian as a pet. Responsible husbandry should start with knowing the facts before you acquire an animal. If you want to be happy with the creature you choose and provide quality care, impulse should yield to knowledge. Don't just jump at the first animal that catches your eye; research their needs and peculiarities to ensure it is a good fit.

Libraries and the internet are excellent resources for arming yourself with necessary knowledge, but joining a local herpetological group or society will pay even bigger dividends. Even if the nearest herpetological society is a two-hour drive from where you live, it is worth the once a month trip to attend meetings. There you will meet others who already have the knowledge and experience you are trying to acquire. Most, if not all, will be willing to spend time with you before or after the meeting to answer your questions and give you pointers.

You will benefit from the different speakers who will be headlined at the meetings and be added to the mailing list for the society to receive relevant herpetological news. Through your networking you will develop friendships and associations with other members that can benefit you in many ways.

Finally, for very meager annual dues, you will be a member of a group of people who come from all walks of life, who all work together for the society's common cause, which is educating the public on herpetological interests. As a co-founder of the Everglades Herpetological Society, I made friends with many well-known zoologists and other scientists, policemen, college professors, authors, professional football players and a host of others. Our common interest in herpetology bridged all cultural and societal gaps and great friendship developed.

Best of all, my attendance at meetings and associations with other members gave me a free education in the care and breeding of reptiles. As a result of my membership, in less than a decade I went from being a complete novice to someone others sought out for expert advice on Florida reptiles and amphibians.

The bottom line is this; if you want to have a pleasant, successful experience with keeping reptiles and amphibians, know first what you are doing. To "know", you need to be around those who have already been where you want to be. You will find them at your local herpetological society. Find it. Join it.

The author is a retired Coast Guard Officer with over 32 years of service. He has a love for animals and those who keep them. He helps those grieving the loss of a pet to understand the Biblical evidence that proves they live on. His most popular book, "Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates" delivers hope and comfort to the reader in a very gentle, yet convincing way. Visit athttp://www.coldnosesbook.com for more information and tips.

Article Source: http://www.animalpetsandfriends.com 

Parrots & Exotic Birds

Simply everything your need to care for an exotic bird is available at Windy City Parrot.

Shop for Bird Cage Accessories from WindyCityParrot.com  

A parrot's curiosity is a wonder to all parrot owners. Through parrots' senses and experiences they develop their own individual personalities. At VIParrot you will find a great range of toys which will satisfy your parrot's curiosity and help to keep your parrot healthly and happy.

Click Here for a wide selection of Parrot and Parrot People Gifts!

Ferrets, Rabbits & Hamsters

Discount Ferret, Rabbit and Hamster Supplies from the Largest Pet Store In the World: That Pet Place 

You will discover hundreds of  items from the well known to a unique selection of hard-to-find specialty products. They provide the ferret enthusiast with the best wholesale and discount ferret and small pet supplies available anywhere in the US. Customers will find a great selection of ferret supplies at super low every day prices, plus terrific new products are added regularly.

Ferrets The Ideal Pet 
by Sue Jan

If you love pets that are quiet and cute, then ferrets will be the right choice. Because by their very appearance, many people tend to mistake them for rodents but they are actually more like a cross between a cat and a dog.

During earlier times ferrets were used to hunt down, or dig out rabbits from their burrows. But nowadays they are mostly kept as pets. If you are thinking of buying a ferret, you should buy one from reputable shelters or breeders or from the Humane Society.

Before taking your ferret home, make sure that your ferret has been given the necessary vaccinations. It is also a good idea to consult a local veterinarian for information on common ferret diseases and their cure. Ferrets live roughly for about 7 to 10 years. A ferret costs around $75 to $120, depending on its age and from where you buy.

Contrary to common belief, ferrets can be trained effectively though it may not be as easy as training cats or dogs. Training ferrets to learn the rules of the house will be a gradual process. The best way to reward a ferret for positive behavior is by giving it food. For behaviors that are not acceptable, paying no attention to the ferret or confining it in the cage will work wonders. As ferrets move around a lot, they tend to mess up the rooms. Nipping is also a major problem associated with ferrets. Nevertheless they can be trained to use the litter and not to nip.

Good ferret care is important for raising a healthy and happy ferret. Frequent interaction with their owners help ferrets get used to their new homes. It is also a good idea to spend a lot of time with your new pet ferret especially during the early days of domesticating. Ferrets that are used to playing with people since their baby days tend to be more friendly and playful. Though ferrets sleep almost 15 to 16 hours a day, they are very active the rest of the time and love to play with toys and frolic around.

Ferrets are carnivores by nature and require a diet rich in animal protein and low in fiber. Ferrets were generally given cat or dog dry foods before, but nowadays specially packed ferret foods are available in pet shops. Totally Ferret, Ferrotone and Zupreem are the most common ferret food brands among ferret owners.

A variety of ferret accessories are now also available on the market, which include toys, cages and other innovative items. Large cages should be bought complete with floors, stairs and tunnels. If you have enough space in your backyard, you can also make a natural abode for your pet, including hammocks, hanging bunks, cozy beds and custom litters.

To find out how to care for Ferrets drop by Ferret World. Susan also writes at Shopping and Society.

Article Source: http://www.animalpetsandfriends.com