Aquarium and Pond Care with EcoBio-Block

Cichlids are a group of over 2,000 species of freshwater fish. These fish are some of the most colorful species of fish in the world and also some of the most popular in the aquarium trade. What makes cichlids so special? Aside from their unique and vibrant coloration, cichlids are also a joy to keep in the home aquarium. Many species develop personalities and attachments to their owners. Many species are also very easy to breed. If you plan to breed your cichlids, you should first take the time to learn about the breeding habits of the particular species you have. Then, learn what you will need to do in order to raise the cichlid fry.

Basics of Cichlid Breeding

Cichlids lay eggs rather than giving birth to live fry – because of this, some species can lay hundreds of eggs in one clutch because they are much smaller than live-born fry. Certain species of cichlid lay their eggs on flat surfaces while others bury them in substrate – some even hold the eggs in their mouths, protecting them until they hatch. Before you breed your cichlids, take the time to research their breeding methods so you can prepare the breeding tank accordingly. You should also set up a nursery tank for your fry so the tank is ready as soon as your cichlids spawn.

The Early Stages

After your cichlids have spawned, many species will care for the eggs and fry until (and sometimes for several days after) they hatch. If you find that your cichlids are not caring for the eggs, it is best to remove them from the tank so they don’t eat the eggs. Cichlids that brood the eggs in their mouths should not be disturbed until the fry have been released. Once the eggs have hatched, you can remove the adults from the tank and begin rearing the fry on your own.

A nursery tank for cichlid fry does not need to be large at first. You may not even need to feed the fry for several days until their bodies absorb what is left of the yolk sac. Once this happens you will need to feed the fry very small foods such as infusoria several times a day. After a week or so, the fry should have grown sufficiently to accept newly hatched brine shrimp (called nauplii). At this time it may also be safe to begin performing water changes in the nursery tank to keep the water clean.

The Later Stages

Once your cichlid fry have grown large enough to accept brine shrimp you may want to think about separating them between different grow-out tanks. Dividing the fry between multiple tanks will provide them with adequate space to grow. A grow-out tank should be about 20 gallons in capacity and it should be sparsely decorated to facilitate easy cleaning. Maintain a stable water temperature in the tank and check the water quality on a regular basis. Continue to feed your cichlid fry protein-rich foods, eventually incorporating finely crushed flakes or granules into their diet as well.

Other Tips

After your cichlid fry have grown to be at least an inch long, you can start thinking about transferring them to a community tank or selling them to a pet store. Do not add the fry to an existing tank until they are too large to be considered prey by other fish. In order to make sure that your cichlid fry grow quickly, it is important to keep the tank environment clean. You may find it helpful to add an EcoBio-Stone S  to your fry tank. EcoBio-Block Products are infused with live beneficial bacteria colonies as well as the nutrients they need to multiply and maintain the nitrogen cycle in your tank. Once the nitrogen cycle has been established, the beneficial bacteria will work with your aquarium filter to help keep your tank water clean and clear.

For novice aquarium hobbyists, cultivating a planted aquarium can be quite a challenge. Not only do you need to care for your fish, but you also have to worry about cultivating the ideal environment to support the health and growth of your aquarium fish. Maintaining live plants requires you to invest in special substrates, plant foods and tank equipment – if you are not prepared for the task, these things can be overwhelming. If you like the idea of adding live plants to your tank but aren’t sure you are ready to take on the challenge of a fully planted tank, you might want to consider adding some floating plants. Floating plants are generally easy to cultivate and they are a great way to ease yourself into cultivating a planted tank.

Benefits of Floating Plants

Floating plant

Floating aquarium plants provide a number of significant benefits. Perhaps the most important benefit is that they do not require planting – floating plants simply drift on the tank surface so they do not require any special substrate or planting medium. Floating aquarium plants play a particularly useful role in breeding tanks. The leaves and roots of floating plants may provide newly hatched fry with a place to hide from adult fish – the microorganisms living in and around the plants will also provide your fry with food. Another use for floating plants is to diffuse tank lighting – some species of fish prefer subdued lighting and adding floating plants to your tank is an easy way to accomplish this. Some floating plants, such as duck weed, can also be used as a supplementary food source for fish – it provides plant-based nutrition and grows very quickly so you do not have to keep replacing it.

Types of Floating Plants

There are a number of different species to choose from including:

Azolla
This plant is a type of floating fern and there are six different species. Though typically used in ponds, azolla may grow in tanks utilizing low water movement and high lighting. Azolla is unique in that it forms a symbiotic relationship with certain algae, boosting the nitrogen-fixing ability of tank algae.

Hornwort
These plants have feathery leaves and they tend to grow well in both high- and low-light conditions. Hornwort plants never produce roots, so there is no need to ever plant them in substrate. These plants grow quickly and are favored by fish that tend to feed on live plants.

Duckweed
There are several species of duckweed, many of which produce very small leaves. This plant is easy to grow in the aquarium and very popular among plant-eating fish.

Bladderwort
There are several species of bladderwort, some of which can be kept in the aquarium. These plants are unique because they are carnivorous, feeding on tiny insects and crustaceans. These plants are not recommended for breeding tanks because they are likely to eat newly hatched fry.

Crystalwort
This plant produce thick, bright green mats that looks similar to java moss. Crystalwort is ideal for diffusing tank lighting and providing shelter for newly hatched fry – it also grows very quickly under proper lighting conditions.

Tips for Floating Plants

Your floating plants are more likely to thrive if the water in your tank is kept clean. To achieve this, try adding an EcoBio-Stone to your freshwater tank. EcoBio-Stones are made from natural volcanic rock and they are infused both with beneficial bacteria and the nutrients they need to thrive. Once installed in your tank, EcoBio-Stones help to establish and maintain the nitrogen cycle, thus keeping your tank clean so your floating plants can thrive.

Hang-on heater

One of the most important pieces of equipment you need for either a saltwater or freshwater tank is a heater. In order to keep your aquarium fish happy and healthy, you need to be able to keep the water temperature in your tank stable. Though most aquarium fish can tolerate minor fluctuations in temperature, sudden or recurrent changes in water temperature can be harmful for fish. In order to keep your tank temperature within the desired range, it is recommended that you install an aquarium heater. There are several different types of aquarium heaters to choose from – keep reading to learn more about them.

Hang-On Heaters

This type of heater is the most basic model and it consists of a glass-encased heating element that can be hung on the back of the tank. These heaters sit vertically in the tank so that heat is dispersed at all levels of the tank – the drawback, however, is that it may not distribute heat evenly from one side of the tank to the other. Most hang-on heaters allow you to control the temperature setting by twisting a knob or setting a dial. Some models also feature a small red light that comes on when the heater is working. Because they have a limited capacity to distribute heat, hang-on heaters are best for small tanks but they can be used in either freshwater or saltwater applications.

Submersible Heaters

Submersible aquarium heaters are one of the most effective types of aquarium heater because they can be submerged directly in the tank. Rather than hanging vertically off the back of the tank, submersible heaters can be installed horizontally along the back wall a few inches up from the bottom of the tank. This position ensures that the heat will be distributed across a wider area of the tank and the water near the bottom of the tank will be kept warm which is often a problem in tanks using hang-on heaters. These heaters can be used for both saltwater and freshwater tanks and they come in a variety of sizes so they can be used in almost any tank.

In-Line Heaters

An inline heater is perhaps the most efficient way to heat your tank water. This type of heater can be attached to your tank filter so that it heats the water as it is pumped in and returns warmed water to the tank. This method is much more efficient than using a heating coil to warm the water in a particular area of the tank. In-line heaters are most commonly installed in sump systems for saltwater tanks, but they can also be used in freshwater tanks of almost any size.

Aquarium Heating Tips

The ideal temperature range for an aquarium depends not only on the type of aquarium but also on the type of fish you plan to stock. The general range acceptable for aquariums is between 76° and 80°F. Keep in mind that some species prefer cooler temperatures and some prefer warmer temperatures – it is always a good idea to research the type of fish you plan to keep before you buy them so you can cater to the conditions in your tank to meet the need of the fish.

Water movement is also a key element in maintaining a stable aquarium water temperature. If you are using a hang-on heater, it is important that the water in your tank is properly circulated so the temperature is even in all parts of the tank. Ensuring proper water movement will also help to keep the parameters of your tank water within the proper ranges which will benefit your fish as well. Another important factor in keeping your fish healthy is maintaining high water quality. To do so, consider installing an EcoBio-Stone in your tank. EcoBio-Block products are designed to boost the biological filtration in your tank by adding live beneficial bacteria. After introducing one of these products into your tank, the beneficial bacteria will rapidly multiply, working to remove toxins and to maintain the nitrogen cycle.

When it comes to selecting a lighting system for your saltwater tank, you cannot simply go to your local pet store and purchase the first lighting system that fits your tank. There are a number of factors to consider when buying a lighting system for your tank and if you don’t choose wisely your tank inhabitants may fail to thrive. It is important to choose a lighting system of the right size, wattage and type – before you buy, take the time to learn the basics about lighting a saltwater tank so you can make an informed decision regarding which is best for you.

Requirements by Tank Type

If you have ever kept a freshwater aquarium, you probably already know that certain tank inhabitants like live plants require more lighting than do aquarium fish. The same is true for saltwater tanks – certain organisms have greater needs for light than others. In the saltwater tank, fish generally do not have specific requirements for lighting, though some tend to prefer more dim lighting than others. If you plan to keep photosynthetic organisms like corals in your tank, however, you will need to install the proper lighting system to support those organisms. Light provides energy for photosynthetic organisms like corals and marine algae – without adequate light, these organisms may fail to thrive and it could impact your whole tank environment.

Not only do you need to consider whether or not you will be keeping corals in your tank when selecting a lighting system, but you also need to think about what kind of corals you plan to keep. Reef tanks supporting low-light corals may only require 4 to 6 watts of light per gallon whereas tanks with corals that require more light may need between 10 and 12 watts per gallon. Do not look for “watts per gallon” on the package when comparing lighting systems and light bulbs at the pet store because you won’t find it. In order to determine the watts per gallon given by any light you must divide the total wattage by your tank capacity. For example, a bulb that produces 200 watts would provide a 50-gallon tank with 4 watts per gallon.

Other Considerations

When shopping for a lighting system for your saltwater aquarium you have to think about more than just watts per gallon – you also need to consider what type of system you want. Some of the most popular lighting systems for saltwater tanks are LED, fluorescent and metal halide. LED lighting systems consist of numerous small bulbs that put out high-intensity light. These systems are very energy efficient and can also be adapted to provide dim lighting at night for nocturnal tank inhabitants. Fluorescent lighting systems come in a variety of forms including normal output, power compact and very high output (VHO). Power compact bulbs produce as much light, or more, than traditional fluorescent bulbs without taking as much space. VHO lighting systems produce high-intensity light that can be three times as bright as normal output bulbs. Metal halide lighting systems are also very powerful and they provide light that is intense enough to penetrate deep water in large tanks.

One thing to keep in mind when shopping for tank lighting is that high-powered lighting systems may produce a great deal of heat. Metal halide systems, for example, can produce so much heat that they may end up overheating your tank. To prevent this from happening you may need to install an auxiliary fan or aquarium chiller to maintain the water temperature in your tank. You should also be aware that tank lighting comes in different colors. Full-spectrum lighting is ideal for fish-only aquariums but tanks housing corals and other photosynthetic organisms do best with actinic and 50/50 bulbs.

In addition to equipping your saltwater tank with a high-quality lighting system, you may also want to think about installing an EcoBio-Stone or using some EcoBio-Pebbles in your tank filter. These products are designed to boost the biological filtration in your tank by adding live beneficial bacteria. After introducing one of these products into your tank, the beneficial bacteria will rapidly multiply, working to remove toxins and to maintain the nitrogen cycle. Clean water is just as important as quality lighting in a saltwater tank and installing an EcoBio-Stone is a simple way to achieve it.

When it comes to properly maintaining a saltwater tank there are several pieces of equipment you must have. A thriving saltwater tank will require a high-quality filtration system to help remove solid and dissolved wastes from the water column. It will also require a high-powered lighting system, especially if you plan to keep corals in your tank. A protein skimmer may be necessary to remove excess proteins from your tank water and a sump system may be helpful in keeping all of this equipment in order. One piece of equipment that may not be mandatory for keeping a saltwater tank, but proves quite useful, is a UV sterilizer.

What are UV Sterilizers?

An ultraviolet (UV) sterilizer is a device that helps to control microscopic algae, bacteria and parasites in your tank water. This device can generally be attached to your filter system so that filtered water passes through the device as it is being returned to the tank. A UV sterilizer consists of an ultraviolet bulb over which filtered water is passed – the UV light kills off a significant portion of the algae, parasites and bacteria in the water before returning it to the tank. These devices are incredibly useful and, when paired with a high-quality filtration system, they are a very effective means of keeping your saltwater aquarium clean. The best part about UV sterilizers is that it doesn’t require any additional work on your part, other than setting up the device.

Tips and Considerations

Before you go out and buy a UV sterilizer for your tank, you might want to consider the benefits and drawbacks of such a device. One of the main benefits of UV sterilizers is that they are generally very easy to use – many models can be attached directly to standard aquarium filters. These devices also help to prevent excess algae growth and the spread of pathogenic bacteria by killing the cells before they are able to reproduce. Another benefit is that UV sterilizers come in a variety of sizes to fit all saltwater and freshwater tanks – you can even find stand-alone models if your filter system cannot accommodate a traditional UV sterilizer.

Though UV sterilizers are very beneficial in the saltwater tank, you should be aware that these devices only target the free-floating organisms in your tank water – they cannot do anything about algae growing on tank surfaces or bacteria/parasites that have already invaded the bodies of your fish. It is also important to note that UV sterilizers can interfere with certain medications so, if you are treating your fish for disease, you may need to unplug the device. Aside from these drawbacks, UV sterilizers are an excellent device to incorporate into your saltwater tank.

While incorporating a UV sterilizer into your saltwater tank setup may help improve the water quality in your tank, there are other simple things you can do to keep your tank clean. Installing an EcoBio-Stone, for example, is a hassle-free way to boost the biological filtration in your tank to help keep your tank water clean and clear. EcoBio-Stones are made from natural volcanic rock and they are infused both with beneficial bacteria and the nutrients they need to thrive. Once installed in your tank, EcoBio-Stones help to establish and maintain the nitrogen cycle, thus adding to the water-cleaning power of your UV sterilizer.