Aquarium and Pond Care with EcoBio-Block

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 maintaining high water quality in your tank, nothing is as important as having a good filtration system in place. In order to achieve good filtration you not only need to think about equipping your tank with a quality filter but you also have to think about what kind of filter media you intend to use. There are many different kinds of filter media available and each of them serves a unique purpose. To get the most out of your filtration system, take the time to learn about the various types of filter media available so you can decide which type is best for your tank.

Activated carbon

Another name for chemical filter media is chemically-active filter media and there are several types which fall into this category. The most common type of filter media that provides chemical filtration is activated carbon. This type of filter media comes in resin or pellet form and it helps to remove dissolved organic compounds and toxins from tank water, helping to improve water quality. Coral sand is another type of chemical filter media and it is most commonly used in saltwater tanks. This type of filter media can provide biological filtration as well as chemical filtration, especially when used with an undergravel filter.

Mechanical Filter Media

This type of filter media serves the purpose of physically removing solid wastes from tank water. The wastes mechanical filter media might remove include uneaten fish food, decaying plant matter, fish feces and other forms of organic debris. The most commonly used kind of mechanical filter media is a sponge. Filter sponges are often made of filter wool which strains out solid substances – the sponge may also act as a container for chemical filter media like activated carbon. In the case of undergravel filters, the gravel in the tank serves the role of providing mechanical filtration as well – it also serves as a biological filter.

Biological Filter Media

EcoBio-Pebbles work great as a filter media.

This type of filter media is not necessarily something you add to your tank filter – it is simply a surface on which beneficial bacteria can grow. Beneficial bacteria are incredibly important for the health of the freshwater tank because they maintain the nitrogen cycle through which organic wastes are broken down. Though beneficial bacteria are likely to grow on their own in the substrate of your tank, as well as on tank surfaces, there are several types of filter media that can also be used to promote healthy biological filtration. Ceramic tubes, plastic balls and foam sheets are some of the most commonly used types of biological filtration and they can be used in conjunction with various types of filters. Ceramic rings are often used in wet/dry filters and plastic balls can be added to canister filters. A sponge block or insert can be incorporated into almost any type of filter.

In addition to choosing the right filter media for your tank, you might also want to consider adding an EcoBio-Stone to improve water quality. EcoBio-Stones 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 EcoBio-Stone will work with your aquarium filter to help keep your tank water clean and clear. Another option is to add some EcoBio-Pebbles directly to your filter. If you have a canister filter or an extra compartment in your power filter to add your own filter media, EcoBio-Pebbles are a great option. These pebbles serve the same purpose as EcoBio-Stones, helping to support the nitrogen cycle in your tank.

Fire-Bellied Toads

Fire-bellied toads are a type of amphibian that have become very popular as pets. These toads are known for their bright red and yellow bellies which contrast with the dark green or black skin on the rest of their bodies. Not only are fire-bellied toads an attractive species, but they can also be very amusing as pets. If you are looking for a unique pet to keep in your spare aquarium, consider setting up a habitat for fire-bellied toads.

Tank Set-Up

The fire-bellied toad is capable of reaching a maximum size of around 1.5 to 2 inches and a maximum weight of up to 2 ounces. Though they may be small, these toads require at least 3 gallons of tank space and, if you plan to keep multiple toads, you should keep them in a tank no smaller than 10 gallons in capacity. For the best results, however, you should consider setting up a 15-gallon aquarium for a group of five fire-bellied toads. Keep in mind that fire-bellied toads are semi-aquatic – they require access to both land and water in order to thrive. That being the case, you should arrange your tank in a terrarium-type set-up to provide your toads with both land and water.

To create a semi-aquatic environment for fire-bellied toads, use gravel, rocks and pieces of driftwood to cover about two-thirds of the tank bottom. Fill the rest of the tank to a depth between 3 and 4 inches with fresh tap water and treat it with an aquarium water conditioner to remove the chlorine. To make sure that your toads have easy access to land, try to create a slope that leads down toward the water. Decorate your fire-bellied toad tank with more rocks, driftwood and live plants to recreate the natural environment of your toads as much as possible. You should also be sure to cover your tank with a tight-fitting lid to prevent your toads from escaping and set up an incandescent lamp above the tank to provide heat. You may also want to consider installing a small submersible aquarium heater in your tank to maintain a stable water temperature between 72° and 78°F.

Feeding and General Care

Fire-bellied toads are likely to accept a variety of different foods but the majority of their diet should be made up of live insects. Feed your toads live insects like crickets, moths, wax worms and earthworms. In addition to these live foods, you can supplement the diet of your toads with the occasional minnow or small goldfish. You should also add some commercial toad pellets to your toads’ diet just to make sure they receive adequate nutrition. Feed your toads two or three different types of food every two days. Live insects are likely to burrow into the substrate in your tank so your toads will be able to hunt for them over the course of a few days.

Other Tips and Tricks

The key to keeping your fire-bellied toads healthy is to ensure that their tank environment remains clean. You should be prepared to remove solid waste from the tank at least once a week and you should also perform routine water changes at that time, swapping out 10% to 20% of the tank volume for fresh water. To keep your tank water clean in between water changes, consider installing an EcoBio-Stone. In addition to providing your toads with an additional surface to rest on outside the water, an EcoBio-Stone will also help maintain the nitrogen cycle in your tank. The nitrogen cycle is the process by which beneficial bacteria convert harmful toxins like ammonia into less harmful substances, thus keeping your tank water clean and clear. EcoBio-Stones are infused with this kind of beneficial bacteria and, once you add the stone to your tank, you can just sit back and let the bacteria get to work.

Whether you have a single fish that has grown too large for his tank or a group of fish that has multiplied, exceeding the capabilities of your current tank to support, it may be time to upgrade to a larger tank. While it may sound like a hassle, upgrading to a larger tank can actually be a relatively simple process and it is one that will benefit both you and your fish. If you try to keep a large fish, or a large number of fish in a tank too small, not only will your fish fail to thrive but you will find yourself performing ever more frequent water changes just to keep the water quality in the tank high. If you upgrade to a larger tank, the increased water capacity will provide your fish with the space they need to move and grow and it will also help to dilute toxins, thus reducing the need for frequent water changes.

Things to Consider When Upgrading

When it comes to upgrading your tank, of course, you need to think carefully about what size tank you want to upgrade to. Making the switch from a 20-gallon to a 29-gallon tank may be beneficial for your fish but if you are serious about the aquarium hobby you might want to go even larger – a 40- or 55-gallon tank might be a better choice. Once you have settled on a tank size, you need to take a look at your tank equipment to see whether it needs an upgrade as well. Even if your aquarium heater and filter are still in working order, they may be too small to accommodate your new tank size. Refer to the manual that came with your equipment to see what tank size it is recommended for – if your new tank falls within the recommended range you do not need to purchase new equipment.

Even if your current equipment still works, you might want to think of your tank upgrade as an opportunity to upgrade your aquarium equipment as well. Aquarium supply companies are constantly coming out with new and improved models so you may find that some of the newer aquarium heaters and filters have features that your current models lack. Think about whether these additional features will enhance the quality of your tank environment and if they will make your life easier in regard to maintenance – if both of these things seem to apply, it may be worth it to upgrade your equipment as well. After all, it never hurts to have a back-up filter and an aquarium heater that still works in the event that your new equipment suffers a malfunction.

Tips for Keeping Your New Tank Healthy

Once you have gone through the process of selecting and setting up your new, upgraded aquarium there are a few simple things you can do to keep it running properly. Be sure to keep up with your routine maintenance tasks by performing weekly water changes and by replacing your filter media every three to four weeks. You might also consider installing an EcoBio-Planter in your new tank to help keep the water clean and clear. EcoBio-Planters are made from natural zeolite and crushed stone, formed in the shape of a planter so they will fit seamlessly into your aquarium décor. These planters are infused with beneficial bacteria as well as the nutrients they need to survive. As soon as you add the planter to your tank, those bacteria will immediately begin working to maintain the nitrogen cycle in your tank, thus helping to keep the water clear and odor-free.