Aquarium and Pond Care with EcoBio-Block

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.

Taking Your Tank with You When You Move

Moving can be a big hassle but, if you make the right preparations, including your fish tank in the move does not need to become an added source of stress. The key to moving a fish tank successfully is to make a plan and then stick to it. If you are moving a relatively short distance, you may even be able to set up your fish tank in the new house before you move so it has time to cycle before you put your fish back in the tank. If this is not possible, however, there are still things you can do to make the move easier on both you and your fish.

Before You Move

If you have the opportunity to visit your new place of residence before you make the move, it would be wise to decide ahead of time where you are going to place your tank. The ideal location for a fish tank is a place where it will be visible and accessible but not in such a high-traffic location that it might be knocked over. Your fish tank should also be kept away from heating and cooling vents and it should not be in direct sunlight or you may experience problems with excessive algae growth. Be sure the new location for your fish tank has easy access to electrical outlets and, if possible, it should be near a sink to make water changes easier.

If you have a quarantine tank set up for your fish, transfer them to the quarantine tank so you can move the main tank and get it set up in your new residence. This will reduce the amount of time your fish spend being displaced between tanks. If you do not have a quarantine tank, you may need to divide your fish up into separate containers. Make sure that each container is large enough to provide your fish with space to move without them becoming stressed. Use water from the main tank to fill these containers and make sure that some kind of filtration system is in place. If you do not have enough filters to put one in each tank, at least use an air stone to facilitate some water movement. You should also keep an eye on the water temperature in the containers and use your aquarium heater to keep the temperature as stable as possible.

Moving Your Fish Tank

The best thing you can do to ensure that your tank gets set-up and cycled quickly after the move is to bring with you as much of the water from the original tank as possible. Siphon the tank water into large buckets and cover them with plastic to prevent evaporation and spillage. You should also transfer the substrate from your main tank, keeping it in a bucket full of water to prevent the beneficial bacteria from drying out and dying during the move. When you reach your new place of residence, fill the tank with the substrate and water you transported and get all of your equipment set up. Add more water to the tank, if necessary, and treat it with a dechlorinating solution. Check your filter and heater to be sure they are functioning properly, then run a water test to check the parameters in the tank. Test your tank water at least once a day over the next few days. As the tank cycles, the ammonia and nitrite readings should drop toward 0 and you should get a nitrate reading on the test. Once this happens, you can safely add your fish back into the tank.

To ensure that you are adding your fish back into an environment that is as safe and healthy as possible, consider adding an EcoBio-Stone to your tank or some EcoBio-Pebbles to your filter when you are setting up your tank after the move. EcoBio products are made from natural, porous volcanic rock and  cement and they are infused with the beneficial bacteria your tank needs to cycle quickly and to maintain stable water parameters. Adding an EcoBio-Stone to your tank after moving will help re-establish a colony of beneficial bacteria that will maintain the nitrogen cycle, keeping your tank water clean and clear for your aquarium fish.

Natural Habitat Beauty

Many aquarium hobbyists advocate for establishing a “natural” appearance in home tanks. It is commonly believed that the more closely you can mimic the natural environment of your fish, the happier and healthier they will be. While things such as diet and water parameters play a large role in mimicking the natural environment of fish, tank decoration is important as well. In the wild, fish use their environment to build nests for spawning, to hide from predators and to engage in social activity with other fish. It makes sense, then, that re-creating the natural habitat of the species in your tank would help them to feel at home.

Tips for Natural Décor

If you plan to create a natural décor scheme in your aquarium, the substrate is the best place you can start. Many aquarium hobbyists assume that gravel substrate is adequate for any freshwater tank set-up and, while this may be true, gravel is not necessarily the ideal substrate for every species. Corydoras catfish, for example, should not be kept in tanks with rough substrate like gravel because it could damage their sensitive barbels. Some species of loach prefer sandy substrate that allows them to burrow and some cichlids sift through sandy substrate in search of food. To determine which type of substrate would be best for your tank, research the natural habitats of your tank inhabitants and use that information to make your decision.

When researching the natural habitats of your tank inhabitants, be sure to note the aquatic conditions each species prefers. Some fish come from swamp-like habitats and thus may prefer a densely planted tank. Other fish may come from an environment that has limited aquatic vegetation but has many large rocks or pieces of driftwood to provide hiding places. Understanding the natural habitat of your fish will help you to recreate that environment in your home tank and it will make your fish feel more comfortable in the long run.

Utilizing a Natural Décor Scheme

Once you have gathered the elements for your natural décor scheme you need to determine the ideal way to arrange them. The key to keeping your tank looking natural is to avoid organizing it too much. Let your substrate fall naturally, creating dips and slopes in the tank rather than being completely level. When adding live plants to your tank, try to use several different species and intersperse them rather than clumping all of one species together in the tank. Layer your live plants as well, placing the taller plants near the back of the tank and the shorter ones up front. Try to keep your decorations proportional to the size of your tank – when using rocks or driftwood, choose one main object to be the centerpiece of the tank and use several smaller objects as accents. Root some extra live plants in and around your other pieces of tank décor to keep up with the natural feel.

To keep your tank looking natural while also enhancing the water quality in your tank, consider adding an EcoBio-Planter. EcoBio-Planters are made from natural zeolite and crushed stone so they will blend perfectly with your natural décor scheme. In addition to providing you with a natural-looking planter for rooting live plants, EcoBio-Planters are also infused with beneficial bacteria that will help maintain the nitrogen cycle in your tank. Once introduced into your tank, these bacteria will multiply and begin working to keep your tank water clean and clear. In conjunction with a natural décor scheme, EcoBio-Planters can help you give your fish a healthy environment that mimics their natural habitat.

When it comes to aquarium lighting you have a wide variety of options to choose from. You may be tempted to think that one light bulb is the same as any other, but the truth is that selecting a lighting system for your aquarium is not a decision that should be taken lightly. The type of lighting you use in your tank and the size of the bulb could make a difference not only in how your aquarium looks but how it functions as well.

Purpose of Aquarium Lighting

The difference between your aquarium looking dull and lifeless or vibrant and colorful can sometimes be achieved through a simple change like installing a high quality lighting system. Aquarium lighting serves to illuminate your tank as well as your tank inhabitants, making them stand out and enhancing their natural colors. While the aesthetic function of aquarium lighting is not to be overlooked, aquarium lighting serves a practical purpose as well. Photosynthetic organisms like plants require light as an energy source in order to grow and function. Without proper lighting, your tank could not only look dull but your plants and other tank inhabitants could be negatively affected.

Types of Lighting

The most basic type of aquarium lighting is the standard fluorescent bulb. These lights are easy to use and come in a variety of sizes suitable for virtually any tank. One step up from the standard fluorescent bulb is the compact fluorescent. These bulbs are smaller and more powerful than standard fluorescent bulbs but they are still energy efficient and affordable. If compact fluorescent lights are not powerful enough, consider a T-5 HO or VHO lighting system. Both of these systems utilize fluorescent bulbs and both produce light of a much higher intensity than standard fluorescent bulbs.

T-5 HO, or T-5 High Output, bulbs are typically about 5/8” in diameter and are highly recommended for planted tanks. VHO, or Very High Output, lighting produces light up to three times more intense than standard fluorescent bulbs and they are available in a wide range of sizes. The main difference between these bulbs is that VHO bulbs run very hot and may require a chiller or auxiliary fan while T-5 HO lights do not. The most advanced type of aquarium lighting available is metal halide lighting. These bulbs produce wide-spectrum light and come in sizes up to 1000 watts. One more type of lighting that is still a fairly recent addition to the aquarium hobby is LED, or Light Emitting Diode, lighting. This type of lighting utilizes miniature bulbs that put out light from the blue and white end of the spectrum which creates a shimmering effect in the aquarium. Many LED lighting systems also incorporate lunar lighting, a type of lighting designed to mimic natural moonlight ideal for nocturnal species of fish and invertebrates.

Tips for Aquarium Lighting

When selecting an aquarium lighting system for your tank you need to choose not only the right type of lighting but the right wattage as well. Tanks housing fish only require no more than 1 or 2 watts of light per gallon while planted tanks need between 2 and 5 watts per gallon. To find out how many watts per gallon any given bulb will provide, simply divide the total wattage by the tank volume. You should also keep in mind that some lighting systems are better for planted tanks than others. Most fluorescent bulbs – including compact fluorescents, T-5 HO and VHO bulbs – are sufficient for planted tanks. If you have a very large or deep tank, however, or a densely planted tank, a metal halide lighting system may be the best choice for you.

While aquarium lighting is very important, it is only one aspect of maintaining a healthy aquarium. Keeping the water quality in your tank high and performing regular water changes are also necessary to keep your tank running smoothly. In order to make your job easier, consider installing an EcoBio-Stone in your aquarium. EcoBio-Stones are made from porous volcanic cement that has been infused with beneficial bacteria. Once released in your tank, these bacteria will work to maintain the nitrogen cycle, helping to keep your tank water clean and clear. These bacteria will also help to keep the phosphate levels in your tank stable by breaking down accumulated waste. If the phosphate levels in your tank spike and you are using a high-intensity lighting system, you could experience a sudden increase in algae growth which could affect your water quality.