Test Kits

Hey everyone! For those of you who want to start up a tank, or already have an existing one, one of the most important things to have is a test kit - especially one that tests for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH. Test kits are essential to the overall health of your fish - if you have a new tank, you'll know when you're tank is done cycling and when you're ready to turn on any UV sterilizers and when to add fish. If you have an established tank, you'll know when you need to add any additives to your tank to keep toxic levels down. The API (Aquarium Pharmaceuticals) Master Test Kits are the best. They are accurate and easy to use, and are worth the cost. The master test kit includes ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, and wide range pH - for only about thirty bucks. Buying each of the test kits individually would cost over fifty bucks. Test kits are a must for any tank, and API test kits are truly the best out there. 

Filter Review

Ever since aquariums became common in homes, people have debated about the right equipment. I've decided to make a review on filters. Filters are essential parts of aquariums, as they break down fish waste and create a healthy aquatic environment for the fish to live in and for us to see. In my opinion, the best filters on the market today are those by either AquaClear or Fluval (canister filters). If you're looking for a filter for an aquarium less than 110 gallons that won't hurt your wallet, choose the AquaClear Power Filters. These feature a three-stage filtration system, including mechanical, chemical, and biological. The AquaClear filters are superior in that they do not use filter cartridges, which need to be replaced every 2-3 weeks. Instead, actual media is used in the filter. The foam blocks trap debris, and provides the mechanical filtration. The foam block only needs to be rinsed every month and replaced every two months. The activated carbon insert removes odors, discolorations, and harmful components in aquarium water, and provides the chemical filtration. The carbon insert is highly concentrated and is several times more effective than traditional cartridges. The carbon insert only needs to be replaced monthly. Lastly, the BioMax insert is made up of ceramic beads that provide a suitable place for beneficial bacteria to grow. These bacteria utilize toxic waste products of fish and break them down into harmless compounds. The BioMax insert needs to be rinsed every month, but only needs replacing every 3 months! The money spent purchasing two month's worth of filter cartridges is equivalent to the amount needed to maintain the AquaClear filter for a year! By making a wise decision, you can help both your fish and your wallet.

SeaChem Prime

For any fish owners out there who want an additive that can take care of chlorine, chloramine, ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites, SeaChem Prime is the way to go. Prime water conditioner is undoubtedly the best on the market, unrivaled by Aqueon, Tetra, or Top Fin. SeaChem Prime also helps build the slime coat of fish, reducing stress and the chance of injuries. My fish were not doing too well in my new tank due to high ammonia levels - "New Tank Syndrome" - but they became much healthier a few days after using SeaChem Prime. So to sum it up, spend the extra money for a better water conditioner, because in the long run, both your fish and your wallet will be thanking you.

Cichlids in Chinatown

So yesterday I went to New York for my orthodontist's appointment and to get a hepatitis shot. We passed by this small aquarium shop with literally hundreds of cichlids, catfish, and other aggressive fish, as well as some small sarassa comet goldfish and Japanese koi. Here are some of the pictures I took. Sorry about the poor quality - my sidekick phone's camera sucks.  

Here are some of the flowerhorns on display. It was pretty hard to get a side profile of these aggressive fish, since they literally attacked the glass when I came near their tanks. 

 

This is the firemouth cichlid tank - some of the most beautiful specimens I've ever seen.

 
And of course, the blood-red parrot cichlids. 

There were a few albino tiger oscars as well.  

 The size of the arowanas located in the shop's window was both awe-inspiring and frightening. I wouldn't want to go for a swim with these bad boys. 

 Catfish!!!