Home Design Tips – Aquariums

It is only natural that, when you are working on improving the design of your living environment, you will take into consideration various aspects. Some people spend a lot of time in choosing the right colour for wall tiles in every room, while others worry about which furniture they like or don’t like. In essence, you should make your home design be your own personal statement. When someone walks in it for the first time, he or she should be able to establish a valid opinion about your personality (and this is something that most people do). So, you should try and personalize your home environment, because you want people to have something nice to say about you, and, above all, you should make sure that you find your home to be pleasurable and relaxing place, since, that way, you improve your overall quality of living. When you do this, you will come to realize that coping with everyday obligations is becoming much easier.

I have been working on my interior design for a long time. I have added loads of ornaments, and I have hung many interesting pictures on my walls. I have painted my rooms the way I like, and I have bought all the necessary furniture and electrical equipment. But, there was still something missing.

I noticed that my apartment was lacking missing a very crucial component. Since, in the 21^st century, everything is oriented around an urban environment, with big apartment buildings and loads of corporate edifices, people have lost one of the most important aspects of human life, which is one’s contact with nature. So, I got myself some interesting plants and I put them all over the house. This helped, but not to an extent that I was hoping for.

Then I started thinking about pets. Now, I am a person that doesn't like a mess, and I want all my things to be at their place. So, if I were to buy a dog, for example, I would not be satisfied. While I was aimlessly walking down the street I saw a store that sells fish and equipment forfish-keeping. I was amazed with what kinds of aquarium designs are present nowadays. They make traditional looking marine aquariums and fish tanks that are in the shape of bowls or cuboids, but they also have rather interesting and modern designs. I have come to realize that, by purchasing an aquarium, you do not only get yourself a piece of the animal kingdom in your home, but you also get a very stylish home decoration. 

I thought that fish-keeping is very difficult, because I thought that you have to do all sorts of maintenance errands, but modern aquariums take care of themselves, more or less. Naturally, you have to do things like changing the water from time to time, and adjusting the water temperature as well as the water chemistry to make sure that your fish feel like they are in their natural environment. This is done to insure that the fish have a normal life span.

So, I purchased a big aquarium that has very impressive looking artificial lighting, and has a number of plants and pebbles inside. I also got numerous types of beautiful-looking fish of various colors and sizes. When I placed the aquarium in my living room, I knew that that the design of my home was complete.

After work, the next day, I got home late. It was a very hard day and I was very tired. When I got in, my new aquarium was lighting up the whole room, and while I was lying down on the sofa to relax a bit, I got the feeling that I was in the bottom of the ocean, enjoying perfect peace and quiet. The feeling was extraordinary.

After some time, I came to realize that people that keep fish are considered to be both sensitive and successful, which is, in my opinion, a good combination. An aquarium contributes to “making a statement” (mentioned in the beginning of this article) in this way.

To sum up, I hope that my experience has helped you in some way. Nevertheless, after reading everything stated above, you can conclude that an aquarium is a good investment. In some cases, it is the final touch that has to be done, in order to make your home look perfect (just like in my experience). So, feel free to ask around, or search the internet, for additional information. I promise you that you will be amazed with some aquarium designs, and you will start planning your budget so that you can get one for your home. By getting in touch with nature, I promise, you will get in touch with yourself. So, get going, and good luck. 

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Keeping Fish for Beginners

If you’re a total beginner when it comes to petting fish, but you've decided to pet some, I’m here to give you some advice about the main things you’ll need. First of all, you have to think over the reasons that made you keep fish. If you think of it as a “job” that doesn't require time and responsibility, then you’re not the one to do the job. Keeping fish surely can be considered the least demanding activity, but still, it requires some attention and commitment. I don’t want to underestimate you by making statements like the one in the previous sentence, but it somehow happens that people forget to do all the petting, although it’s not much, and end up with dead fish floating in their aquariums. I’m sure you wouldn't want that to happen. 

On the other hand, if you’re a person that enjoys colorful images for instance, then you’re the one to keep fish, with just a little effort you’ll have to put in. You may have a chance to possess a living picture that constantly moves and brings relaxation into your life. It really is relaxing and extremely interesting to observe life that goes on right in front of you. It can send you back to the days when you were a kid and evoke some emotions that you had probably forgotten about. In the text that is about to be written, I’ll try to concentrate on how often you’ll have to change the water and feed the fish, choose them, also the choice of light and aquariums, and of course the right temperature of the water and the decoration of the fish’s environment. So, if you’re willing, continue on reading this article, because I’ll be precise and concise in giving advice to you who are beginners.

Aquarium size depends on the number of fish you have, but also on their sensitivity to change of nitrogenous waste and their temperament. It is a lot easier to keep a big aquarium clean, than a small one. The big aquarium is also more flexible when it comes to rapid changes in temperature and water chemistry. Since you’re a beginner, the best option for you when it comes to buying an aquarium is the medium sized one. If you have budget problems, and you’re thinking over a small one with expensive fish, and a medium one with not so fancy fish, you should go for the second option, definitely. As a beginner, you can’t handle these pricy fish because of the lack of experience. 

Changing the water is something you’ll have to do despite all the strong mechanical, chemical and biological filtration existing. Since we constantly bring in a lot of new nutrients by feeding our fish, it’s hard for an aquarium to become a perfectly balanced ecosystem. As a beginner, it’s good for you to choose sturdy beginner species that require changing 30% to 50% of the water once in a week. It might be a little messy at first, but by repeating this action, you’ll learn to do it without making any mess and with a minimal amount of spilled water. If you keep on changing that 50% of the water once in a week, you’ll solve the usual beginner’s problem such as over-feeding the fish. If tap water is the only one you have, you’ll need to first keep it in a bucket for a little while until the chlorine is gone, or use a dechlorinator to do it faster.

Feeding the fish requires a little research done to find out which food a certain specie needs. For common beginner’s species, flake food is a good solution. You can even use your own fruit files. If you keep bottom species, it’s not a good idea to use flake food because it probably won’t even reach the bottom. But, if you get sinking pallets or similar, you’ll cope with the needs of the bottom species. The algae-eaters won’t be pleased only by eating algae, but would like to be provided with some vegetable based foods. It’s better to feed your fish a few times a day rather than only once a day. But make sure to give them only as much as they can consume within 5 minutes. If you’re not around for few days, you won’t have to sip extra food, because there are always some leftovers for your fish. If you give them some extra food, you’ll only end up with fouled water, and that’s something you really don’t need.

The temperature depends on species and their needs. Do a little research about your species, and you’ll find out just the right temperature. Generally, it’s important for the temperature to be stable. Fish love to hide, so make sure you provide them some aquatic plants. Since you’re a beginner, choose adaptable and sturdy fish species, because you’ll handle it easier. Later on, if you improve in fish-keeping  you can have more delicate fish species.

Conclusion

To finish this article, I’ll add that keeping fish is actually really interesting and creative because it’s different from any other pet. If you choose to improve and get skills in fish-keeping  you’ll have a lot of fun and colorful time!

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BiOrb 105L Aquarium

The latest biOrb 105L aquarium was introduced at a prestigious US trade show for the pet industry in Orlando, Florida. Designed by UK-based Reef One, the biOrb 105 gained 2nd place in the Aquatics Best in Show category, voted at Global Pet Expo, the largest show of its kind in America.

Like all other biOrb fish tanks, such as biOrb 30L, biOrb 45L and biOrb 60L, the biOrb 105L aquarium uses special ceramic media to provide biological filtration, which has a surface area equivalent to the size of a football pitch. 

The biOrb 105 follows in the same footsteps as the original biOrbs, special from biOrb life collection, but expands on the size without affecting the style and elegance. This wonderful design together with its low maintenance and strong, safe construction will appeal to all age groups in both private and business sectors. Made from strong, crystal clear acrylic with a capacity of 105 litres of water and weighing 115 kilos when full, it is ideal for most types of fish keeping.

If you are interested for other biOrb life fish tanks check out our product pages:

• BiOrb Life 30L Aquarium
• BiOrb Life 45L Aquarium
• BiOrb Life 60L Aquarium

Enjoy the quality of an intelligently designed aquarium that offers built-in features that are not found elsewhere, and an aquarium that looks great anywhere in the house. Any excess waste is collected and held in a filter cartridge at the base of the biOrb.

The biOrb 105L has an intelligent light which uses long life LEDs to automatically replicate a natural 24 hour light cycle.  The high performance Intelligent LED Light is one of the most advanced lights in the aquarium market. The Intelligent Light replicates natural daylight, with a gradual sunrise and sunset which automatically fades into a blue moonlight after the day time cycle has completed. 

For your peace of mind, the lights and pump are low voltage and are backed by a 12 month guarantee.

The aquarium itself is made from acrylic which is ten times stronger than glass. In fact acrylic which is just over one inch thick is bullet resistant.

Acrylic has a transparency rate of 93% making it the clearest material known. Glass only allows 70% of light to pass through and thick glass always has a green tint.

Acrylic aquariums retain heat nearly twice as well as glass which means they require less power to heat.

You can keep larger species of fish in your biOrb 105 - go tropical or marine - and still enjoy the benefits of an aquarium which is simple to look after.

BiOrb 105L box package contains: biOrb 105 aquarium, 900g of ceramic media, Air stone, Filter Cartridge, Plug top 12v transformer, Low voltage air pump, Water conditioner and beneficial bacteria liquid, Fish food and Instructions.

Dimensions: Height: 24.8 inches (63cm), Width: 24 inches (61cm), Weight (empty): 10, Weight (full): 115 kg, Volume: 105L

Transformer: 12v transformer, 12 month guarantee

12V Intelligent LED light: Low voltage 12V AC Power 50/60 Hz, 3x daylight power LED's (supplied fitted), 1x Moonlight LED (supplied fitted), Built-in automatic electronic timer, Optional day-length modes, Low power consumption, 12 month guarantee

12V Air Pump: Quiet operation, 1.5m air line with 1-way valve, 1m power cable,12 month guarantee

Voltage: 12V AC, Frequency: 50Hz or 60Hz, Safety Standards

The 105 liter fish bowl incorporates a clever and easy to change filtration system that has been designed to provide maximum benefits to both fish and fish keepers. Maintenance is reduced thanks to the easy to change filter cartridge system.  

The biOrb 105L makes maintenance easy, compared to similar sized aquariums this fish tank has the biggest biological filtration system (in fact many aquariums with external filters have less biological filtration). Also the biological filtration in the biOrb 105 remains in the aquarium at all times, ensuring that filtration is not disturbed when maintenance is carried out. The biOrb offers multi-stage filtration, every cartridge contains mechanical filtration, chemical filtration and water optimizers to give your fish the ideal water conditions and keep maintenance lower for you.

If you need additional information check out our web store PondQuip - Aquarium & Pond equipment and supplies. PondQuip are specialists in the fish pond and aquarium field offering a comprehensive range of pond supplies delivered from Newcastle NSW direct to your door anywhere in Australia.

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BiOrb Fish Tanks - BiOrb Life 30L, 45L and 60L

Biorb fish tanks can make your home or office, fully inspired and brightened, by the unique style and creative design of these aquariums. My personal favorite collection is the BiOrb Life, available in three different sizes as square style Life 30L and portrait style Life 45L and Life 60L.

BiOrb Life aquarium collection includes the BiOrb’s advanced filtration system keeping the water clean for long time, providing a healthy habitat for fish.

For your peace of mind, the lights and pump are low voltage and are backed by a 12 month guarantee. The aquarium itself is made from acrylic which is ten times stronger than glass.

Available in three colours White, Black and Red.

BiOrb Life 30L aquarium – aquarium set dimensions:
Height: 16 inches (41cm), Width: 16 inches (40cm), Depth: 9.5 inches (23cm), Weight (Full): 35kg

Biorb Life 30L Black and a new tank-mate

BiOrb Life 45L aquarium – aquarium set dimensions:
Height: 23 inches (58cm) Width: 15 inches (38cm), Depth: 10 inches (26cm), Weight (Full): 50kg

Finn, Halfmoon Betta in Biorb Life 45 with friends 

BiOrb Life 60L aquarium – aquarium set dimensions:

Height: 25 inches (63cm), Width: 16.5 inches (42cm)), Depth: 11 inches (28cm), Weight (Full): 65kg

60L BiOrb Life with Halfmoon Betta and WCCM's 

These fish tanks are suitable as a cold-water aquarium for fantail goldfish, guppies, neon tetras and any other small fish. If you want to keep tropical fish you can simply equipped your fish tank either with the BiOrb heater pack or the BiOrb Intelligent Heater.

For more information check out my Google+ post about BiOrb Life Aquariums or check out our web store PondQuip - Pond Supplies and Equipment.

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