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New Aquarium Keeping ArticlesThe Causes of Algae and its Prevention and Remedy Filtration in the Planted Aquarium
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Welcome to Aquarium Fish Keeping
Newest Aquarium Keeping ArticleA cichlid is a fish of the family cichlidae. Cichlids can be found all over the world. In Africa they typically reside in the lakes Victoria, Malawi, Tanganika, and in these lakes' satalite bodies of water. Also cichlids can be found in South America, Madagascar, India, and even a few varieties in North America.
Cichlids are great fish to own, but a common problem in keeping them is their not so small sizes (With the exception of dwarf cichlids). South American cichlids are at all extremes of the size scale. There are first the extra large cichlids like Oscars and Discus that can average from 8 - 12 in. from nose to tail. Then there are middle fish ranging from 3-7 in. And last there are the dwarf cichlids. Named after their unusually small size, dwarf cichlids reach 1- 2.5 in. African cichlids seem to average to about 5-7 in. long, but there are some very large fish in that group as well. As you can see cichlids are large fish, not at all like keeping little bitty guppies or tetras, and for some aquarists their size can be a problem. Even though they can be big, they really are great fish to keep in an aquarium.
Newest DIY Aquarium IdeaPainting the Background of Your Aquarium Painting the background of your fish tank is a great alternative to those wallpaper type backgrounds that you tape on. It is nearly impossible to keep those ready made backgrounds looking nice, but a painted background is maintenance free. Sometimes you can even paint the sides of the fish tank. This is a very effective way to keep sunlight out of your aquarium, which cuts down on algae growth on the glass.
The easiest way to paint your fish tank background is to simply spraypaint it. To do this the fish tank must be empty, and outside of your house. First mask off anywhere you don't want to get paint. I like to use 1" blue painters tape and newspaper. Remember to cover the top of the aquarium as well. I use the cheapest flat black spraypaint they sell at home depot. You could also try blue or green. I have even seen someone have blue at the top which then faded into black on the bottom of the fish tank. The key to getting a good outcome with spraypaint is to use many light coats of paint.
Just when you think you have an even coat over the whole aquarium put a flashlight inside it pointing out towards you. This will show you anywhere that the paint is not thick enough. Continue adding light coats of paint focusing on these areas until you can't see any light from the flashlight coming through the paint.
I used two cans of spray paint to paint my 15 gallon aquarium, and I did the sides and back. Overall I am very pleased, and from now on all of my fish tanks will have a painted background.
| New Aquarium Fish Info SheetsMarble Hatchetfish(Carnegiella strigata) Auratus(Melanochromis Auratus) Electric Yellow Cichlid(Labidochromis caeruleus) Firemouth Meeki(Thorichthys meeki) Blue Kenyi(Pseudotropheus lombardoi)
New Plant Information SheetsAlternanthera reineckii "Pink roseafolia" Alternanthera reineckii "Lilacina"
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The most popular kinds of cichlids that are found in the hobby are those from the African rift lakes ( Victoria, Malawi & Tanganika) and then those from South America. Cichlids come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the most striking thing about them (especially the Africans) is their wonderfully brilliant colors. They have been refered to as freshwater reef fish, their colors are so bright. The second thing that cichlids are most widely known for, is their amazing and sometimes peculiar behavior. They are facinating fish to watch. Each species has its own mating rituals, and almost all species of cichlids show characteristic territorial behavior.