Most Important Tip

I am often asked by new hobbyists at ABC Aquarium the same one question. For the longest time I avoided a direct answer fearing coming off vague. But now I feel maybe there is the all in one answer to most aquarium related problems new hobbyists may run into.

Q. What is the one most important tip for a new aquarium owner? A. - Waste Management.

This fits both fresh and saltwater tanks and can lead to understanding most issues new hobbyists face. Its a trick answer. Because in a closed ecosystem such as a fish tank everything is linked together, WM can apply to many things. Not just "CLEANING." We are talking about understand the Nitrogen Cycle, proper fish stocking and introduction, feeding, filtration and other equipment, chemical dosing, algae control, live plant and coral health, coral color, fish growth and yes even water changes and aquarium cleaning. 

I guess the main lesson is not to generalize things too much. Making everything seem and sound simple may lead to misunderstandings. So the best advice is learn everything about your aquarium and proper maintenance or allow us to help you maintain your tank.

Summer Ending Soon.

Now that summer is on its way out, most of us are thinking back at all the fun we had. Pool parties, cookouts and vacation trips. We are almost glad to soon be able to shut down the air conditioner and toss away the unsupportive flip flops. We also begin to think about that thick crop of algae in the aquarium and the fish that were riding out the summer storm of being forgotten and only fed flake food. 

Yes, most hobbyists have lives that include summer fun. Our upstate NY climate allows us to have limited fun outside in the garden or by the pool. We take advantage of that limited time as best we can and sometimes leave our tanks on autopilot.

Any time we are dealing with a slightly neglected aquarium, we notice an increase in nutrients and decrease in ph. Relying on filtration and bacteria alone for some time will drive the algae growth and buildup of detritus.

So what do we do now? Well, take it slow. Begin by starting routine, small water changes and equipment service. Scrape off that algae. Beef up the chemical filtration with some quality carbon and phosphate (po4) filter media. And most of all give your fish some attention. Those poor fish have been staring at an empty room all summer, while you were out having fun. 

In case your aquarium did not weather that summer storm well or your fun is not yet over, be sure to give us a shout. ABC Aquarium will give you a helping hand in fixing up the tank. The best kept summer aquarium secret to having a clean and healthy tank is to have us take care of it for you.

ABC Aquarium takes care of many nice tanks in the Rochester, NY area. Although most of our cleaning service tanks are year round, we do have many summer travelers and summer work professionals asking us to take over for few months.

  

So until next time, enjoy your tank and love your fish!

Aquascaping Part 2

 Like with any type of art, the artist must be able to envision the complete composition before starting it. The plan for the layout doesn't always have to be very concrete, however a fundamental design idea needs to happen before the tank is put together.
 So what are some ways we can get an idea? First would have to be looking at other aquariums or photos. To copy a composition is simply the first step with any form of art. There are many professional aquarist who have shown and published their work, who will give a novice aquascaper more than enough material to copy.
 Creating an original is not so hard either. Once we establish the theme and layout its just the matter of trying different plants and materials in different places. It sometimes could mean spending some time on each rock or piece of wood. Turning it and trying it in the layout.
 At this time knowledge of plant or coral growth is very important. The hobbyist must be able to envision how the specific type of plant will grow to fill in the space. With corals in reef aquariums it is even more important as they grow much slower and require specific lighting and water movement conditions on top of the esthetics.
 

Artistic AquaScaping

 The word art is defined as a product or process of deliberately arranging items in a way that influences and affects one or more of the senses, emotions and intellect. I believe aquariums are just that, and more perhaps. Aquarium hobby has many rewards but non are more enjoyable and relaxing than sitting back and taking in the view.

 Aquascaping is arranging aquarium materials (substrate, rocks, driftwood, background and even livestock) in a way that makes the entire composition pleasing to the eye. Artistic aquariums are often done in a natural flavor with natural materials. Purple gravel and bubble burping treasure chests are normally avoided. Although shipwrecks and even antique whiskey bottles have been used in creative ways.
 As in any type of art, beauty is in the eye of beholder and there are no wrong ways to create something you enjoy. The main thing is to have an idea of what the composition should look like before scaping the  tank. Picking a theme is a great idea, like a valley before a mountain, or the fringing reef before the shore line.
 In Japanese freshwater planted aquariums hobbyists often emulate a terrestrial scape with very small and colorless fish to resemble birds in the sky and hint to the viewer that this an aquatic environment. They subscribe to the less is more theory with immaculate attention to detail. European styles on the other hand often show a thick jungle look with diversity and complexity that looks best from across the room. Biotope aquascapes are the most natural and are become increasing popular. In a biotope aquarium, the hobbyist will pick a specific location and environment and create a tank with materials and livestock that are found to coexist together in nature. Whether its a southeast Asian stream, Malawi lake in Africa or the Philippine reef the attention here is mainly on the fish, corals and plants all of which have to be picked out and planned very carefully.
 I often meet people who put a great deal of thought into the fish they like and strive to keep in their home aquariums. Folks who are very much in tune with their aquarium inhabitant's needs, yet never really focus on how the tank looks. Perhaps it is every fish keeper's prerogative to do what they choose, but I think a natural and creative aquarium layout will enhance the beauty of not just the fish in the tank but also the entire room the aquarium is in.

In the next write-up I will describe some techniques and show examples of artistically done aquariums.

Oranda Gold Fish at ABC Aquarium, Rochester NY

At ABC Aquarium Oranda Gold Fish

Stop by at our new location for all your Freshwater and Marine Aquarium needs. 84 High St. Fairport, NY 14450 www.abcpetcity.com www.rochesteraquarium.com

ABC Aquarium Services

Allow us to create a beautiful underwater environment in your home or office. We take the hassle and headache out of owning an aquarium and leave you with just the best part, enjoying the beauty. We specialize in Freshwater and Marine Aquariums, as well as indoor ponds. New installations or maintenance on existing tanks. Purchase or Lease options available. We have a wide selection of factory manufactured aquariums, aquarium furniture and equipment available to us. As well as custom fabricated aquariums, cabinetry and equipment. Our other Aquarium Services: - Aquarium Set-up - Aquarium System design - Custom filtration fabrication - Aquarium Moving - Aquarium Consultations - Aquarium Education Classes. If you would like to add a little color to your space, give us a call. Estimates are Free! www.rochesteraquarium.com www.abcpetcity.com

Phone: 585-388-7988

Adress: 84 High St. Fairport, NY 14450

Hours of Operation:

Monday 12pm - 7pm

Tuesday 12pm - 7pm

Wensday 10am - 7pm

Thursday 10am - 7pm

Friday 10am - 7pm

Saturday 10am - 5pm

Sunday 12pm - 5pm

Email: RochesterAquarium@gmail.com