Special Sub-Topic: General Aquaria Authored by: Bluetooth Sub-topic of: Homes & Gardens

When a fish is introduced into a new aquarium, a natural process begins. Which process is this?

Nitrogen cycle. The nitrogen cycle is a process where bacteria grow to break down ammonia into nitrite, nitrate, and eventually nitrogen gas. Thus this process begins as soon as ammonia is introduced into the aquarium. Today, the majority of aquarists consider fishless-cycling the best way to go since none of the fish have so suffer from ammonia or nitrite poisoning.

A harmful additive found in almost all municipal water supplies.

Chlorine. Chlorine and chloromines are very common in tap water and are best treated with a water conditioner designed for aquarists.

A tube found in some male fish which is used to transfer sperm to the female.

Gonopodium. Livebearers commonly use this.

What does pH stand for?

Power of Hydrogen. Comes from the French 'pouvoir hydrogen,' and is the measurment of hydrogen ions. Ph is measured on a scale from 0 to 14, where 7.0 is neutral. Anything less that 7 is acidic, anything more that 7 is alkaline.

These fish love building nests!

Dwarf Gourami. Dwarf Gouramis are bubble-nest builders. They do this by producing a mound of bubbles at the surface of the {water;} During spawning, the male will even catch the eggs before they hit the bottom and spit them into the nest.

This source of live food is best suited for newly hatched fry.

Brine Shrimp. Brine Shrimp (Artemia spp.)live in salt marshes and are very popular since they are easily hatched at home. Brine shrimp have the remarkable ability to cope with periods of drought by dehydrating their eggs so they can hatch years later once the rain comes.

An aquarium is best oxygenated by

surface water movement. Many aquarists still think that bubbles from oxygen aerators oxygenate the water. However, instead of oxygenating the water, these bubbles help circulate the water past the surface where carbon dioxide is exchanged for oxygen. Surface water movement oxygenates the water much more effectively.

Which of the following is NOT a good way to euthanize a fish?

Flush it down the toilet. Unfortunately, many still flush fish down the toilet. Many fish go through a long and painful death once they reach septic tanks or are evetually subjected to chemicals.

What is generally the best type of lighting for aquarium plants?

Full-spectrum. Full spectrum lighting contain a range of colors of both the invisible and visible spectrum. They will give off what appears to be white light, but may emit certain wavelengths more intensly than others.

Which of the following fish are NOT suitable for a tropical aquarium?

Goldfish. Goldfish are cold water fish and are not suited for life in a warm environment. They are also slow moving, long-finned and are thus proned to getting harrassed by other tankmates.