Indian Almond Leaves (also known as Catappa or Ketapang leaves) have been used for both therapeutic and medicinal purposes in the aquarium hobby for many years. They are said to simulate the natural environment for fish such as Bettas, Killies, Discus, Arowana, Tetras, Appistogramma, Dwarf Cichlids, Rasbora, Corydoras and other Catfish, and Shrimp. They also…
Oyster shell is primarily calcium carbonate. It’s often crushed for use in bird food & chicken feed as calcium-rich grit. It aids digestion and contributes to egg health. Crushed oyster shell is also used in aquariums to stabilize and increase pH. This environmentally friendly, natural solution puts to good use what would otherwise be a…
The first argument we hear against making our own fish food is surely perpetuated by the pet food industry – what if we don’t provide everything the fish requires? Considering most commercial food has the naturally-sourced vitamins heat processed out of them and flakes lose crucial vitamin supplements within 30 seconds of hitting the water…
There are several types of “Apple Snails” available for aquariums. P. diffusa (formerly P. bridgesii) Apple Snails are popular among natural, planted aquarium enthusiasts because they don’t eat healthy plant tissue and are good janitors. Their gorgeous shell shades of gold, pink, purple, ivory and tan make them even more appealing.
Homemade gelatin food allows us to easily mix a variety of nutrients, supplements or medication together. The following recipe is specific to fish, shrimp & snails, but may be adapted for any animal. Choose ingredients that most benefit the animal being fed and simulate the wild diet when possible.
By Jacques Bouchard For a beginning aquarist, choosing the right gravel (substrate) for your tank can seem as simple as choosing your favorite color and running with it. And while the “curb appeal” of an aquarium — its gravel and decorations — are definitely a major part of the hobby’s appeal, there’s a lot your…
Krill is available in several forms for our pets, including frozen, various grades of meal, whole freeze-dried, flaked/ground freeze-dried and oil extracts. These can be used as ingredients in homemade pet food and treats recipes, or mixed with commercial food as a supplement. It is most commonly used as a natural pet supplement for dogs,…
Most pet fish can handle temperature spikes just like they would in the wild. Even cold water fish (like Goldfish) can cope with elevated temperatures temporarily. Other fish are more sensitive to change and require temperature stability, such as many marine fish and some fresh water Goodeid species.
Providing a natural habitat for your fish starts with a suitable aquarium. The suitability of your aquarium relies on several factors related to the size and dimensions, both of the fish tank and the fish itself. Many fish-keepers figure that out and attempt to research the topic, only to find conflicting advice and myths.
The fancy fins of domestic fish strains get more elaborate all the time. Bettas, Guppies (and other fancy Livebearers like Hifin & Sailfin Swordtails, Hifin Platies and Sailfin Mollies), fancy Goldfish, Hifin Corydoras, Long-fin Cichlids, Long-fin Plecos, and more fancy fin fish strains can all benefit from extra nutrition focused on fin development and support….
