Aquarium Fish Foods

Choosing the right aquarium fish food is a key element in maintaining happy and healthy tropical fish. With the variety of aquarium fish foods available this is often a daunting and complicated task. Here are some factors to keep in mind when deciding on what types of tropical fish foods to purchase.

Ultraviolet Sterilizers

Ultraviolet [UV] Sterilizers are useful in helping to control bacteria, algae, and parasites in both aquariums and ponds. They use a special fluorescent lamp that emits light in the UV wavelength and as aquarium or pond water is pumped through the UV housing it is exposed to this UV light. The DNA of any free-floating micro-organisms (bacteria, algae, and parasites) that are passed by the UV light is altered by the light and they are no longer able to multiply.

Solid Carbon Dosing - Bio-Pellets vs Bio-Cubes

More and more people are beginning to use carbon dosing to reduce nitrate and phosphate in both freshwater and marine aquariums. Carbon dosing involves adding an organic source of carbon to encourage the growth of bacteria that consumes nitrate and phosphate along with the carbon source.

The benefits of reducing nitrate and phosphate includes the reduction or elimination of nuisance algae, better coral growth, more vibrant colours and with the increased population of bacterioplankton, it can also provide a food source for many corals and invertebrates.

While there are liquid forms of carbon dosing, solid carbon dosing has gained a reputation for being the easiest method to use. Popular Solid Carbon Dosing products include NPX bio-pellets and Nitra-Guard bio-cubes.

Bio-pellets have been around the longest and therefore tend to be the most popular. They are designed to be placed in a chemical reactor so they can be tumbled vigorously. This is achieved using a power head or water pump. The flow rate will require some adjustment as the bacteria accumulates in the reactor and as the pellets are consumed. As a result the reactor tends to require regular attention.

The Nitra-Guard Bio-cubes are more effective and offer a simpler approach. They are designed to be added to a filter media bag with air bubbled through an air stone located at the bottom of the media bag. The air is provided by a small air pump and the bag can be simply placed in your sump. They are perfect for those who don't want the hassle of dealing with a chemical reactor.

While both products work well, for those who are new to Solid Carbon dosing, we recommend using the Nitra-Guard Bio-cubes because of their ease of use.

Filter Socks

Filter Socks are generally used on overflows to remove small suspended particles from your aquarium or pond water. They are an excellent form of mechanical filtration which can help to reduce ammonia, nitrite and nitrate by trapping particulate matter such as excess food, detritus, floating algae, dust etc. Removing this particulate matter will result in crystal clear water and reduce the time required to maintain filters and other equipment. Filter socks can also prevent larger objects such as sand, gravel, crabs, snails etc from damaging pumps and other aquarium and pond equipment. They can also be used to remove micro bubbles, reduce splashing and eliminate the resulting salt creep.

Filter socks come in different physical sizes, usually in a 4" or 7" diameter with either a plastic ring or draw string to attach them to your overflow or sump plumbing. They are either made from mesh or felt material and are available in different micron sizes.

Beside the physical size, here are some things to consider when deciding which filter socks to use.

• Micron Size: The lower the micron rating the smaller the particle size that can be trapped.
• Mesh: A thinner material that doesn't clog as easily and washes up better.
• Felt: A thicker material that is better at removing particles, but can clog faster and is harder to clean.
• Plastic Ring: Used to install the filter sock in most common sump holders.
• Draw String: Used to attach the filter sock directly to your plumbing.