Aquarium Dimensions

All About Aquariums

Small Lizard Pets

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Lizards are often first pet reptiles for a lot of folks. They are the closest reptile that resembles a dinosaur and does not carry the innate fear which snakes bring to some people. There are plenty of lizards that can make a wonderful pet. Small lizard pets can make great display animals and depending on their species, they have fairly basic care requirements. With a lot of options available, it is essential to select the lizard species wisely as choosing the right pet lizard will ensure that you and your pet are happy and satisfied for many years to come.

Here is a list of small lizard pets that can make a great new addition to any family.

Leopard Gecko

Leopard Gecko is one of the most popular reptile pets kept in captivity today. These are small lizards with simple care requirements. They come in a variety of pretty colors and are usually docile animals that can be tamed easily. Due to their nocturnal nature, no special lighting is required for them. Moreover, their diet is fairly simple with the babies requiring to be fed daily and adults every alternate day. They can be left alone for a few days without any issue. Leopard Gecko is a hardy, long-lived creature that can be a great first-time reptile pet. Their lifespan is 15-20 years, ranging in size from 7-10 inches. Depending on the morph, Leopard Geckos range in color from oranges and bright yellows to white and pale lavender. Furthermore, they can be easily kept in a 10 or 20-gallon tank with the only special care need for controlled heating. They are less prone to caudal autonomy. These easy to find and inexpensive small lizard pets are space-efficient with the only downfall of requiring constant feeding stock of crickets, waxworms, and mealworms because they are insectivorous.

Crested Gecko

Crested Geckos are also one of the great choices for small lizard pets. They reach in size from 4-8 inches in length, with males being a bit larger. They are found in South Pacific Regions like New Caledonia. They are also known as eyelash geckos for their frill like eye-lash projections that cover their eyes. They require a tall aquarium with branches to climb along with numerous hiding places. They come in a variety of colors and patterns ranging from spots to stripes to everything in between. Furthermore, they can be kept at room temperature but the cage should be misted to keep humidity above 50 %. They can tolerate mild temperature fluctuations. Crested Geckos are pretty much nectar eaters but you can also feed them crickets that are dusted with a vitamin or mineral supplement. Because of their love for climbing, they require 20-gallon tall enclosure along with a screen top. These geckos can be tamed and handled easily but are smaller and more delicate than the large-sized lizards. They are prone to caudal autonomy and can lose their tails accidentally which will not harm them but will not regrow.

Green Anole

Green Anole also known as American chameleon or Carolina anole are small and quick lizards that make good pets because they can change colors and are interesting. They can grow up to 8 inches long. They like to live in tropical habitats and boast a colorful neck pouch. They can change colors depending on stress, temperature, and other behavioral and environmental factors, from brown to different shades of green. Green Anoles need 12-14 hours of light along with a source of UVB light so they can be kept in an aquarium with a temperature range of 77-86 degrees Fahrenheit with enclosure misted 2-3 times a day. Sticks and branches should be included in the aquarium. Their diet is straightforward. Anoles eat insects and feed well on small cockroaches, crickets, flies, fruitflies, waxworms, and other small insects. Green Anoles are prone to caudal autonomy and use it as a defense mechanism by dropping their tails to distract the predator when they feel threatened. They are affordable and readily available small lizard pets that can thrive in relatively smaller habitats.

Uromastyx

Uromastyx are also called spiny- tailed lizards or simply uros, range in size from 10 inches to 3 feet. Most of them live in dry and hot environments which is easier to create than tropical, moist environments at least for North Americans. Uromastyx are good pets that come in a variety of colors. The genus has 16 varied species of spiny tailed lizards which offers you plenty of diversity in appearance and range. Furthermore, they are omnivore which means that they can eat both insects and plants/ vegetables.

Bearded Dragon

Bearded dragons also called beardies are a good option as a pet lizard. Their relatively small size, docile nature, and straightforward care needs make them great display animals. They are active during the day and have a trusting, laid back behavior which makes them ideal for those who are hesitant or afraid of lizards and snakes. Beardies have a lifespan of 8-10 years and range in size from 14-24 inches. They can be kept conveniently in a 40-gallon sized tank. They require special UVB light source and controlled heating. Bearded dragons are inexpensive, easy to find and omnivorous by nature requiring both insects and vegetables/plants for diet.

Red Ackie

Red Ackie also is known as the spiny-tailed lizard and ridge-tailed lizard is a small lizard that is a true dwarf and an ideal captive with straightforward requirements and care. It is beautifully colored with a resemblance to little dragons. They can be fun to watch and take care of. Red Ackies usually tame very well and can be held easily daily. They can be fed every alternate day and accept a variety of foods such as pinky mice and crickets. Their life span is over ten years and range in size from 16-26 inches. These relatively small, gentle, hardy creatures can be kept in a 55-gallon tank conveniently. Moreover, Ackies require UVB light source and controlled heating. Their only downfall is that they can be a little expensive than the other small pet lizards and difficult to find at times.

Blue-tongued Skinks

Blue-tongued Skinks are common among the many species of Blue lizards. They range in size from 18-24 inches in length and make great pets because they are intelligent, tolerate handling, and can live longer for up to 30 years in captivity which is greater than many lizards. Skinks are docile and need a complete spectrum of lighting and lamps. They are omnivores which means they can be fed blue-tongued skink worms, insects and vegetables. It is a great option for those of you who are interested in handling their new reptile pets, as they are laid back and exhibit defensive behaviors rarely. Their only disadvantage is that they tend to defecate more often.

Jellyfish Fish Tanks

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Jellyfish are one of the admired pets for fish tanks. Their soothing motion and enchanting forms make them a living form of art. They have been living in our oceans and seas for almost 500 million years. A deadly sting that could kill a human was their only claim to fame until now. But now, we all know that not all Jellyfish species are harmful and the curiosity for these creatures has been on the rise constantly. You can place these exotic fish with the right set up anywhere you want even in your desktop aquarium. They are delicate organisms that need a specific tank environment for thriving. 

The first tanks to house Jellyfish were large, expensive and complicated. But today, technology has come leaps and bounds, and Jellyfish tanks are simpler, aesthetically pleasing and inexpensive. 

How are Jellyfish housed?

There is a large variety of desktop-sized Jellyfish tanks available in the market. They are kept in a special display fish tank that is just like your average fish tank. Their capacity range from 2-20 gallons but there are few in the range of 40 gallons that are ready-made. Fish tanks that require larger than 40 gallons capacity are often custom made. These fish tanks specifically have rounded corners to prevent the structures from getting trapped or stuck in it.

To keep the Jellyfish afloat, the tanks need to maintain a constant flow of water that mimics ocean currents. Generally, these tanks contain a spray bar that allows a gentle sheet of flow. Without this, your aquatic friend will find it impossible to swim in the tank and would flop to its bottom. Pumps and filtration systems are behind the screen to prevent the Jellyfish from being sucked in. As they are transparent creatures, these fish tanks are lined LED lights that produce a colored hue to them. 

This Lightahead Original LED Jellyfish Lamp is a tranquil and provides a beautiful deep-sea environment with colorful LED lighting to your room. You can watch a beautiful ambiance created by Jellyfish as they swim quietly and it works great as a children’s night light as well. 

Once the fish tank is set up, its maintenance is quite easy. Besides daily feeding, you should clean the tank and change 10% of the water once a week. An intense cleaning should be done every 6 months which includes rinsing the internal filter sponge.

How many fish can be kept in a single aquarium?

Moon Jellyfish are age-old classic among all the species that are kept as pets. Provided that they are properly taken care of, their lifespan is usually a couple of years. Flame Jellyfish and Lagoon Jellyfish are also popular among home aquarists. Generally, in a 6 gallon fish tank, you can keep three to four 2 inches Moon Jellyfish. In a 20 gallon fish tank, ten to twelve 2 inches Jellyfish can be kept. However, longer tentacles Jellyfish like Atlantic Sea Nettles are required to be captivated in smaller numbers to avoid tangling.

Jellyfish are breathtakingly attractive creatures and keeping them as a pet in a fish tank can add a touch of class in any humble abode.

10 Best Aquarium Canister Filters

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Aquarium canister filters are an alternative option for fish tanks. They are placed outside the tank instead of inside it. It makes it easy to install and maintain them. Aquarium canister filters can be hidden from plain sight and don’t spoil the look of your fish tank. They are safer for aquatic life as the filter is outside the aquarium. There is a wide range of canister filters available in the market. If you are searching for the ten best aquarium canister filters, then here are a few handpicked best options for you.

1. EHEIM Classic External Canister Filter with Media

EHEIM Classic External Canister Filter is a good choice among the ten best aquarium canister filters.  It comes with loose filter media and filter sponges for keeping your aquarium clean. The pump head has a sealing ring made of perma-elastic silicone that allows you to open and close it easily. The package comes with all the required installation accessories including a spray bar, inlet pipe, valves, and hose. EHEIM Classic External Canister Filter is available in three different variants that have a flow rate of 40, 66, and 92 gallons, respectively.

2. Fluval External Filter 206

Fluval External Filter 206 is a great option for the buyers searching for the ten best aquarium canister filters. It is a multistage filter that comes with biological, chemical, and mechanical filtering media. There are multiple removable baskets for easily replacing the filtering media. It has a clog-proof intake strainer and a dual-layer foam screen to aid with the filtration process. Fluval 206 canister filter is ideal for aquariums with a capacity of up to 45 gallons. It features a sound-dampening impeller that minimizes noise produced when it is in operation. Its Aqua-Stop valves make it easy to connect and disconnect hoses. Fluval 06 series canister filters are available for 25, 75, and 100-gallon aquariums as well.

3. Hydor Professional External Canister Filter 350

Hydor Professional 350 is one of the ten best aquarium canister filters that will suit large fish tanks. It has been designed for aquariums with a capacity ranging from 60 to 100 gallons. The device uses biological, mechanical, and chemical filtration to keep the water clean. It has a filtering rate of 280 gallons per hour which is adequate to keep the fishes in large aquariums healthy. Hydor Professional 350 canister filter is easy to prime and has telescopic intake tubes for easy connection/disconnection. It is available in other variants as well that will be ideal for aquariums ranging from 20 to 150 gallons.

4. Aqueon QuietFlow Canister Filter

Aqueon QuietFlow is an excellent offering for the customers seeking the ten best aquarium canister filters. It has multiple media baskets for easy replacement of the filtration media. It comes prepopulated with carbon, coarse foam, bio balls, and bio-ceramic rings, and you can use the canister filter immediately. They remove mechanical, chemical, and biological impurities from the water and keep your aquarium clean. The filter comes with easy disconnect valves and is simple to install and maintain. There are three models of the Aqueon QuietFlow canister filter that will be ideal for aquariums up to 55 gallons, 55 to 100 gallons, and 100 to 150 gallons respectively.

5. Fluval Canister Filter, FX6 Filter (400 Gal)

When it comes to the ten best aquarium canister filters, Fluval FX6 is a high-quality product. It is a multistage filter that has been designed for aquariums having up to 400 gallons capacity. Its highlight is the Smart Pump technology that uses an advanced micro-chip for optimizing the performance of the pump and improving its efficiency. The FX6 canister filter comes with a stackable media basket that makes it easy to replace filtration media. It is equipped with mechanical, chemical, and biological filter media with a total media capacity of 5.9 liters. It can filter 563 gallons of water per hour. The FX6 filter has a self-starting pump that automatically evacuates trapped air every 12 hours. It is available in various other sizes as well.

6. SunSun Hw304B 525GPH Pro Canister Filter Kit with 9-watt UV Sterilizer

SunSun Hw304B is a good option for the buyers browsing through the ten best aquarium canister filters. It can filter 525 gallons of water per hour and will be suitable for up to 150-gallon aquariums. There are multiple media trays provided for adding mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration media. SunSun Hw304B features a self-priming pump that makes it easy to use. There is a 9-watt UV sterilizer inside the filter that gets rid of algae spores and bacteria. The package comes with four white filter pads, one blue coarse pad, premium filter carbon (1lb), ceramic rings (1lb), and one set of bio balls.

7. Marineland Magniflow Canister Filter for Aquariums 220

Marineland Magniflow Canister Filter 220 is a popular item among the ten best aquarium canister filters. It has a three-stage filtration process that will clean both freshwater and saltwater fish tanks. There are different filtration media used for removing mechanical, chemical, and biological impurities. It has a polishing filter pad for getting rid of fine debris and black diamond carbon for removing odors from the water and resolving discoloration. Its filter foam pads block any physical impurities from entering the aquarium. Marineland Magniflow 220 canister filter is suitable for up to 55-gallon aquariums. It also comes in 30 and 100-gallon variants.

8. Penn Plax Cascade Canister Aquarium Filter

Penn Plax Cascade is a highly sought-after option when it comes to the ten best aquarium canister filters. It has multiple baskets that hold different types of filtration media. A push-button primer makes it quick and easy to start the filter. It has two 360° rotating taps that feature cut-off valves for controlling the flow rate of water. Penn Plax Cascade canister aquarium filter is available in different sizes for 30 to 200-gallon aquariums. You can choose one depending on the size of your fish tank. It comes with all the required accessories for installation.

9. OASE Indoor Aquatics Biomaster Thermo

OASE Indoor Aquatics Biomaster Thermo is a versatile product among the ten best aquarium canister filters. It not only cleans your water but also keeps it at a suitable temperature with its integrated heater. You don’t have to buy an aquarium heater separately. OASE Indoor Aquatics Biomaster Thermo employs a four-stage process to filter the water. It removes biological, chemical, and mechanical impurities using different filter media. Its special Hel-X media promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria as well. Biomaster Thermo comes in three different models that will suit aquariums with varying capacities.

10. API Filstar XP Canister Filter

When it comes to the ten best aquarium canister filters, API Filstar XP is a popular product. It makes use of a three-stage filtration process to keep your aquarium clean and your fishes healthy. In the first stage, the filtration pads remove any debris or particles. It is followed by biological filtration for removing bacteria. Finally, the filter gets rid of any odors and substances that may cause decolorization of water. It uses API BIO-CHEM STARS and ZORB instead of regular ceramic rings and carbon for improved efficiency. API Filstar XP canister filter is available in multiple sizes ranging from the S model that will fit aquariums up to 45 gallons to the XL variant that is designed for up to 265-gallon aquariums.

75 Gallon Aquarium

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75 Gallon Aquarium

75-Gallon Aquarium: The Best Size for Most Hobbyists

We know that a large tank is a better choice, but we also know that there are a lot of different sizes, models and etc. so which one you should choose? Generally, larger tanks are a much better alternative. A 75 gallon aquarium is the first representative of large tanks, so keep in mind that there are a lot of facts to know about it.

A 75 gallon unit is suitable for hobbyists of all ages and all levels of experience. It is one of the most common choices as well, and now we will see why.

Price, Size, and Value

If you are moving from a small aquarium, the 75 Gallon Size is a big difference. You must be aware that it weighs much more than smaller units, so make sure the stand can withstand all that weight. The size is also interesting for these aquariums. It isn’t much higher than smaller sizes, but it is still far more affordable than larger units over the 100 gallon range. In essence, we can say that the price is perfectly balanced. If you are looking for a large tank on a budget, this is a choice to make. Another fact to consider is that these tanks come in a variety of shapes, looks, and forms. They are commonly seen is elite restaurants, hotels and etc. which made them extremely popular. Smaller units are usually square, so they may be so appealing to you.

Fish to Keep in Your New Aquarium

You already know that the look of this aquarium is spotless and we can even say perfect. Of course, the main element here is the fish itself, which brings a question, which fish you can keep? Actually, the possibilities here are almost endless. Zebra Danio, Diamond Tetra, Scissortail Rasbora, Pearl Danio, Serpae Tetra and Glowlight are commonly found in tanks of this size, so they are the safest choice. On the other side, the number of other fish that can be kept is so high that we cannot even include it in the article.

In simple words, most of the fish can be kept here without a problem. Combined with the price and the maintenance requirements, these aquariums are perfect for all of you who want to experiment and to make unique eco-system.

Plants

All plants are compatible with these aquariums, so there are no issues here. Floating plants are definitely important because they can reduce the amount of the light that penetrates the tank. They also provide food and are easy to keep. In any case, removing them is very simple also. Due to the size, suspended plants are possible to keep in this aquarium as well. We liked the fact matching and mixing a variety of plants is possible and simple.

Make the Choice Today

The bottom line is that an aquarium of 75 gallons is one of the safest alternatives today. It has a proper size, but it can be used for any fish and all plants you have in mind.