|
|
|
World's oldest known fossils, now date back to 650 million years ago
The prior oldest known hard-bodied animals were reef-dwelling organisms
called Namacalathus, which date to approximately 550 million years
ago. Disputed remains for other possible soft-bodied animals date to between
577 and 542 million years ago.
The even more advanced age of the newly found sponge fossils provides
direct evidence that animal life existed before the severe "Snowball Earth"
event. The episode marked the end of Cryogenian Period 635 million years ago
and left much of the globe covered in ice. Early sponges somehow managed to survive, perhaps in watery refuges
around volcanic islands.
|
|
|
|
|
| | | | - How do I determine the kind of fish tank to buy?
- Where do I begin?
- Where can I find saltwater?
- What is a Coral Reef Aquarium?
- Do fish jump out of the water?
- Do I need a saltwater aquarium if I want tropical fish?
- With what sorts of corals should a novice Aquarian begin?
- Do I need a water chemical testing kit?
- What is the fish tank's Nitrogen cycle?
- How many fish can I keep in my fish tank?
First, take a tour through our Photo Gallery. It will give you an idea of the types of aquariums available and some of the livestock with which you can stock your tank. If you don't see what you like, come to our store at 1629 N. Central Expressway, Plano Texas 75075 or call us at 972-423-0414. Click on this Map to our store.
Once you've determined the type and approximate size, call us and discuss your ideas. E-mail us a picture of about where you would like to put it in your home or your business. Click on Contact located on the menu on your left.
We stock the purest refined water in the metroplex - salt water or fresh water. Come to our Fish-Tanks.net store in Plano TX. For directions click on this Map to our store..
Most people are mesmerized by the Coral Reef Tank's beauty. The coral reef environment is generally made up of actual reef “live rock,” which you can buy at our Aquatic Design Aquariums store. The artisan uses the live rock to build and simulate a natural oceanic reef, opposed to the deco-corals and artificial decorations that are used for “fish only” aquariums. To keep them looking stunning, Reef tanks can also be the most challenging types of aquariums. In the coral reef tank the corals and invertebrates are the main focus and the tropical marine fish are secondary. Reef tank livestock includes a variety of other invertebrates as well such as: snail, crabs, starfish, anemones, sponges, algae, tropical shrimp, and many other coral reef dwellers which are an important part of creating the coral reef ecosystem, and should not be ignored. The reef aquarium equipment used is different than a fish only tank, and will most likely include: metal halide lighting or similar lighting, protein skimmers, RO filters, wet/dry filters, heaters and chillers, overflow style tanks, powerhead pumps, calcium reactors, ozonizers and many other interesting types of equipment. We stock all the right equipment and the aquatic livestock. Call us at 972-423-0414 or come to our Fish-Tanks.net store in Plano TX
Reef tank hobbyists discover early that certain species such as Wrasse or Long Nose Hawk are notorious jumpers. Sometimes they will jump into the overflows and occasionally into the sump. So the answer is yes, some fish are not recommended in an opened top tank that has overflowing water. Pick your fish carefully. Talk it over with one of our reps. Call us at 972-423-0414 or come to our Fish-Tanks.net store in Plano TX
No. The types of tropical fish in most aquaria are freshwater species. You’ll find a much larger selection of fish and other creatures for a freshwater tank. At the beginning of your new hobby, a freshwater tank is easiest to install and maintain. Saltwater or marine aquaria are more complex and usually more expensive, but prettier in their unique way. In the future you can always upgrade to a saltwater or reef fish tank. Call us at 972-423-0414 or come to our Fish-Tanks.net store in Plano TX. For directions click on this Map to our store.
Begin with the easiest corals, which are usually the soft corals and their close relatives. Mushrooms, Polyps, and Leathers are easy starters. Next come the large polyp corals such as brain, frogspawn, and torch. Finally, the most sensitive corals, the most beautiful, colorful corals. We'll help you make your decision if you call us at 972-423-0414 or see the finest corals available at our Fish-Tanks.net store in Plano TX
If you want to keep a successful fish tank, then the short answer is yes. However, if you're trying to cut costs, then you're probably only interested in the bare minimum in getting by. Ammonia and nitrite test kits are absolute musts. pH is also good to have. A nitrate test kit can be a bit harder to find, and is also more expensive. Call Aquatic Design at 972-423-0414 or come to our Fish-Tanks.net store in Plano TX. For directions click on this Map to our store.
When you begin a new fish tank, it will go through the nitrogen cycle. That is a process at the beginning of your aquarium's life where beneficial bacteria form to consume the harmful types of nitrogen. Fish waste and uneaten food break down into the first phase of nitrogen, ammonia. This is a most toxic chemical to fish and gets dangerous at even low levels. However, for the good bacteria to begin to grow, there must be some level of ammonia. Unfortunately, one usually becomes aware of the nitrogen cycle after a tank has been set up and stocked. Fish begin to show signs of disease or die mysteriously, and your tank has only been up for three days! 90% of the time this is due to high levels of ammonia poisoning your fish to death. Call us for information or Aquatic Design Services at 972-423-0414
We often recommend 1 inch of fish per gallon, but this is only a rule of thumb. Many variables come into play here, including the size and dimensions of your tank, whether it has live plants, and what kind of fish you're stocking. Larger fish make more waste than small fish, and generally, you can overstock when you're keeping small schooling fish like tetras. Live plants consume nitrate, and thus you can stock more small fish. Call us for information at 972-423-0414. We'll help you figure your aquatic life population limits.
| |
| |
| | |
