It is common knowledge to some that wholesale food distribution companies are specialized suppliers of food products to large and small establishments and retail institutions alike. There are many different ways to have a wholesale distribution business depending upon what you feel would be the best products for you to sell, whether this be frozen goods or fish and seafood just to name a few, that you think might do well in your area or even expand into an online website.
Most wholesale food distribution companies have deadlines for them to keep their inventories straight and to make sure that they bill their clients at the regular times necessary. Most clients and vendors will be given a 30 day process to take care of their bills in general. This helps vendors in general with the burden of having to make large payments over all. Most of the wholesale food distribution companies are housed in large warehouses that have the capabilities to hold many different items all at the same time along with easy access to them.
Many times wholesale distribution of food companies have specialized items that will be offered at a reduced rate during promotion periods. This helps establishments and other vendors to get the products noticed and to use them regularly. Many times this is the type of marketing that many food distribution manufacturers use to get their products out to their clients. Many times wholesale food distribution companies would like to handle specialized products altogether but need the huge revenue that comes in from many different customers and the buying and selling of the goods that they need in general.
Taking some time to find a wholesale food distribution company in your local area will be as easy as doing a quick search on the Internet. There you'll find detailed information about their operation in general along with having a link to their web site where you will get the most information possible on what they have to offer many businesses and establishments alike. This will also give you some comparisons in the prices in each website you visit. This obviously gives you a general price for the particular product that you're doing research on.
Building the relationship you have with your wholesale food distribution company representative can be good for both parties that specialize in products that can be distributed to their clients and they can in turn purchase more products from them overall.
Source: free coupons
Friday, February 24, 2012
Saturday, February 4, 2012
4 Reasons To Get a Business Appraisal Today
As a business owner, do you know the true value of your company? Do you know what the fair market value of your business is today? If you are like most owners, you may have a basic idea what your company is worth, however, chances are great that you may not have the exact value or be even in the right ballpark of the true value.
There are many factors that go into play when determining how much your company is worth, and the fair market value is composed of much more than merely levels of revenue. Other tangible and intangible elements of value include distribution rights, copyrights, the real site of the business, as well as the value of the equipment and physical building of the business.
There are many times where obtaining a business valuation is critical, providing any business owner with valuable insight. Note the four main reasons for obtaining a businesses appraisal:
· Selling Your Business - Business valuations are necessary when you are thinking about selling your business. Anyone considering selling a business should always make sure his or her business is valued by a professional financial analyst. By doing so, you'll help make sure that you don't sell your company for less than it's worth. Also, by understanding company value, you can accurately post and hold firm on a higher asking price. A business valuation gives you the insight you need to help plan for the sale as well as your future.
· Introducing a New Business Partner - If you're bringing in a new partner to the business, having your company valued by a neutral third-party is the only fair way to set a commitment price that is balanced for all parties. Since business valuations are objectively completed, personal interests of both parties as well as the company do not interfere.
· Estate Planning - Valuations are the key ingredient in your estate planning and succession planning. How can you make sure that there will be enough liquidity to pay estate taxes and to allow for a smooth transition to your successors without knowing the fair value of your company? Being able to plan for tomorrow starts with knowing where your business stands today and this can only be accomplished by having a professional business valuation completed.
· Management Tools - A valuation is used as an aid in management plans. By obtaining thorough understanding of where your business stands today, you can make informed and educated decisions to focus on the areas of the company most in need. A business valuation will often uncover strengths as well as weakness. Obtaining such vital information helps any executive team or business owner assess and fix the issue in a timely manner to protect and keep the value of the company.
Source: Free Coupons
There are many factors that go into play when determining how much your company is worth, and the fair market value is composed of much more than merely levels of revenue. Other tangible and intangible elements of value include distribution rights, copyrights, the real site of the business, as well as the value of the equipment and physical building of the business.
There are many times where obtaining a business valuation is critical, providing any business owner with valuable insight. Note the four main reasons for obtaining a businesses appraisal:
· Selling Your Business - Business valuations are necessary when you are thinking about selling your business. Anyone considering selling a business should always make sure his or her business is valued by a professional financial analyst. By doing so, you'll help make sure that you don't sell your company for less than it's worth. Also, by understanding company value, you can accurately post and hold firm on a higher asking price. A business valuation gives you the insight you need to help plan for the sale as well as your future.
· Introducing a New Business Partner - If you're bringing in a new partner to the business, having your company valued by a neutral third-party is the only fair way to set a commitment price that is balanced for all parties. Since business valuations are objectively completed, personal interests of both parties as well as the company do not interfere.
· Estate Planning - Valuations are the key ingredient in your estate planning and succession planning. How can you make sure that there will be enough liquidity to pay estate taxes and to allow for a smooth transition to your successors without knowing the fair value of your company? Being able to plan for tomorrow starts with knowing where your business stands today and this can only be accomplished by having a professional business valuation completed.
· Management Tools - A valuation is used as an aid in management plans. By obtaining thorough understanding of where your business stands today, you can make informed and educated decisions to focus on the areas of the company most in need. A business valuation will often uncover strengths as well as weakness. Obtaining such vital information helps any executive team or business owner assess and fix the issue in a timely manner to protect and keep the value of the company.
Source: Free Coupons
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Keeping Your Dog Safe With Dog Collars
Dog collars are not just important for dogs. It's one of the fun ways to accessorise our pets too. Dogs will need to have a collar to let other people know that they have an owner that takes good care of them. It simply shows that you are a responsible owner. Depending on your current need, you must find a collar that will suit your style and your dog.
When you shop for a dog collar, the first thing that you need to prioritise is comfort because your dogs will be wearing a collar all their life. There are a lot of dog collars available for any breed of dogs. There are leather collars, nylon, rubber, fabric, and personalised collars. You need to make sure that the collar that you will choose will fit them perfectly. Although they are adjustable, you need to be sure that it's not too tight to cause your dog to choke and not too loose that your dog can remove it by itself. If you can put two fingers in the collar then it's just enough. You also need to check and change the collar every now and then because your dog may have outgrown it already.
What's more fun about dog collars nowadays is that they come in different styles, designs, and sizes to choose from. You can find some if you want your dog to be as fashionable as you. There are also collars intended for dog training. With regards to collars for everyday use, one thing you should notice is the clasp. There's the quick release claps that makes it easier and faster to remove and fasten a dog collar. But you should also know what it's not that durable and your dog may run free if it's broken. There's also the standard buckle. You can depend on this type of clasps to last longer. It's not easy to remove but you can be sure that it won't unclasp easily when your dog suddenly pulls the leash. This is recommended for big dogs such as Bulldogs, Labradors, or Rottweilers. You also need to make sure that it contains a dog tag with your contact information. This will make returning your dog to you easier in case they get away or get lost.
For those who are looking for a different type of collar that you can use specifically for training your dog, there's a choke collar, or choke chain collar. This is only used during training when your dog has a behavioural problem. With this type of collar, you should ask for assistance to make sure you buy the right one for your dog.
We use collars on our dogs not just to protect other people from them but also the other way around. When you keep them close to you, they can stay away from any danger. Not all people love dogs so who knows what other people will do to them when they go astray. So buy one as an important item on your pet supplies list.
Source: pet dog
When you shop for a dog collar, the first thing that you need to prioritise is comfort because your dogs will be wearing a collar all their life. There are a lot of dog collars available for any breed of dogs. There are leather collars, nylon, rubber, fabric, and personalised collars. You need to make sure that the collar that you will choose will fit them perfectly. Although they are adjustable, you need to be sure that it's not too tight to cause your dog to choke and not too loose that your dog can remove it by itself. If you can put two fingers in the collar then it's just enough. You also need to check and change the collar every now and then because your dog may have outgrown it already.
What's more fun about dog collars nowadays is that they come in different styles, designs, and sizes to choose from. You can find some if you want your dog to be as fashionable as you. There are also collars intended for dog training. With regards to collars for everyday use, one thing you should notice is the clasp. There's the quick release claps that makes it easier and faster to remove and fasten a dog collar. But you should also know what it's not that durable and your dog may run free if it's broken. There's also the standard buckle. You can depend on this type of clasps to last longer. It's not easy to remove but you can be sure that it won't unclasp easily when your dog suddenly pulls the leash. This is recommended for big dogs such as Bulldogs, Labradors, or Rottweilers. You also need to make sure that it contains a dog tag with your contact information. This will make returning your dog to you easier in case they get away or get lost.
For those who are looking for a different type of collar that you can use specifically for training your dog, there's a choke collar, or choke chain collar. This is only used during training when your dog has a behavioural problem. With this type of collar, you should ask for assistance to make sure you buy the right one for your dog.
We use collars on our dogs not just to protect other people from them but also the other way around. When you keep them close to you, they can stay away from any danger. Not all people love dogs so who knows what other people will do to them when they go astray. So buy one as an important item on your pet supplies list.
Source: pet dog
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Why Use an Aquarium Heater?
A typical oversight of many beginner aquarists is the use of a heater in their tank, but just like the filters, heaters are a major component of a healthy environment for your fish.
One of the most important aspects of having a thriving tropical aquarium is to keep the water temperature at a good level. Both saltwater and freshwater fish do best in warm water with no drastic temperature variations. Only Goldfish are sturdy enough to handle colder temperatures.
A drop in temperature of only one degree over a twenty four hour period might affect the health of your fish, making them susceptible to diseases that might wipe out your whole tank population. Water temperature affects their immune system, wound healing and digestion. It is especially important to be vigilant of the water temperature during the change of seasons, particularly as winter approaches and temperatures drop. You might not think about it, but when the temperature in your home changes, your fish tank water changes temperature too.
Overheating can also be a problem. As the temperature rises, the oxygen saturation in the water tends to fall. But it's a lot easier to cool down the water than it is to heat it. You can turn off the lighting, float ice packs on the water, run a fan over the water surface or add cooler water on your water changes.
So the real problem is cold water.
The best way to avoid sudden drops in temperature is to have a reliable aqarium water heater in your tank. There are many heaters in the market at various prices. The cheaper ones are more likely to break or malfunction, costing you more money in the long run, and they might not give you an accurate heat setting, which makes maintaining the right temperature in your tank quite difficult.
A mid priced heater will do a very nice job. Their thermostats are reliable and they are able to maintain a constant temperature without having to make many adjustments. Make sure you check your aquarium heater periodically and think about replacing it at least once a year.
Titanium heaters are highly recommended because they're durable and virtually indestructible. Some are designed to automatically shut off when the water level drops or they are exposed to air when plugged in. Most heaters will break when this happens. They are also resistant to corrosion both in salt and fresh water tanks.
Another good investment for your aquarium is a thermometer. You can get thermometers that stick to the outside glass of the tank, making it easier to monitor the temperature at a glance.
The best place for the heater is near the filter, that way the heated water can be distributed throughout the tank avoiding hot and cold spots around the tank. A heater is a very important part of any aquarium ecosystem and keeping the water temperature at a constant level will allow your fish to live happy and disease free for many years.
A minimum of 3-5 watts per gallon is recommended to keep aquarium water temperatures at an optimal level, so always get the right size heater for your tank. If you want to heat 20 gallons of water, you should buy an aquarium water heater of 200-300 watts. If you own a large tank, you should consider using more than one heater. If one of your heaters goes, having multiple heaters in place safeguards your tank from crashing.
So, when planning your set up, take into account purchasing a good and reliable aquarium heater.
aquarium fish
One of the most important aspects of having a thriving tropical aquarium is to keep the water temperature at a good level. Both saltwater and freshwater fish do best in warm water with no drastic temperature variations. Only Goldfish are sturdy enough to handle colder temperatures.
A drop in temperature of only one degree over a twenty four hour period might affect the health of your fish, making them susceptible to diseases that might wipe out your whole tank population. Water temperature affects their immune system, wound healing and digestion. It is especially important to be vigilant of the water temperature during the change of seasons, particularly as winter approaches and temperatures drop. You might not think about it, but when the temperature in your home changes, your fish tank water changes temperature too.
Overheating can also be a problem. As the temperature rises, the oxygen saturation in the water tends to fall. But it's a lot easier to cool down the water than it is to heat it. You can turn off the lighting, float ice packs on the water, run a fan over the water surface or add cooler water on your water changes.
So the real problem is cold water.
The best way to avoid sudden drops in temperature is to have a reliable aqarium water heater in your tank. There are many heaters in the market at various prices. The cheaper ones are more likely to break or malfunction, costing you more money in the long run, and they might not give you an accurate heat setting, which makes maintaining the right temperature in your tank quite difficult.
A mid priced heater will do a very nice job. Their thermostats are reliable and they are able to maintain a constant temperature without having to make many adjustments. Make sure you check your aquarium heater periodically and think about replacing it at least once a year.
Titanium heaters are highly recommended because they're durable and virtually indestructible. Some are designed to automatically shut off when the water level drops or they are exposed to air when plugged in. Most heaters will break when this happens. They are also resistant to corrosion both in salt and fresh water tanks.
Another good investment for your aquarium is a thermometer. You can get thermometers that stick to the outside glass of the tank, making it easier to monitor the temperature at a glance.
The best place for the heater is near the filter, that way the heated water can be distributed throughout the tank avoiding hot and cold spots around the tank. A heater is a very important part of any aquarium ecosystem and keeping the water temperature at a constant level will allow your fish to live happy and disease free for many years.
A minimum of 3-5 watts per gallon is recommended to keep aquarium water temperatures at an optimal level, so always get the right size heater for your tank. If you want to heat 20 gallons of water, you should buy an aquarium water heater of 200-300 watts. If you own a large tank, you should consider using more than one heater. If one of your heaters goes, having multiple heaters in place safeguards your tank from crashing.
So, when planning your set up, take into account purchasing a good and reliable aquarium heater.
aquarium fish
How to Select a Great Pet Toy
You may add a word to give your dog and your dog will be happy with these toys. However, you can not be happy with what this type of pet toys that do to your home. The stick that can scratch almost everything in your house, not to mention his legs while they play. Instead of lightning in your home, remember, for great pet toys your pet will be just as happy, but not so in the country and causes injury. They are safer for your pets and children. One thing that is a stuffed animal that can be found in the store, some of them look like stuffed animals and squeaky. These are often the favorite pet toy, as some of the reasons. The flexible material allows your dog or cat bite on it without problems. Who answers the need, without breaking in new shoes or bed to bite. Squeak noise is often a surprise, no matter how many times I listened, thinking they have something to chase. It’s a natural instinct to hunt for them, so this toy has the advantage of this and fill the need to bite.
For dogs, some large pet toys are made of rawhide. This may take the form of bones, but are still considered toys. Get one, is comparable to the size. I do not want to be a foot-long leather as toys for pets a dog that is so long, but you can do is a few inches. On the other hand, large dogs can use a property, the six inches high or more. They can bite and chew on this for a long time before they are no longer good. Cats are not found in pet toys leather, but they need to play. They play more when they are puppies, but adult cats need to move. There are several types of toys that make noise with bells and squeaks, allowing them the thrill of the hunt. Some are simply deceived catnip toys to fight and run around the house. Some move on wheels or even a small motor. Other pet toys for cats are good flexible poles, have to hang things from them such as feathers or strings. Cats love it, and move, even if they seem to want to sleep all day.
Any type of pet toys that have the equipment, such as stuffed animals should be treated with a wash occasionally. The dog (or cat) they spit on them to increase the bacteria and dirt to collect. Wash as directed on the label. As a matter of safety, toys for pets, babies and men do not seem in any way, especially if you have children at home or having a baby on the road. Do not call names like Bubby toys or baby as a toy for a newborn baby can be maintained when using one of these words for this baby. pet fish
For dogs, some large pet toys are made of rawhide. This may take the form of bones, but are still considered toys. Get one, is comparable to the size. I do not want to be a foot-long leather as toys for pets a dog that is so long, but you can do is a few inches. On the other hand, large dogs can use a property, the six inches high or more. They can bite and chew on this for a long time before they are no longer good. Cats are not found in pet toys leather, but they need to play. They play more when they are puppies, but adult cats need to move. There are several types of toys that make noise with bells and squeaks, allowing them the thrill of the hunt. Some are simply deceived catnip toys to fight and run around the house. Some move on wheels or even a small motor. Other pet toys for cats are good flexible poles, have to hang things from them such as feathers or strings. Cats love it, and move, even if they seem to want to sleep all day.
Any type of pet toys that have the equipment, such as stuffed animals should be treated with a wash occasionally. The dog (or cat) they spit on them to increase the bacteria and dirt to collect. Wash as directed on the label. As a matter of safety, toys for pets, babies and men do not seem in any way, especially if you have children at home or having a baby on the road. Do not call names like Bubby toys or baby as a toy for a newborn baby can be maintained when using one of these words for this baby. pet fish
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Top Ten Most Popular Cat Breeds
There are forty one recognized cat breeds according to the Cat Fanciers' Association, the world's largest registry of pedigree cats. The different cat breeds have a multitude of varying characteristics but all make great pets in the appropriate home. While this isn't necessarily a list of the best breed of cat, below are the ten most popular cat breeds in America in 2008 according to the Cat Fanciers' Association.
Persian - Persians are a large cat breed. The Persian has a svelte body type and a long coat which requires an extensive amount of pet grooming. Persians' activity level is low relative to other cats. They are known to be relatively easy cats to handle and quiet.
Exotic Shorthair - Exotic Shorthairs are a large cat breed. The Exotic Shorthair has a cobby body type and a short coat which requires an average amount of grooming. Exotic Shorthairs' activity level is low relative to other cats. They are known to be relatively easy to handle and quiet.
Maine Coon - Maine Coons are an x-large cat breed. The Maine Coon has a moderate body type and a long coat which requires an average amount of pet grooming. Maine Coons' activity level is average relative to other cats. They are known to be relatively easy cats to handle and quiet.
Siamese - The Siamese is a medium cat breed. It has a svelte body type and a short coat which requires a minimal amount of grooming. The Siamese's activity level is very high relative to other cats. They are known to be relatively difficult cats to handle and very vocal.
Abyssinian - Abyssinians are a small cat breed. The Abyssinian has a slender body type and a short coat which requires a below average amount of pet grooming. Abyssinians' activity level is very high. They are known to be relatively difficult cats to handle but relatively quiet.
Ragdoll - Ragdolls are a large cat breed. The Ragdoll has a moderate body type and a long coat which requires an above average amount of grooming. Ragdolls' activity level is fairly low relative to other cats. They are known to be relatively easy cats to handle and quiet.
Sphynx - The Sphynx is a medium cat breed. It has a moderate body type and a short coat which requires an average amount of pet grooming. The Sphynx activity level is high relative to other cats. They are known to be relatively easy cats to handle but vocal talkers.
American Shorthair - American Shorthairs are a large cat breed. The American Shorthair has a semi-cobby body type and a short coat which requires a below average amount of grooming. American Shorthairs' activity level is fairly low. They are known to be relatively average cats to handle and quiet.
Birman - Birmans are a large cat breed. The Birman has a moderate body type and a long coat which requires an average amount of pet grooming. Birmans' activity level is fairly low. They are known to be relatively easy cats to handle and quiet.
Oriental - Orientals are a small cat breed. The Oriental has a svelte body type and a short or medium length coat which requires a minimal or below average amount of grooming. Oriental Shorthairs' activity level is very high relative to other cats. They are known to be relatively difficult cats to handle and very vocal talkers.
pet fish
Persian - Persians are a large cat breed. The Persian has a svelte body type and a long coat which requires an extensive amount of pet grooming. Persians' activity level is low relative to other cats. They are known to be relatively easy cats to handle and quiet.
Exotic Shorthair - Exotic Shorthairs are a large cat breed. The Exotic Shorthair has a cobby body type and a short coat which requires an average amount of grooming. Exotic Shorthairs' activity level is low relative to other cats. They are known to be relatively easy to handle and quiet.
Maine Coon - Maine Coons are an x-large cat breed. The Maine Coon has a moderate body type and a long coat which requires an average amount of pet grooming. Maine Coons' activity level is average relative to other cats. They are known to be relatively easy cats to handle and quiet.
Siamese - The Siamese is a medium cat breed. It has a svelte body type and a short coat which requires a minimal amount of grooming. The Siamese's activity level is very high relative to other cats. They are known to be relatively difficult cats to handle and very vocal.
Abyssinian - Abyssinians are a small cat breed. The Abyssinian has a slender body type and a short coat which requires a below average amount of pet grooming. Abyssinians' activity level is very high. They are known to be relatively difficult cats to handle but relatively quiet.
Ragdoll - Ragdolls are a large cat breed. The Ragdoll has a moderate body type and a long coat which requires an above average amount of grooming. Ragdolls' activity level is fairly low relative to other cats. They are known to be relatively easy cats to handle and quiet.
Sphynx - The Sphynx is a medium cat breed. It has a moderate body type and a short coat which requires an average amount of pet grooming. The Sphynx activity level is high relative to other cats. They are known to be relatively easy cats to handle but vocal talkers.
American Shorthair - American Shorthairs are a large cat breed. The American Shorthair has a semi-cobby body type and a short coat which requires a below average amount of grooming. American Shorthairs' activity level is fairly low. They are known to be relatively average cats to handle and quiet.
Birman - Birmans are a large cat breed. The Birman has a moderate body type and a long coat which requires an average amount of pet grooming. Birmans' activity level is fairly low. They are known to be relatively easy cats to handle and quiet.
Oriental - Orientals are a small cat breed. The Oriental has a svelte body type and a short or medium length coat which requires a minimal or below average amount of grooming. Oriental Shorthairs' activity level is very high relative to other cats. They are known to be relatively difficult cats to handle and very vocal talkers.
pet fish
Aquarium Water Changes
I just realized I never wrote about that very important aspects of successful fish keeping: water changes. This might be obvious for many of us but it is certainly not for everyone. Yesterday, I received two calls from people looking for an answer to their problems: The first tank wasn’t cycled after 6 months (ho yeah!) and the 2nd had a serious (I mean… SERIOUS!!!) nitrate problem. Two problems that could have been avoided with regular water changes.
There’s no getting around it; very aquarium needs a water change once in a while.
How Often?
There is no standard answer to the question of how often water should be changed. Many factors can influence how fast your water quality declines: tank size, number of fish, feeding routine, etc. Some will need weekly water changes while others will do well with a water change every few months.
The best way to know is to test for nitrates. A nitrate test won’t tell you everything but it is an useful indicator of water quality. As a rule of thumb, water should be changed when nitrates reach levels of 30 ppm (this is just a guideline). Some fish requires pristine water so take the time to know your fish (and invertebrates) before to decide what levels can be considered acceptable.
How Much?
Here again, all tanks are different. Keep in mind that a 25% water change will only remove 25% the nitrate, phosphate, etc. Testing for nitrate will tell you lot about how much should be changed. If your nitrate level goes from 10 ppm to 50 ppm within a week, you might want to change more water so you won’t have to change the water too often. If your nitrate levels goes from 10 pm to 15 ppm, smaller water changes should be good.
DON’T CHANGE TOO MUCH WATER! The more water you change, the more you risk to break the nitrogen cycle, make drastic chemistry change, etc. Unless you know what you do, 50% water change should be the maximum.
How To Do Water Changes?
Material needed:
-A siphon (Python type hoses are awesome!)
-2 buckets (if you don’t use a Python hose).
-Water conditioner
Procedure:
1. If you use a Python hose, you may skip this first step. If you don’t use a Python hose, fill a bucket with fresh tap water. Add water conditioner to the water to remove chlorine. Make sure the water at the same temperature to that of your aquarium.
2. Unplug all electrical units: heater, filter, air pump (you can keep the lights).
3. Clean the inside glass using an algae scrubber, scraper, razor blade or sponge. Don’t use sharp objects on an acrylic tank!
4. Siphon the water with your siphon and vacuum the gravel at the same time (see video bellow). Push the siphon straight down into the gravel and then pull straight up to remove all the debris trapped in it. Repeat as you move across the bottom. You might not be able to completely clean the gravel when you do a water change and this is ok. Do a different section of the gravel next time you do a water change. Don’t remove more water than what you have in the other bucket.
5. If you are using a Python hose, water will go directly down the drain. If you are using buckets, fill the other bucket with the water you siphon from the aquarium.
6. Now you can begin refilling. If you are using a Python hose and want to use water straight from the tap, allow it to run for a few minute to reduce the concentration of copper and heavy metals from household plumbing. Use this time to adjust the temperature to that of your aquarium. Once the aquarium if full, use water conditioner directly in the aquarium.
If you are not using a Python hose, gently pour the water bucket (the one with new water) into the aquarium. Refill the tank slowly to not disturb the gravel, plants and fish.
7. Open your filter and look at the filter media (cartridge, activated carbon, sponge, floss, etc…). It is advised to not clean or change filter media the same day you do a water change but at least you’ll know if you need to clean the filter later this week.
8. Dry your hands and plug in all your electrical units again.
9. Wipe down the hood and outside glass of your tank.
10. Record your activity in a maintenance log.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Never use a glass cleaner or any other chemical to clean your tank.
That’s it! Remember that nothing can take the place of routine water changes to keep your water clean and your fish healthy. It seems like a lot of steps, but once you get the hang of it, it doesn’t take very long to complete this procedure. aquarium fish
There’s no getting around it; very aquarium needs a water change once in a while.
How Often?
There is no standard answer to the question of how often water should be changed. Many factors can influence how fast your water quality declines: tank size, number of fish, feeding routine, etc. Some will need weekly water changes while others will do well with a water change every few months.
The best way to know is to test for nitrates. A nitrate test won’t tell you everything but it is an useful indicator of water quality. As a rule of thumb, water should be changed when nitrates reach levels of 30 ppm (this is just a guideline). Some fish requires pristine water so take the time to know your fish (and invertebrates) before to decide what levels can be considered acceptable.
How Much?
Here again, all tanks are different. Keep in mind that a 25% water change will only remove 25% the nitrate, phosphate, etc. Testing for nitrate will tell you lot about how much should be changed. If your nitrate level goes from 10 ppm to 50 ppm within a week, you might want to change more water so you won’t have to change the water too often. If your nitrate levels goes from 10 pm to 15 ppm, smaller water changes should be good.
DON’T CHANGE TOO MUCH WATER! The more water you change, the more you risk to break the nitrogen cycle, make drastic chemistry change, etc. Unless you know what you do, 50% water change should be the maximum.
How To Do Water Changes?
Material needed:
-A siphon (Python type hoses are awesome!)
-2 buckets (if you don’t use a Python hose).
-Water conditioner
Procedure:
1. If you use a Python hose, you may skip this first step. If you don’t use a Python hose, fill a bucket with fresh tap water. Add water conditioner to the water to remove chlorine. Make sure the water at the same temperature to that of your aquarium.
2. Unplug all electrical units: heater, filter, air pump (you can keep the lights).
3. Clean the inside glass using an algae scrubber, scraper, razor blade or sponge. Don’t use sharp objects on an acrylic tank!
4. Siphon the water with your siphon and vacuum the gravel at the same time (see video bellow). Push the siphon straight down into the gravel and then pull straight up to remove all the debris trapped in it. Repeat as you move across the bottom. You might not be able to completely clean the gravel when you do a water change and this is ok. Do a different section of the gravel next time you do a water change. Don’t remove more water than what you have in the other bucket.
5. If you are using a Python hose, water will go directly down the drain. If you are using buckets, fill the other bucket with the water you siphon from the aquarium.
6. Now you can begin refilling. If you are using a Python hose and want to use water straight from the tap, allow it to run for a few minute to reduce the concentration of copper and heavy metals from household plumbing. Use this time to adjust the temperature to that of your aquarium. Once the aquarium if full, use water conditioner directly in the aquarium.
If you are not using a Python hose, gently pour the water bucket (the one with new water) into the aquarium. Refill the tank slowly to not disturb the gravel, plants and fish.
7. Open your filter and look at the filter media (cartridge, activated carbon, sponge, floss, etc…). It is advised to not clean or change filter media the same day you do a water change but at least you’ll know if you need to clean the filter later this week.
8. Dry your hands and plug in all your electrical units again.
9. Wipe down the hood and outside glass of your tank.
10. Record your activity in a maintenance log.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Never use a glass cleaner or any other chemical to clean your tank.
That’s it! Remember that nothing can take the place of routine water changes to keep your water clean and your fish healthy. It seems like a lot of steps, but once you get the hang of it, it doesn’t take very long to complete this procedure. aquarium fish
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