5 Unique and Practical Father’s Day Gifts for 2023

 

Father’s Day is coming up soon, and you might be wondering what to get for the dad who has everything. You want to show him how much you appreciate him, but you also want to give him something that he will actually use and enjoy. Well, look no further than these five amazing products that are sure to make his day. Whether he loves to pamper himself, stay hydrated, track his fitness, or play games, we have the perfect gift for him. Here are our top picks for Father’s Day gifts in 2023:

• 
  L’Occitane Shea Milk Soap, 8.8 Ounce: This luxurious soap is made with natural shea butter and milk extract, which nourish and moisturize the skin. It has a rich and creamy lather that leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth. It also has a subtle and soothing scent that will make him feel relaxed and refreshed. This soap is ideal for sensitive skin and can be used on the face and body. It comes in a beautiful box that makes it easy to wrap and gift.
• 
  Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Reusable Mug - Vacuum Insulated, BPA-Free, Non-Toxic: This reusable mug is a must-have for any dad who loves coffee, tea, or any other hot or cold beverage. It is made of durable stainless steel that is BPA-free and non-toxic. It has a vacuum insulated design that keeps the drinks hot for up to 6 hours or cold for up to 24 hours. It also has a leak-proof lid that prevents spills and a comfortable handle that makes it easy to hold. It comes in various colors and sizes to suit his preference and style.
• 
  Garmin 010-02173-31 Venu, GPS Smartwatch, Bright Touchscreen Display, Features Music, Body Energy Monitoring, Animated Workouts, Pulse Ox Sensor and More, Gold with Black Band: This smartwatch is a great gift for any dad who wants to stay fit and healthy. It has a bright touchscreen display that shows various health and fitness data, such as heart rate, calories burned, steps taken, sleep quality, stress level, and more. It also has a GPS feature that tracks his location and distance traveled. It can store up to 500 songs or stream music from Spotify, Amazon Music, or Deezer. It also has animated workouts that guide him through various exercises. It has a sleek and stylish design that can be customized with different watch faces and bands.
• 
  Fitbit Charge 5 Advanced Health & Fitness Tracker with Built-in GPS, Stress Management Tools, Sleep Tracking, 24/7 Heart Rate and More, Lunar White/Soft Gold, One Size (S &L Bands Included): This fitness tracker is another great option for any dad who wants to monitor his health and wellness. It has a built-in GPS that tracks his pace, distance, and route. It also has stress management tools that measure his stress level and provide guided breathing sessions. It also tracks his sleep quality and gives him personalized insights on how to improve it. It also measures his heart rate 24/7 and alerts him if it is too high or too low. It has a sleek and lightweight design that can be worn all day and night.
• 
  TRAVANDO Mens Slim Wallet with Money Clip AUSTIN RFID Blocking Bifold Credit Card Holder for Men with Gift Box: This wallet is a perfect gift for any dad who likes to keep his cards and cash organized and secure. It is made of high-quality leather that is durable and elegant. It has a slim design that fits easily in his pocket without bulging. It has a money clip that holds his bills firmly and an RFID blocking feature that protects his cards from electronic theft. It has 11 card slots that can hold up to 16 cards. It comes in a stylish gift box that makes it ready to give.

These are some of the best Father’s Day gifts for 2023 that we have found online. They are unique, practical, and affordable. They will surely make your dad happy and show him how much you care. So don’t wait any longer and order them today before they run out of stock.

Keywords: Father’s Day gifts, Father’s Day gifts 2023, unique Father’s Day gifts, practical Father’s Day gifts

Hashtags: #FathersDay #FathersDayGifts #FathersDay2023 #UniqueFathersDayGifts #PracticalFathersDayGifts

Fantastic Father's Day Gift Ideas: Something for Every Type of Dad

Father's Day is just around the corner, and it's time to celebrate the special dads in our lives. If you're searching for the perfect gift, look no further. We've curated a list of fantastic Father's Day gift ideas for every type of dad out there. Whether he's adventurous, tech-savvy, sporty, handy, or hard to shop for, we've got you covered. From nostalgic items to gift cards and cards, there's something for every dad to enjoy. Let's dive into our top picks:

1. Deals for Dad - Get the Best Bang for Your Buck!

   If your dad loves a good bargain, check out our Deals for Dad section. Discover amazing discounts and offers on a wide range of products, ensuring you find the perfect gift while staying within your budget. Visit link for exclusive deals.

2. Adventurous Dad - Fuel His Thrill-Seeking Spirit!

   For the dad who craves excitement and adventure, explore our Adventurous Dad section. From outdoor gear to thrilling experiences, you'll find everything to satisfy his adrenaline-filled dreams. Unleash his adventurous spirit by visiting link.

3. Techie Dad - Gadgets Galore for the Tech-Savvy Father!

   If your dad is always up to date with the latest technology, our Techie Dad section is a goldmine. Discover cutting-edge gadgets, smart home devices, and tech accessories that will make his geeky heart skip a beat. Explore the world of tech gifts at link.

4. Sporty Dad - Gear Up for Game Day!

   Is your dad a sports enthusiast? Our Sporty Dad section has you covered with a wide selection of sports gear, apparel, and equipment. From golf clubs to fitness trackers, help him elevate his game and show his team spirit. Check out our sports gifts at link.

5. At-Home Dad - Treat Him to Relaxation and Comfort!

   If your dad enjoys spending quality time at home, our At-Home Dad section offers a variety of cozy and entertaining gifts. From home decor to loungewear, help him create a sanctuary of relaxation and enjoyment. Explore cozy gift ideas at link.

6. Handy Dad - Tools and Accessories for the DIY Enthusiast!

   For the dad who loves tackling DIY projects, our Handy Dad section is a treasure trove of tools and accessories. From power tools to handy gadgets, equip him with everything he needs to bring his visions to life. Find the perfect gift for the handyman at link.

7. Hard to Shop for Dad - Unique Gifts for the One-of-a-Kind!

   If your dad is notoriously difficult to shop for, fret not! Our Hard to Shop for Dad section is here to help. Discover unique and unconventional gifts that will surprise and delight him. Break free from traditional gifts and explore unique ideas at link.

8. Nostalgic Dad - Gifts to Stir Up Fond Memories!

   Does your dad often reminisce about the good old days? Our Nostalgic Dad section is filled with retro-inspired items and nostalgic memorabilia. Transport him back in time with gifts that evoke cherished memories. Rediscover the past at link.

9. Gift Cards & Cards - Let Him Choose the Perfect Gift!

   If you're unsure of what to get, a gift card is always a safe bet. Visit our Gift Cards & Cards section to find a wide range of options, allowing your dad to choose exactly what he wants. Show your love with the gift of choice at link.

10. Most-Loved - Popular Picks for Dads Everywhere!

    In our Most-Loved section, you'll find a curated collection of popular gifts for dads. These are the tried and true favorites that have earned the love and appreciation of fathers everywhere. Discover what makes them special at link.

Conclusion:

This Father's Day, make your dad feel extra special with a thoughtful and personalized gift. Whether he's an adventurous spirit, a tech enthusiast, a sports fanatic, or anything in between, there's a perfect gift waiting for him. Explore the various gift ideas provided in each section and make this Father's Day one to remember. Happy Father's Day to all the amazing dads out there!

Note: The links provided in the blog post are affiliate links. By using these links, you support the blog at no additional cost to you.

#FathersDay #FathersDayGifts #Dad #GiftIdeas #HappyFathersDay

Posted 17 hours ago by Unknown

Labels: Cozy gifts for at-home dads DIY tools for handy dads Gift cards for Father's Day Stylish home decor for at-home dads Trending gadgets for tech-savvy dads Unique gifts for hard-to-shop-for dads

Destructive Chewing

The act of chewing seems to be a matter of individual preference among dogs: some have an innate desire to chew as a pleasurable activity in itself, and some seem to have no need to chew whatsoever unless they’re driven to it out of sheer boredom.

 

The phrase “destructive chewing” may sound redundant, because – by its very nature! – all chewing is destructive. Your dog has strong jaws full of sharp, pointy teeth: just about anything she starts to chew on is probably going to show the effects of it inside of a minute. So just to clarify, when I use the phrase “destructive chewing”, I’m referring to inappropriate chewing: the kind of chewing that’s focused on your own possessions and household items, instead of on your dog’s own designated toys and chews.

 

The three main reasons why dogs chew:

 

-          Most dogs have a natural desire to chew. It’s fun, it passes the time, and it’s a self-rewarding, self-reinforcing activity (for example, if she’s chewing on something that tastes good.)

 

-          Chewing provides a nervous, bored, or lonely dog with an outlet for her emotions. To an anxious dog, the repetitive act of chewing is soothing – it’s the doggie equivalent of comfort food.

 

-          Under exercised dogs often use chewing as a way of burning up nervous energy and giving themselves something to do.

 

How to prevent destructive chewing

 

Dogs are perfectly capable of learning not to chew your stuff – you just have to put in a little effort first, that’s all.

 

1.       Take control of the situation: manage your own possessions. Your first step should be to dog-proof your home. Even if you have the best-behaved dog in the world, there’s still no reason to test her self-control – after all, dogs explore the world with their mouths.

 

Dog-proofing your home means taking whatever you don’t want to end up in her mouth, and making it unavailable. Consider her size and agility when deciding whether something’s out of reach: can she jump? Can she climb, or leap onto something else to reach the desired object? How tall is she when standing on her back legs?

 

Common targets in the home include books, eyewear, clothing, shoes, garbage, and small crunchy appliances like cameras, cell phones, and remote controls.

 

It should go without saying that all food needs to be put securely away: don’t leave snacks on low tables (or even countertops – you’d be surprised how acrobatic she can be when there’s food at stake!), put all food into containers or the pantry. Rinse your dirty plates clean of any food scraps before leaving them by the sink.

 

2.       Prevent her from learning the joys of illegal chewing. The more times she manages to snatch a jawful of a forbidden substance – a chair-leg, a pillow, a running shoe – the more readily she’ll target those items in future. If you can prevent her from chewing your stuff in the first place, it’s a lot easier for her to understand what you expect of her. Practically speaking, this means confining her in a dog-proofed area until you’re confident of her understanding of the house rules.

 

3.       Don’t set her up for failure by blurring the boundaries between her stuff (OK to chew) and your stuff (not OK to chew). Don’t offer your dog cast-off clothes, shoes, or towels to chew and play with: realistically, you can’t possibly expect her to be able to tell the difference between your current shoes and the one she’s got in her mouth that you gave her five minutes ago.

 

4.       Provide her with lots of tasty alternatives to your stuff. If her environment is relatively barren of attractive, appropriate chewing objects, you can hardly blame her for targeting your possessions. Remember, most dogs need to chew; if she’s an adolescent (under three years) or a puppy (under one year), her needs will be even more pronounced. Go on a toy and chew shopping spree, then give her two or three to play with at a time. Rotating the available toys every few days will keep things novel and interesting for her.

 

5.       Spend lots of time in active supervision. Yes, it might be easier for you to just keep her penned up in her crate, run, or the yard – but that’s boring and horrible for her, and hardly much fun for you either (if you wanted a pet that you don’t need to interact with, you’d have got a goldfish, right?) She can’t learn what you expect of her if she’s spending all her time boxed up in the dog-proof zone: she needs the opportunity to explore the boundaries of your expectations, so she can understand what’s appropriate and what’s not.

 

6.       When you catch her chewing something inappropriate, interrupt her by making a loud noise: clap your hands or make an “Ah-ah-aaaah!” noise. Then, immediately hand her a tasty and dog-appropriate alternative (a rawhide bone or other chew toy); as soon as her jaws close around it, praise her lavishly. There is no better way to get your dog to understand that chewing “her” toys equals praise from you, but everything else equals trouble.

 

Maintain a productive attitude

 

Above all, remember to keep your expectations realistic. You’re not perfect, and neither is your dog: there’s likely to be at least one incident where a cherished item is damaged by her curiosity.

 

Particularly in the early stages of your relationship, she’s still learning the ropes: it’ll take a while before she’s completely reliable (and even then, if she’s left by herself for too long or feels neglected, she may choose your stuff over hers to occupy her time and jaws with.) Remember to give her time to learn the rules, and plenty of ‘you-time’ to help her learn faster – and don’t forget to take precautions and keep things out of reach until she’s got the hang of the chewing rules!

 

For more information on dog training techniques and how to deal with problem dog behavior (like chewing), check out Secrets to Dog Training. It’s the complete manual for dog ownership and is designed to fast-track your dog’s learning.

You can visit the Secrets to Dog Training site by clicking here dog obedience training

How to choose a vet

Your vet is a pretty significant figure in your dog's life – and thus, in yours. Hopefully, you'll only ever need him or her for routine checkups and preventative procedures; but just in case, it's worth taking the time to develop a good relationship with a suitable vet, before you need their services.


WHERE AT LOOK



Sure, you could just pick a vet at random from the Yellow Pages or from an Internet search; but having the right vet is crucial to your dog's health and happiness (and, presumably, this plays at least some part in your own happiness and peace of mind as an owner, right?)

Think about it this way: if you were trying to choose a doctor for yourself, would you be happy to just select one at random from an impersonal list?

Probably not. You'd want somebody who comes highly recommended – somebody you feel like you can trust.
Your vet isn't just your dog's doctor; he or she is also the dentist, manicurist, psychologist, and – hopefully! – a friend. When you roll all these things up into one, you can see why it's necessary to spend some time confirming that you've made the right choice.


The best place to start looking for a vet is by word of mouth. If you have any friends or relatives who take good care of their dogs, then that's a great place to start: ask them who they'd recommend, and why. This last one is particularly important, because everyone has different priorities: for example, perhaps they like their own vet because he/she is a specialist in their own particular breed; or they don't charge very much; or the clinic is only five minutes' drive … their priorities are not necessarily yours, so it's a good idea to make sure that your values coincide with the person giving the recommendations.

Another great place to find a vet is through local training clubs (Schutzhund, agility, herding classes, police K-9 academies, etc.) These organizations are almost guaranteed to place a great deal of importance on high-quality veterinary care, because the health and well-being of their dogs is such a priority.

Once you've got a list of vets that you're interested in pursuing further, all you have to do is call up the clinic and explain that you're looking to find a regular vet for your dog(s): can you come in for a quick chat, introduce your dog, and have a look at the premises?



HAVE A LOOK BEFORE YOU NEED TO

Before you decide to align yourself and your dog with a particular clinic, test the waters first. Ideally, you want a chance to talk to the vet, and discuss his or her philosophies and approach to pet care.

This is really important. If your dog ever really needs vet-care (if there's an emergency, or if she needs an urgent short-term appointment), you want to be sure that you've made the best possible choice as far as her health and comfort levels are concerned. Neither of you should be subjected to any unnecessary extra stress at a time like that – and you can avoid a lot of grief by spending a bit of time in preparation.

THINGS TO ASK THE VET

While you're at the clinic, you'll want to be assessing your potential vet's overall attitude and approach to health care and animals; and you'll also probably want answers to some specific questions.

Here's a list of useful questions to help you on your way:

- How many vets are there on staff? If you need to make an urgent appointment, you don't want to be waiting around while precious minutes tick past. Ideally, there'll be at least two qualified veterinarians on hand (not just technicians or assistants.)

- What kind of testing and analysis capabilities does the clinic have If they have to send away to a lab for this kind of stuff, it means that the results are going to be delayed. If your dog is very sick, time is an important factor: it's best if the clinic has at least blood-analysis testing on hand.

- What after-hours services are available? A lot of clinics close the doors in the evenings and on weekends, which means that if there's an emergency, you'll have to go somewhere else – and subject your dog (and yourself) to an unfamiliar vet. (If you don't mind this, then that's fine; but be aware that in a high-stress situation when emotions are running high, it's reassuring for your dog and yourself to deal with someone familiar.)

- What's their price range? How are payments made? Is there a facility for payment plans in case of unexpected vet bills? The payment-plan option is particularly important. Even with pet insurance, vet bills can sometimes be astronomical – and not everyone has the resources to deal with large vet bills straight away. Ask the clinic how they cater for situations like that.

- How up-to-date is the staff with advances in the industry? Do the vet, the technicians, and the assistants attend seminars and workshops regularly? The field of medical care is always moving forward – responsible vets make the effort to keep up with the times, and see that their staff do, too.

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE

When you choose a vet, you're balancing convenience and quality. There's no right or wrong vet for you and your dog – which is partly why making the choice can be so confusing. There are lots of vets to choose from, and they're all different!

Even though it's tempting to go for the one right around the corner with the rock-bottom prices, it really is worthwhile taking the time to shop around. Your dog is utterly dependent on you for her healthcare – and if you take her seriously as a companion and member of the family, you'll want to do the best thing by her.

A good vet knows how to take care of you as well as your dog. The relationship that you have with your vet will hopefully be one that's based around a healthy mutual respect and positive synergy - there should be very little scope for misunderstanding. When the two of you see eye to eye, it makes caring for your dog that much easier.

FURTHER READING

For a complete survival guide on stress-free dog care, including detailed information on when your dog needs to see the vet, how to respond to pet emergencies, dog First Aid, and all common health problems, check out The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health. It's a complete handbook on dog health care, and teaches you how to take a proactive and prepared approach to knowledgeable dog ownership.

You can visit The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health by clicking on the link below:
http://www.kingdomofpets.com/dog_health/?aff=sathimanoj&type=nohop

How to stock your tank

It's all very well to hear people talking about the beauties of an aquarium, how to maintain adequate pH, keeping nitrate and phosphate levels adequately balanced, and so on … there seems to be plenty of technical detail available!

But what about the actual fish? How do you choose which ones you want? How do you know whether they'll be too big for the tank when they grow up, or whether they'll be compatible with your other fish? How do you find out how to stock your tank?

Here is a quick rundown of the things you'll need to bear in mind when choosing fish for your tank, as well as a brief look at a couple of the more common types of tropical fish. Hopefully it'll give you a good idea of where to get started!

Freshwater vs. Saltwater

Obviously, the water type is different, but what does that actually mean in terms of the kind of aquarium you'll end up with?

Specifically, freshwater tanks are generally recommended for beginner aquarists – especially if children are going to be involved in looking after the fish.

This is because freshwater fish are much easier to look after, and are generally more resilient to less-than-perfect water quality and fluctuations in temperature (and, really, all the sorts of mistakes that beginners are prone to make!). In general, freshwater tanks are both cheaper and easier to maintain than saltwater ones.

Saltwater aquariums often have more colorful fish, but maintaining the chemistry of a saltwater tank is a pretty finicky business, and is best undertaken by someone well-versed in the lore of fish-keeping.

What to think about when choosing your fish

Unfortunately, choosing fish for an aquarium isn't as simple as you might think. You can't just go into a pet store and select arbitrary numbers of the fish that you find the most appealing – you need to invest some forethought into your tank to ensure that your fish lead happy, healthy lives.

Some things to think about:
Fish size. When you buy fish, they're usually babies. Some will stay about the same size, but other will grow much, much larger – so you'll need to bear the size of your tank in mind! As a standard rule of thumb, always buy for the adult size. If there's no guide on the tank or if you're unsure, ask the assistant. This is really important, because fish are sensitive little creatures: if they're subjected to overcrowding (which happens when fish are too large for their surrounds), they can get so stressed out that they die. Really.
Recommended diet. Not all fish dine equally – some fish eat live food, some eat frozen food, some eat flakes, and some will eat anything (but don't rely on that last one when it's tank-stocking time!) Because different fish eat different things, unless you're prepared to invest time each day in measuring out the accurate quantities of various fish foods, it's best to get fish that eat the same thing. It'll make it easier and less expensive for you to take care of your new pets (and will ensure that the kids can participate, too, if they want to get involved).
Compatibility. Contrary to popular belief, fish do actually have personalities – and some of them can get pretty aggressive. Many tropical fish have well-deserved reputations as bullies: they can nip the fins of other, more peace-loving fish, they can ‘barge' smaller fish, and they can get into fights (which are frequently pretty vicious). To eliminate the likelihood of your fish getting into scraps, you should aim to buy fish that have mutually compatible personalities – which means, no territorial fighting fish in with a school of peace-loving roamers!
Water temperature. Just because the dozen or so species of fish in that wall of tanks in the pet store are all labeled ‘tropical fish', doesn't mean that they're all tropical fish from the same region. Different fish thrive in different temperatures – and because you can only have one temperature at a time in your tank, it's best if you choose fish that are comfortable in the same temperature range.
Life expectancy. Some fish live for upwards of ten years – which is a pretty serious time commitment! If you're a free spirit who likes to roam about (and, let's face it, tropical fish tanks don't normally go down so well when you're trying to thumb a ride), consider how long you're likely to want to keep this fish tank for, and shop accordingly.

So what types of fish can I buy then?

Shopping for tropical fish is fun! As long as you've got your tank dimensions figured out and know basically how much money you want to spend (and have perhaps printed out the above list, to take with you to the store), grab your wallet and head to the pet shop/fish breeder. One of the best parts about keeping a tropical tank is that the beauty of the fish doesn't depend on the size of your checking account!

Some common breeds that you'll likely encounter:
Clown Loach. Clown loaches are colorful, lively, and humorous fish with plenty of quirky personality traits (like lying on their side when resting, and making loud clicking noises when they eat!) Clown loaches do best in schools, so if you like them, get at least three or four. These fish grow between 6 and 12 inches – they're pretty sizeable! – and prefer to eat meaty food.
Congo Tetra. These peaceful fish are popular choices for beginners, as they're very brightly colored and like to flash around the tank in divertingly attractive schools (again, you'll need to get more than a few of these to keep them happy). These are a medium-sized fish, generally growing to around 5 inches in length, and require a minimum of 30 gallons of water for adequate swimming space. Tetras love clean water, and lots of live plants to dart around and hide behind, but aside from this they're pretty easy-care.
Elephant Nose. These are really amazing fish to look at – they have a long, protuberant ‘trunk' for a nose (hence the name) which they use to hunt small live food - although they will also eat frozen and flaked food too, if it's all that's available. They grow to be about 8 inches long and need a sandy, gravelly bottom on the tank. These are fairly territorial fish, but will do fine as long as the tank isn't overcrowded.
Tiger Barb. These fish derive their names from the characteristic black barring (‘tiger stripes') on their flanks. They're very striking fish, but they can be quite aggressive toward other species (they're known as fin nippers). Aggression is minimized by keeping them in schools, where they'll be distracted from the other fish in the tank by working out the necessary hierarchy among themselves – it can be pretty diverting to watch! Tiger Barbs grow to about 3 inches and need plenty of space for schooling. They're omnivores, so they eat all types of food: the one feeding rule is to do it regularly, to avoid aggression!

Further Reading

For more information on the technicalities of keeping a tropical fish tank, check out Katy's Tropical Fish – A Complete Guide. As the title promises, it's a complete compendium for the responsible fish-keeper of any experience level, and is packed from start to finish with valuable gems of relevant, detailed, and easy-read information.

You can take a look at the book by clicking on the link below:

http://www.kingdomofpets.com/tropicalfish/?aff=sathimanoj&type=nohop

White Spot

White spot is arguably the most common disease that tropical fish are subject to, and is believed to be responsible for causing more fatalities than any other disease. Most – if not all – aquarists will encounter white spot (also known as Ich) at least once or twice during the course of their career/hobby.

What is it?

White spot is a single-celled, ciliate protozoan. In regular English, this means it's a single celled parasite organism, which propels itself through the water through use of cilia, or filament-like hairs. Mature adult cells are 0.5 – 1.0 mm in size, and are usually clearly visible to the naked eye.

White spot is a parasite. It lives under the top layer of scales and skin on your fish, eating skin cells and causing minute cellular ruptures. The white spots which result from these ruptures are the basis for the parasite's name, and are what will eventually kill the host (the fish).

How does it get into my tank?

White spot is usually introduced to a tank along with new, infected fish or plants. It can also break out seemingly without warning in an undisturbed tank.

When this happens, it means that the organism has been present for some time, but has been dormant (hibernating), and that some new stimulus – stress, or a change in water temperature – has caused it to awaken and become active.

The original cell of the organism will attach itself to a host (the weakest, oldest, or sickest fish in the tank), usually in the gill plates or under the scales.

After approximately one week of parasitism, the now-mature organism (mature Ich cells are called trophozoites) detaches from the fish and settles on a new surface: usually, a plant or ornament.

It will then form a capsule around itself (called a cyst) and will remain dormant – at least, outwardly - for about a week. During this period of time, the cell within the capsule is furiously dividing: by the time that those seven days are up, that one cell has become approximately 1,000 new single-celled organisms.

These "daughter cells" will then break loose and swim freely about the tank, attaching themselves to new fish - and beginning the cycle all over again.

White spot is highly contagious and progresses very rapidly. 100% mortality is to be expected unless something is done about it.

What can I do about it?

Prevention is obviously the best cure:
Make sure you only ever buy healthy fish from a reputable, clean breeder
Inspect the tank from which your fish originate: does it look to be in clean condition? Are the plants healthy and flourishing? Is the gravel clean of sediment and dust? Is the water warm and well-conditioned?
Check the fish, too – not just the ones you're buying, but all the fish in the tank. Watch out for ones that are ‘hiding' (under rocks and behind ornaments) since this is a classic symptom of an infected fish. Make sure none are displaying those tell-tale white spots
Thoroughly clean any gravel or ornaments you purchase before placing them in the tank, to make sure any cysts are dislodged
Quarantine new plants and fish for one week before adding them to your tank
Never overstock your tank, since it will stress the fish (which is a major contributor to outbreaks of white spot, as well as dictating in part the severity of the outbreak)
Check your fish regularly for white spots. The earlier you detect it, the less impact the disease will have on your tank.

What if it's too late for prevention?

If you've already got an outbreak in your own tank, relax – it may be a serious illness, but at least it's easy to cure!

The most common, and user-friendly, method of curing condition is through the use of aquarium salts.

Parasites are less tolerant of salt than fish, so adding extra salt kills off all the Ich organisms with no adverse effects to the fish themselves. Make sure you follow the instructions on the package (aquarium salts should always come with clear instructions), and make sure before using it that you don't have any salt-intolerant fish in the tank like Neons, Cardinals, Glow-Lights, or scale-less Catfish, which are easily burned by salt.

A second alternative is to use a chemical called malachite green. This is an effective way of treating Ich, but unfortunately the chemical is toxic to humans (as well as most plants and snails, so make sure you remove these before commencing treatment!). Always use gloves when administering this chemical – and, because it's teratogenic (meaning it harms fetuses), pregnant women should stay well away from it.

All you have to do with malachite green is remove the carbon from the filter, and add the appropriate amount (according to the instructions) to the water of the tank. It usually takes about 4-5 days to kill all the Ich cells – a good rule of thumb is to continue use of it until a couple of days after the last white spot has vanished from the fish. 10 days is typical for use of malachite green: just remember to put the carbon back in the filter to remove any lingering traces of the treatment, and give it one or two more days before putting the snails and plants back in.

UV light is also an effective means of treatment: you can purchase inner-tank filters from the pet store with small UV lights inside them. The light kills the parasites in the capsule stage, before they attach to the host.

The transfer method is time-consuming but effective: you'll need to move all the fish, daily, into a new tank with clean, warm, conditioned water. It takes about 7 daily transfers (so, a week) for all the parasites to fall behind. The only downside is that the fish (and, often, the aquarist!) get stressed by the process, leaving them more susceptible to other diseases. Fish already affected by white spot will sometimes die during the transfer process because their bodies can't handle the additional stress.

Recommended Reading

For a complete compendium of information on all the problems that tropical fish are subject to, take a look at Katy's Tropical Fish – A Complete Guide.You'll learn how to keep your fish happy, healthy, and beautiful, how to keep your aquarium to professional standards, how to troubleshoot health problems as soon as they occur, and learn valuable insider tips and tricks for keeping your aquarium looking spectacular.

To check out Katy's Tropical Fish, just click on the link below:

http://www.kingdomofpets.com/tropicalfish/?aff=sathimanoj&type=nohop

Algae in aquarium

Algae (pronounced AL-jee) are simple forms of marine plant life. They're pretty basic: they lack leaves, roots, flowers, seeds, and all the other things we normally associate with plants. The term ‘algae' is an umbrella phrase that's used to refer to all forms of marine life that are capable of photosynthesis (converting sunlight into energy), although some forms of algae rely entirely on external supplies of energy (in the form of protein and fish waste in the water) for food.
As far as your tropical fish tank goes, algae is definitely an unwanted visitor – it's a real eyesore. Of course, certain levels of algae are to be expected; small amounts are inevitable wherever there's light, nutrients, and water in combination.

However, when levels get high enough to be visible to the naked eye, you've got a surplus.Unless you maintain your aquarium regularly, you can pretty much count on regular growths of algae obscuring your fish, making the water smell, and generally detracting from the aesthetic appeal of your tank.

But what is it – and how do you get rid of it?

Well, it depends on the type of algae that you have, since each one needs to be treated in a specific manner. The most common forms of algae to affect tropical fish tanks are:
brown algae
green algae
blue-green algae
green water

What to do about brown algae

Brown algae is usually the first to appear in a newly established tank. It's pretty easy to see: it looks like cloudy brown slime growing along the sides and bottom of your aquarium, as well as clinging onto gravel, rocks, and ornaments.

Limiting the light available won't make any difference to this type of algae, since it's perfectly capable of growing at low-lighting levels.

Instead, you need to cut right back on the nutrients available for sustaining its growth – which means feeding your fish less. High protein levels in the tank, derived from fish food, will fuel this algae's growth.

Even if your fish are eating all the food you give them, this doesn't mean you're feeding them the right amount: when it comes to food, fish are natural opportunists, which means they'll eat everything that's available regardless of how much you feed them. If they're overeating, they simply excrete the undigested food – which then floats around in the tank, feeding the algae instead!

Make sure you follow the directions stringently on the fish-food package, to be certain that you're minimizing nutrient levels appropriately.

In addition to keeping food levels down, make sure you're maintaining your tank adequately with enough water changes and gravel and filter cleanings.

If brown algae appears in an established aquarium, you'll need to check the phosphate and nitrate levels, as too much of either will encourage the growth of the algae.

If the problem remains ongoing, you can use algae-eaters. These are bottom-dwelling fish – such as the American-flag fish and the Siamese algae eater - which feed on algae, and are commonly stocked by pet stores and fish traders. They'll make quick work of your brown algae problem!

What to do about green algae

Green algae will appear in just about any tank with plenty of light. Fortunately, it's easy to remove (it doesn't cling to the glass too much) and most algae-eaters will consume it with gusto.

For green algae, make sure you're minimizing the protein in the tank, as you would for brown algae. Start by cutting the fish-food back by one quarter, and pay close attention to the appearance of your fish: if their bodies become flat and thin, they're not eating enough. They should be getting just enough food to remain slightly round-bodied.

Keep your fish tank stocked with plenty of algae-eaters, and the problem should take care of itself (although it bears repeating that a certain amount of algae, particularly green algae, is to be expected).

What to do about blue-green algae

Blue-green algae is technically not really an algae in the true sense of the word – it's actually a form of bacteria, called cyanobacteria, which is a type of bacteria capable of photosynthesis. Cyanobacteria is one of the oldest organisms in the world, and is thought to have been around for at least 3.5 billion years!

It looks like a slimy coating in a number of greenish-blue shades, and the wastes it releases can actually be toxic to your fish – another good reason to keep it to a bare minimum.

The good thing about blue-green algae is that it's easy to remove manually: usually, it forms ‘sheets' of hanging matter in the water, which can easily be scooped out.

The bad thing about it is that it's pretty hardy: even after a thorough removal, it'll usually have returned by the next day

This algae is usually caused by low levels of nitrates (usually in combination with high levels of phosphate), and an imbalance of bacteria in the water.

How to get rid of this persistent eyesore:
Block all light for a week, and siphon the dead algae out of the tank each day. Your plants will be feeling pretty sorry for themselves by the seventh day, but they should recover just fine.
Add new bacteria after every water change. You can purchase bacteria pellets for this express purpose from your pet store and aquarium supply dealer. Ask for bacteria pellets that remove ammonia and excess protein from the water.
Be stringent with your tank maintenance: keep everything clean, check the filter for clogging, make sure the lights are working adequately (blue-green algae needs light to survive, but good fluorescents are necessary to maintain an adequate balance of bacteria and plant life in the tank).

What to do about green water

If the water in your tank is green, cloudy, and murky, then you have green water. This is a particular form of free-floating algae which hangs suspended in the water, giving it that characteristic opacity – in some cases, the water becomes so green that the fish are obscured.

It's usually due to a significant excess of light (usually sunlight, as opposed to too much fluorescent), or a problem with your water quality.

To treat this problem:
Block all sunlight from reaching your tank for several days to one week. You can do this by draping fabric over your tank, or making sure that all the curtains remain drawn in the room where your aquarium is placed. This is very effective.
Keep your filter mesh as fine as you can: most generic filters come with pretty coarse mesh, so replace it with a fine-meshed sponge or use a diatomic filter (designed specifically to treat algal problems). Remember to check the filter regularly, or else it'll get clogged.

General algae prevention tips

Regular maintenance of your tank is one of the best preventative measures when it comes to algae:
Change the water regularly
Clean the aquarium regularly
Use a UV filter in the tank
Situate the tank away from direct sunlight
Don't overcrowd the fish
Keep the food levels down
Minimize aeration unless your aquarium is very well stocked: keep airstones and vents to a minimum
Utilize your plants' nitrate and phosphate absorbing capacity: stock your aquarium with plenty of fast-growing species like Ambulia and Egeria

Maintaining a healthy, attractive aquarium can be a pretty complex task – there's so much to keep track of!

For smart, relevant, detailed, and easy to follow advice on keeping a professional-standard aquarium, we recommend Katy's Tropical Fish – A Complete Guide.

It's packed with valuable insider tips for keeping a fabulous aquarium, regardless of budget and experience – all aspects of tropical aquarium maintenance are covered, from fish health to algae problems to fish compatibility. It's a complete owner's manual!

You can pay a visit to the website by clicking on the link below:

http://www.kingdomofpets.com/tropicalfish/?aff=sathimanoj&type=nohop