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David OCReef ⁽³³⁹⁾ United States

Orange County Aquarium Supplies

The Many Advantages of Acrylic Aquariums

Posted Friday, October 02, 2009 (52 days 20 hours ago.) Viewed 21 times.

When choosing between acrylic or glass aquariums, there are many attractive and practical advantages, which make acrylic a wise choice.

Colors are displayed more vividly and true in acrylic aquariums. This is because acrylic is clearer than glass, allowing up to 92% of light to pass through. Acrylic aquariums photograph much better than glass, as well.

Because acrylic is a more flexible material than glass, there is a wider variety of shapes available - from bow-front to bubble-shaped. Such shapes provide seamless panoramic views, and more versatile viewing angles. There are sizes and shapes to complement any decor or environment, making it more practical to display an aquarium almost anywhere. Not just in the basement or den, but in the formal dining room and luxurious living room, for guests to enjoy. In the romantic master bedroom or tiny dorm room. In the workplace or home office, to boost creativity and relieve stress. In the waiting room, to ease impatient customers, bored children, and anxious patients. At the spa or salon, for increased serenity.

Aside from the design aspect, there are other practical and important advantages. Because they are molecularly bonded (melted together), acrylic aquariums are up to 17 times stronger than silicone-glued glass tanks. The combination of strength and flexibility, makes acrylic tanks better able to withstand bumps and gouges, and less likely to break or leak. This makes acrylic a safer choice in high traffic areas, small spaces, and around children. If the tank does get a few scratches, they can be easily buffed out, unlike glass.

The durability of acrylic tanks not only minimizes the risk of serious damage to the aquarium itself, but helps prevent water damage to floors, property, and more importantly, physical injury to people and pets.

In addition to being stronger and more flexible than glass, acrylic aquariums are up to 48% lighter! This makes it much easier to move, whether simply rearranging your space, or transporting it miles away.

Although acrylic is structurally stronger and more durable than glass, to avoid scratching it during cleaning, do not use gritty cloths, scouring pads, household cleaners, or abrasive products. Instead, use products designed specifically for acrylic surfaces - an acrylic polish for the exterior, and for the interior, invest in an acrylic-safe Mag Float, to scrub away algae without having to put your hands in the water.

An acrylic aquarium may cost more initially, but the many advantages of acrylic, make it an investment you won't regret.

For more information on aquariums visit www.ocreef.com

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Aquarium Supplies

Posted Wednesday, August 26, 2009 (89 days 14 hours ago.) Viewed 28 times.

Having an aquarium is a fantastic hobby. Its rewarding to set it up, stock it with beautiful fish, corals, plants, or other dcor, and gaze at it proudly, with awesome wonder. Unlike many hobbies, this is not one that people quickly become bored with or outgrow. It is an investment, requiring responsibility, regular care and commitment. But the resulting fun and challenges are well worth the effort. As a hobbyists knowledge and experience grows, so too can their aquariums, and vice versa providing endless opportunities to experiment and learn new things.

There is a misconception among some people that Aquarium Supplies only consist of fish foods and decorations. In reality, there are hundreds of aquarium supplies available, with the range widening and improving all the time. Equipment such as chillers, filtration systems, and protein skimmers are vital for maintaining a flourishing aquarium, and to help ensure long and healthy lives for its inhabitants.

The type of fish in an aquarium, determines which supplies are needed or recommended. For saltwater fish, the most important aquarium supply items are Protein Skimmers. Protein Skimmers are indispensable for removing toxic buildup in aquariums, caused by waste and decaying food, plant and animal matter. In addition to protein, toxic buildup may include harmful amino acids and other chemicals. A Protein Skimmer is not only effective in eliminating toxic buildup in an aquarium, but also replenishes the oxygen level and makes the water cleaner, further increasing your fishes ability to survive.

The water temperature in your aquarium is another important factor for ensuring a healthy life for your fish. Aquarium Chillers, Heaters, and temperature monitoring devices are used to maintain the proper temperature. The climate in your area, will determine the need for a chiller or heater. Aquarium thermometers and other temperature monitoring devices can be used to accurately determine the temperature of the water in your aquarium. As their names indicate, a chiller is used to cool the water, and a heater will raise the temperature level.

Other Aquarium Supplies like pumps, filters, lighting, water testing kits, etc. are also important for the survival of your fish. But before you think about heading to your local pet/fish supply store to shop for supplies - WAIT. Many of these stores have a limited selection of products, and/or their staff may have limited knowledge of the Aquarium Hobby and Aquarium Supplies. Getting the wrong advice or products may not only be expensive and frustrating, but could be harmful to your fish, and discourage beginners from continuing and enjoying the Hobby.

In order to make the best choices for your money and your fish, research your options on the Internet. Youll have access to a much larger variety of the latest supplies and products, be able to read reviews from hands-on users, compare products, and get equipment and aquarium-keeping advice from experienced hobbyists and experts. All without leaving your home saving gas, time, and money.

You can do all this and more, at www.OCReef.com the all-new one-stop online-shop - where you'll find everything for a happy, healthy aquarium!

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How To Rid Green Algae In Your Home Aquarium

Posted Thursday, July 16, 2009 (131 days ago.) Viewed 83 times.

How To Kill Green Hair Algae?

Green Hair Algae (abbreviated as GHA for this article) - Derbesia -is a form of algae that looks like its name. It is usually dark green, grows quite long if left unattended and spreads across your tank rapidly. Once this problem has begun, it can get out of hand in a matter of weeks. And soon you start to look at your tank in disgust, thinking "Why me? What did I do to deserve this plague?"

A number of things may have contributed to it getting a foothold in your system. Your nitrates might be too high, your phosphates may be too high (.03 or less is the goal), your lighting has recently been replaced or perhaps your bulbs are so old that the spectrum of light has shifted, fueling algae growth.

Okay, so your water is great. To get rid of the algae, you are going to have to prune it back manually. Fortunately, you can get some help from ocean dwellers, but like anything, when you have too much of something, you have to get radical to bring it within manageable levels.

Nothing good ever happens quickly. This is going to take some specific attention on your part for a few weeks, but you can overcome it.

You can start by ripping it out in bulk, this will prevent it from spreading, and you give your hermit crabs and snails something they can actually keep up with. Also recommended is to get more snails to help with the battle. Turbo snails are a good choice for this.

Foxface, Blennies, Yellow Tang fish, and other invertebrates including the Green Sea Urchin, which feed primarily on algae are good choices and will work to beat Green Hair Algae overgrowth.

Clean your protein skimmer completely. Clean the pump thoroughly and make sure your air intake is clear. Clean your collection cup often, so you don't have slime build up hindering it. You want to skim out as much of the Dissolved Organic Compounds (DOCs) before they can break down in your tank and add to the Green Hair Algae's reproduction cycle. Remember nitrates fuel algae growth. You want 10ppm or less to avoid feeding Green Hair Algae.

If your protein skimmer is under powered for your aquarium, consider upgrading to a better unit.

If you'll keep up with these cleaning processes for a few weeks, along with your regular maintenance, and correct water parameters you will notice less and less Green Hair Algae in your tank, until one day your tank is pristine again and under control for good. If you have any further questions regarding anything aquarium related, please visit us at www.ocreef.com Thank you

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Aquarium Therapy as a Stress Reliever!

Posted Saturday, June 20, 2009 (156 days 17 hours ago.) Viewed 104 times.

Aquarium Therapy:

Taking time to watch and interact with pets, provides a welcome break from the stress of daily cares and concerns. Aquariums are ideal for creating a soothing, tranquil, meditative place to relax and connect with nature, in your home or office. They can even pull your kids away from mindless TV to learn about prehistoric species and the cycle of life. They're great conversation starters and provide entertainment for guests. For business owners, they can make those waiting room times fly by for your clients. For busy people who want to experience the joys of pet ownership, but are concerned that they don't have enough time to care for them, tropical aquarium fish are a great choice. They are easier to take care of than dogs, cats, and many other animals, and take up very little space. With the wide variety of aquarium shapes and sizes, they can fit in virtually any home or office.

Aquarium Therapy for Human Health:

In addition to the joy, entertainment, and companionship many animals provide, it has been known for years, that animals can provide many health benefits to humans. Studies have shown that animals can increase longevity after heart attacks, lower cholesterol, and even predict seizures in people. Similarly, studies have found that watching fish in aquariums has many therapeutic effects, including: a notable and beneficial decrease in blood pressure, pulse rate, and muscle tension. In a study of patients awaiting dental surgery, it was found that aquarium watching was as effective as hypnosis, in reducing anxiety.

Aquarium Effects in Seniors:

Purdue University researchers conducted an extensive study, which found that exposing Alzheimer's patients to tanks of brightly colored fish, may curtail disruptive behaviors and improve eating habits. Generally, it is difficult to keep these patients calm, attentive, or awake long enough for them to eat adequately, resulting in a need for costly nutritional supplements and medications. However, when aquariums were placed in the dining room of Alzheimer's facilities, it appeared that the stimulating combination of color, sound, and the varying, gliding movement of the fish held their attention for a relatively long time. They were more relaxed, attentive, and alert, and ate up to 21% more. As a result of eating more, the patients required less nutritional supplementation. There was also a noticeable decrease in physically aggressive behaviors among the patients. For some, even short-term memory may have been stimulated.

Aquarium Effects in Kids:

Have you heard of dolphins helping children with emotional disorders? Studies have shown that watching fish in an aquarium calmed children diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, ADHD.

Virtually any aquarium, from large to small, will have a benefit. A large aquarium is wonderful, but if space is limited, a mini-aquarium will do the trick.

Besides an aquariums obvious beauty (when well taken care of) fish tanks can improve your life in many other ways. When you come home from work, or when you finally put the kids to bed... prop your feet up and watch your fish swim serenely through your aquarium, watch the plants or the coral swaying rhythmically... relax and enjoy.

These are just a few examples, showing that in addition to both the educational and aesthetic benefits of aquariums, people who care for and watch fish, can reap health benefits as well.

Questions?:

If you're still unsure whether or not an aquarium is right for you, or if you just have some questions regarding purchasing products, set up, and maintenance, please visit our web store at http://www.ocreef.com

Make aquariums a part of your family experience!

www.ocreef.com

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