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Deciding what fish you want to display in your aquarium is an important first decision. The size of your tank and how the different species interact together will play a part in how well your display works. Many advanced aquarists keep only fish from the same region in an aquarium.
The selection of fish and plant types has a major effect on the appearance of an aquarium. Rather than going for a two of everything approach, select a small number of fish species in larger shoals.
Keeping and displaying plants in your aquarium.
Keeping live plants in your aquarium can add another dimension to your display. Growing your own aquarium plants is not always easy. Many people struggle with this. Good lighting is important if your plants are going to do well in your tank environment. This means;
Having plant specific light tubes on for 10 to 12 hours daily. Get a timer! regular photoperiod is important and remembering to turn the lights on and off again at the same time every day is a big ask for most people.
Light reflectors on the hood of your tank will double the amount of light reaching the water.
Purchase a good quality fertiliser for your plants, read and follow the instructions provided.
Display similar plants in smaller groupings. Keep tall fast growing plants at the rear of the aquarium and low plants at the front of the tank.
Good filtration
Buy good quality filter equipment, don't skimp on the filter. Often the filter will also be providing the water circulation and aeration, and both of these are vital to the success of your aquarium. Ideally your filter will turn over the entire volume of water in your tank at least four times an hour.
Every fish keepers hate!
Algae, it's a challenge for many keepers who take pride in the appearance of their pristine tanks. Actually algae control in aquaria can be made easier.
Rapidly growing plants suppress the growth of algae in your tank. You can't reduce the light or the nutrients you have added to make the plants grow, so make sure you have plenty of plants.
You may decide to add a few algae eating fish to your tank.
You also have at your disposal biological additives. These consume waste, suppress algae and help prevent fish disease. The trick is to use them regularly, not just every once in a while.
Final advice
Do the basics well: do partial water changes, clean the filter, trim the plants and clean the glass regularly.
Rats are clean, intelligent and friendly animals that make great pets for young and old alike. With an average lifespan of two to three years, they are not a long term commitment, but there are some things you need to consider before you get started.
Before adopting a rat, consider whether you'll be able to interact with your pet on a daily basis. Rats require stimulation and shouldn't be left alone in their cage without company for long periods of time. The more interaction they have with you the more tame they will become.
Rats make wonderful pets for children; but are better suited to those over 10 years of age. Younger children need to be well supervised while handling and caring for rats because young children aren't always aware of how precious rats are and how quickly things can go wrong if they are squeezed or set free.
So are you thinking of getting more than one rat?
Rats are social animals that require the company of other rats, so it is a good idea to get more than one rat. Try to get two of the same sex. Two rats are no more difficult to care for than one, and having a pair doesn't mean they will bond with you any less.
Males or Females
Males are generally bigger and more relaxed. They can make great lap rats and like to snuggle. Males can mark their territory and possibly have a muskier smell, although its not a bad smell. Neutered males tend to mark and smell less.
Females are smaller, sleeker, and generally more active. They are great fun to watch and play with, but less likely to sit still. They do slow down as they age and usually love receiving cuddles. Unfortunately they are also more prone to tumours.
Settling in
When you get your new rat home, place them in their home for a few hours. Most rats will be a little nervous to begin with, so let them get use to their new surroundings in their own time and handle them gently.
Lops
Lops are a popular breed in New Zealand. They come in various forms, including Miniature, Dwarf, and Cashmere. Born with upright ears that flop as they get older, lops range in size from a mini lop which weighs about 1.6k, to the Cashmere lop, weighing approximately 2.4kg. Most Lop rabbits have good temperaments, although occasionally one might be a bit feisty. They are slightly more prone to Malloclusion - overlapping teeth than other breeds, so check the teeth carefully when selecting a baby.
Flemish Giants
Flemish Giants are just as the name suggests - giant! The largest of the pet rabbit breeds, Flemish Giant rabbits weigh about 6-7kg, but this shouldn't scare off prospective buyers. They are often more docile, and as rabbits don't like to be picked up much anyway they are good for small children because they are less likely to hurt them. Also they are more cat proof. Flemish Giants are relatively intelligent and, like many rabbits, can be trained to use a litter tray.
Netherland Dwarfs
The Netherland Dwarf is the smallest breed available, weighing between 0.5kg and 1.5kg. They have round, baby like eyes and faces, even in adulthood, and perky upright ears. Netherland Dwarfs, despite their small size, have a reputation for being a bit feisty, but with careful handling and treatment from a young age, they can make good pets for older children.
Angora and Long Haired
Angoras and other long haired rabbits have good temperaments, individual personalities and look amazing, but do require a lot of care. Only get one of these rabbits if you are prepared for daily maintenance. Because of their long fur, long haired rabbits are prone to wool block, where matted fur blocks up the intestines, causing the rabbit to starve.
Rarer Breeds
There are many other breeds available as well. Breeds such as Chinchilla, Harlequin, Californian, or Rex breeds. Harlequins are calm, curious rabbits that enjoy attention, while the California and Chinchilla also make good pets. Rex rabbits are available in mini and standard, both of which have velveteen fur that makes them cuddly.
Chinchilla
Harlequin
Californian
Rex
Care of Rabbits
Housing
These pets need a good sized hutch or cage where they can exercise, relax in the shade and be protected from drafts and flooding.
Provide untanilised wood shavings, hay or shredded newspaper.
Give your rabbits a range of toys, such as cardboard boxes and balls, as well as branches and wooden treats to gnaw, which help to keep the teeth filed to a suitable length.
Rabbits need unlimited access to good quality hay, a large selection of greens and vegetables. Also a small amount of rabbit mix pellets.
Groom your rabbit once a week. Make sure you keep it's claws clipped.
Handling
When handling, hold them firmly while keeping in mind that they have powerful legs. Never pick up rabbits by their ears. It is strongly recommended that you neuter male rabbits to prevent aggressive behaviour.
Lifespan
6-8 years. As with any pet, you need to be able to care for your rabbit for the duration of it's life.
What are the causes of skin conditions and hot spots in dogs and cats?
An allergy is a hypersensitivity disorder of the immune system. Essentially our pets immune system over reacts. Cats and dogs are susceptible to an allergic response in the same way that we are. Our pets often experience allergies in the form of skin conditions as a consequence.
Flea Bites
Saliva in the bite from a flea causes an over reaction that creates irritation.
Dietary Allergy
As the title suggests, things our pets eat can cause an allergic response. Our pets can even suffer an allergic response to common food compounds such as protein or carbohydrates. But often its a preservative or dyes in the food.
Atopic Dermatitis
This condition is often hereditary. Certain breeds are more susceptible. Dogs with this affliction often have itchy eyes, muzzle, ears and/or feet. Common inhaled allergens include pollen, grass, plants, dust mites and mould. Inhalant allergies cause scratching, chewing and licking. This leads to secondary infections and further discomfort.
Hot Spots
A hot spot is an acutely inflamed area of skin irritation, caused or made worst by your dogs licking or biting.
What can I do to help if my pet suffers from skin conditions mentioned above?
Tails now stock BioPet Grasses. This product is made in New Zealand. It is a homoeopathic compound specially designed for pets troubled by grasses.
Aniwell Active Manuka Honey is an excellent product for damaged or irritated skin. It can be used on Horses, Dogs, Cats, Cattle Pigs Sheep and Goats. It is effective, all natural and made in New Zealand.
More often than not, cats don't travel well in cars. Cats enjoy the comfort of familia surroundings and stay close to their own territory. Another thing that cats don't like is to be confined as they are inside a car. Travelling in cars can be noisy and full of strange smells. Not to mention this experience for them is often associated with bad memories. For example the trip to the vet.
It's a good idea to use a pet carrier. It improves safety for you and for your pet as well, because you can imagine just how distracting it is to have a freaked out cat roaming about free inside your car.
Free Delivery : Tails delivers at no extra cost to you. Just click on the Clipper Cayman to learn more.
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