Freshwater Algae Eaters

All bottom-dwelling fish which feed on algae are most commonly called algae eaters. People who enjoy keeping fish and aquariums in their houses need to purchase freshwater algae eaters for keeping their aquariums clean. These fish help eliminate the algae in the aquarium and work as an anti-algae arsenal because of their appetite. Now, not all of these aquatic animals have the same appetite or eat all types of algae. So you need to make sure that the ones you choose to be a part of your fish tank have the compatibility to live for long term and provide you with satisfied results. As there are various types of freshwater algae eaters, which come in different shapes and sizes, we will go through each of the algae eaters one by one.

Freshwater Algae-eating Fish

The first thing you need to look for in any algae eater is its size. There has to be a balance in these non-aggressive animals, so that they don't get too big for the tank. Which is why, smaller fish fit perfectly for any household aquarium or tank.

Siamese Algae Eater
This fish eats huge amounts of thread and brush algae, along with planarians (freshwater flatworms), which can create nuisance in an aquarium. As these fish are very territorial, keeping them in large groups can be an issue. So, keep either single or a group of 5 if you have a large fish tank (minimum tank size for 2 adult Siamese algae eaters is 100 liters). This fish is related to Red-tailed Sharks and other similar species. Due to their aggressive nature, they should not be kept together with their relatives, unless it is a long, well-planted tank. They are very easy to keep as they eat just about anything, such as pellets, live foods, flake food, parboiled vegetables, etc. They remove algae from living plants, decorations and the tank glass very easily and without harming them. But, do make sure to cover your tank, as they have the tendency to jump really high above the water.

Otocinclus Catfish
Throughout South America, Otocinclus catfish are found in rapid rivers. They only grow up to 5 cm, which is why they are well-suited for the job. A planted tank is a perfect abode for these tan and black peppered fish. Otocinclus are considered as the best leaf cleaners, as they remove the algae from them without harming the leaves. Their main concentration lies in young algae rather than the grown algae. This works out perfectly because as soon as they eat the young algal, the tank stays cleaner more often and keeps the growth very low. Similar to other catfish, Otocinclus love bogwood as well, so add a piece to the tank. If the amount of algae reduces and the Otocinclus don't have anything to eat, place blanched zucchini on a piece of bogwood once every week. Avoid feeling them sinking catfish tablets, algae wafers, lettuce, spinach, and cucumber, as they tend to ignore it.

Amano Shrimp
Amano Shrimp are also called Yamato Numa Ebi. They are one of the best algae eating shrimp available in the market. They only grow up to 5 cm, which is why they are a great addition to small tanks. As a busy algae eater, their main concentration goes to all algae except for the green spot and blue-green algae. One important aspect you should be aware of about Amono Shrimp is that if they are regularly fed with commercial food, they will decrease their algae intake altogether. Regarding water requirements for shrimp, make sure the water is treated with dechlorinators. The reason being, chlorine is dangerous for their habitat. Don't include Amano Shrimp with big fish and Cichlid species, as they tend to eat them. So house them with smaller, more tranquil fish species.

Malaysian Trumpet Snail
These snails grow up to 2 cm only and are a great addition for small, well-planted tanks. They eat algae, leftover food and only dead plant material. These snails have the ability to aerate the gravel in the fish tanks as they spend majority of their time digging themselves through the substrate. They come out of the gravel only at nights, so if you think that your snails are dead or missing, look closely on the gravel surface. You will find them digging their way through. Don't include Malaysian Trumpet Snails with Loaches and Cichlids, as they tend to eat them. Another advantage of choosing these snails is their ability to indicate poor water quality. They require alkaline water to rebuild their shells, and if they find something wrong with the water quality, they tend to come up and stick to the tank glass above the water level.

Bristlenose Plecostomus or Plecos
Bristlenose Plecostomus belong to a group of suckermouth catfish species. Their heads and noses grow up to 10 to 15 cm and they need a continuous supply of green food. Apart from the algae, they tend to feed on blanched vegetables and sinking algae tablets. If there is a shortage of green foods, they will eat Amazon sword plants and other soft-leaf plants. Plecostomus are fairly peaceful and tend to be compatible with other fish (apart from the predatory species). Well oxygenated water is a perfect habitat for these fish.

Other Freshwater Algae-eating Aquatic Animals

• Ramshorn Snails
• Twig Catfish
• Nerite Snails
• Butterfly Goodeid
• American Flag-fish
• Loricariid Catfish
• Surgeon Fish
• Sea Urchins
• Rabbitfish
• Cherry Shrimp
• Japonica Shrimp

These algae eaters are wonderful fish, as they are usually peaceful and keep to themselves. Their invaluable service is what keeps your aquarium and house more attractive.

Female Betta Fish

Betta fish are one of the most popular aquarium fish and are also known by the name Siamese fighting fish. Betta fish come in brilliant colors; while some are resplendent in blue-green shades, and others have monotones with green as their natural color with double tails, and still others will be completely blue. While the blue betta fish are quite common, and the most regular betta fish will have orange-golden shades. These fish are called Siamese fighting fish, because of their particular behavior. You cannot keep two or more males in the same tank or bowl, because they will fight with one another till only one of them remains. However, you can maintain more than one female betta in a tank or bowl. Here are some female betta behavior and other facts that will help you in maintaining female betta in a safe environment.

Female Betta Facts
Here is some important female betta information and care instructions that you will need, while caring for these fish.

• Female betta have shorter fins and less vibrant colors compared to the males. But some female betta can be as colorful as the males. A breeding female might have horizontal or dark vertical stripes.
• Female betta can't usually co-exist with males, except during mating period.
• When keeping more than one female betta in a bowl or tank, there are certain factors you need to consider. Females are rough with each other, and will fight till they determine which one of them is the dominant fish.
• You should always have 4 or more female betta fish in a tank. If there are 2 female betta then they might fight each other, till only one remains alive.
• If you keep 3 female betta , then there is a possibility that two might gang-up against one, and therefore, 4 or more female betta is a safe bet. So maintain around 4 - 6 female betta in a tank of 10 gallons capacity
• However, you will need to maintain a suitable environment in the tank, so that the fish have enough hiding places, because female betta behavior tend to be somewhat territorial.
• Live plants will work best as hiding places and keep the fish tank environment clean. However, you can also have fake plants instead of live ones.
• To buy this fish, it is best if you look for online suppliers, as you can have a lot of variety and you can see the pictures of the different breeds too. Online betta suppliers which are near you, will not only have more varieties but also healthier ones compared to those in pets shops that have fish. The fish in pet shops will be kept in constricted spaces, which might make them miserable. In case you wish to get it from a pet shop, then buy female betta as soon as they arrive at the shop.
• When you keep 4 or more female betta in a tank together, there is a possibility that they will start picking at each other, which is just their normal female betta behavior.
• The picking will calm down, as soon as they determine the one dominant fish.
• The time when you should introduce a male betta fish is only when you want to go for breeding. Otherwise it is wise to keep them separated.
• Maintain a temperature of 70 - 75 F in the tank, and keep the temperature steady. Feed them floating food pellets which are labeled for betta fish, and dried worms. You can also feed them live black worms and some live or frozen brine shrimp. Make sure you remove the uneaten food after 10 minutes, using a small net.
• Good tank mates for female betta include platies, swordtails, mollies, angelfish, danios, gouramis, a school of bala sharks, one plecostomus and a school of clown loaches.

This was the information on female betta behavior towards other females, and their opposite sex which will help you in keeping a group of female betta together in a fish tank and will help you when you want to breed these fish. Also keep the tank, temperature and food requirements in mind, to maintain healthy female betta.

Cape Cod Decor

If you prefer your home to have that old world charm and exhibit a warm, cozy and inviting feel, Cape Cod decor is ideal for you! This type of decor is very commonly seen in the houses in the eastern part of the United States, however now, due to its simple, at the same time, unique look, it has caught the fancy of modern interior decorators everywhere. This traditional decor is now being replicated in houses and in apartments, by people who prefer their homes comfortable as well as exhibiting an old, antiquated appeal!

Cape Cod decor is all about living a life of relaxation and simplicity. Open air, natural environment, fresh breeze - these are some of the things that represent Cape Cod decor. Keeping these in mind, the various interior decorating decisions regarding paint colors, furniture, flooring and accessories should be taken.

Paint Colors
In a Cape Cod style house, bright and bold paint colors like red, yellow and blue are used. However, if used alone, these paint colors can be very overwhelming, so always use them in combination with white, to create a balanced look. Painting the room walls in white color will give it a very crisp and fresh look, at the same time the bright colors will add energy to the room surroundings!

For those of you who have a spacious, private house where there is a lot of scope for natural sunlight to come in, instead of painting the walls, have them paneled in knotty pines. This will give a raw cottage-like appeal to your house, making it look as authentic as some of the houses that you find in eastern United States. If you have a flat and you feel that knotty pine walls will give the rooms a very dark, grim look, then an interesting idea is to paint three walls and have just one of them paneled in knotty pine!

Furniture
The furniture pieces should be strong, big and durable, very similar to the country-style furniture. However, when it comes to Cape Cod decor, nothing dull looking will do. So, if the sofa is of brown color, throw bright-colored pillows on it to create a cheery ambiance. Otherwise, buy sofas in some bright color itself such as red or chocolate. Wicker furniture, especially which is painted in white color goes very well with this kind of decor. White wicker furniture will give the whole Cape Cod home decor a very unique look!

Flooring
In a Cape Cod home, the flooring has to be wooden. If you feel that it is going to pinch the pocket, do at least the living room and the master bedroom floor in hardwood. If the entire house has hardwood flooring, then accentuate the look of the floor by throwing some bright-colored rugs on it.

Fabrics
When it comes to choosing fabrics, be it curtains or table runners or napkins or rugs, go with floral designs, striped designs or those which depict some historical theme. Fabrics with maps and things which remind one of sea like fish, shells, rocks, beaches, etc. are some other patterns that you can consider for a Cape Cod home.

Accessories
In a Cape Cod decor, use antiquated accessories. Metal candle holders, iron or glass chandeliers, inherited quilts, these are some of the accessories that go very well with a Cape Cod decor. As wood is widely used in Cape Cod homes, so wood panels which have some beautiful, old-world kind of designs on them, should be put up on the walls to create decorative patterns. Panels painted in white color go exceptionally well with the decor.

As sea themes are very much a part of many a Cape Cod homes, so you can have accessories that are inspired by the same. Wall hangings or pictures which have a light house, ship, sea waves, rocks, seagulls, beaches or any other thing that reminds one of the sea, decor items made up of seashell, a large compass placed on one of the shelves in the living room, these are some of the items that you can use to accessorize your house. Hanging a large fish made of glass or metal on one of the prominent walls in the living room is a unique and interesting idea for Cape Cod homes. If you have shelves in your living or bedroom, fill glass vases or bottles with different shaped rocks and seashells and display them on these. To complete the decor, a must have in a Cape Cod living room is a lamp filled with seashells which has a sailor or a lighthouse by its side!

A Cape Cod decor has a very rustic, cottage-like feel to it. It is meant for those people who want to slow down and take life easy. So, if you want to live in a home that reeks of freshness, that makes you feel as if you are on a never ending vacation, then go ahead and decorate your house in Cape Cod style!