Algae Eaters

Algae in any kind of stored water with carbon dioxide content is a very common sight. Aquariums and fish tanks generally have exactly this kind of survival environment and thus, there are algae growths in fish tanks very often. When you have such an ecosystem in the aquarium itself, you will need something to stop this unwanted growth of algae and this is where you can have algae eaters in the aquarium along with the other fish. These are nothing but some particular species of fish and snails, which thrive on these algae for their food. These fish also look very presentable, thus, they can be kept as aquarium fish in your home. These fish are often freshwater fish that survive on unwanted algae in the oceans, but there are many saltwater fish that also have this property. Hence, take a look at the following list which you can use for your aquariums if you are suffering from algae issues.

Great Additions to Your Aquariums

Most are used in freshwater aquariums, but there are many saltwater fish too that are used in aquariums for the same reason. Some of these are small thus, they are not even noticeable and some are fairly visible but they too are very presentable and colored to be displayed. These fish do not need to be fed the food that the other fish eat and even if they eat it, they will still make sure, your aquarium is algae free. Mentioned below are a few names of freshwater and saltwater fish used in tanks, so take your pick!

Freshwater Algae Eaters
The following fish are found in freshwater and can keep your tank clean by consuming the various types of algae found in it.

• Chinese Algae Eaters: fish of the Gyrinocheilus genus are very commonly used algae eating fish used in aquariums. The Chinese algae eater, Gyrinocheilus aymonieri, is the most preferred one.
• Siamese Algae Eaters: They are the Crossocheilus siamensis, and are a more gregarious and tolerant cyprinid which are almost 15 cm in length. The Siamese algae eaters are the only fish which graze on the "black brush algae" (freshwater Rhodophyta, or red algae), but can also eat anything else in preference.
• The American-flag fish as well as many loricariid or catfish such as genera Ancistrus, Otocinclus and Plecostomus, often eat many varieties of algae.
• Many shrimp found in freshwater like the Amano Shrimp are very well-known for their ability to clean an aquarium.
• Some species of freshwater snails often belonging to the family Ampullariidae are also excellent.

Saltwater Algae Eaters
There are many saltwater creatures which are also very good. But they survive only on sea algae like red slime and others. Some of the water animals mentioned below are red slime algae eaters as well, so take a look.

• The most common are the Rabbit fish which eats most algae, like cyanobacteria, diatoms, and hair algae. These algae are not very often found in aquariums but can be observed occasionally in a few.
• Sea urchins are also one of the best found in the ocean. As they strictly feed only on algae, major aquariums which are life sized and have many exotic sea fish.
• A few snail species such as the Astraea, Turbo, Nerite and Turban, do a great job in cleaning the tanks as well, but they reproduce very fast and sometimes can graze on your plants too.
• Surgeon fish or tangs are possibly known for their appetite for algae. They too are voracious feeders and can do an excellent cleaning job for you.

With such a variety, you can choose any of them, depending on the sizes and content of your aquarium. But make sure, you take care of them too, as a little maintenance is always required.

How to Throw a Cast Net

A cast net is used as a mechanism for fishing in shallow waters. This fishing gear is an age-old mechanism that has been used in several cultures of the world for many years. As is apparent from the word 'net', this technique is used to catch and trap fish with the usage of a net. Yet it's something that works best in shallow waters and for a small scale fishing expedition rather than for commercial purposes. That is, because the cast net has a limited capacity and can catch only limited fish at one point of time. And again, the cast net cannot really be used effectively well in deep waters. As the technology has paved ways in all sections of life, when it comes to fishing, using methods like trawlers and commercial boats with the capacity to catch thousands of fish is used. Yet, the cast net method continues to be a popular method till date. A cast net has a particular casting technique which allows for effective and successful trapping of fish in high numbers. If used correctly, it can act as one of the most successful fishing tricks.

Throwing a Cast Net the Easy Way

What exactly involves the correct approach of throwing a cast net? Here is a step by step manual on how to go about doing that:

1. Take the cast net and throw the pulling line around your hand loop. Then tighten it around your arm through which you'll throw it.
2. Start coiling the pulling line in loose loops around the hand that you'll be using to throw the net with.
3. Now hold the cast net ring in a way such that the fingers are on top and the thumb is on the bottom.
4. Now use the free hand and reach straight down from the thumb and hold on to the lead line.
5. Then holding onto the portion of the lead line into your palm, turn the palm down so that the cast net ring will hold it in place and the cast net will be ready to be thrown.
6. Now take the cast net and turn it away from the point at which you'll cast the net.
7. Now stretch out the throwing arm and rotate it in a smooth and continuous motion to your target.
8. Now pulling your arm higher, release the cast net into the air in the direction of the bait.
9. Make sure that you use the force of the body to throw the net in the direction of the bait.
10. The net should fall in a circular motion so that it covers a wider area and becomes easier to haul the bait in.
11. Now trap the catch in by pulling at the string to close the net and pull out.

Throwing a Cast Net with One Hand

What if you need to know how to throw a cast net by one hand alone? Read the following instructions to know more about cast net throwing in the right manner:

1. Use the loop at the end of the line and coil it around the wrist of the hand that you're going to throw the net with.
2. Now coil the entire line till the end around the same hand.
3. Lifting the net till it is completely stretched out, pull it over the draw strings.
4. Make sure to set free all those weights that are attached to the net and hold the net at about12 inches below the net.
5. Now use your free hand to grasp the bottom of the net and place it in the hand that you'll be casting the net with.
6. Now use your dominant hand (the one that you'll be casting the net with) and hold on to the net and open it up. This you will have to do by extending the arm straight out at a 90 degree angle. This will completely open up the net and let you cast it well.
7. Now using the momentum of your body, turn your body sideways and cast the net with your dominant hand. Make sure that you do not bend the arm while throwing. This will ensure that the net will be completely open when you cast it, allowing more area to be covered.
8. If you've followed the instructions correctly then the net should fall out in a circle.
9. Once this happens, pull on the draw strings to close the net and trap the bait in.
10. Repeat these step by step instructions every time you want to haul in a fresh batch.

And now that you know how to throw a cast net, use the instructions well to haul in the fish and make yourself proud. All the best!

How to Grill Salmon

Salmon steaks and salmon filet are the ultimate dreams for every fish recipe lover. Salmon tastes the best, when it is grilled. Salmon is a relatively high fat fish with scrumptious taste. Once you get to know how long to grill salmon, you can try any possible recipe of your choice. You can simply brush up the salmon with a bit of olive oil with salt and pepper and savor it or you can also season the salmon with deep marinade and enhance the delight.

How to Cook Salmon on the Grill: Preparation

You will have to prepare the salmon before grilling it. Decide upon what kind of dish you want to make out of the salmon and start the preparations for the same. Make sure, if you want the salmon filets or the steaks and then season it with the favorite seasoning. Try following seasoning techniques to cook salmon on the grill.

• Keep on the skin of the salmon and coat it with a thin layer of olive oil. Now just add a pinch of salt and pepper over the salmon.
• Whisk 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, tablespoon minced garlic, 6 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of mustard and brush this seasoning over the salmon filet before grilling it.

Instructions

• You can use any type of grill to cook salmon on the grill. Any grill like a charcoal grill, as well as gas grill will be more than helpful for the cause of cooking the salmon on grill. The most important step of grilling is to preheat the grill.
• If you have a gas grill make sure you preheat it over at least 325C. If you have a charcoal grill or a barbecue, make sure that the coals are bright hot with subsided flames. Make sure your grill is at medium to hot before you start cooking the salmon on grill.
• There is one simple technique to determine the heat of the grill. Place your hand 5 inches above the grill, if you can keep the hand there for more than 5 seconds, then it is ideal to grill salmon over that grill.
• Grill salmon over medium to high heat for about four minutes. Cover the grill, only if you have a gas grill.
• Set the timer and relax, instead of checking the fish again and again. Stay near the grill so that you can remove the salmon as soon as the timer goes off.
• Do not try to overcook the salmon. Remember that salmon will keep cooking for a few seconds more, after you remove it from the grill. To check if the fish is cooked properly, touch it with hand. If the fish is firm with a little bit of sponginess, it's done.

Those of you who don't have a grill at home, don't need to worry about how to grill salmon. You people can always use the grill pan for grilling salmon. There are many techniques to prepare the salmon for grilling. You can try many marinating techniques, once you get a hand over how long to grill salmon. One can also apply mayonnaise on top of the salmon filet just before the grilling and have it when cooked! There are many recipes that you can try over once you learn how to grill salmon. Make sure you grill salmon well to retain its taste and texture. Buen Provecho!