It is not the bio-balls in a wet/dry trickle or other type of inert biological filter that go bad. Just like with an undergravel filter, it is the “lack of proper maintenance” that turns them into a nitrate factory. If you periodically rinse them off and keep them clean, nitrate and bio-balls woes should decrease, as long as this is the sole source of the nitrate problem in the aquarium. Cleaning them requires only 30 minutes or less....
Salt water aquariums get splashes or spray of salt on the glass and equipment used in the aquarium and this “salt creep” can become permanently attached to the surfaces of your saltwater aquarium. Unfortunately, the deposits are not just salt (sodium chloride) that is easily washed away. The minerals in saltwater can form a very hard substance that is difficult to remove from the glass when allowed to build up. While you may have ignored this for a while, it can become an issue when you want to remove it....
A common complaint from owners of pet birds is that their birds are simply not friendly enough for their liking. When this is the case, it is most often a problem on the owner’s part rather than the bird’s. Luckily, there is plenty that can be done to help you and your bird see eye to eye. Use these tips to find some easy ways that you can convince your bird to be a little more sociable toward you (and the rest of your family)....
Welsh Pony and Cob History and Origins Welsh Pony and Cob Size Welsh Pony and Cob Breeding and Uses Colors and Markings Unique Characteristics of the Welsh Pony and Cob Diet and Nutrition Common Health and Behavior Problems Grooming Champion and Celebrity Welsh Pony and Cob Horses Is the Welsh Pony or Cob Right for You? How to Adopt or Buy a Welsh Pony or Cob More Horse Breeds The Welsh pony and cob, also known as the Welsh mountain pony, are the products of a storied history, having faced challenges from both humans and nature....
While many saltwater aquariums are home to fish species that live in the ocean, not all are considered reef tanks. Similar to the conditions of tropical reefs in the wild, these aquariums offer live plants and marine species that are native to these habitats. A reef tank is the closest thing to the reefs in the ocean that you can put in a glass box. Due to the size difference, the things you put in your reef tank have to get along with each other....
Dogs have long been loyal companions to people both on land and in water. In fact, some dog breeds were bred to accompany people on boats while others were developed to be hunting companions for waterfowl. These dogs tend to have an inherent love for the water, and they possess traits that allow them to be successful when navigating the waves. For example, they sport thick, water-repellent coats to insulate their bodies against the dampness....
Some dog breeds naturally drool more than others. In particular, the dogs with large and jowly cheeks and lips where lots of saliva can gather tend to be profuse droolers. For some people, this just adds to the dog’s character. And for others, they can’t imagine anything worse than having to clean up globs of dog slobber every day. This is why it’s important to know what you’re getting into when it comes to a particular breed’s traits....
Many dogs are loyal—this trait is one of the things that bonds people and dogs so closely. But some dog breeds are more loyal than others, fiercely devoted to staying by their humans’ sides, and willing to protect their people and property from danger if necessary. Any dog of any breed, including mixed breed dogs, can be loyal. But some breeds tend to be exceedingly loyal, especially those that were bred to work in close cooperation with humans....
Ants Tarantulas Stick and Leaf Insects Hissing Cockroaches Scorpions African Giant Millipedes Antlions Praying Mantids Most people not only lose their childhood curiosity with insects and other invertebrates as they get older, but they even go to great lengths to keep insects at bay. And yet, some people never lose that fascination and enjoy keeping insects, spiders, scorpions, and millipedes as pets. These are not cuddly pets, but they can certainly be entertaining and educational....
Characteristics Origin and Distribution Colors and Markings Tankmates Care Diet and Feeding Gender Differences Breeding Further Research Very few people can resist a pufferfish once they’ve seen one, and the small figure 8 puffer might be one you’d like to bring home to your own freshwater aquarium. Their expressive faces, intelligent curiosity, and propeller-like fins are charming. Pufferfish derive their name from their ability to inflate themselves with water or air when startled....
No one likes to clean their pet rabbit’s hutch or cage, but sticking to a schedule will make it less of a chore. There are no set rules for how often to clean your rabbit’s cage, but by doing a small amount of cleaning every day you will make things easier on yourself. As a general rule, clean your rabbit’s hutch or cage thoroughly at least once every two weeks. However, your rabbit’s cage might need deep cleaning more often, depending on the size of the cage and how well your rabbit is litter-trained....
Many beginner riders are attracted to the sports of stadium jumping and cross-country jumping. Field hunting and hunter shows are very popular as well. Even Western riders face the occasional jump, whether in trail classes or riding out on trails. While you might not want to make a career of riding horses over jumps, it is valuable to know how to go over a jump in a way that’s safe and comfortable for you and comfortable for your horse....
Tuna—especially the canned variety—is a staple product in most homes, providing the perfect quick and healthy protein for snacks and meals. But is tuna good for your dog too? Yes, dogs can eat tuna—but only in moderation. While tuna is a common ingredient in dog food, its high mercury content may be harmful to pups in large amounts, so it’s better to give less than more. Health Benefits of Tuna Fish Tuna is a saltwater fish that’s packed with protein, selenium, magnesium, and potassium, as well as vitamins B3, B6, and B12....
The right lighting is essential for a healthy freshwater aquarium. Light-emitting diode (LED) lighting has many advantages for your tank. Your options for this type of lighting are numerous, so you have more choices than the traditional incandescent, fluorescent, or metal halide lighting. But you will need to choose wisely to ensure you get lights that are bright enough and have the right spectral range to support the plants in your aquarium and keep algae growth minimized....
These articles explain everything you need to know about puppy teeth. Learn how many baby teeth puppies have, when they appear, and how you can guestimate your puppy’s age just by looking at his teeth. You can also read about when puppies lose their milk teeth, and how many adult dog teeth to expect. Finally, these articles explain common dental problems of dogs and how best to care for your puppy’s teeth by learning how to brush his teeth and provide healthy chewing options....
The color of urine is widely accepted to be yellow, but this isn’t the only color of pee that a healthy rabbit may produce. Rabbits can have a variety of urine colors and some may be alarming if you don’t know what’s normal. Find out what colors in your rabbit’s litter box indicate healthy urine, what it means if the urine is cloudy or a certain color, and what colors indicate your rabbit may have a medical concern....
A lot of people associate mice with eating cheese, but we know that for optimal health, their diet should contain much more than this. Mice are omnivores, so they need a variety of different nutrients in their food. By giving your pet mouse a proper diet, you’ll be helping it live a long and healthy life. General Mouse Food Guidelines It is common to find mouse food also advertised as feed for other pet rodents including rats, hamsters, and gerbils....
It seems like something out of a science fiction movie: a parasitic larva that can live and mature under the skin of a mammal until it’s ready to jump out and complete its life cycle. It’s called Cuterebra, and it’s the larva of a botfly. Cats, dogs, ferrets, and even humans can be affected by botfly larva. Removing the unwelcome larva is the key to treating this relatively common condition....
Why Leopard Geckos Have Eye Issues Foreign Bodies Eye Abscesses Eye Ulcers Pinkeye Retained Eyelid Lining Eye Proptosis Blindness Treatment Prevention Leopard geckos have large, round eyes that make them very cute, curious-looking pets. Unfortunately, they frequently suffer from eye ailments, most of which are due either to poor husbandry or environmental factors. It’s important that you’re able to recognize a developing eye problem in your gecko so that you can provide the appropriate care and understand when to contact your exotics vet for help....
You don’t have to let bad weather spoil your day with your dog. Rainy days, snowstorms or extremes in temperature can get in the way of plans to go outside with your dog and play fetch, run in the park or just spend time together outdoors. With nothing to do, your dog can become restless or bored and begin to act out for attention. Fortunately, there are some indoor activities that can strengthen the bond between you and your dog, stimulate your dog’s mind and sometimes even provide some light exercise....
