News

All pets deserve a clean place to live, free of rotting food, feces buildup and dangerous bacteria. At the same time, however, cleaning a cage or tank can be stressful and unnerving for a pet reptile, so it is important to limit cleaning frequency to minimize that stress. But how often is too often or not often enough for your reptile's habitat? The Importance of Good Cleanliness In the wild, nature gradually cleanses itself with rain showers, changing seasons, air circulation and the natural life cycles of plants and animals. A pet reptile, however, cannot rinse itself in a flowing...

The increasing popularity of pet reptiles means one can find them all over the world—finding homes in environments they would never survive in naturally. As the owner of a reptile, it is your responsibility to construct a substitute environment that still meets all of your reptiles' needs. Be careful to not underestimate this cost: reptiles are relatively cheap on the market (sometimes just a few dollars), but the cost of building and maintaining a suitable environment with proper heating can run into the hundreds. Meet with a veterinarian to discuss the specific needs of the reptile you are looking to...

An aquarium can be a beautiful addition to any room, with crystal clear water, colorful corals, vibrant plants and elegant fish. When that aquarium gets dirty, however, it can quickly become an eyesore with murky water, overgrown algae, floating debris and sickly fish. Fortunately, there are easy ways to keep your aquarium sparkling. Use a Proper Filter The best way to keep an aquarium clean is with a proper filter for the tank's type and size. Opt for the best quality filter that fits in your budget, ideally one that uses mechanical, biological and chemical filtration for the best combination...

From the tropics to your living room, maintaining adequate water temperature is a challenge many aquarium enthusiasts face. Beginners and even old pros may wonder what the best heater is for their tanks. With so many varying opinions muddying the waters, we have put together this simple guide on making every aquarium feel like a mini island getaway complete with warm waters and happy fish. Tank Size There's no one-size-fits-all approach to aquarium husbandry, but there are a few rules of thumb that can make heating your tank a little easier. Generally speaking, it's a good idea to maintain 5...

Fish can be wonderful pets, amazing installations of aquatic art you can enjoy and even interact with. They can become skittish, however, and when your fish start hiding, you can't enjoy them nearly as much. By understanding why your fish are hiding, you can take steps to make them more comfortable and confident in your aquarium. The Nature of Fish Fish are prey species, particularly the smaller varieties that are popular in aquariums. Even more aggressive fish are often preyed on by larger fish in the ecosystem. To protect themselves, fish will instinctively hide when they are uncertain, frightened, stressed...