Do You Build Or Buy A Saltwater Aquarium?

Haven’t decided whether to build or buy a saltwater aquarium? For most people buying a ready-made aquarium is by far the easier option. But if you’re handy with tools and construction you might be thinking of building your own tank. This chapter will provide you with do-it-yourself instructions on how to build a 55 gallon glass aquarium to house your marine life. Ultimately it is for you to decide whether you want to build or buy a saltwater aquarium. If you are more comfortable with a bought tank, by all means, get one!

Building a tank from scratch is challenging and not for beginners unless you have plenty of patience and are willing to ask for help. However using the materials list, step-by-step instructions and advice provided here you can build your very own glass aquarium. Whether you build or buy a saltwater aquarium you will find the setup fun and rewarding. However having built your own special tank is doubly satisfying.

Before you get started you need to know a thing or two about working with glass. The tank you are going to build is 14 inches high with ¼ inch glass panels. If you want to make a bigger saltwater aquarium you will need to learn how to calculate the correct thickness of glass for the size of the tank. If you haven’t decided whether to build or buy a saltwater aquarium you might want to consider how comfortable you are working with glass.

Whether you build or buy a saltwater aquarium, the first thing to do is to draw up a plan or schematic of the kind of saltwater aquarium you want. Make sure that all your measurements are correct so that the tank fits together properly. This aquarium is built with the two end panels fitted inside the back and front panes.

The front, back and side panels are set on top of the aquarium floor. If you don’t know how to cut glass you can ask the professionals to do it for you. If you build or buy a saltwater aquarium you need to understand how the glass is fitted together as this has a lot to do with the stability of the tank.

Whether you decide to build or buy a saltwater aquarium you will probably be making use of a lighted hood. When you draw up your plans you must include the hood. You should never place solid glass on the aquarium top as this reduces the gas exchange that occurs at the surface. If this happens your aquarium will not get enough aeration and the health of the tank will suffer.

So what materials will you need to build a saltwater aquarium? Whether you build or buy a saltwater aquarium you will need to purchase all the necessary materials that go into making a good marine setup. To build a 55 gallon aquarium you will need the following:

* 1 glass panel for the tank bottom
* 1 front, 1 back, and 2 end pieces of glass
* Single edged razor blades.
* Acetone.
* Non-toxic 100% silicone sealant. (All-Glass® Brand 100% Silicone Sealant)
* Roll of paper towels.
* Washable felt tip marker.
* Roll of duct tape.
* Emery cloth or silicone carbide sandpaper.

Whether you choose to build or buy a saltwater aquarium you should choose the biggest one that fits into your home. If your tank is bigger than 30 gallons in size you might want to install a support brace at the tank’s center. Do this by cutting a six inch wide piece of glass that will fit to the outside edges of the front and back panels. Use silicone to position it in place.

Next you will prepare the glass panes. Use an emery cloth or silicone carbide sandpaper to smooth the edges of the glass. Clean the glass pane joints and edges at ½ inch inward using acetone. Prepare the duct tape by cutting 16 strips of tape, 5 inches long. Place these nearby. Always be careful when handling glass. This is true whether you build or buy a saltwater aquarium

Place your pieces on the floor or table in the correct order for assembly. If need be, mark them with words or arrows so you don’t lose track. Place the bottom panel on a flat non-scratch surface. Stick 8 pieces of tape to the glass on the bottom side (sticky side up). If you decide to build or buy a saltwater aquarium always take care not to scratch the glass.

Now install the front glass piece. Next fold the two bottom pieces of tape upward and stick them to the glass. Now you are ready to install the first side panel by folding the 2 bottom duct tapes upward and sticking them to the front of the glass. Secure the side piece to the front piece of glass with 2 strips of tape.

Next install the other side piece, and the back panel. Once the tank has been built use silicone to seal the eight joint areas on the inside of the tank. Use a small amount and smooth your thumb over the silicone to level it. Let the tank sit for 24 hours to cure the silicone. It does not matter if you choose to build or buy a saltwater aquarium, it is always vital that it does not leak!

After the resting period you can fill the tank with fresh water. Let it sit for 12 to 24 hours. Why? You are testing your tank for leaks! A 24 hour testing period is better as it will leave you more confident that your tank is actually watertight. This is important whether you build or buy a saltwater aquarium.

Once you are sure that your tank is fit for your marine world you can set about planning the fish, invertebrates, and plants that will go into your tank. It is not that important whether you choose to build or buy a saltwater aquarium. Most people will probably opt for the ease of walking into a store and choosing a perfect, assembled tank but for those who like a challenge, constructing your own tank can be very satisfying. Once you have set everything up you will feel doubly proud! Enjoy your new aquarium!

Frogs Swallows

Frogs are amphibians, animals that spend part of their lives under water and the remainder on land. They have long, powerful jumping legs and a very short backbone. Most Frogs have teeth (in the upper jaws only) but toads do not have any teeth.

Adult Frogs are characterised by long hind legs, a short body, webbed digits, protruding eyes and the absence of a tail. Most Frogs have a semi-aquatic lifestyle, but move easily on land by jumping or climbing. They typically lay their eggs in puddles, ponds or lakes, and their larvae, called tadpoles, have gills and develop in water. Adult Frogs follow a carnivorous diet, mostly of arthropods, annelids and gastropods. Frogs are most noticeable by their call, which can be widely heard during the night or day, mainly in their mating season.

Life cycle: Like all amphibians, Frogs spend their lives near water because they must return to the water to lay their eggs. Frogs eggs are laid in the water. When they hatch into tadpoles, they breathe with gills and swim using a tail. As they mature, they lose their tail, and they develop lungs for breathing air. In harsh climates, Frogs bury themselves in sand and mud and hibernate (sleep very deeply) through the cold winter.

Diet: Frogs eat insects, catching them with their long, sticky tongue. They also eat small fish and worms.

Classification and Evolution: Kingdom Animalia (animals), Phylum Chordata, Class Amphibia (amphibians), Order Anura (Frogs and toads). The first true Frogs evolved during the early Jurassic period, about 200 million years ago (during the time of the dinosaurs).

The distribution of Frogs ranges from tropic to subarctic regions, but most species are found in tropical rainforests. Consisting of more than 5,000 species described, they are among the most diverse groups of vertebrates. However, populations of certain Frogs species are significantly declining.

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Pugs: Diet Do's and Don'ts

Who can resist the loving and comical nature of the pug, a breed of dog who's popularity has exploded since the release of movies such as "Men in Black," "The Adventures of Milo and Otis," and the animated Disney movie," Pocahontas". Pugs are an excellent breed choice for children, are inherently good-natured, and are particularly adaptable to apartment living due to their minimal exercise requirement. But before one decides to welcome a pug into the family, certain considerations must be taken, including concerns regarding diet.

There are a wide range of commercial choices available today for your dog, but choosing a dog food produced by a large, reputable company, or one recommended by your veterinarian, is probably your safest, easiest bet for insuring a healthy diet for your pug. These foods are generally produced and bagged in dry form or are available in the moist, canned variety and contain a healthy balance of essential grains and protein. There are many varieties available from puppy, weight control, to senior foods which are geared toward the particular canine consumer's needs. Depending on the variety necessary for your pet, nutrient and caloric content of these foods are altered to suit the dog's lifestyle or age.

Be mindful that pugs have a genetic disposition to becoming overweight if their diet is not monitored closely. These little pooches have a tendency to eat endlessly, as long as food accessible. Therefore, it is recommended that the quantity of food provided is closely monitored. It is suggested that meals are scheduled twice daily in order to develop a regular feeding routine and to help satisfy their insatiable desire to eat. Splitting meals into two separate feedings also aids digestion, and many believe, minimizes the dreaded passage of gas from your furry friend.

Still, some pug owners complain that their pet eats too fast, often resulting in upset stomachs and vomiting. Brent, the owner of two pugs complains, "Bug eats so fast that he is not chewing his food. He frequently throws up right after he eats."

There are a few tricks you may like to try with your pug to keep him from gobbling food too quickly: Before filling the dog bowl with food, place a large rubber ball or unopened soup can at the bottom of the dish. Then fill the bowl with the appropriate amount of food. Providing food in this manner may help to minimize your pug's ability to inhale food too quickly, since he is forced to take time to eat around the object placed in his bowl.

Another method that some pug owners have proclaimed "tried and true" in resolving a pug's gulping habit is to switch from a regular dog food bowl to a cookie sheet or jelly roll pan with sides. Sprinkling the food across the cookie sheet will force the dog to graze a bit over his meal and may encourage more thorough chewing before he seeks out his next morsel or two.

"Recreational chewing time" must also be considered in regard to your pug's consumption and digestion. The incredibly strong jaws and chewing urges of the pug make it easy for the pug to tear even the strongest of chew bones or toys to pieces. Be careful when selecting leisure time chew-bones for the pug. Rawhide is a poor choice. More often than not, large pieces of rawhide are broken off and swallowed whole by the dog and are often vomited later or worse, may create an obstruction in the pug's digestive system. There are countless stories about owners who have helplessly watched as their beloved pet has choked on a chunk of rawhide that has become lodged in the animal's throat. Not only can they be dangerous, but a rawhide chew really contains no real nutritional value and only adds to the dog's caloric intake.

Many dogs enjoy gnawing on nylon bones which are often flavored with chicken or beef in order to make them more appealing to the pet. But be watchful of large hunks that can be chewed off and swallowed by the dog as well, which may also result in an expensive veterinary bill - or worse.

Pig ears are the preferred choice for many dog owners. They last quite a long time, they are suitably sized, the flavor is appealing, and they are very difficult for a pet with even the strongest of jaws to ingest. They are hard, tough, and are a safe choice for hours of chewing satisfaction for the pug.

Some pug owners have noted yeast build-up in their pet's ears or around the nasal area. The advice of many is to feed your pug a few tablespoons of yogurt daily which may help to combat this common ailment. Julie, the owner of two pugs said, "I give my dogs a few tablespoons of yogurt every day. Their ears used to constantly have yeast build-up, but since I've started the routine with yogurt, their ears have been clear." Many have realized the benefit of yogurt's combative acidophilus ingredient against these yeast infections and note a drastic improvement in the appearance and health of their dog's nose and ears.

Be observant of your pug's diet and note any changes in digestive patterns. Staying keyed in on your pug habits and needs are the key to a long and healthy relationship between you and your canine companion.

Healing Dog Skin Irritation Naturally

Humans spend literally billions of dollars every year on skin and hair care. The vast number of products available covers the gamut from shampoos, cosmetics, hairdressings, creams and treatments. The same is true for our pets. As the market as grown, so has concern about the chemicals and compounds used in these products.

As more ingredient information has been available to consumers, many questions are being raised about overall product safety. Concerns about chemical exposure and possible health risks are driving the market in different direction.

Many established producers have responded by changing the formulation of some products, while new companies have entered the market. The marketing of products that contain natural and botanical ingredients is a growing trend in the skin and hair care market. Many pet owners are discovering the value of replicating what animals instinctively do to care for their skin and coats.

Concerns about human exposure to various chemicals have spilled over to the pet care industry. Part of multi billion dollar market segment, many pet grooming products are also changing. Professional pet groomers have responded to the concerns of their customers by switching to natural shampoos and other grooming products.

For example, many dog breeds are prone to skin irritations. Traditional grooming products often contain harsh chemicals that can make these conditions worse. Shampoos and conditioners that adversely alter the pH balance of the animals coat are of particular concern. Like humans, animal fur and skin has naturally occurring oils that can stripped away, leaving the skin dry and the coat brittle. Some animals, like their human counterparts, may develop allergic reactions to the ingredients in certain shampoos and conditioners.

An old school of thought about bathing our dogs was that daily bathing would dry the skin. Given the fact that many dog shampoos contain compounds such as butyl acetate, ethyl acetate and toluene, the old school thinking was right. For example, butyl acetate is a chemical solvent often used in shampoos as a foaming agent. Butyl acetate is also used in products such as nail polish and upholstery shampoo.

Toluene is another chemical solvent that has found its way into many products like dog shampoo. These and many other chemicals are not only skin irritants, but may actually contribute to increased rates of cancer and organ disease.

Routine grooming is one of your dogs best defenses against skin irritation and infection. From daily brushing to regular bathing, our dogs depend on us. Daily brushing is a natural way to stimulate glands in the skin that produce essential oils needed to maintain a healthy skin and coat. Daily brushing helps to remove dead skin cells, dirt and other debris from the fur. The other benefit to daily brushing is that most dogs really enjoy it.

Most of us like a good massage or having our back scratched, and our canine companions are no different. The time spent grooming contributes to the bonding and trust that develops between dogs and their humans.

Brushing and grooming on a daily basis gives us a chance to be on the lookout for rashes, hot spots and other skin irritations. Once certain skin conditions, such as a yeast infection, take hold, the condition is harder to treat. Left unattended, skin irritations can quickly become a pathway for infection, jeopardizing the over health of your dog.

As dog owners, we have a very important responsible and our canine friends look to us for proper care. Take the time educate yourself about grooming products that are made without harsh chemicals. Taking a natural approach to preventing and treating skin irritation in dogs is one way we can keep our dogs healthy, well groomed and happy.

Does Your Dog Pee on You?

The good news is that there are ways to help get rid of this reaction. Follow the tips below and you and your pup will be well on your way to a non-pee greeting!

1. Make them feel taller: Every dog has a little bit of a Napoleon complex. No matter how big or small a dog is, she wishes she were bigger.

Dogs who are insecure are especially conscious of height. These are the ones who are most likely to splash the floor in the foyer.

You can't make your dog any taller, but you can make her feel taller - and this can work wonders for her self-esteem. Teach your dog to climb up on a picnic table or some other elevated surface outside.

Let her get comfortable, then practice a few "sits" or "downs." Better yet, bring someone - a person or another dog - over to meet her. You'll be amazed at how much a little height can do for a dog's self- assurance.

2. Get low and reach up: Dogs read our body language in ways we can hardly imagine. Take a welcoming rub on top of the head. For people, this is a natural show of love. For dogs, however, it's a sign of domination, especially when it's accompanied by direct eye contact.

Dogs who are nervous about confrontations will get even more nervous, and nervous dogs are the ones who tend to pee when their owners come home. Try abandoning the head rub and replacing it with a rub under the chin.

This is how dogs greet older or more dominant dogs, and they view it as a very gentle salutation.

3. Come home quietly: People are just as happy to see their dogs at the end of the day as their dogs are to see them. But this isn't the best time for energetic greetings. Coming home quietly and not making a fuss will go a long way toward keeping things drier.

4. Go out as soon as you come in: Rather than having your homecomings in the hall, try opening the door, then immediately stepping back outside, letting your dog follow.

The extra physical space will make your arrival a little less overwhelming, and your dog will also have a chance to relieve herself before she gets worked up.

5. Help her learn self-control: Unless your dog is still a puppy, it's unlikely that she's going to learn to control her bladder any better. But she can learn to control her emotions generally.

The less excited she gets, the less likely she'll be to make a mess. By far the best way to teach dogs to control their exuberance is to teach them basic obedience.

For one thing, dogs who have learned to listen for instructions are generally calmer than those dogs without any training.

The History Of Horses And Texas

When you say the word horses a few places come to mind, Montana, Wyoming, but none as much as Texas. Texas and its horses have quite a history. In this article we will introduce you to a little Texas history and the horses that are involved.

First, we have to go into a little Mexican and Spanish History. Texas was, for a long time, under Spanish rule. Spain ruled Mexico and Mexico ruled Texas you might say.

Spain's introduction of warfare on horseback is very well known. The horse helped the Conquistadors conquer more and more territory throughout South America. Their territory once extended from Peru and Argentina all the way up into Texas and Louisiana.

Most of the groups the warriors from Spain encountered had no horses and were at a huge disadvantage in battle. The image we always see of the Spanish Soldier is one of him in armor and on horseback.

Another image that is conjured up when mentioning horses and Texas is Indians on horseback. What many do not know is that the Indians in Texas had no horses until they were brought in during Spanish rule of the area. Most hoses the Indians rode were ones stolen from settlers and soldiers after seeing the advantage the soldiers had over them.

When Mexicans first began to settle in Texas around where the Friars built their missions to bring religion to the Indians, most of them didn't bring horses either. People walked hundreds of miles to get to where they would eventually settle and build their homes. Many had mules or donkeys, but few had horses.

It was the same for those who came from various places within the new United States. They came by boat to New Orleans many times, but then had a long walk to get to their new Texas home where the Mexican government was giving land away for free.

The settlers soon discovered there were wild horses in Texas. What we now call Mustangs were abundant and were free if you could catch them and train them. These horses were not as big as other horses, but they were very sturdy and strong animals that became a huge part of Texas history.

You have to see it how it was then. There was not that much actual cash money to be had anywhere in Texas. There was free land if you were willing to go there and claim it. There were free horses if you were willing to catch and train them. There were even free cattle if you were willing to round them up, the Texas Longhorn.

So many settlers made the long trek to Texas, converted to Catholicism, which was required by the Mexican government if you wanted free land, then captured and trained free Mustangs, which they then used to round up the free cattle.

It sounds great, huh? Just go grab some free land, free horses, and free cattle and you were on your way! Not exactly. It was a very rough life. One that not many people today could even fathom. There was not many people in Texas, some Indian tribes did not want settlers there and showed it through violent attacks, and the work was hard.

To make money from the cattle or horses that were collected they had to be driven all the way to New Orleans for sale. This drive took months to accomplish. The travel we do today spoils our ability to understand the way it was for these settlers.

Some of them spent more than a year traveling to find where they and their families would settle. They then spent at least another year building their house and gathering the horses and cattle that might make up their rancho. Then figure at least a 6 month round trip to sell cattle or horses just to make enough money to buy supplies that were not available free on the Texas range.

The Mustang Horse proved to be one of the best horses for soldiers. It was sturdy enough to handle the rough terrain that larger horses could not handle. They could go without water longer than other horses. They were not skittish when it came to gunfire and battle.

The Texas Rangers rode Mustangs while roaming Texas in search of Banditos and Outlaws. Many men riding Mustangs fought the Battle of San Jacinto. The Apache Indians used them somewhat, but the fierce Comanche Indians had many Mustangs and were some of the greatest horsemen to ever live anywhere. But that is another story.

I hope this short article gave you at least a glimpse into where horses in Texas came from and how they were used. Look in your favorite search engine for more about the Mustangs that still run free today and for more about Texas history and horses. You'll find the topic interesting and entertaining.

The Ocicat Cat Doesn't Really Come from Ocelots

The Ocicat came about totally by accident back in 1964, when Virginia Daly of Berkeley, MI, bred a Ruddy Abyssinian to a Seal Point Siamese in an attempt to get an Aby-pointed Siamese. The resulting first generations were phenotypically Abyssinian. It wasn't until one of those first generation cats was again crossed with a Siamese that the desired result of an Aby-pointed Siamese was produced, but the litter also bore another surprise, a spotted cat. Daly's daughter dubbed that cat, which was named Tonga, an Ocicat, because of its resemblance to the wild Ocelot. Subsequent breedings, with American Shorthairs added to the mix to enhance size and boning, led to placement of spots and introduced the silver color, which forms the Ocicat that you see today. The Ocicat is distinctively different in its spotting pattern from other breeds of spotted cats. It has thumbprint-shaped spots that are inside a bulls-eye pattern. Compare that to an Egyptian Mau, for instance, which has several bands of color that fall together to form a thumbprint shaped spot.Like other domestic breeds of cats that resemble their wilder cousins, the Ocicat looks wild and it has all of the characteristics typically found in exotic jungle cats, but their temperament is truly that of a pussycat. While dog-like in its devotion to the people who own it, the Ocicat is not a cat that is clinging or demanding, but they do love to shadow their humans closely. They don't know the meaning of the word stranger, but simply look upon them as yet another lap to curl up in for a quick catnap. Another endearing quality is that Ocicats love to ride around on your shoulders and will quite literally allow you to ferry them all over the house. Ocicats also love new playmates and are often a source of comical antics, but when they tire out, they search for the nearest person's lap for a nice long round of purring.These are very smart animals capable of opening latches and doors, playing fetch and in at least one case, an Ocicat was known to wave 'bye-bye' to its owners. That is truly a picture that would be worth a thousand words. An Ocicat is a superb hunter, lying about in a lion-like pose, seemingly unaware until the prey comes into view. Then like lightening, they will do whatever necessary, even leaping higher than you would think they could to catch the object of their attention, then simply go back to their reclining position giving the impression that they somehow never even moved.As with any purebred animal, responsible breeding helps to keep the Ocicat healthy and free of genetic defects. They enjoy a long life, and have been known to live for as long as eighteen years.