Ruffled Feathers Aviary

So you’ve decided to buy the best aquarium. You’ve chosen some colorful fish, decorated your tank with Greek columns and a little Spongebob Squarepants replica, but you’ve got a problem; algae. You’re cleaning the tank regularly and scraping the sides, but algae still seems to be taking over your tank. Algae eater is a name given to various fish, shrimp, and snails that-you guessed it-eat algae. It’s important to remember that algae eaters are living creatures that require the same attention you give to your other fish. Most aquarists agree that a combination of algae eating fish, snails, and shrimp is preferable to having just one type of algae eater because not all algae eaters eat the same algae. As always, make sure your algae eater is compatible with it’s tank mates and the tank environment.

1. Siamese Algae Eater

The Siamese algae eater is a hardy little fish that is best kept in a community tank with non-aggressive fish. The Siamese algae eater eats thread and brush algae, as well as pesky flatworms. A pair of Siamese algae eaters should be kept in a long tank of no less than 25 gallons. Siamese algae eaters require about a 77°F tank temperature and a pH balance of about 7. Siamese algae eaters are strong jumpers and require covers on their aquariums.
WARNING: Do not confuse the Siamese algae eater with the Chinese algae eater. Chinese algae eaters look like their Siamese cousins, but are more aggressive and only eat algae during youth.

2. Amano Shrimp

Also known by it’s technical name, Caridina Multidentata, the amano shrimp is the best shrimp available for algae eating. The amano shrimp never grows larger than a couple inches and it’s best to house them in groups with small, placid fish. Amano shrimp are also useful because they eat excess food and other organic refuse that may fall to the bottom of the tank.

3. Bristlenose Pleco
   Bristlenose pleco’s are one of the most popular algae eater’s on the market. They can grow to about 5 inches so they should only be kept in large aquariums. In addition to eating the algae in your tank, the bristlenose pleco should be fed sinking algae tablets or blanched vegetables. They get along with most non-aggressive fish and should be kept in a 62-80°F tank.
4. Zebra Snails
   Zebra snails are handy for their appetite for green spot algae and beard algae. They are also a very attractive addition to your tank, with their bright orange shells and zebra stripes. Zebra snails require a cover and prefer a pH balance lower than 7, since they need lime to keep their shells healthy. Be sure that your tank has a lid, or your zebra snails will escape.
5. Malaysian Trumpet Snail
   The Malaysian trumpet snail is arguably the best algae eating snail for your aquarium. They eat algae, excess food, and dead plant material. The Malaysian trumpet snail is also praised for aerating the gravel of your aquarium. But be aware that these snails do multiply fast.

Resources:

Aquarium Algae Eaters

Zebra Nerite – Snail

Amano Shrimp

“/Blue Front Amazon/The Blue Front is one of the prettiest amazons, with their blue forehead, yellow crown, cheeks, and throat and red at the bend of the wing.  They are like an artist’s palette of colors, the color is never exactly the same in each bird.  Blue Front are amazing talkers and will learn long and extensive vocabularies.  They love to sing, we have heard a pair that sang the most beautiful opera duet together!  They are said to be among the three top talkers in the amazon family, slightly behind the yellow nape and double yellow head.  /Ruffled Feathers Aviary/

At Ruffled Feathers Aviary, each handfed baby bird comes with a written health guarantee. All babies are closed banded.

We now offer Gift Certificates!  Choosing a bird for another person can sometimes be a risky venture.  This way your special someone can pick out exactly which bird he or she would like.  And of course, through our photo albums they can see how their baby grows.

In addition, our birds come with free wing and toenail clipping for life. We have flexible payment plans; usually the only requirement is the bird is paid for by the time it is weaned.

We take great pride in our handfed babies, each one is lovingly raised in our home by experienced hand feeders and weaned onto a pelleted diet with an abundance of fresh foods.  Our babies are acclimated to other birds, dogs and children.  Check back on our site frequently and watch as our babies grow!  We can ship to most international airports (USA only).
If you would like to be on the waiting list for a baby, please email us and let us know. Deposits are accepted once the baby is hatched. They are refunded if we do not come through with a healthy, friendly baby for you in a reasonable amount of time. Please note that deposits are non-refundable if you decide not to buy the bird.

We support the closed aviary concept.  Although new owners coming to choose their baby bird and purchase one, and those who are waiting for their babies to come home are very much encouraged to come and visit them at any time, we are sorry but we are unable to do tours or open Ruffled Feathers Aviary to the general public for viewing.  It’s in the best interest of our birds and protecting our customer’s birds that we do this.

At Shedd Aquarium you will be transported to a whole new underwater world. Their are many exhibits to view and enjoy at Shedd Aquarium. The admission into Shedd Aquarium is for non members $24.95 adults and ages 3-11 $17.95. This is a low price for all the amazing exhibits that you will see in Shedd Aquarium. In the Caribbean Reef exhibit you will see the underwater world from 360 degree angles. Sharks and green turtles inhabit this exhibit and also many other marvelous reef creatures like the parrot fish and the moray eel and rays. This exhibit is amazing because it actually surrounds you in a circular fashion and makes you feel as if you are part of the reef.

Another great exhibit to check out while you are at Shedd Aquarium is Amazon Rising. In this exhibit you will see what goes on in the mighty waters of the Amazon River. You will see Crocodiles swimming and sunning themselves. Also you will see the elusive piranhas in a natural habitat. Don’t be afraid if you see the king of all snakes the giant anaconda. You will also see rays and spiders in the Amazon Rising exhibit. This exhibit will make you feel as if you just traveled to the rainforest but never left Chicago. The Amazon is home to one thirds of all living things on earth. You will view the dramatic rise in water that the local Amazon people have to adapt to and also see flooded treetops like it is in the real Amazon Jungle.

Also while you are at Shedd Aquarium check out the Oceanarium exhibit. This exhibit has just been recently expanded and remodeled so you have even more things to see within. You will see the underwater play of the Pacific Northwest coast and the animals that inhabit it. And you will see the specially designed area that is just for kids the polar play zone. This exhibit area is great for kids to have fun at and parents to relax. In this exhibit you will view beluga whales, sea otters, sea lions and Pacific white sided dolphins. This exhibit is a favorite amoungst Shedd Aquarium visitors.

The Wild Reef exhibit at Shedd Aquarium is another great place to get up close and personal with sharks. You will see a beautiful garden of reefs that many marine life inhabit. You will see garden eels swimming through the coral reefs. Their is many great exhibits for everyone in the family to enjoy at Shedd Aquarium. Not only is it fun but educational so it is a great place for field trips and for home school parents to take their kids. ( Shedd Aquarium 2010)

Shedd Aquarium.org (2010) Exploring Shedd Aquarium retrieved on January 14th 2010 from Shedd Aquarium.org at http://www.sheddaquarium.org/wildreef.html

Building your own home aquarium can be quite an accomplishment and something that you’ll be proud to show off to friends and family. This do-it-yourself project is not too difficult once you have the basic instructions and all of your supplies. However, it will take several days to complete the project.

Things You’ll Need:

One 10 X 20 inch glass panel for the bottom

Two glass panels 20 inches long and 20 inches high for the front and back

Two glass panels 10 inches long and 20 inches high for the sides

Waterproof adhesive

Duct tape

Acetone

Step 1: Order your glass precut to the specifications listed above and pick up the rest of the supplies. All glass panels should be at least ½ inch thick.

Step 2: Once you have all of the supplies needed, find a nice quiet area where you can work and not have to worry about the glass getting broken before you can complete the project.

Step 3: Place the bottom glass panel on a table with one side up against a wall. Place a bead of waterproof adhesive along the edge of the bottom glass panel. Place the back glass on the bead at a ninety degree angle and press downward firmly for about five minute. Allow the back glass to rest against the wall and this will help to keep it secure while you work on the other three sides.

Step 4: Use duct tape to help hold the glass panels in place until the adhesive dries and the glass panels are secure. The duct tape can be placed on the outside of the glass or the inside.

Step 5: Place a bead of sealant along the edge of the side and place the side panel down firmly and hold for about five minutes until the sealant hardens. Then use the duct tape to help hold the glass in place. Repeat for the other side and the front panel.

Step 6: Apply the adhesive along all the joints inside of the aquarium using your finger to smooth it out as you go for added support and to make sure the aquarium is sealed completely from the inside.

Step 7: Leave the aquarium taped together for twenty-four hours so the adhesive will dry completely.

Step 8: Remove all of the duct tape after the adhesive has dried and go over all of the joints on the outside with the adhesive using your finger to smooth it out as you go and wait another twenty-four hours for it to completely dry.

Step 9: Fill the aquarium with water and let it sit for a couple of days to make sure they’re no leaks.

Step 10: Add your gravel, plants and other decorations along with the pump, filter, light and the fish of your choice and you’re ready to enjoy your homemade aquarium.

Tips: If the aquarium does leak, empty out the water and apply more adhesive to the areas that are not properly sealed and test the tank again. You can visit calibrate.care to get more tips.

Warnings: The glass used to make your aquarium must be at least ½ inch thick for small aquariums and at least ¾ inch thick for larger ones in order for it to be strong enough to hold the pressure of the water.

References: Doityourself – Build Your Own Aquarium Tank

Adding a coral reef to your home marine aquarium is an interesting way to vary the environment while also giving you a good look at the calcification process. The algae that live inside the aquarium’s coral are actually a necessary part of its ecosystem. Through photosynthesis, these algae convert calcium bicarbonate and allow the coral reef to grow itself. For this process to occur, certain conditions must be present in the aquarium. The intensity and spectrum of light is the most important of these environmental conditions. Here are a few tips on using coral in your home marine aquarium.

Using coral reefs in home marine aquariums: Co-existing with algae

Coral must have an environment within the aquarium that is conducive to the growth of certain types of algae, especially zooaxanthellae. These algae are vital to the coral’s health and survival because of its key role in calcium carbonate synthesis. The algae are also responsible for the beautiful array of colors found on aquarium coral reefs.

Using coral reefs in home marine aquariums: Calcium bicarbonate conversion

The zooaxanthellae’s ability to convert CO2 and calcium to create calcified deposits helps build up the coral reef, creating a fully-functional biosystem right there in your home aquarium. The algae convert carbon dioxide from the aquarium’s calcium bicarbonate and turn it into calcium carbonate. This calcium carbonate is used by the coral in your marine aquarium to build new calcium deposits and continue to grow. An algae like zooaxanthellae can satisfy up to ninety percent of an aquarium coral’s nutritional needs.

Using coral reefs in home marine aquariums: Lighting requirements

You must have sufficient light if you are using coral in your home marine aquarium. The zooaxanthellae cannot perform the photosynthesis process without the right amount of light. Photosynthesis is crucial to the conversion of calcium bicarbonate into something usable by the coral. If your coral does not receive the proper intensity and spectrum of light, it will eventually die off. Some species of corals may require metal halide lights instead of the standard compact fluorescent bulbs included with most aquarium lighting systems.

Using coral reefs in home marine aquariums: Dead algae floating to the surface

Occasionally, the coral will discard dead algae cells, but this is not a cause for concern unless you see a significant portion of the zooaxanthellae floating toward the surface. Under normal circumstances, the algae grows through the division of its cells. The older cells begin to die off and float out of the coral. These dead algae cells will usually appear as a long, brown string coming out of the pores in the marine aquarium’s coral reef.

The Newport Aquarium is located at the Newport Levee, which sits on the Ohio River in Newport, Kentucky. Directly across the bridge from Cincinnati, Ohio, it is often referred to as Cincinnati’s best, hidden attraction. On one lazy Sunday afternoon, just a few weeks ago, my family took a trip to visit this wonderful aquarium.

The Newport Aquarium is designed to be the center of the Newport Levee, and understandably brings in the majority of visitors to the Levee, but due to this fact the Levee is built around the Newport Aquarium making it difficult for direct access to the aquarium. You must first walk through the rest of the Levee to reach the aquarium, with small children, or elderly adults this is not always an easy task.

Admission prices to the Newport Aquarium are average for an aquarium of its size. Children under two are admitted free, while an adult admission is $17.95, seniors over the age of 65 are $15.95, and children ages 3 to 12 are $10.95. You can also purchase discounted tickets at Cincinnati area Kroger Stores. Groups of ten or more are eligible for advanced purchase discounted tickets.

Annual Passes are also available for purchase, and are $33.90 for an adult, $29.90 for a senior, and children ages 3 to 12 are $19.90. If you plan to visit more than once the annual passes are the way to go.

In the winter time months, when business is slow, they do offer Family Fun Days, where children are admitted to the aquarium for free. We also visited during Family Fun Days this past winter, and it was very busy. Strollers are not usually welcome at the aquarium, but during this time period they are. I was also worried about having to carry our coats through the aquarium, as it was snowing the day we went, but when we arrived there was a well-attended coat check.

In addition to Family Fun Days, they also run other promotions throughout the year, such as Ghosts of Pirate Cove. During Ghosts of Pirate Cove, which runs from October 20 to October 31, up to four kids in costumes get in for $5 with a full-price adult admission. For more information on Newport Aquarium promotions you can visit their website.

The Newport Aquarium boasts over 70 exhibits sure to delight everyone in the family. Visitors are drawn to the Surrounded by Sharks exhibit. In this exhibit you will wind your way through acrylic tunnels that measure 85 feet in length, and take you through the 385 thousand gallon shark tank. This exhibit is home to Scooter and Sweet Pea, two very rare Shark Rays, who are members of the only Shark Ray breeding program in existence. In addition to viewing the sharks, there is also an interactive area for kids that allow them to pet a shark, and a scale that allows them to see how much they weigh compared to a shark.

In addition to petting sharks, children are also given the opportunity to pet other aquatic creatures such as stingrays, horseshoe crabs, starfish, and more.

Another crowd favorite is the ‘Gator Bayou. Set on the bayou, you will feel like you are at the swap in this exhibit, which is home to alligators, turtles, and fish. Clear acrylic windows in the floor of the exhibit allow you to view the alligators from all angles, which are a pleasure, as the Newport Aquarium is now home to seven new baby American Alligators.

Perhaps my daughter’s favorite exhibit was the Hidden Treasure’s of the Rainforest Island Exhibit. While you will find everything from endangered Asian small-clawed otters to a Burmese Python in this exhibit, she enjoyed the free-flying Lorikeets in this exhibit, who visitors have the opportunity to feed.

And of course my four-year-old son was mesmerized by the Kroger Kingdom of Penguins exhibit. We were able to witness feeding time for the penguins, and it was an amazing experience. The aquarium has stadium-style seating at this display, and it makes for easy viewing of this exhibit, as children tend to want to linger here, watching the penguins play.

Halfway through your visit to the aquarium you will come across Sharky’s Café. With a variety of food to choose from it is a great place to stop, and take a break during your visit.

When your visit comes to an end, you will exit the aquarium through the Underwater Trading Gift Shop. This is a quaint gift shop, with lots of nice souvenirs in a variety of price ranges. As we were exiting the aquarium, we were also asked to go to a computer terminal to fill out a short survey about our visit. I am sure not every guest is asked to do this, and this is a completely optional task.

As we were walking to the car the four toughest critics I know, my children, gave their visit to the aquarium raving reviews. We have already visited the Newport Aquarium three times, and I am sure we will eventually return for a fourth visit if not a fifth, sixth, and seventh visit as well.

In a town called Jenks, Oklahoma, you will find the Oklahoma Aquarium. This is a suburb of Tulsa. We recently visited this aquarium with our children. They had a great time!

The Oklahoma Aquarium has over 200 exhibits for you to see. As you walk into the building, you can go to the left if you would like to a small snack bar and restrooms. They offer sandwiches so you can eat lunch there if you would like to do that. If you go toward the right, you will start your walk through the museum.

They have a lot of amazing things to see. They have a new otter exhibit, which happened to be closed while we were there. I have heard wonderful things about it though. One thing the children loved is the turtle exhibit. The turtles are all over rocks and you can purchase food to feed them. They place it on a clip on the end of a long stick where they won’t bite your child. The kids loved feeding the lettuce to them. It was only $1 per stick to do this part.

They also have several touching pools. Your children can feel shrimp, starfish, and many other sea life. They are amazing because as you get done they have antibacterial pumps and paper towels to clean your hands.

The shark exhibit is the best thing their in my opinion. You are surrounded by water full of sharks. If you come at the right time, you can watch them feed them also. You walk along with water over your heads and beside you. All that is between you and the sharks is the glass. This is an amazing feeling being right next to them. This is a walk through exhibit with many different types of sharks.

As you leave, you can visit the gift shop. I honestly felt it was very reasonably priced. The kids each got a small item and we spent less than $15. If you are ever in the area, make a stop at the Oklahoma Aquarium.

Hours

Open Year Round (Except Christmas Day)

10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Tuesdays

until 9:00 pm

The last paid admission is one hour prior to closing.

Source: http://www.okaquarium.org/