Fish Tank Gravel
The Biological Cycle of Your First Fish Tank
One important thing when setting up an aquarium is patience. Nature’s biological process takes from 4 to 6 weeks.
Let me explain the Biological Process…
The biological cycle happens when beneficial bacteria breaks down toxic organic compounds into less toxic compounds. Then we can manage these less toxic compounds through weekly water changes. The beneficial bacteria that we need to culture in the aquarium are called Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter bacteria. Nitrosomonas bacteria break down deadly ammonia to less toxic nitrite. Nitrobacter bacteria then convert nitrite to an even less toxic nitrate. These chemicals can only be detected with test kits. Algae blooms sometimes indicate excessive nitrates. The biological cycle starts when you put 2 or 3 very hardy fish into your new tank. These fish have small amounts of the bacteria in their digestive tract which they will release into the aquarium. Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter bacteria live in the substrate of your tank. They need oxygen to live. That’s why it’s important to keep your power heads or air pumps working at all times. They pull air from the water through the gravel giving the bacteria a continuous supply of oxygen.
You can speed up the biological process by adding gravel from an established tank to the new aquarium. I’ve done this many times with no problems. The bacteria will spread from the old cultured gravel to the new gravel. There are products that can also speed up the biological cycle, like Stress Zyme®, which you add to the aquarium water when you introduce your first fish. Stress Zyme®contains over 300 million beneficial bacteria per teaspoon. To know if your biological cycle is complete, you have to test the water. Get a water test kit that tests for Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate. The first thing that you’ll see in a new aquarium is a spike in Ammonia levels a few days after you’ve added your 2 or 3 hardy fish. Keep testing the water every couple of days and eventually you’ll see the Ammonia level drop and the Nitrite level go up. This is a good indication that the biological process is starting.
Test every couple of days and eventually you’ll see the Nitrite level drop and the Nitrate level rise. Nitrate is easily managed by changing 10% to 20% of your aquarium water every week. Ammonia starts the whole process. Ammonia comes from fish respiration, and decomposing organic wastes such as fish feces and left over food.
You want to add your fish now?
6 or 8 weeks later it’s safe to add more fish to the tank. Keep testing your water. Add one or two fish every two weeks until you have the number of fish appropriate to you tank.
If you want to read more about keeping a fish tank in your home, visit me at http://www.thefishtankplace.com
About the Author
Rebeca has been interested in animals and Feng Shui for many years and now she wants to share her knowledge of these subjects with people in a very light and personal way. Feng Shui has improved her life in many ways, and her cats and dogs, and the fish that came as a part of her passion for Feng Shui, are now a very important part of her, and she’s very happy to share her experiences with everybody.
Choosing a Fish Tank : Adding Gravel to Fish Tanks
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Aquarium Gravel Cleaner Syphon Siphon Vacuum Fish Tank $2.49 |
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Aquarium Battery Syphon Auto Fish Tank Vacuum Gravel Water Filter Cleaner Washer $11.59 |
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Aquarium Battery Operated Fish Water Filter Tank Vacuum Gravel Cleaner Washer $11.59 |
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Aquarium Battery Battery Fish Tank Vacuum Gravel Cleaner For Cleaning And Pump $11.59 |
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Aquarium Battery Syphon Auto Fish Tank Water Filter Vacuum Gravel Cleaner Washer $11.59 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Gravel Water Filter Pump Vacuum Cleaner Battery Syphon Hose $11.59 |
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Aquarium Water Filter Fish Tank Maintenance Cleaner Battery Operated Gravel Hose $11.59 |
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Aquarium Battery Syphon Auto Electrical Fish Tank Vacuum Gravel Filter Cleaner $11.59 |
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Electrical Aquarium Battery Fish Tank Water Filter Vacuum Gravel Washer Cleaner $11.59 |
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Aquarium Electrical Syphon Fish Tank Vacuum Gravel Water Filter Cleaner Washer $11.59 |
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69″ Siphon Vacuum Pump For Aquarium Fish Tank Gravel Water Cleaning Change FD4 $0.99 |
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MARINA EASY CLEAN AQUARIUM FISH TANK GRAVEL VACUUM 24″ $26.60 |
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MARINA EASY CLEAN AQUARIUM FISH TANK GRAVEL VACUUM 15″ $23.69 |
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45+ lbs Estes’ SpectraStone Lake green gravel aquarium aggregate fish tank $22.00 |
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69″ Siphon Vacuum Pump For Aquarium Fish Tank Gravel Water Cleaning Change DD3 $0.99 |
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45+ lbs. Estes’ SpectraStone Jean Blue gravel aquarium fish tank $22.00 |
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25 lbs Estes’ SpectraStone Jean Blue gravel aquarium aggregate fish tank $13.00 |
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Fish Tank Decor Gravel Bed Float Plants Blue Purple 10 $7.35 |
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INTERLOCKING UNDER GRAVEL FILTER AQUARIUM FISH TANK 20″ $8.99 |
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Natural River Aquarium Gravel ~ 30 Pounds ~ freshwater fish tank decoration $27.86 |
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69″ Siphon Vacuum Pump For Aquarium Fish Tank Gravel Water Cleaning Change $0.99 |
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New Aquarium Fish Tank Washer Vacuum Syphon Hose Gravel Water Filter Cleaner $12.99 |
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Aquarium Battery Syphon Auto Fish Tank Vacuum Gravel Water Filter Cleaner Washer $12.99 |
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Aquarium Gravel Cleaner Pump Syphon Siphon Vacuum Fish Tank Water change Washer $0.99 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Water Pump Gravel Cleaner 6′ SIPHON $0.01 |
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Siphon Cleaner – fish tank wood coral sand plant gravel $17.99 |
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Siphon Cleaner MINI – fish tank wood coral sand Gravel $15.50 |
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New Aquarium Fish Tank Washer Vacuum Syphon Hose Gravel Water Filter Cleaner $0.99 |
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Estes’ SpectraStone Lake green gravel aquarium aggregate fish tank $13.00 |
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NEON PINK Fish tank Aquarium GRAVEL 5-5lb bags (25lb) $19.99 |
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New Aquarium Fish Tank Gravel, Glass Chips, Substrate, Approx. 8 Lbs+. RED $24.99 |
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Glass Aquarium Fish Tank Gravel, 100% Recycled Glass and “Sharp Free!” 4 Lb $14.99 |
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White Beach Sand Aquarium Fish Tank Gravel, Snake, Spider, Turtle ~800 cu. in. $38.00 |
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White Beach Sand Aquarium Fish Tank Gravel, Snake, Spider, Turtle ~500 cu. in. $25.00 |
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Natural Beach Sand Aquarium Fish Tank Gravel, Snake, Spider, Turtle ~500 cu. in. $25.00 |
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Natural Beach Sand Aquarium Fish Tank Gravel, Snake, Spider, Turtle ~800 cu. in. $38.00 |
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Aquarium siphon Syphon Auto Fish Tank Vacuum Gravel Water Filter Cleaner pump $9.65 |
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Aquarium Battery Syphon Auto Fish Tank Vacuum Gravel Water Filter Cleaner Washer $19.98 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Vacuum Gravel Cleaner Siphon Pump $1.00 |
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1 Gallon Aquarium Fish Tank Light Hood Gravel pump used $19.99 |
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6 AQUARIUM SILK PLANTS FISH TANK GRAVEL LOT COLORFUL ALL SIZES PENN PLAX DECO $9.99 |
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BLACK BEAUTY FISH PLANT TANK Aquarium SAND GRAVEL SNAKE 24LB $29.49 |
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Aquarium Battery Auto Fish Tank Vacuum Gravel Cleaner $14.24 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Water Filter Battery Powered Vacuum Gravel Filter Cleaner E $11.59 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Battery Powered Vacuum Gravel Filter Cleaner $20.93 |
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Electrical Aquarium Battery Fish Tank Vacuum Gravel Cleaner Hose $21.38 |
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10 Malaysian Trumpet Snails Live Algae Gravel Cleaner for Fish Tank 2 Extra Free $3.46 |
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SHARK TEETH & FOSSIL FRAGMENTS, AQUARIUM-FISH TANK GRAVEL, 1/4 lb., FTG33 $1.99 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Water Pump Gravel Cleaner 6′ SIPHON $1.99 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Water Pump Gravel Cleaner Set $17.68 |
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Aquarium Gravel Bed Decor Fish Tank Plants Decor Blue $8.54 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Vacuum Gravel Cleaner Siphon Pump $4.39 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Vacuum Gravel Cleaner Siphon Pump $1.00 |
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LARGE AQUEON SIPHON VACUUM GRAVEL CLEANER FOR FISH TANKS NEW $14.99 |
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New Aquarium Fish Tank Vacuum Gravel Cleaner Water Pump $12.99 |
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10 NEW AQUARIUM SILK PLANTS FISH TANK GRAVEL LOT COLORFUL ALL SIZES REPTILE $14.99 |
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69″ Siphon Vacuum Pump For Aquarium Fish Tank Gravel Water Cleaning Change BIN $4.99 |
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Black GRAVEL Stones PET ART Fish Aquatic Reptile Aquarium Tank Pet Rocks Decor $5.99 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Vacuum Gravel Cleaner Siphon Pump $4.39 |
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Aquarium Battery Syphon Auto Fish Tank Vacuum Gravel Water Filter Cleaner Washer $12.69 |
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Aquarium Battery Syphon Auto Fish Tank Vacuum Gravel Water Filter Cleaner Washer $10.67 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Water Pump Gravel Cleaner 6′ SIPHON $2.66 |
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Electrical Aquarium Battery Fish Tank Vacuum Gravel Cleaner Hose $20.35 |
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Aquarium Battery Syphon Operated Fish Tank Vacuum Gravel Water Filter Cleaner $12.09 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Vacuum Gravel Cleaner Siphon Pump N $2.66 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Gravel Coral Sand Plant Siphon Cleaner $17.70 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Gravel Coral Sand Plant Siphon Cleaner $17.71 |
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5 + lbs of Colorful Aquarium Gravel great substrate for fish tanks or bowls $2.50 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Vacuum Gravel Cleaner Siphon Pump $1.00 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Vacuum Gravel Cleaner Siphon Pump $3.29 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Vacuum Gravel Cleaner Siphon Pump $3.59 |
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Aqueon 10″ Siphon Vacuum Fish Tank Aquarium Gravel Cleaner With Bulb $16.99 |
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Siphon Vacuum Pump Gravel Cleaner Aquarium Fish Tank $2.73 |
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Aquarium Gravel Bed Decor Fish Tank Plants Decor Blue $8.75 |
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Aquarium Battery Syphon Auto Fish Tank Vacuum Gravel Water Filter Cleaner Washer $16.99 |
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JUNGLE labs fish tank Gravel WASH 2oz cleans new & old $2.99 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Vacuum Gravel Cleaner Siphon Pump $1.00 |
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Aquarium Battery Syphon Fish Tank Vacuum Gravel Cleaner $10.58 |
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Aquarium Gravel Cleaner Syphon Siphon Vacuum Fish Tank $2.49 |
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Aquarium Gravel Cleaner Syphon Siphon Vacuum Fish Tank $2.49 |
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Natural Gray Fish Tank Gravel Snakes Lizards Crabs 20LB $29.99 |
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Glass Aquarium Fish Tank Gravel, 100% Recycled Glass and “Sharp Free!” 4 Lb $14.99 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Clear Filter Water Pump Gravel Cleaner Syphon $12.96 |
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Aquarium Battery Fish Tank Vacuum Gravel Cleaner Hose $12.99 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank Water Pump Gravel Cleaner Set Clear $13.23 |
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BLACK BEAUTY Aquarium Fish Tank Sand Gravel, Snake, Spider, Turtle ~800 cu. in. $45.00 |
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WHITE Fish tank Aquarium GRAVEL 5-5lb bags (25lb) $19.99 |
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BLACK Fish tank Aquarium GRAVEL 5-5lb bags (25lb) $19.99 |
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NEON Flourescent RAINBOW Fish tank Aquarium GRAVEL 5-5lb bags (25lb) $22.99 |
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Fish Tank Gravel Coral Sand Plant Siphon Cleaner Clear $12.99 |
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Aquarium Battery Syphon Auto Fish Tank Vacuum Gravel Water Filter Cleaner Washer $11.79 |
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Electrical Aquarium Battery Auto Fish Tank Vacuum Gravel Cleaner $11.86 |
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Electrical Aquarium Battery Fish Tank Vacuum Gravel Cleaner Hose $11.69 |
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Electrical Aquarium Fish Tank Gravel Vacuum Filter Water Cleaner $11.87 |
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Fish Tank Gravel Coral Sand Plant Siphon Cleaner Clear $12.90 |
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Aquarium Battery Operated Fish Tank Vacuum Gravel Cleaner $21.18 |
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Lee’s Aquarium Gravel Vac Slim Jr 6″ Aquarium Fish Tank Vacuum $7.98 |
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50 ft Aqueon Fish Tank Gravel Cleaner & Water Changer $47.99 |
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99¢ per pound! Natural River Aquarium Gravel ~ freshwater fish tank decoration $0.99 |
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Natural River Aquarium Gravel ~ 40 Pounds ~ freshwater fish tank decoration $37.16 |
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Goldfish in a bowl Photo Mugs Goldfish in a bowl (Carassius auratus). The goldfish can grow up to 60cm long and weight 4.5 kilograms. Many different breeds are available to buy as pets from the aquarium trade….. |
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Lee’s The Ultimate Faucet Adapter, Metal $3.73 Lee’s Ultimate GravelVac Metal Faucet Adapter The Ultimate Faucet Adapter is a replacement part for the Ultimate Gravel Vac(R) Kit. It connects the Super Pump to the sink faucet…. |
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Fishtank Diver-Party Invitation Card 5 x 7 inch premium quality folded paper greeting card. greeting cards & photo cards are available at Greeting Card Universe. A picture is worth a thousand words, so why not send a photo card this year? Let Greeting Card Universe help you find the best card this year. This paper card includes the following themes: Janet Palaggi, Diver, and tank. Set your paper cards apart this year with cards to ce… |
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Greetings-Fishtank Card 5 x 7 inch premium quality folded paper greeting card. Greeting Card Universe offers the largest selection of Hi / Hello cards on the web. We will mail the cards to you or direct to your loved ones. Allow Greeting Card Universe to handle all your Hi / Hello card needs this year. This paper card includes the following themes: Diver, tank, and water. Greeting Card Universe has the best General Hi / … |
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Happy Birthday-fishtank Card 5 x 7 inch premium quality folded paper greeting card. Birthday greeting cards & photo cards are available at Greeting Card Universe. A picture is worth a thousand words, so why not send a photo Birthday greeting card this year? Send a paper Birthday greeting card from Greeting Card Universe this year. This paper card includes the following themes: Diver, tank, and water. Greeting Card Universe of… |
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Toyops Deluxe Triops $10.35 What exactly are tripos? — Triops are crustaceans that can be traced back to the prehistoric times. These three-eyed creatures grow up to 3 inches in length in their 20-90 day life span, sometimes doubling in size in a single day! — Triops are brightly colored due to hemoglobin in the blood and pigment in their connective tissue. Very resourceful, they obtain oxygen from the water through th… |
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Natural Aquatics Frog Aquarium with 2 Frogs $29.95 … |
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Animated Electronic Pet Clownfish- with Color-Changing LED Light & Decor $23.45 It’s the perfect pet! Never hungry, always happy, and never needs cleaning! Watch the realistic clownfish swim through the water for 90 seconds, or set to Extended Play for endless motion! Glass fish bowl,color-changing LED light,frosted gravel,plastic aquatic décor & realistic fish. Just add water! A delight for the entire family! Includes 3 AA batteroes. Also accepts an AC adapter (not i… |
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Lees Original Ug X Original Ug Filter 5 1/2 Gallon… |
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Aquarium Secrets Revealed! $3.17 This ebook will provide you with the skills and secrets developed by a professional tropical fish hobbyist. You will learn how to set up and maintain a beautiful, healthy, and affordable aquarium for your prized tropical fish. These easy to read and use techniques include methods not know to many hobbyists. You will also receive the handy checklist and the shopping list for everything you need. Th… |