Archive for November, 2009
Aquarium Supplies - Choosing the Best Filter
Watching the fish gliding inside an aquarium makes your mind relax. Much more if it is well designed, maybe something that looks like a real habitat underworld. Setting up one can be a great idea for your family.
An aquarium can be best fitted in any corner of your room, provided that it is unreachable by your kids unless with your supervision. It can add exquisiteness to your surroundings and a more soothing ambiance.
However, considering some important factors can be better while setting up an aquarium. You have to purchase an array of aquarium supplies in order to create a place for your fish to live in.
Here are some of the supplies that you have to take note:
1. Type of fish
This is a prior consideration because it will determine the kind of aquarium that you will put up whether it is freshwater, saltwater aquarium, or warm water aquarium. Tropical fish for instance necessitates warm water that will require you a heater. Each kind of aquarium set up has distinct needs and expenses that you will incur when purchasing the supplies.
2. Tank
If you are novice, you can begin with smaller size of aquarium and a ten-gallon tank will probably do. This is another determinant of the kind of fish that you will place in your aquarium. A variety of type can be chosen if you have larger tanks.
3. Heater
It is necessary for tropical fish because you have to maintain warm temperature of water. This is the kind of habitat where they can survive.
4. Filter
Since you cannot prevent some falling debris inside your aquarium, you have to make use of filters to keep it clean at all times. Cleanliness is crucial because this will make your fish stay healthy inside an aquarium.
5. Gravel and rocks
All of these components will add an underworld effect to your aquarium. Be sure to clean them properly before you place the said supplies to the water.
6. Pump
Pump is one of the basic requirements for your aquarium because the life of the fish inside it will depend on the pump. It s their aid for breathing
7. Water Testing kit
Utilizing one will help you to gauge the ph level inside your aquarium.
8. Lighting
In order to remove dullness inside the aquarium, you need to put some lighting. Too much lighting effects will not be good as well. After you make yourself ready with the aquarium supply, you might need all the equipment in order to keep the fish full alive. It’s true that before getting a fish, there are lots of thing to do. In maintaining an aquarium, you can actually take care of it without much work at all. Before anything else, you should know how to keep the tank in good condition.
To get started, you should choose what size of tank will fit your style. If you’re a beginner, it will be good if you start with a small aquarium first. This will take less expense plus the fact that it helps you
concentrate in taking care of your aquarium. If time comes when you are at ease in keeping a small aquarium, you can shift to a larger one.
One of the important equipment for you to have in your aquarium is the filter. Filter is a device that removes impurities from the water of your aquarium by way of fine physical obstacle or by chemical procedure. It is recommended that you use an undergravel filter since it’s not expensive and it keeps the debris totally out.
But how you can choose the best filter for your aquarium? Furthermore, getting the right filter can save you lots of hours in maintenance.
The following tips can be helpful for you to find the best filter around.
1. You should know the three kinds of filtering systems that is needed in your tank: biological, mechanical, and chemical.
2. Think about the different types of filters and their functions. Wet-dry filters are compatible to saltwater tanks since they give biological, chemical, and mechanical filtration. Although they are quite expensive but entail less maintenance operation than other types.
3. Mechanical filters are designed to remove impurities by way of filter floss and filtering particles.
4. Chemical filtration process uses activated charcoal just to remove unwanted dissolved wastes in the water.
5. Set up first the biological filter before adding fish to the tank. Biological filters use bacteria to crack ammonia and nitrates. If you wish to add more fish too soon, the bacteria can’t keep up then the level of ammonia will rise in the tank thus killing the fish.
6. In buying an aquarium kit, you will get an undergravel filter. This kind of biological filter pulls water that is rich in oxygen through the gravel.
7. You can opt to some sponge filters. Sponge filters are efficient and cheap.
With the above tips, finding the best filter for your fish will be easy for you.
Low Jeremy
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/aquarium-supplies-choosing-the-best-filter-88788.html
Fuel pump pressure at start up?
I recently replaced my fuel pump on my 96 camaro. Now I have to click the key about 3 times to build pressure before it starts. after it starts it runs fine. It just seems like the pressure isn’t there at first or second crank. Any ideas? I checked the pressure it was at 30psi. It does make a humming sound when the fuel is low.
<——-look.
Have you replaced the fuel filter yet?
Under the car by the axle?
Geothermal Heat for your Home: Green, Clean and Lean
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, geothermal systems are the most energy efficient, cost-effective and environmentally clean heating/cooling systems available. A 1,500 square foot home in Colorado that uses a geothermal heat pump, averages energy costs of $1 a day. This includes all heating, cooling and hot water needs!
Geothermal heat pump systems can reduce a building’s energy consumption by 25% to 75%, as compared with conventional heating systems. Not only do they reduce energy consumption, but GHPs significantly lesson corresponding emissions. Emissions can be reduced up 44-72%, as compared with standard air-source heat pumps and air conditioning equipment. If you want to upgrade your space conditioning sources or are building a new home, these systems are green, clean and lean. In the long run they will benefit your pocket-book and the environment.
The simplest description of the geoexchange process is the movement of heat from the earth (or a groundwater source) into the home in the winter, and the discharging of heat back into the ground in the summer. Much of the country experiences extreme seasonal temperatures. But, did you know that just a few feet below the earth’s surface, the ground remains a relatively constant temperature? Ground temperatures range from 45 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. As in a cave, the ground temperature is warmer than the ambient air in the winter and cooler than that air in the summer. Geoexchange systems take advantage of this natural phenomenon.
GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMPS: THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF HEAT EXCHANGE
The geothermal system includes these principal components:
- Earth Connection
Using the earth as a heat source and sink, a series of pipes is buried under ground, near the house. A fluid (water or a mixture of water and antifreeze) is circulated through these pipes. If the surrounding air is cooler than the soil, the pipes will absorb heat and if the air is warmer, they will sink heat back into the soil.
- Geothermal Heat Pump
For the actual heating of your home, a geothermal heat pump is installed. This heat pump removes heat from the fluid in the pipes, concentrates it, and then transfers it to the building. The process is reversed for cooling.
- Heat Distribution
Generally, conventional ductwork is used to distribute heated or cooled air from the pump into and throughout the building.
THE “DESUPERHEATER”: REDUCE YOUR HOT WATER COSTS BY HALF!
Geothermal heat pumps can be equipped with a “desuperheater. Yes, it sounds like a super hero and in some ways, it is. This device will heat your household water. The heat extracted from the house by your GHP during the summer, is then transferred from the GHP’s compressor into the house’s hot water tank. Winter water heating costs can be reduced by half with use of the “desuperheater”. HOT STUFF!
SHORT TERM COSTS VS LONGTERM SAVINGS
On average, a geothermal heat pump system costs about $2500 per ton of capacity. This would translate to roughly $7500 for a typical residential sized home. Other standard systems with air conditioning units usually go for about $4000. But, consider that with GHP’s high efficiency and much lower utility bills, your investment can be recouped in two to ten years. Financially, it is a golden ticket to strengthen the investment in your property. Not only in long term savings, but also in terms of increasing property value. A property that is equipped to heat/cool using geothermal is mostly self-sufficient, energy wise. There is real re-sale value, right there. Likewise, many geothermal systems can be financed with special loans from banks and other financial institutions. Get on board now, and invest in the investment that keeps on giving, naturally!
GEOTHERMAL IS SUPERIOR
DURABILITY
With fewer mechanical components that are all sheltered from the elements and possible vandalism, geothermal heat pumps are durable and highly reliable. Expect piping systems to come with 25-50 year warranties. The GHPs themselves last 20 years or more.
IMPROVED HUMIDITY CONTROL
GHPs are very effective in humid areas. GHPs improve humidity control while maintaining a 50% relative indoor humidity.
EFFICIENT AND QUIET
A two speed GHP system is so quiet. There are no tell-tale blasts of cold or hot air, as with other systems. Imagine, no A/C noise bothering the neighbors or buzzing the patio. With geothermal systems there are no outside condensing units, hence no constant hum, as with conventional air conditioners.
DESIGN IN MIND
Geothermal heat pump systems allow for design flexibility and can be installed in both new and retrofit situations. The hardware requires less space than conventional systems and so equipment rooms tend to be smaller. Imagine all the valuable home space freed up for other uses! The system also provides “zone” specific conditioning. Different parts of your home can be heated or cooled to different temperatures using GHPs.
There are so many advantages when you install a geothermal system in your home. First and foremost the immediate advantages will be for you, the consumer. Savings in utility costs will be from 20-70%! But, also consider what you will be doing for the environment with reduced emissions and reduced energy consumption. Every 100,000 homes built with geothermal heat pump systems reduce foreign oil consumption by 2.15 million barrels annually! What more do you need to know? An investment in a geothermal system for your home is undeniably wise for you, your future, the future of our planet and generations to come.
Andy Asbury
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/geothermal-heat-for-your-home-green-clean-and-lean-285106.html
The Importance Of A Pond Pump
A pond pump plays a major role in any man made pond, with out one the risk of the pond becoming stagnant is greatly increased due to the water standing still over a long period of time with little or no movement.
A pond pump not only helps to drive a filter and keep the water fresh, it is also used for many water features such as a waterfalls, pond spitters or statues.
Depending on what you require the pond pump to achieve you need to select it wisely, choosing the wrong pond pump could result in your water not being filtered properly or you may have insufficient flow to your water features which will stop them working properly.
There are many pond pumps available both in stores and over the world wide web, if you have a specific job in mind for the pump then you can choose one that suits that specific need, if you require it to for fill more than one purpose then there is always the option of a multi purpose pond pump.
Pond Pumps are categorized by the quantity of water they pump. This is based on the gallons of water a pump can move in an hour. It also must pump this quantity at least one foot or higher for the same amount of time. Pump manufacturers offer simple to use charts that give details of each pump and how much water they move.
Some of the combined pond pumps offer great value for money, look out for those that have advanced design filter housing eliminating the need for a filter sponge, if the pond pump has wrap around filter housing you will greatly reduce the need to clean the pump itself resulting in less damage being made to the motor.
Water garden pond pumps are ideal for water features such as running waterfalls and filters, choosing a well known make and model will deliver the high performance needed by modern pressure filter systems to run spectacular waterfalls and features.
Having a garden pond especially if you have designed and created it yourself, add so much to a garden, watching the plant and fish grown and seeing what you have created develop slowly over time gives a remarkable sense of satisfaction. To stop your pond turning stagnant or even worse into a man made bog it is worth spending some time considering which pond pump will suit your ponds needs best.
If you are unsure what you require then just ask, most garden centres or pet shops will supply a wide variety of pond pumps that will suit your pond.
Always try and take as much information with you if asking advise, generally the size of the pond will be paramount but if you have a rough idea how many fish you have or what percentage of the pond is filled with plants then that will help too.
Allen Jesson
http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/the-importance-of-a-pond-pump-111238.html
ran my cistern out, have a submersible pump but wont work?
the toilet hung up and took the water level down to where the pump couldnt get anymore water. the tank is now full but I have tried cycleing the pump but its not getting any pressure. its a submersible self priming pump, could I still have to prime it?
Make sure the pump is still good. How long did the pump run dry?? One of the things water does as a pump pumps it to lubricate the pump and keep it cool. Make sure the pump is running. If it is running you may not be able to prime it from the discharge if the pump has a foot valve on it to make sure the water does not cycle back through the pump.
Next question is do you have a surge tank? You will have to open a faucet and let the air bleed through the system before you get water again to your fixtures. May take bit.
My 1989 Honda accord lxi keeps on blowing the high pressure hose after the pump.Whats the problem?
It steers excellent. Ive went through three hoses. It keeps on leaking two feet past the pump(high pressure line)
Do I need to adjust the power steering rack guide screw or is it the relief valve in the pump that needs fixed.
The car sounds and steers great but when i turn the wheel fluid shots out
The hose isent hitting anything
Stuck power regulator in pump not releasing over pressure, replace the pump.
Where can I buy a pressure tank for a well pump online in UK?
I have an underground water supply that feeds my home by a pump, operated by a switch that we turn on before opening the tap. I would like to install a pressure vessel with a pressure switch so that this operation is done automatically. I already have the pressure switch but I am struggling to find a tank
Here you go - from your cousins in Canada
we have a well, we had sub, pump pulled and re connected, we now have a problem with water pressure. help?
could any one give help? no water pressure, sub. pump pulled and re connected back in oct. we have a filter system. ready to scream!
if there is water in the well, the next logical soulution is a bad pump or a clogged pump of line
Tips on Aquarium Care and Cleaning
The proper care and cleaning of your aquarium is the most important, yet most overlooked aspect of owning an aquarium. By avoiding the care and maintenance of a fish tank, not only will it lose the visual appeal, but your fish will be unhealthy and unhappy. By following a daily, weekly and monthly care program, you will maintain a beautiful, clean and healthy aquarium.
Daily Cleaning Routine
To maintain a clean aquarium, there are some daily tasks that must be done. First and foremost, it’s important to check the temperature of the tank and make sure it stays consistent. For tropical freshwater fish, the temperature should average at around 77 degrees. Too much heat in your aquarium will promote the growth of algae. Always check for sick or dead fish daily. If you have a sick fish, it should be removed from the tank immediately or it may harm the other inhabitants of the aquarium. Lastly, check that the pump and filter are functioning properly.
Weekly Cleaning Routine
Weekly maintenance is necessary to keep the tank healthy. On a weekly basis, any waste should be removed from the surface of the gravel at the bottom of the tank. Using a siphon tube will accomplish this. If water is removed during this process, be sure to replace it and keep the water in the tank at the same level. Add chemicals and chlorine weekly so the balance within the tank remains the same. At this time, it is best to test the water for the ammonia and nitrate levels. Don’t overlook testing the pH of the water as well. If you are raising live plants, tend to them each week. Trim them back if they are getting too big, and remove any dead or sick leaves. Re-anchor and new sprouts into your gravel. Also, check your tank for snails. You can remove snails by floating a piece of lettuce leaf in the tank. The snails will be attracted to the lettuce, and you can remove them using a net.
Monthly Cleaning Routine
Finally, some monthly steps will assure that your aquarium stays clean and healthy. A partial water change should be performed each month. Using a siphon hose, remove 20 to 25 percent of the water from the tank. Always make sure that your chemical balance is correct. High levels of chlorine and ammonia will cause death. Cleaning the filter should be a monthly task as well as changing the filter cartridge. Be sure not to clean the filter too thoroughly as it contains helpful bacteria that aids in stabilizing the chemical balance in the tank. During the monthly cleaning, scrape and remove all algae from the surface of the tank. If you find you are having a significant amount of algae, consider adding an algae eater to the tank. Should you already have one, be sure to keep an eye on the temperature of the tank and you may also want to limit the time in which a light is used. Any increased heat source will speed up the production of algae inside the aquarium. If your tank is located in direct sunlight and you are having an algae problem, it is best to relocate the tank.
By following a maintenance schedule, you will be sure to keep a clean, clear and healthy tank. Aquarium care is essential and must be performed regularly to ensure the long and happy life of your fish. Provide yourself with an aquarium to be proud of by keeping up with the care and cleaning.
Li Ming Wong
http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/tips-on-aquarium-care-and-cleaning-215167.html