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A rainbow shark, shown here, is among popular aquarium sharks.

admin    July 2, 2021   CATEGORY: Fish Facts

Popular Aquarium Sharks: A Fascinating Commitment with a Stunning Appeal

Sharks. They’re not just for scary movies.

In reality, they are some of the most popular aquarium fish. There are hundreds of breeds of sharks and rays, and most sharks are not nearly as large as Jaws.

So don’t fear the water. If anything, sharks can become your favorite wet pets.

5 of the Most Popular Sharks for Aquariums

The scientific name for sharks is selachimorpha. They are part of the Animalia and phylum Chordata families, and rays are their sisters.

Following are some of the most popular breeds of sharks for home and business aquariums.

1. Rainbow Sharks

Even though they only grow to about 6 inches, a single rainbow shark would require a tank that is at least 55 gallons large. The pH level of the water should be 6.8 to 8, and the temperature range is 75 to 85 degrees.

Despite their colorful name and sweet appearance, it’s not always rainbows and butterflies in this tank. These fish are actually rather aggressive and territorial. Because they are bottom dwellers, adding other bottom feeders to the tank is therefore not ideal. They might also get into it with each other, which is why a larger tank is necessary in order to provide them with room to stake their claims.

2. Red-Tailed Sharks

Also growing to only about 6 inches long, red-tailed sharks are among the most popular sharks for home aquariums. They do require slightly cooler water of about 77 degrees, as well as a pH of about 7.

They can live with tetras, gouramis, angelfish, and similar pets that stay near the middle or top of the tank. Red-tailed sharks do require plenty of places to hide, so you should design your fish tank to accommodate their shy nature. When they get older, they may become territorial like other sharks.

This fish is recognizable by, as the name indicates, its red tail. Its body is usually black or dark blue.

3. Bala Sharks

Bala sharks are probably the gentlest of the five sharks on this list, and they love to swim around the tank throughout the day. 

They are usually gray, but may have a yellow stripe. The signature dorsal fins are a recognizable characteristic of bala sharks and many other breeds of sharks. Balas can grow to about a foot long.

Bala sharks might not be ideal for beginning hobbyists. They do require meaty foods, as well as a steady water temperature of about 77 degrees. The pH of the water should be between 6.5 and 8.

4. Black Sharkminnows

A black sharkminnow is not for the faint of heart. It really lives up to its name, but it is a fun fish to own. It’s a fast swimmer and can grow to nearly 3 feet long. That means you will need a massive tank that can hold more than 200 gallons of water.

It’s also very aggressive, so you will need to make sure you don’t place other bottom dwellers in the tank with it.

5. Iridescent Sharks

Iridescent sharks are ideal only for experienced hobbyists. Obtaining one of these babies would be almost like adopting a dog or a cat! With loving care and attention, iridescent sharks can live for 20 years.

Requiring tanks that can hold more than 300 gallons of water, iridescent sharks can grow to a whopping 4 feet! They also have big appetites, so be prepared to feed them a whole lot of nutritious, meaty foods.

When they’re young, these sharks are luminous in color, but they turn gray or black with age. Their bodies are somewhat rounder and puffier than other sharks on this list.

The tank should be kept at about 75 degrees with a pH level of about 7.

While pet sharks require serious commitment, they are still some of the most fascinating fish to own. And you also get bragging rights. Tell your friends and family you own a shark, and watch their reaction. You own a shark, after all! … 

Okay, okay … we have to stop right there and tell you the truth.

We don’t want to deflate your dreams of owning a real shark, but we have to tell you this: Most of the above are not truly “sharks.” They simply look like sharks and carry that name. True sharks are saltwater fish.

The sharks we name here are typically freshwater species.

Just don’t tell your guests that, and we won’t either.

If these five popular aquarium sharks don’t quite float your boat, see this blog to learn more about several more top breeds.

TAGS: Aquarium Sharks,

This is a colorful image of a variety of fish, including tang fish, clown fish, flame angelfish and blue Malawi cichlids, amid coral and rocks in a fish tank. Contact us for fish tank maintenance in Arizona.

admin    June 1, 2021   CATEGORY: Aquarium Maintenance ,Uncategorized

Fish Tank Maintenance in Arizona: How to Find the Best Service for You

Fishkeeping is clearly a very popular hobby in the Valley. For that reason, many companies offer fish tank maintenance in Arizona, especially in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. 

So how do you fish through them to find the best one for you?

The first step is to answer a few questions about yourself.

Finding the Ideal Fish Tank Maintenance Company in Arizona

In order to find the best aquarium maintenance service in the Phoenix, Arizona area, consider the type of aquarium you want to design, its size, livestock you wish to include, the setting of your home or business, your experience level, and your budget.

Let’s wade through it together.

1. What type of aquarium do you want in your Arizona home or business?

Here at Seatech Aquariums, we frequently talk about saltwater aquariums and freshwater aquariums, but the truth is that there are many different types of aquarium habitats you can design. They include:

As you are looking for a service for fish tank maintenance in Arizona, make sure the technicians are qualified and skilled in designing the exact type of aquarium you desire.

2. What size do you need your aquarium to be?

Are you looking to add an aquarium into a large business? Do you have massive space in your home that you would love to fill with an astonishing aquarium? Or would you rather have a little nano tank that fits easily in a corner of your home or even on your desk?

Look for an Arizona fish tank maintenance and design company that can accommodate your plans.

3. What types of livestock are you hoping to include in your tank?

An important factor when determining the size of your fish tank is what livestock you want in it. Many fish grow to a couple feet long, while others can remain half-an-inch for their entire lives.

If you’re looking for large fish, you can start with a small tank if you wish. As they grow, you will need a larger tank in order to ensure that they have room to swim around freely while remaining healthy.

A reef tank may require additional space for coral, plants, rock, and other decor. Decor and plants are ideal for freshwater tanks as well, but you might be able to get away with a little less. The beauty of a coral reef tank, after all, is the natural-looking habitat, and that requires plenty of the good stuff.

Of course, when choosing the size of a fish tank, you will need to evaluate how many fish you want, their temperaments, their need for space, and how compatible they will be with one another.  Active fish need room to roam, and shy fish look for room to hide.

There are many other considerations when deciding on the size of a fish tank. As you are looking for the best fish tank maintenance service in Arizona, make sure the technicians can install the correct fish tank size and that they are skilled at identifying the needs of the livestock.

Do you want one fish that you can treat like the king of the castle? Or would you rather have a whole school of fish in your aquarium? That’s one of many factors that will determine the size of your fish tank and  help you identify the best fish tank maintenance and design company in Arizona for you.

4. How much help do you need from the local fish tank maintenance company?

Some experienced hobbyists prefer to handle much of the aquarium maintenance on their own. 

Beginners, on the other hand, may have many questions and need assistance on a regular basis. For that reason, it’s important to find an Arizona fish tank maintenance and design company that is experienced, knowledgeable, and easily accessible.

As a side note, if you prefer to use RODI water in your fish tank, look for a Phoenix area aquarium maintenance technician who can complete water changes using this type of water.

5. How much are you planning to spend?

The price range for beautiful aquariums varies from a couple hundred dollars for a household tank to tens of thousands of dollars for commercial tanks. The cost of design, installation, and maintenance depends on many factors, including:

Those are only some of factors you should take into account when determining the budget for your aquarium, its installation, and maintenance services. Look for an Arizona fish tank design company that can create outstanding results within your budget.

6. Does the company have an excellent reputation?

If you choose maintenance services in addition to installation, you will see the technician often. For that reason, it’s important to simply like the person who will be maintaining the aquarium in your Arizona home or business. 

Their experience, knowledge, friendliness, and customer service standards should be top priorities as you are trying to find the best company. Get online to research your options, and speak with neighbors, family, and friends for recommendations.

Finding the Best Arizona Aquarium Maintenance Service

Once you make your basic decisions and complete your research, we have no doubt that you will find Seatech Aquariums at the top of your list.

With more than 20 years of experience in fish tank maintenance in Arizona, Owner Jimmie Hernandez has a genuine desire to build aesthetic, functional aquariums that are home to healthy, happy inhabitants.

Contact us for more information about our services. We are here to answer any questions you may have about how to maintain an aquarium while keeping your livestock thriving.

TAGS: Fish Tank Maintenance, Fish Tank Maintenance in Arizona,