Category Archives: Industry News and Tips

admin    August 1, 2017   CATEGORY: Industry News and Tips

FOWLR vs Fish-Only Tanks: What’s the Difference?

Aquarium ownership is one of the best ways to add a hobby to your life while adding a decorative touch to your home. For many, it’s an easy choice. Deciding the type of aquarium, however, can be difficult. One debate people often have is FOWLR vs fish-only tanks. If you’re going to own an aquarium, you need a basic understanding of both types so you can choose the right one for your home.

FOWLR vs Fish-Only Tanks: What’s the Difference?

What is FOWLR?

FOWLR stands for Fish Only With Live Rock, which leads to another obvious question: what is live rock? Live rock, which is actually not alive, is made from the long-dead skeletons of coral, which make up the majority of a coral reef. These “rocks” are encrusted with algae, specifically coralline algae, which plays an important role in a reef’s habitat. The live rock can also hold tiny invertebrates and sponges.

The FOWLR aquarium, therefore, has fish and live rock, but no living coral.

FOWLR vs Fish-Only TanksFOWLR Advantages

The primary purpose for having live rock in your aquarium is to add a natural filtration system. The coralline bacteria found on live rock can be useful for naturally filtering the water, creating a healthier environment for your fish. The bacteria also provide nutrition to some fish, but most of all, it creates a more stable marine habitat.

Live rock also adds another layer of visual presentation to the aquarium. While there are certainly some stunning artificial decorations, live rock gives the aquarium a more natural appearance.

Advantages of a Fish-Only Tank

With the advantages of FOWLR aquariums, it seems logical that everyone would simply use live rock in their tanks. However, there are some important benefits to having a fish-only tank. First of all, fish-only tanks are easier to set up and maintain, making them ideal for new aquarium owners. If you are interested in marine life and want to ease into the hobby, starting with a fish-only aquarium is a good idea.

When considering FOWLR vs fish-only tanks, some people also prefer fish-only because the colorful fish remain the center of attention. For some, the fish is really what matters, and a fish-only tank provides a focus that stays squarely on the fish themselves, not the aquarium’s decorations and accessories.

Helping You Understand FOWLR vs Fish-Only Tanks

Contact Seatech today to learn more about FOWLR tanks and fish-only aquariums.

We’ll make sure you have the information, resources, and services necessary for a lively, colorful, and healthy aquarium. Call now at 602-628-7270 and let us create the perfect aquarium for your home or office!

FOWLR vs Fish-Only Tanks

TAGS: fish tanks, FOWLR Aquariums,

admin    July 4, 2017   CATEGORY: Industry News and Tips ,Water Quality for Fish

Water Quality: Let’s Explore what Makes RO Water Better than Tap Water for Fish

It may be tempting to just turn on that faucet to fill your aquarium or tank, but take a minute to think about what’s in that water. Do you drink it? Well, no … you drink some kind of filtered water instead. The things that stop you from drinking a lot of that water are related to the reasons regarding what makes RO water better than tap water for fish and other wildlife. Just like pollution in the air we breathe, chemicals in tap water are unnatural and can be unhealthy for fish to live in.

What is in Tap Water?

According to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, many communities in this state get their drinking water from sources managed by Salt River Project or the Central Arizona Project.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sets standards for drinking water, as almost all drinking water contains some impurities. These include natural impurities such as minerals or man-made impurities such as chlorine or other disinfectants, according to the Arizona DEQ.
The taste and smell of drinking water may also be affected by secondary contaminants.

What Makes RO Water Better than Tap Water for Fish

What is RO Water?

Reverse osmosis is water purification technology that removes ions, molecules and larger particles from drinking water. It removes many types species from the water, including bacteria, metal and leads.

What Makes RO Water Better than Tap Water for Fish

Making water drinkable for humans isn’t always healthy for fish, as some fish are so delicate that the water needs to be pristine.
While a small amount of disinfectants can make tap water safe for human consumption, even that amount can be very harmful to fish. The chemicals can harm their skin, and they may even be so uncomfortable with these unnatural chemicals that they will attempt to leave the water.
Purifying the water through osmosis removes impurities, creating a safer environment for the fish.
The water that Seatech uses, for example, utilizes reverse osmosis and deionization. Using clean, pure water in tanks is important for the long-term health of the sea life and may even contribute to a longer lifespan for the fish.

Contact Seatech Aquariums to Learn More

Now that you know what makes RO water better than tap water for fish, it’s time to make sure you have the most suitable environment for your wildlife. Contact us through our Seatech Aquariums website or by phone at 602-628-7270 for specific questions about your aquarium. We’ll be happy to help you create the healthiest environment for your fish.

What Makes RO Water Better than Tap Water for Fish

TAGS: Reverse Osmosis, RO Water, Tap Water,