Setting Up Your Tank For Goldfish

Goldfish are very popular to keep as they are inexpensive and are not as much work as dogs, cats or other small animals. You can get many different types of goldfish in different shapes and colours. The traditional goldfish bowl is not recommended even for one goldfish as it does not give the fish enough room to move around, it has been suggested that a rectangular tank is more suitable.

There are many things to think about when setting up your goldfish tank and many items that can make your tank look great. Plants, rocks, gravel and ornaments are some of the most poplular, not to forget tank maintenance items such as air pumps and water filters.

It is very important you set your tank up properly, below you will find step by step instructions on doing this:

1. Choose the best place to set your tank up ensuring it is out of direct sunlight, not beside a window or radiator and is on a stand which holds the tank securely in place as tanks can be extremely heavy

2. Wet some kitchen roll under the tap (never use boiling water) and wipe down the inside of the tank

3. Place your tank in the location and position that it will be kept (some tank manufacturers advise that a sheet of polystyrene is placed under the tank for stability, to check this please check the tank manufacturers guide)

4. Place the gravel in a bowl/bucket and rinse under the tap until the water runs clear

5. Place the gravel in the tank around once inch high. If you are planning on adding live plants to the tank ensure the gravel is around 2 inches high

6. Add any rocks or ornaments you have purchased into the tank, placing the highest ones either at the back or around the sides. Please note that if you are adding live plants these should not be added until the water has been added

7. You should now add tap water to the tank. Fish do not like chlorine and as tap water contains this you may want to consider purchasing a water conditioner solution. Fish should never be exposed to untreated tap water as the chlorine will harm them

8. You should now install the filter and switch it on

9. Wait 24hrs now to ensure all equipment is working and to allow the water to stabilise

10. You should now add the fish to the tank by floating the bag they came in inside the tank for around 10 minutes, this will equalise the temperature. Gently open the bag and introduce your fish to their new home

11. You should now add some fish food which will help them to settle in

What Breed Is My Dog?

It has been estimated that there are over 400 breeds of dogs in the world, this does not include mixed breeds. In the past it has been almost impossible for mixed breed owners to know exactly which breed types make up their dog. This is only possible through DNA analysis as this is where the dog’s genetic information is stored.

What Breed Is My Dog? can now tell mixed breed owners which types of breed make up their canine companion. By knowing this information it will allow the owner to become more familiar with the dog’s genetics and can help owners to understand their behaviour. Breeds can suffer from genetic disorders, knowing the ancestry of the dog could give owners the knowledge to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

See below story from Tracey:
I am delighted to let you know that I have just received Axel's breed results and while they are surprising, they are so very accurate.

The results state that Axel's ancestry is primarily Staffordshire Bull Terrier with some Papillion and some Collie.

In fact Axel is a red & white Staffordshire bull terrier with huge erect ears, which is why everyone was so curious. When axel was younger he looked like any other Staffie pup, with perfectly normal 'rose ears' but after a couple of months they had grown totally out of proportion. This prompted much hilarity and many comments and arguments as to what secrets his ancestors held. I asked at my vets about DNA and they could not help, so I searched the Internet and found your email.

So now we know, his ears are from his Papillion ancestors. I read the breed descriptions and characteristics and I can see bits of all of them in Axel. He's a real handful, exactly as his certificate warns; also I am alerted to any problems with his health. I have now added this photo to the certificate and am in the process of getting it framed.