How Much Food Is Enough for Aquarium Fish?

Hobbyists new to aquarium keeping get such constant reminders not to overfeed their fish that they sometimes end up underfeeding them. Too much food in an aquarium tank can also build up and foul the water or increase the risk of disease.

You want to make sure that your aquarium fish receive all the nutrition they need. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health problems. If your fish resemble overinflated tires, cut back on the grub. Remember that your fish's stomach is no larger than its eye.

Excess food around the edge of the substrate is one sign of overfeeding. This wasted food accumulates on the bottom of the tank, turns muddy brown, and begins to spoil. Spoiled food can cause health problems for your fish if they happen to eat it. If excess food piles up, decrease the amount you feed and try putting the food in a different area of the aquarium.
 
Excess food breaking down on the substrate surface also can cause an overabundance of harmful ammonia. If you do happen to overfeed, remove the excess with a standard aquarium vacuum.

The general rule is to feed only what your fish can eat in a period of three to five minutes per feeding. Now, this doesn't mean that you have to stand around with a starter's whistle and stopwatch at every meal. Just check to make sure that your fish polish off all the food within five minutes. Another option is to purchase a plastic feeding ring that keeps most dry foods confined to a small area on top of the water. A feeding ring can keep most of the food from quickly falling to the bottom of the tank.

If possible, feed adult fish three small meals per day instead of just dumping a bunch of food in at one time. Juvenile fish and fry need be fed more often to insure that they grow properly, so give them a couple of extra light feedings each day.

Preventing heat strokes

Heat stroke and stress are common concerns for animal owners who leave their pets outside during hot days.

 It's going to be 110 degrees and you've got four meetings and a report due today at work where you'll be cooled by an air conditioner and have a choice of beverages to choose from. But what about your pet, remaining behind at home, outside, in the sweltering heat?

Heat stroke and heat stress are major concerns for owners of pets that are left outside for prolonged periods of time. If you are unable to keep your pet inside during the day, there are some things you can do to protect your pet.

Water, Water, Water!
Don't let your backyard turn into the Sahara desert for your pet. Leave plenty of water around for pets to drink from. One big bowl of water may not be enough, especially for large dogs who have a tendency to put their paws in the water or flip it over. Provide several different bowls of water in areas of shade.
Many pets can beat the heat by taking a swim or merely standing in a plastic pool. These plastic pools, available at stores like Wal-Mart and Toys-R-Us, are a great cooling off spot for pets and often serve as a giant water bowl. Keep these pools in a shady area if possible and change out the water on a regular basis.

Shade
If you have to leave your pet outdoors, make sure your pet has some form of shade to rest or sleep under. This can be a porch that doesn't get direct sunlight, a dog house facing the breeze, or simply an area of the house that doesn't get sunlight, even on a clear day, and remains cool.

Pet Stores
Visit your local pet stores or online to see the latest pet items for cooling pets. Some include misters that offer a fine spray of water as well as chilled pads that maintain a below 70 degree temperature for several days.

If he digs, he digs…
If you find your pet digging up your backyard, it may be because he's seeking to create a cool spot to lay down on. You can't blame your dog for doing that nor should you punish him hours later.

But what if you arrive home and you're concerned that your pet may be experiencing heat stress or a heat stroke. Here are some warning signs: flushed gums, disorientation, constant panting, vomiting, and weakness. If you pet exhibits these symptoms or any symptom that suggests heat stress or a heat stroke, immediately begin cooling your pet down. This can be done by hosing the pet down, taking the dog into a shower or bath (be sure to test the water temperature), applying soaked towels. Ice packs can also be used around the pet's head and neck area. Contacting your Vet immediately is also well advised.

*DOG TIP*

Cheap Flea Prevention

Our dog had a lot of fleas and was scratching so much she had hot spots and her fur was falling out. We used expensive flea shampoo but nothing helped. We started using Lever 2000 deodorant soap and the fleas jumped off of her. Her hair has grown back and she rarely scratches any more. (Always consult a vet before administering any home remedies.)

*CAT TIP*

Porta-Potties For Cats  
The next time you buy a 24 pack of canned pop in the flat case, remove the cans carefully not to damage the plastic wrap and the cardboard tray. This makes a great
disposable bathroom for your cat. Especially if you take them traveling with you.