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pets

Understanding Aquarium Filtration Systems

A filter is an important part of the functioning of a home aquarium. You will find a variety of brands and types when you’re looking for a filtration system. You need to understand why your aquarium needs a filter before you start searching for options. The filter will ensure that water flows throughout the tank. This way, the water doesn’t become stagnant. When water is stagnant, it can lead to ammonia buildup that harms the water plants and the fish.

If you have a small tank and decide against the use of a filter, you will need to change the water inside quite often. This can be a bit of a hassle as well. And without a filter, you will need to limit the number of aquatic animals you have inside. One of the most common filters that are used is sponge filters. This is a spongy material that you place inside the tank. The air pump outside the tank will pull the dirt and debris inside the tank through the sponge. This is one of the simplest filters you can use for small tanks. There is less water movement so that your fish are not disturbed. But if you have a larger tank, a sponge filter might not be able to provide sufficient movement of water within.

A type of filter that can be used in many tank sizes is the hang-on-back filter (HOB). This will hand on the edge of your aquarium and pull water from the tank through the use of a pump. This water is then circulated through different pond filter media. The water that travels through the media will then be returned to the tank through a spout. HOB filters are easy to use as there is no complicated cleaning mechanism for them. It is a low-maintenance filtration method. Filter media can be mechanical, chemical, or biological.

Mechanical media is great for trapping waste such as food, decomposing plant material, excrement, etc. Biological filtration is used to remove biological waste. This will ensure that there is no excess ammonia built up within your tank. This filter carries nitrifying bacteria that convert the ammonia into ales harmful components. Chemical filtration is used to catch dissolved chemicals in the water or any dissolved organic matter. This will make sure that there is no bad odour coming from the tank.

Canister filters are powerful filters that can be hidden underneath your tank. This is great for creating less distraction within the aquarium. The parts of the canister that will be visible are the return and outtake pipes. You also have different material options for these pipes whether it is glass or plastic depending on the visual aesthetic you are going for. This is an ideal filter for larger tanks that have a lot of aquatic life. This will ensure that there is a healthy environment within for all the animals and the plants. But this filtration system can be more expensive than the filters mentioned previously and they require more maintenance.

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pets

From Their Dog to Yours: The Right Harness for Each

As you walk down the harness aisle in your local pet shop, the sheer number of the different kinds available is enough to make you wonder how anyone can find the right harness for their dog. When it comes to selecting a harness, it’s first important to know the different types of harnesses available so that you know which one is perfect for your pet.

Martingale harnesses

If your dog prefers to take you on a walk instead of the other way around, using these types of harnesses may prove quite useful in allowing you to have some control over the walks you take with them. Each time the dogs pull harder, the harness increases the pressure on the dog’s chest, leaving them slightly uncomfortable and less likely to pull harder next time.

Front-clip harnesses

With this type of harness, the position of the place where the leash connects is on the dog’s chest. If your dog loves to pull you around, this may be the best option to start off with it. It also exerts a pressure on your dog’s chest so that each time they feel it, their instinct is to ease that pressure by slowing down.

Dual-clip harnesses

By having the liberty to position the clip on the front, back or even on both, these are as effective as they are versatile. By using this type of dog harness and selecting which way you want it to be connected; you can maximize the control you have over your dog’s movement. If you’re in Australia you can easily find a harness here.

Back-clip harnesses

As the connection of the harness is down the back of the dog, there is less chances of your dog’s neck getting irritated. It also reduces chances of getting tangled, making it a fuss-free method of preventing them from tugging you way more than they should.

Head halters

This is the go-to harness to use for dogs with an extreme pulling habit. If your dog is aggressive and may hurt those around you, this is definitely one to consider. These are designed to give you as much control as possible over your dog so that they won’t be able to lunge ahead. It doesn’t cause any pain but the pressure ensures that they are pulled back and discourages them from trying to do so again.

Step-in harness

These are less restricting as they stay away from the neck area and hence away from their windpipe, making it easier for them to turn around and go about their way more comfortably. This harness is fastened around the back area and would work better for smaller dogs or even ones who aren’t comfortable with things going around their head.

This is ideal if the things you’re keeping in mind for your dog is their size and their comfort as it has less influence over their pulling behaviour compared to others.

Now that you know the different types of harnesses available, walking down that aisle should be less daunting and more exciting!