Water is an essential part of fishkeeping equipment, and it is probably the most misunderstood, many of the problems that occur in the freshwater aquarium are usually associated with water quality.
The fishes that we keep in our aquariums originate from all over the world. It is therefore necessary for the aspiring fishkeeper to have an understanding of how the chemistry and quality of the water varies from region to region. You will need to understand and be able to alter your own local water to suit the needs of your fishes. You MUST regularly monitor your water to guard against any build up of harmful pollutants, as well as its general condition.
Natural bodies of water, such as lakes and rivers, are by nature very stable environments, their large volumes of water counteract any changes in water quality, and it is this dilution effect that makes such changes hardly noticeable. Tropical freshwater fishes have evolved to live in these stable conditions, and are therefore very susceptible to any change they may encounter in water chemistry.
Although we like to regard our aquariums as a small-scale reproduction of life in a lake or river, we must consider the much smaller volume of water our fishes have to live in. Any changes in water chemistry will have a greater impact in the aquarium than in nature, due to a much lower dilution effect. Fishes will detect even the smallest decline in water quality, and will often show signs of irritation and stress.
As you probably know water is a compound of hydrogen and oxygen, at the ratio of 2:1, hence H2O, and although life is dependant on water, pure water will not support life. Water must contain certain salts if it is to support life at all. Fortunately, water is highly adept at dissolving gases and solids, and it is this ability to readily dissolve other substances that makes it able to support life (water will also readily dissolve pollutants, which must be controlled). It is because of this capacity to dissolve numerous substances in large amounts that pure water rarely occurs in nature.
As water falls to earth as rain or snow it will absorb from the atmosphere varying amounts of carbon dioxide and other gases, as well as traces of organic and inorganic matter, upon reaching the earth's surface, the water will follow two paths. Some of the water will infiltrate the soil, a part of which becomes soil moisture, which will evaporate directly, or be used by the roots of vegetation. Water that overcomes these forces in the soil profile will percolate deeper and become a part of the groundwater reservoir, the surface of which is known as the water table.
The other path that rainwater will take is over the surface, which is termed as surface run off, and will run directly into streams, rivers, and landlocked bodies of water, such as lakes. Most natural waters contain dissolved salts, which are consequently found in tap water. Natural water will also contain suspended and dissolved impurities, which is why it must be treated before it is fit for us to drink.
The amounts of salts dissolved in the water determine whether it is hard or soft. Water that is in constant contact with substances such as limestone or chalk tends to be hard, whereas water running over sandstone or granite for instance, is likely to be soft.
Hardness of natural water is caused largely by calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) salts and to a small extent by iron, aluminium, and other metals. This is referred to as General Hardness (GH), or Total Hardness, and is a measure of all the dissolved salts in the water.
General Hardness influences Calcium levels in the blood, and the osmotic regulatory systems of fishes are affected by concentrations of dissolved salts. High levels could irritate gill membranes, they may look slightly swollen, and the fishes may be seen flicking or rubbing in the water.
It is necessary to test for General Hardness so that it matches the original habitat of the species being kept. Hardness is usually expressed in terms of the amount of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) present in solution, and is normally measured as parts per million (ppm).
If General Hardness is too high make sure there are no calciferous materials in your water, such as coral, lime, or chalk. Alternatively water-softening products are commercially available.
If GH is too low add calciferous materials such as pieces of limestone into your aquarium; or a little coral gravel into your filter; don't add too much at one time, and monitor until desired value is reached.
Carbonate Hardness (KH), or Temporary Hardness is principally composed of bicarbonate ions (HCO3) and carbonate ions (CO3), and has the capacity to neutralise an acid, this is known as the buffering capacity. Carbonate Hardness stabilises water pH.
The immediate aspect of this is that aquariums with soft water are more likely to suffer from the phenomenon known as pH crash. This is when the pH abruptly drops, and for the newcomer to the hobby, it would seem like there was no apparent reason.
Carbonate Hardness (KH) is expressed in terms of the amount of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) present in solution. The test is similar to the GH test, but with a different reagent (the substance used to react with your water in the test tube to obtain a result).
The hardness and pH of your tap water supply is the first thing you should evaluate, knowing this will enable you to choose fishes that would be suited to your water conditions. Alternatively you will have to adjust the chemistry of your tap water to suit the requirements of the fishes that you choose.
2008年2月29日 星期五
2008年2月28日 星期四
Approach an authentic dealer to get original Infiniti part
With the enhancing standard of living, luxury has become an integral part of every humans life. Since car is one of the major symbols of luxury and status, people get attracted towards those models, which look unique and elegant. However, sometimes these people forget that car is an expensive asset and it should be bought only after a through research and analysis of performance. It is for sure that people who judge a car only by its look face variety of problems while maintaining their car; therefore, to avoid any such problem it is must to check out services that are mentioned by the dealer during and after the guarantee period. You can never imagine that improper knowledge of your car and its parts can cause major problems in future as a maintenance service provider can plant duplicate parts in your car. Infiniti dealers are one of those authentic dealers who provide their customers with original Infiniti part even after guarantee period.
Definitely, no one would like to use duplicate parts in his or her car; since it is a matter related to the performance of the car, every car owner should check out whether the parts he or she is buying are original or not. The moment you go for an Infiniti car with authentic dealer, you can be rest assured that the Infiniti part he will be using are original and durable. Normally, Infiniti cars are known for their durable parts, performance and chic looks but in any case of injury or malfunction of any part the customer can confidently go for new Infiniti part with authentic maintenance service provider. In the present situation where every automobile manufacturer is introducing variety of models everyday it can be quite difficult for a customer to make a sensible decision.
Buying an Infiniti car is undoubtedly a wise a decision for every car lover, as it not only gives him or her desired performance but also assures exclusive and reliable future services. Infiniti cars are a great way to experience great comfort and style; moreover, its dealers are found all over the world so that one may manage to get original Infiniti part at the time of maintenance. Buying Infiniti from an authorized dealer will relieve you from the tension of maintenance and servicing; it also gives you additional advantage of discount on services with various dealers of your area.
Since market of duplicate car parts is very widespread and not anyone can determine whether any part is original or not, it is advisable to buy a car part from a certified dealer or showroom only. If you own any of Infiniti model and you often take it on long journeys then make sure that the city you are approaching has any Infiniti deals or not. Having an idea about available dealer will help you at the time of problem so that if in any case your car demands replacement of any particular part, you may arrange an original Infiniti part easily.
Definitely, no one would like to use duplicate parts in his or her car; since it is a matter related to the performance of the car, every car owner should check out whether the parts he or she is buying are original or not. The moment you go for an Infiniti car with authentic dealer, you can be rest assured that the Infiniti part he will be using are original and durable. Normally, Infiniti cars are known for their durable parts, performance and chic looks but in any case of injury or malfunction of any part the customer can confidently go for new Infiniti part with authentic maintenance service provider. In the present situation where every automobile manufacturer is introducing variety of models everyday it can be quite difficult for a customer to make a sensible decision.
Buying an Infiniti car is undoubtedly a wise a decision for every car lover, as it not only gives him or her desired performance but also assures exclusive and reliable future services. Infiniti cars are a great way to experience great comfort and style; moreover, its dealers are found all over the world so that one may manage to get original Infiniti part at the time of maintenance. Buying Infiniti from an authorized dealer will relieve you from the tension of maintenance and servicing; it also gives you additional advantage of discount on services with various dealers of your area.
Since market of duplicate car parts is very widespread and not anyone can determine whether any part is original or not, it is advisable to buy a car part from a certified dealer or showroom only. If you own any of Infiniti model and you often take it on long journeys then make sure that the city you are approaching has any Infiniti deals or not. Having an idea about available dealer will help you at the time of problem so that if in any case your car demands replacement of any particular part, you may arrange an original Infiniti part easily.
2008年2月26日 星期二
Soil-Based Probiotics The Missing Link to GI Health
Like most break through discoveries, "The Missing Link" to GI Health was not so much intentional as it was the result of a research scientists keen mind examining disparate soil vitality studies and animal eating habit studies done over decades.
Most people are aware that, prior to the industrial age, farm soil (and lawn) grew healthy, disease free crops. These soils were teeming with organic micronutrients and soil based organisms, collectively known as SBOs (soil-based organisms). There is a direct connection between the increased use of inorganic pesticides/ insecticides/fertilizers, and chlorinated lawn watering to the loss of SBOs.
According to the Soil Scientists, topsoil (the top 6 inches of soil) that grows commercial crops is dead. Without SBOs, which are essential for plant health (as well as GI health), commercially grown crops lack nutritional value, taste, and are susceptible to disease. A connection can be made between decreased nutritional value and the increase of health issues.
A Brief SBO Primer
SBO's, or soil-based organisms, are tiny microbes that live in soil. According to medical research scientist Dr. William C.Bryce, M.D., Ph.D., among other functions SBO's produce and release powerful enzymes that sterilize the soil of putrefactive organisms, and thereby help prepare the soil to support new plant growth. Without SBO's, lush plant growth could not take place because the soil would be too contaminated with yeasts, molds, fungi, candida and other harmful organisms that are antagonistic to plant growth and reproduction.
The enzymes produced by the SBO's solve this problem by helping kill off huge amounts of the harmful elements in the soil. Dr. Bryce points out that in addition to the above function, SBO's also produce and release nutrients and growth hormones which, when absorbed through the roots of plants, help stimulate the reproductive cycle in the plants. For example, the growth hormones produced by SBO's are biologically activated to stimulate seed maturation. Simultaneously, these hormones also accelerate further numeric growth of the SBO colonies themselves.
The soil that grows fruits and vegetables have not benefited from SBOs for decades. Consequently, fruits, vegetables, and the meats from feedlot animals finished on fattening corn and citrus rind diets do not provide the same nutrient value, or vital force.
The 2006 spinach scare is but a recent example. The investigation revealed that cattle waste from the adjoining land seeped onto the spinach fields. If the soil the spinach was grown in was healthy and teeming with SBOs, there is a good possibility the ecoli would have been neutralized.
Why Do Animals Eat Grass?
Most people believe that they did so to settle an upset stomach. Scientific examination revealed that feral animals not only eat the top of the grass (for organic MSM-an important nutrient), they actually pull at the grass to get at the SBOs surrounding the roots. Why? SBOs are necessary aids to restoring and maintaining GI balance as well as for proper elimination. We eat mushrooms, so why not soil-based oranisms?
Digestion is a time sensitive process; too fast or too slow causes GI problems like constipation, Chronic Diarrhea, IBS, and Crohns Disease. GI health problems contribute to immune health problems.
To quote The Royal Society of Medicine of Great Britain "Fully 90% of all chronic diseases are caused by an unhealthy intestinal system."
One research scientist began connecting the dots about 9 years ago. Not only did he make the connection between SBOs and GI health, he went so far as to isolate and study how various strains of SBOs interacted with one another.
SBOs are Superior Probiotics
During the early stages of SBO research, advertisers made a huge push to promote the probiotic benefits of eating dairy-based probiotics (yogurt) to promote GI health. There are numerous problems with dairy-based probiotics:
* Many people (and animals) are lacto-intolerant
* Commercial grade milk contains growth hormones and antibiotics
* The shelf life of dairy-based probiotic strains
* Stomach Acids destroy most dairy-based probiotics
Today we know that SBOs are the superior probiotic, and that they are essential to restore and maintain optimum GI health in animals and humans. They also play a major role when dealing with immune diseases, as well as the toxic effects of chemotherapy and cancer medications, whose side effects include severely diminished bowel function.
It is important to know that SBOs are visitors to the GI tract; they need to be replenished daily to maintain optimum protection. Truly, SBOs are considered "The Missing Link" to restoring and maintaining health.
Most people are aware that, prior to the industrial age, farm soil (and lawn) grew healthy, disease free crops. These soils were teeming with organic micronutrients and soil based organisms, collectively known as SBOs (soil-based organisms). There is a direct connection between the increased use of inorganic pesticides/ insecticides/fertilizers, and chlorinated lawn watering to the loss of SBOs.
According to the Soil Scientists, topsoil (the top 6 inches of soil) that grows commercial crops is dead. Without SBOs, which are essential for plant health (as well as GI health), commercially grown crops lack nutritional value, taste, and are susceptible to disease. A connection can be made between decreased nutritional value and the increase of health issues.
A Brief SBO Primer
SBO's, or soil-based organisms, are tiny microbes that live in soil. According to medical research scientist Dr. William C.Bryce, M.D., Ph.D., among other functions SBO's produce and release powerful enzymes that sterilize the soil of putrefactive organisms, and thereby help prepare the soil to support new plant growth. Without SBO's, lush plant growth could not take place because the soil would be too contaminated with yeasts, molds, fungi, candida and other harmful organisms that are antagonistic to plant growth and reproduction.
The enzymes produced by the SBO's solve this problem by helping kill off huge amounts of the harmful elements in the soil. Dr. Bryce points out that in addition to the above function, SBO's also produce and release nutrients and growth hormones which, when absorbed through the roots of plants, help stimulate the reproductive cycle in the plants. For example, the growth hormones produced by SBO's are biologically activated to stimulate seed maturation. Simultaneously, these hormones also accelerate further numeric growth of the SBO colonies themselves.
The soil that grows fruits and vegetables have not benefited from SBOs for decades. Consequently, fruits, vegetables, and the meats from feedlot animals finished on fattening corn and citrus rind diets do not provide the same nutrient value, or vital force.
The 2006 spinach scare is but a recent example. The investigation revealed that cattle waste from the adjoining land seeped onto the spinach fields. If the soil the spinach was grown in was healthy and teeming with SBOs, there is a good possibility the ecoli would have been neutralized.
Why Do Animals Eat Grass?
Most people believe that they did so to settle an upset stomach. Scientific examination revealed that feral animals not only eat the top of the grass (for organic MSM-an important nutrient), they actually pull at the grass to get at the SBOs surrounding the roots. Why? SBOs are necessary aids to restoring and maintaining GI balance as well as for proper elimination. We eat mushrooms, so why not soil-based oranisms?
Digestion is a time sensitive process; too fast or too slow causes GI problems like constipation, Chronic Diarrhea, IBS, and Crohns Disease. GI health problems contribute to immune health problems.
To quote The Royal Society of Medicine of Great Britain "Fully 90% of all chronic diseases are caused by an unhealthy intestinal system."
One research scientist began connecting the dots about 9 years ago. Not only did he make the connection between SBOs and GI health, he went so far as to isolate and study how various strains of SBOs interacted with one another.
SBOs are Superior Probiotics
During the early stages of SBO research, advertisers made a huge push to promote the probiotic benefits of eating dairy-based probiotics (yogurt) to promote GI health. There are numerous problems with dairy-based probiotics:
* Many people (and animals) are lacto-intolerant
* Commercial grade milk contains growth hormones and antibiotics
* The shelf life of dairy-based probiotic strains
* Stomach Acids destroy most dairy-based probiotics
Today we know that SBOs are the superior probiotic, and that they are essential to restore and maintain optimum GI health in animals and humans. They also play a major role when dealing with immune diseases, as well as the toxic effects of chemotherapy and cancer medications, whose side effects include severely diminished bowel function.
It is important to know that SBOs are visitors to the GI tract; they need to be replenished daily to maintain optimum protection. Truly, SBOs are considered "The Missing Link" to restoring and maintaining health.
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