With the availability of mini-aquarium packages it's become appealing to go small. However, for beginners, choosing a small aquarium is courting failure. Why? Because when the water volume is small, key water parameters change very quickly, leaving no room for error. Starting Too Small Even experienced aquarists are challenged by a small aquarium. Newcomers to the hobby, stay away from tanks under 20 gallons until they've gotten some experience under their belt. Remember, the bigger the tank, the less impact a mistake will have on the fish. Adding Fish Too Soon
New aquarium owners are eager to add fish, often the same day they set up the tank. Some are lucky but many will quickly lose some, or all, of their fish. What went wrong? The water in a new tank hasn't stabilized yet. Gases are dissolved in the water, as well as minerals, heavy metals, and chemicals added by local water treatment facilities. Without going into lengthy detail about water chemistry, suffice it to say that dissolved constituents in the water can harm the fish. Aquarium water should be treated to neutralize harmful materials, and allowed to stand for a day or so to allow dissolved gases to escape and the pH to stabilize. Only then is it safe to introduce fish to the aquarium. Adding Too Many Fish at Once The fish owner isn't eager to fill the tank with fish? Unfortunately adding too many fish all at once is another common new owner mistake. Until the bacterial colonies have fully established, the aquarium cannot safely support a full load of fish. Only add a couple of small hardy fish initially. Wait until both the ammonia and nitrite levels have risen, and then fallen to zero, before adding more fish. Overstocking
Even getting through the initial startup, it's very common for new owners to overstock the aquarium. Although an experienced person may successfully keep a school of twenty small fish in a ten gallon aquarium, it would be disastrous for a beginner to attempt it. Debate exists over the inch per gallon rule, but it provides a good basic yardstick from which to start. I recommend taking eighty percent of the net gallons of water in the tank as the maximum number of inches of fish to keep in the tank. The net gallons of water is the amount of water actually placed in the aquarium after the gravel and decorations a in it. For example, lets say an aquarium holds 16 gallons of water after the decorations and gravel have been added. Multiplying a 16 times 80% yields a result of 12.8 - or about 13 inches of fish as a maximum number. It is always wise to go under the maximum to rather than all over. Keeping Incompatible Fish New aquarium owners often choose fish that look appealing to them, without knowing the environmental needs of the fish. Some fish may fight with one another, or require widely different water conditions. Either way, they should not be kept together. Always research each species before choosing tank mates. Select peaceful fish that thrive in similar water conditions. Overfeeding The number one mistake made by fish owners is overfeeding their fish. Fish are opportunistic and will seek food at all times. Just because they appear hungry, doesn't mean they need to be fed all the time. Feed them no more than is completely consumed in five minutes. During startup feed fish no more than once per day, and during critical times when ammonia or nitrite levels are high, withhold feeding for a day or two to reduce the wastes being produced. Fish can easily go several days without food, and not suffer ill effects. Insufficient Filtration An aquarium filter should filter all the water in the tank through it at least three times per hour. If it doesn't, it is too small. If in doubt about filter size, move to the next size up. You can't over-filter, but you can definitely under-filter, and the results can be harmful to your fish. Not Testing the Water New owners aren't magically given full knowledge of the nitrogen cycle, and the need to monitor the water chemistry in their aquarium. As a result they often are unaware of the need to test their water, and fail to take steps to deal with harmful toxins. When the tank is first set up, it should be allowed to run for a day or two. Before adding the fish the pH, hardness, ammonia, and nitrite levels should be tested for a baseline record. During the startup cycle it is important to test the ammonia and nitrites often (see Nitrogen Cycle for details). Once the tank is well established, test the water monthly to be aware of unseen problems that may be brewing. If fish suddenly die, test the water to see if anything has changed. Not Changing the Water On other area that new owners aren't always educated about is aquarium maintenance, which includes changing part of the water on a regular basis. Wastes build up in the tank that can only be removed by vacuuming the gravel and removing some of water and replacing it with fresh water. Although your fish may not die if you fail to maintenance and regular water changes, they will be stressed by substandard water conditions. As a result they will be more susceptible to disease and often will have a shorter lifespan than they should have.
Paramus, New Jersey - An MRI machine exploded during maintenance at the Oradell Animal Hospital late Friday morning, critically injuring one repairman but sparing scores of employees and animals in the hospital, Police Chief Kenneth Ehrenberg said. The critically injured worker suffered cuts and crushing-related injuries; the other two had minor to moderate injuries including respiratory complaints, the chief said. He said their identities were being withheld pending family notification. Responding to reports at 11:51 a.m. of a fire and an explosion at the animal hospital at 580 Winters Ave., police found the ceiling of the east wing collapsed, but the building remained structurally sound, the chief said. There was no evidence of a fire, he said. About 60 animals and 100 employees were in the building and the staff subsequently accounted for all animals and employees. Three men were injured, all contract workers from a private company not affiliated with the hospital. They were in the process of removing the 10-year-old MRI machine when the explosion happened. The machine was being leased from Advanced Veterinary Technologies, and was having software problems. Emily Cottam, an emergency and critical care resident at the animal hospital, was in the rear of the hospital near the explosion. “The ceiling fell on my head,” she said. Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Occupational Safety and Health Administration are assisting in the investigation. The building will remain closed until further notice. MRI explosions are rare but can be deadly, said Wlad Sobol, Ph.D., a medical physicist and professor of radiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine. “I’m aware of maybe half a dozen events that led to catastrophic failure of a magnet” in the last decade, Sobol said. Sobol, who has studied MRI explosions, said that there are two potential causes. An MRI — magnetic resonance imaging — machine is a superconductive device, meaning it contains wire that can conduct electrical current without generating any resistance, or heat. Superconductivity happens at extremely cold temperatures, made possible by bathing the wire in liquid helium. If for some reason the superconductivity is lost — if one of the magnets in the device is dropped, for example, or the helium runs out — the large amount of energy stored inside the magnet quickly encounters resistance and releases heat. “The amount of energy stored in a magnet like that is not trivial,” Sobol said, adding that it is equivalent to several kilograms of TNT — “It’s like a bomb in its ability to destroy stuff.” The other possible scenario is that the ventilation system for the liquid helium becomes clogged. “The pressure will build up and the magnet will explode,” Sobol said. Shortly after noon, about 60 people had congregated in the hospital's parking lot, along with several dogs. The staff brought animals out of the building, some on leashes, some carried in blankets and some in moving cages or hand crates. Soon after the incident, no smoke or fire was observed coming out of the building. But A&S Drive was blocked off by police tape between Winters Avenue and Ring Road. Among the units that responded were Bergen County sheriff’s officers, Paramus and county police, and Paramus and Hackensack fire departments, the latter’s collapse team, Bergen County Hazardous Materials Unit, and the county Office of Emergency Management.
In 1999, Sony launched a robot dog named Aibo in the U.S. and Japan that not only responded to external stimuli, but was able to learn and express itself. These capabilities, allow each unit to develop a unique personality including behavior shaped by the praise and scolding of its owner.” And Aibo, short for “Artificially Intelligent Robot,” quickly became a hit, especially in Japan. At around $600 to $2,000 a pup, each iteration of Aibo cost less than some real dogs. And the perks didn’t end there. He doesn't need to eat or be taken out for a walk. He can be cut off when you are away. He does have a feature that when he cocks his leg, your hear noise like water running. Hideko Mori, a robot dog owner of eight years, purchased the pooch after the death of her husband and, like many other Aibo owners, became attached to her unique cyborg companion. “I can’t imagine how quiet our living room would have been if Ai-chan wasn’t here,” Sumie Maekawa, a longtime Aibo owner, told The Wall Street Journal, using an honorific suffix applied to girls’ names. Tatsuo Matsui, who owns two digital dogs with his wife, added, “I can’t risk my precious dogs because they are important members of our family.” Sony decided to discontinue the bot in 2006, after selling around 150,000 units. "Our core businesses are electronics, games and entertainment, but the focus is going to be on profitability and strategic growth," a Sony spokeswoman said at the time. "In light of that, we've decided to cancel the Aibo line." For years following the announcement, Sony would repair Aibos that experienced technical difficulties. But in July 2014, those repairs stopped and owners were left to look elsewhere for help. “The first time I spoke directly to a client he told me, ‘He’s not very well, can you examine him?’” Hiroshi Funabashi, a robot dog repairman, told AFP. “I realized he didn’t see it as a robot, but as a member of his family whose life was more important than his own.” The Sony stiff has led not only to the formation of support groups--where Aibo enthusiasts can share tips and help each other with repairs--but has fed the bionic pet vet industry. “The people who have them feel their presence and personality,” Nobuyuki Narimatsu, director of A-Fun, a repair company for robot dogs, told AFP. “So we think that somehow, they really have souls.” While concerted repair efforts have kept many an Aibo alive, a shortage of spare parts means that some of their lives have come to an end, and funerals have been held for 19 Aibos that engineers at A-Fun were unable to save. Each formerly automated animal is wearing a tag with its owner’s name, as well as where it is from. "It’s not at all unusual for people to develop strong emotional attachments to non-living objects or machines," says cyberpsychologist Eleanor Barlow, giving the common examples of naming a car, or a child becoming attached to a doll. "Research suggests this can happen in order to satisfy a need in us...to care for something to improve our own sense of well-being or by way of a child substitute." As artificially intelligent machines are increasingly incorporated into our modern lives, people substituting robot interfacing for human interaction. And when a machine resembles something living (like Aibo), people are likely to both form a stronger bond to it and feel a greater sense of loss when it vanishes, said Barlow.
The shape of a cat’s face holds valuable clues to its personality — helpful for strengthening your bond with your current cat or determining if a potential new kitty is right for you. “Cat face geometry is one of the best tools for matching a cat to a person,” explains Arden Moore, author of “Fit Cat: Tips & Tricks to Give Your Pet a Longer, Healthier, Happier Life” (Amazon Books, $15.90). “It especially helps with ‘mutt’ cats whose breed cannot be determined.” You can order on Amazon.com below:
Here, Moore breaks down the personalities for the three basic cat face shapes to help determine the ideal human companions for each. Face Shape: Round
Breed examples: Persian, Himalayan Personality: Referred to as “library cats,” these are the quiet felines who “get spooked if the doorbell rings,” says Moore. They’re shy and gentle and they love a good cuddle — and will happily pose for your Instagram. Once you develop a bond, they will never leave your side. Ideal Companion: You enjoy curling up on the couch with your Kindle or Netflix and a cup of tea. You’re a homebody, and likely live alone in a studio apartment on a high-numbered floor, away from the noise of the streets below. Face shape: Square
Breed examples: Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest Personality: Confident and independent, square-faced felines can be mellow and roll with the punches. “They can hang out with dogs, kids — nothing really rattles them,” Moore says. Ideal Companion: You have a social life, but look forward to greeting a furry friend when you return home. You work a 9-to-5 job, and live with your spouse, children and a pup in a Park Slope brownstone. Face shape: Triangle
Breed examples: Abyssinian, Siamese, Burmese Personality: The “jocks” of the cat world, “they’re the perfect cat for someone who wants to teach their pet tricks,” says Moore. Triangle-faced cats tend to be the most vocal and would rather watch birds out the window than sit in a lap. Ideal Companion: You’re the life of the party, hosting frequent soirees and showing off your cat’s latest trick. Your work schedule may be erratic, but you don’t mind late-night meows — and you don’t own another, more submissive cat.
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Tumbelina was born with a severe disability, however, she does not allow it to get in the way of her beautiful spirit. You can see how much life she has in her eyes! Tumbelina was rescued from a high kill shelter by people willing to invest in a cart for her and take care of her special needs. I get the chills knowing there are so many good people out there that can see how much love and spirit a kitten like Tumbelina has. Thank you, Valley Cats Inc. for rescuing this precious baby.
Pet owners are wondering what's really going into their dog bowls. After NBC News reported on a recent lawsuit claiming that Nestle Purina PetCare Company's Beneful dry kibble dog food contains toxins that may have killed thousands of dogs, readers across the country — via over 100 emails and scores of social media posts — voiced their concerns that the trusted brand may have harmed their pets as well. "My little boy had been healthy and all of a sudden within a week got super sick and passed away," Morgan Malone, 19, of North Carolina said of her miniature dachshund, Doc, in an email. "He had been eating Purina Beneful dry dog food." To read more on this story, click here:Dog Owners Alarmed at Beneful Lawsuit as Purina Denies Claims
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Seattle, Washington - A giant octopus was caught on video trying to escape his large glass display tank at the Seattle Aquarium. As he was reaching several tentacles over its open top, an employee pushes him back in. Aquarium officials say the octopus, named Ink, was not attempting to escape, but learning to explore his new home. Once back inside the top was fastened to keep him inside. Ink is one of two new giant Pacific octopuses on display at the aquarium. Another octopus is being kept in separate tank at the aquarium because the species is solitary by nature. They have a shore lifespan of usually 3 - 4 year. Next year, Ink will be released back into the wild as part of an ongoing education and conservation program for the species.
Cats are known having nine lives but this tabby has shown it has more than the usual allocation of digits. A rare condition left the ginger tabby with oversized paws and half a dozen more toes than your average feline. The ginger tabby spent a year looking after herself on the Upper West Side in New York before she was adopted by Shirley Belwood. Shirley couldn’t face leaving her behind when she emigrated to Wimborne, Dorset, around ten years ago. And now a grand 19 years old, Natasha has become one of life’s survivors thanks in part to her super-sized feet which stand out from her average body. Natasha has seven toes on both front paws – two more than normal – and five on her hind legs instead of four. Her owner, Shirley Belwood spoke of her adopted pet:’I heard her crying for ages outside my apartment window, and I just had to find her. ‘She’s got a lot of attitude and she’s quite the character but we’re so close. ‘She doesn’t do as much these days as she has diabetes, but she’s still so frisky and cranky – a typical New Yorker. ‘The nurses at the vets say she ‘swears a lot’ at them whenever she goes. That just shows what she’s like.’ The world record for the cat with the most toes is currently held by a Canadian cat named Tiger who has an impressive 27. Some polydactyl cats have problems with joint growth, the forming of legs and nail beds and extra thick claws fusing together. They are sometimes referred to as ‘Hemingway cats’ because author Ernest Hemingway became a famous fan of them after being given a six-toed cat by a ship’s captain.
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