I must admit, I used to think that betta fish were only one species or type of fish. When I decided to get one as a pet, I began researching. I found out that there are many types of bettas. There are at least 70, and potentially more than 100 types of betta, depending on …
The creatures will agree that the ocean is a beautiful place to explore. In the world of sea creatures, especially fish, there are so many unique plants, rocks, and artifacts to admire. If you own a fishing tank or think of owning one, here are some great accessories you can purchase to spruce up your …
The molly is a common fish found in many aquariums and the fish tanks at many retailers that sell aquarium fish. Mollies are not one single type of fish. There are many species and types of mollies, including several that are favorite additions to aquariums. The bodies of the fish are often striking in appearance. Fishkeeping …
Platys are an easy fish to keep in your aquarium. They are docile, and get along with other types of fish. They also live bear their young, which makes them great for beginning breeders. In fact, the ease of breeding likely plays a part in how many platy types are available today. They can be …
Quicklist: Popular Fish For Aquariums Goldfish Guppy Neon Tetra Platy Danio Betta Cherry Barb Pearl Gourami Kuhli Loach Firemouth Cichlid Black Molly Lionhead Cichlid Royal Pleco Tiger Barb Angelfish Red-Tailed Shark Discus Koi Cory Catfish Swordtail Harlequin Rasboras Marble Hatchetfish Upside-Down Catfish White Cloud Mountain Minnow German Blue Ram Rearing fish in an aquarium, set …
There is a genus of freshwater fish known as danios that are classified under the family Cyprinidae. Danios are native to South and Southeast Asia and they’re known for their lively and sociable nature as well as their shoaling activity. Danios are well-liked among aquarists just starting in the hobby because of their calm demeanor …
With more than 200 goldfish to choose from, aquarium owners are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing the perfect goldfish for your tank. Many goldfish are also cross-breed fish with an eclectic mix of features. If you’re considering getting your own goldfish, you can distinguish between the different types of fish by looking …
One of the fish species that almost everyone is familiar with is the guppy. Guppies may be found all around the world. Many people who maintain fish in aquariums are surprised to learn how many different kinds of guppies there are, even though these species have been a mainstay in the sport for more than …
There are few things worse than living in a constantly dirty home. Now just imagine how a fish feels when its tank is dirty. Fish eat, sleep, swim, and ‘breathe’ in their entire surroundings. If a fish tank is not kept clean it can seriously harm the health of the fish. Not only does a …
To keep your fish happy, it’s important to clean your tank often. Nobody likes to live in a dirty home, and that includes pets. However, for a fish to live in a dirty tank can be life-threatening. Keeping a balance of beneficial bacteria, nitrates, and oxygen in your tank is crucial to the health of …
Bug sprays ward off ticks, chiggers, mosquitos, and other insects; some carry diseases; finding a reliable bug spray is invaluable when camping or hanging out in your backyard. Here you can find out which types of bug spray works best. Bug sprays with the active ingredients Picaridin, DEET, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus are …
When an army of tiny ant warriors invades your home, you may struggle to get them out. Worry no more. Here we will show you some of the best ant traps on the market. There are hundreds of ant traps and treatments to get rid of ants. There are poison ant baits that include a …
There are many types of hummingbird feeders available in a wide range of sizes and designs. Not sure which type to choose? Look no further; we explain everything about hummingbird feeders here. Hummingbird feeders are available in two standard designs bottle feeders and dish feeders. The bottle type of feeder has a central reservoir suspended …
I have a small flock of hens that give me enough eggs for my house and a couple of neighbors. They are easy to keep, and every breed, like people, seems to have a different personality. I have two silver Wyandotte’s and a golden one, too. I also have two Ameraucana that give me green …
The hummingbird has an extensive appetite. Hummingbirds sustain their diet from nectar-producing flowers. When observing hummingbirds hover between flowers, people assumed that nectar was the only food hummingbirds needed. However, one could watch these winged jewels feasting on tiny gnats, darting their beaks in the air. Hummingbirds fill up on insects continually. Hummingbirds subsist …
Fish tanks are a wonderful way to bring some nature, life, and enjoyment into your home. Fish, reptiles, rodents, and corals can all be kept in fish tanks. These are all great options for people who want a quiet, hypoallergenic pet. Deciding on an aquarium size can be difficult, as so many fish tank sizes …
As a dog owner, I know exactly what it is like to look for the perfect item for a pet. My dog is a bit anxious and needs careful attention. I love my dog and would do anything for him, but he can be challenging. The sound of my dog barking does start to wear …
After the pandemic was declared, people began to panic-buy at the grocery store. Toilet paper shortages are being reported all over the US, and no one can get bread so making your own has become an essential skill. Depending on where you live, canned goods are in abundance while fresh produce rots, or you can …
Podcast Version Having an exotic pet brings all kinds of joys. There is no comparable experience to your pet toad happily bounding up to you then clobbering you in toady kisses and placing a paw on your wrist, your bird learning your name and the day that your lizard gets over his initial trepidation of …
Podcast Version So, I’ve delved into home insurance and why you’ll want to have it even if you don’t live in a detached single-family home. And we’ve got a pets section here on Home Stratosphere, where I handle issues pertaining to exotic pets. Pet insurance is a whole other category and some people ponder getting …
When most people think of a pet toilet, they imagine a cat’s litter box or a little patch of fake grass for a dog. When you explore the options, however, you will realize that there are more types of pet toilets than you likely could have ever imagined. You could teach your dog or cat …
People who have fish or want fish and people who are just fans of all things aquatic might often ask about things like fish aquariums. One question that may arise concerns the various types of aquariums, such as how many different types of aquariums are there? Another question could be about the filtration systems used …
Whether you shop online or at your local pet store, the choices you have as a cat owner can feel overwhelming. Today, there are aisles upon aisles filled with cat toys, cat food, cat treats, and, of course, cat litter. There are a lot of fantastic litter options available, with each type offering key benefits …
Podcast Version Welcome to the pets section of Home Stratosphere! If you’re familiar with my other work here, you’re probably aware by now that I tend to cover the topics going beyond the norm. Pets are no exception, as I’ve been a toad mommy for over 25 years and people often tell me I’m the …
Koi fish are more commonly known as Nishikigoi or jinli, which literally means ‘brocaded carp.’ They are colored varieties of koi species Cyprinus rubrofuscus. Koi fish are colorful fish which are commonly seen in outdoor water gardens and koi ponds. Numerous varieties of koi fish have been identified by the Japanese. These koi fish varieties are distinguished on the basis of coloration, …
Betta fish are freshwater species that are native to the region of Southeast Asia. They thrive in warm flood plains, drainage ditches, pools, and rice patties. The betta fish got its name from an ancient clan of warriors that were referred to as ‘Bettah’. The fish was an aggressive fighter, which is why it was …
Welcome to our gallery focusing on the colorful world of backyard chicken coop ideas. Residential chicken farming has really exploded in recent years, as people want to be both more frugal and self-sufficient. Adding to the allure is the fact that you can get into the chicken game rather easily. With a low hurdle for …
Your fish tank is only as beautiful as the algae on its glass. Maintaining an aquarium is an ongoing battle that needs time dedicated to it. If you want to keep your lovely, colorful fish healthy, you need to first scrape off the algae, clean out your murky water and make sure the environment is …
Dogs are a man’s best friend and generally similar to humans when it comes to sleeping. They also dream, have a sleep cycle and have four different sleep positions. While all dogs dream, puppies and senior dogs do so more often than adult dogs. Working dogs such as police dogs work for most of the …
Fish tanks offer many benefits. It’s a fun project. Kids love them. They can look great in your house. You learn about marine life. It’s no surprise many households have an aquarium somewhere, whether a freestanding, built-in style or any of the other types of fish tanks you can get. If you want to set …
You spend a lot of time caring for your yard and making sure it always looks its best. All those hours of landscaping have paid off, and now you want to enjoy the fruits of your labor in your beautifully designed yard. The problem? Your pet. From dogs that dig to kittens that nibble, it …
Clay, also known as sodium bentonite, is a common ingredient used to create traditional cat litters. Clay cat litter it is widely available and fairly inexpensive depending on the brand. Traditional clay litter absorbs liquids such as cat urine and becomes solid over time. Once it is solid, it cannot hold any more fluid and …
If you’re a pet owner, there are many things that come to mind when it comes to choosing the right flooring for your home. As much as you’d like to keep your floor looking clean and elegant, the floor type you select should also be durable, gentle on your pets, easy to clean and comfortable …
Ancient classical paintings suggest that bird baths appeared in the gardens of Ancient Rome or at least as far back as two millennia. The designs depicted are typically a short-pedestal with a basin-shaped bowl on top. Aside from being a garden ornament, bird baths literally serve as an oasis for birds to survive. Providing a …
More than 50 million Americans are said to be involved in bird feeding or observation at the very least. Selling bird seeds and feeders is a big business that exceeds two billion dollars a year. Henry David Thoreau was the first to report of bird feeding as he wrote about tossing half a bushel of …
The first dog house ever recorded was the mud-brick kennel used by the Egyptian nobles to house their dogs. In ancient Chinese, Greek, and Roman societies, small dogs were popularly regarded as “companion dogs” and were kept under the same roof as their primarys. The classic pitched roof dog house was in vogue in the …
Birdhouses existed in North America and Europe for hundreds of years. North Americans used birch barks as birdhouses while Europeans made baskets and clay pottery to shelter birds. It was the Turks, however, who made the first birdhouses sometime in the 15th and 16th century. The first birdhouses were made of bricks, tiles, wood, stone, and …
Did you know, according to the site Fishkeepingworld, that “over 12.5 million households keep freshwater fish in the US, they account for the largest proportion of pets owned across America, and it’s no surprise that they are the top choice of pet.” So that means that if you are an aquarium hobbyist or are thinking about …
Beyond their fascinating acrobatics, hummingbirds are also great pollinators. Aside from being drawn to anything red, they are also attracted to nectar-rich gardens. Here are some plants that will draw more hummingbirds to your garden. 1. Salvia Hummingbirds will love the nectar-filled bright and tubular flowers of salvias. They are also available in red, purple, …
Welcome to our gallery featuring dog houses and kennels for your backyard! While we love to have man’s best friend inside with us during most of the year, sometimes they may need to be outside, whether it’s because you’re working outside or they can’t be left alone in the house. Regardless of your reason for …
The home I grew up on backed onto a forest, which was great. There were plenty of birds and sometimes deer came which us kids thought was amazing. Adding elements to a yard that attract wildlife is great for kids and makes your yard come alive. I remember the day we put up a few …