August 30, 2010 – 12:02 pm
Although planted aquariums are often considered to be too difficult for the beginning hobbyist, we believe that planted aquaria are actually ideal for the beginner.
With the right substrate the beginner can have a successful aquarium with a minimum of maintenance. As the beginner become more comfortable in the hobby they will feel inclined to experiment a bit and thus build on the solid foundation they have already established.
From our (Seachem) product line we normally recommend one start with Flourish™ and/or Flourish Tabs™. These provide a broad range of micro-nutrients (vitamins, amino acids) and micro and trace elements (iron, manganese, nickel, cobalt, etc) that will enhance plant health and growth.
If the growth rate is substantial the trace elements are often utilized more rapidly than the other components in Flourish™, thus in this case it would be beneficial to also employ Flourish Trace™ along with Flourish™ and/or Flourish Tabs™.
Once that foundation is set one can then explore the use of parameter specific supplementation.
Because plant nutrient requirements, usage rates and source water can vary drastically we have determined that the ideal approach to supplementation is to separate each component so that each can be dosed individually as needed. Sometimes these requirements can be determined by testing.
August 16, 2010 – 12:09 pm
Flourish Iron™ by Seachem is a highly concentrated (10,000 mg/L) ferrous iron (Fe+2) gluconate supplement. It should be used in those cases where the iron requirements exceed that which can be delivered by Flourish™ at the recommended dose or signs of iron deficiency appear (such as short and slender stems or yellowing between veins.)
Contains no 
phosphate or nitrate.
Plants are able to much more easily derive a benefit from Flourish Iron™ than from EDTA-iron sources because all EDTA iron is in the ferric (Fe+3) state. Since plants require iron in the ferrous (Fe+2) state, additional physiological energy must be expended in order to extract the ferric iron from EDTA-iron and then convert it to the ferrous form.
Use 1 capful (5 mL) for each 200 L (50 gallons*) or as required to maintain about 0.10 mg/L iron. For smaller doses please note that each cap thread is about 1 mL. Use a test kit to monitor iron concentrations. Use as needed to combat signs of iron deficiency (usually seen in new growth) which include: chlorosis (yellowing) of tissue between veins and short and slender stems.
August 12, 2010 – 1:15 pm
Carbon is the backbone of all life.
Every organic molecule of every living organism is predominantly carbon based. Given this simple fact, it becomes clear why carbon plays a pivotal role in the planted aquarium. 
Aquatic plants extract CO2 (carbon dioxide) from their environment and employ it in a process called photosynthesis. Photosynthesis combines CO2, water and light energy to produce simple carbohydrates and oxygen (O2). The first and simplest carbohydrate produced from photosynthesis is 3-phosphoglycerate. It is from this simple molecule that larger and more complex carbohydrates arise (by way of a variety of enzymatic processes).
Growth rates of aquatic plants are strongly correlated with availability of carbon and the plant’s affinity for carbon uptake. Studies1 have shown that plants with the greatest carbon affinity have the greatest growth rates, whereas those with lower carbon affinity have correspondingly slower growth rates. Because carbon availability is normally the limiting factor to growth,addition of CO2 to a planted aquarium will always result in large increases in growth (assuming other critical elements are not lacking).
Flourish Excel™ provides a simple organic carbon molecule that plants can use as a building block for more complex carbohydrates. Because Seachem’s Flourish Excel ™ is an organic carbon source it does not impact pH. The chemical structure of Flourish Excel™ is quite similar to some of the products of photosynthesis such as Ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate and 2’-carboxy-3-keto-Darabinitol 1,5 bisphosphate. Flourish Excel™ possesses the same basic 5-carbon chain seen in these molecules
August 3, 2010 – 12:14 pm
Flourish Potassium™contains 50,000 mg/L of potassium suitable for the natural planted aquarium.
Potassium is one of several elements that are vitally important to maintaining a vigorous level of growth in a planted aquarium. Potassium can become depleted in a rapidly growing system or when the source water has a low mineral content. In these cases potassium could become the limiting factor to growth. 
Use Flourish Potassium™ to prevent potassium depletion (signs of which include yellowing in older leaves) and maintain the highest level of growth.
The most easily obtained sources of potassium are potassium nitrate and potassium phosphate. Both of these sources add to either nitrogen or phosphorus as well as potassium, making it virtually impossible to target a specific NPK ratio. Flourish Potassium™ by Seachem is derived from potassium sulfate, allowing the user to adjust potassium levels without affecting nitrogen or phosphorus.
Use 1 capful (5 mL) for every 125 L (30 gallons*). This dose raises potassium by 2 mg/L. Repeat 2–3 times per week or as needed (in response to signs of potassium deficiency in older leaves which includes: chlorosis (yellowing), necrosis (death/browning), and weak stems and roots.
Elemental potassium is present at a concentration of 50,000 ppm (e.g 5%). Archaic fertilizer laws require us to list potassium in terms of equivalence to a material that is not present (K2O) rather than the more scientificaly sound method of simple elemental equivalence.
To maintain optimal dog health, it is very important to make sure that the dog is provided with enough amounts of vitamins and minerals.
If your dog is troubled with a sensitive or upset stomach, it is natural that he may not want to eat anything. Your prime concern must be to provide the dog with the best dog food for his condition, instead of the cheap canned dog foods or other dog treats.
Make sure you serve the dog food at an elevated level, so that the dog needn’t bend and make extra efforts to eat the food – which can worsen digestive problems.
It is necessary to make regular changes in the dog food as the dogs tend to get bored with the same food! Pictured to the right is Earthborn Holistic Dog Food – a great alternative to regular Dog Food.
Examples of high quality specialty dog foods are listed below:
Hi-Tor Veterinary Select Eno Diet for Dogs is a low fiber diet that has been specifically formulate to minimize stress and irritation of the gastro-intestinal tract.
Hi-tor Neo-diet Dog Food is specifically formulated for dogs requiring a low protein, restricted phosphorus diet to assist in management of renal disease. While this food is lower in protein and phosphorus, it has met the AAFCO Feeding Test requirements.
The Hi-Tor Reduso diet is specifically formulated for the dietary management of overweight or less active dogs. This reduced calorie diet is highly palatable and nutritionally complete.
SportMix High Protein Forumula is designed to provide extra energy for highly active dogs requiring more protein in their diet. Working dogs, high strung breeds or any other dog under stress will benefit from sportmix high protein formula.
BP announced today that the oil spill stopped leaking into the Gulf of Mexico at approx. 2:30 pm.
I said a prayer when I heard – but my thoughts immediately were consumed with all the people and animals the spill has affected.
One of the most intriguing programs that I found to help the pets in need was the “Pet Retention Program” started by the Animal Rescue of New Orleans.
ARNO has had this program in place since late 2006. At this time it needs bolstering big time with your donations. This program allows individuals or families who are of low income or currently out of work to retain their pets with ARNO footing the bill for the pet. We provide whatever the pet needs, i.e. food, medical care (maintenance and extraordinary), transportation to and from the vet, dog houses, and even a carrier to make sure they have provisions to evacuate with the pet. The caseworker assigned to the family stays assigned to that family to assure that care is consistent and to know of social services they might need for the human members of the family. We even have a tri-lingual caseworker, so those who speak only Spanish or French fluently can communicate easily with us. The only thing we request is that if the animal is intact, we insist spay/neuter at our cost.
Send donations to:
1219 Coliseum Street,
New Orleans, LA 70130
If you are interested in shipping Dry Cat Food or Dry Dog Food as a donation (or other items) – you may use coupon code: oilspill on any order. Even if you send a donation separate from our store, we will still trust you and you may use this coupon code.
(All orders >$60 – take $10 off)
Reptile cage substrates are getting more sophositicated as researchers understand what is needed to keep pet reptiles healthy and happy in a captive environment.
Although Reptilite is our best seller, there are a few other substrates worth considering.
1) Reptilite™ is an all natural calcium substrate, ideal for desert dwelling reptiles and arachnids. The naturally spherical grains won’t scratch your pet reptiles inside or out! There are no artificial dyes or chemicals in Reptilite™. This low impact substrate also contains strontium and magnesium; while being free of silica and phosphates. by Carib Sea
2) Repti Sand by Zoo Med stimulates natural digging and burrowing behavior. Excellent heat conductor and egg-laying medium for many reptiles. Creates a very naturalistic and attractive environment for desert reptile species. Long lasting and easy to clean.
3) Douglas Fir Shavings with Eucalyptus Reptile Litter is made to very absorbent bedding. Great for the environment and made with no toxic resins or oils. Helps to keep your pet’s tank fresh with the clean eucalyptus scent. Made with only biodegradable fir and eucalyptus chips. by Zilla
Picture to the right is Reptilite Calcium Substrate in Aztec Gold. You can buy this in bulk and save a bundle.
Use coupon: sizzle for orders >$100,
Made in the USA Pet Products
The 4th of July is approaching fast and we think it’s a good time to reflect about the freedom that the United States provides each and everyone of us. We may complain about the politics or the taxes – but supporting each other’s endeavors and those products that are made here in the US is something not many would care to argue.
GregRobert proudly offers a litany of US made products:
Pictured to the right in made in the USA Cosmic Catnip.
What is the difference between USA made Rawhide and inferior rawhide made overseas?
Rawhide is the inner layer of the hide of any cleft-hoofed bovine livestock. Beef-Hide is premium rawhide made from cows raised for consumption. American Beef-Hide is derived from corn-fed cows within U.S. borders. Corn-fed beef raised in the U.S. supply a thick, palatable and high quality chew. American beef-hide is considered “The Source” of choice for premium rawhide chews.
If you enjoy spending time in the yard with your dog or with family and friends during the spring and summer, cleaning up your yard and removing your dog’s waste is a necessity. Cleaning up dog waste is much easier and not as distasteful with a handy pooper scooper. Many pooper scoopers have long handles that require less bending and are easier on your back. In addition to being easier on your back, it is also more sanitary to use a pooper scooper to pick up dog waste. Here are a few pooper scoopers that are sure to make cleaning up your yard a breeze!
- The Four Paws Two Piece Rake & Scoopis available in two sizes, small and large, and ideal for picking up small or large piles of dog waste. This pooper scooper has 37 inch long handles, so you don’t have to bend down to the ground to pick up dog waste. The two piece set includes a rake that is ideal for gathering up little or big pieces in grass and makes it easy to scoop it into the scoop. Both pieces are very durable and made of stainless steel for lots of use. This pooper scooper is ideal for use in the grass.
- The Two Piece Spade Pooper Scooper Set is another long handled pooper scooper set that is designed for use on hard surfaces, such as sidewalks and driveways. This set includes a stainless steel spade and scoop that are rust resistant and 37 inch long handles.
- Another sanitary pooper scooper to use for picking up dog waste is the Four Paws Scissors Style Plain Sanitary Pooper Scooper. This pooper scooper has a scissor style scoops that make picking scooping up dog waste easy. The long handles make it less likely that you will need to bend down. The scoops are made of rust-resistant aluminum and the handles are made of wood.
With the weather getting hotter, it is important to think about keeping your dog or cat hydrated indoors or outdoors. It is a good idea to have a supply of fresh water available to your pet all day long. Your pet should have easy access to the water to allow your pet the freedom to drink the water as he or she needs it throughout the day. Whether your pet stays indoors or outdoors, using an automatic waterer is ideal because it conveniently supplies your pet with fresh water throughout the day and only needs to be filled up once a day.
One of my favorite automatic waterers is the Deluxe Fresh Flow Pet Watererby Petmate. This automatic waterer is designed to give your pet a constant supply of fresh water, while adding oxygen to the water. It also naturally cools the water and filters the water to take out pollutants. The water reservoir holds up to 50 ounces and is translucent, so it is easy to see when it needs to be refilled. There is an air flow control valve to monitor the amount of air that is in the water and an on/off switch to save on electricity when not being used by your pet.
Another great automatic waterer for your pet is the Ultra Bubbler Pet Fountain, which is also made by Petmate. This automatic waterer is made to supply your pet with a constant supply of fresh water without the use of a filter. It also has an adjustable air valve to control the amount of air in the water and can hold up to 1.5 gallons of water. The water reservoir is easy to fill up and the base is skid proof. Just fill up the waterer and let your pet enjoy fresh water all day long.
