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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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)

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:

• Made in the USA Dog Rawhide
• US Made Small Pet Products
• Made in the USA Cat Treats

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.

…. and here is proof  – we’ll send you to a price comparison engine to prove that we are the lowest.

• Four Paws Pet Hair Remover – the lowest price on the Internet.  
• Staywell 4-way locking cat door
• 100 count Bath Wipes (pictured to right)

As a matter of fact, it looks like we are the lowest for all Radio Systems Pet Products!

The things that are not evident when using price comparison engines is that GregRobert offers INSTANT quantity discounts on all products in stock.  We are the first online retailer in the pet vertical to do this.  In addition, GregRobert offers free shipping with coupon: freeship on all orders greater than $60.

In this economy, everyone is looking for a deal, even when it comes to the things near and dear to our hearts and GregRobert is committed to offering the lowest prices that we possibly can!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all!

Petazon – the largest online portal for pets and animals has just announced the launch of it’s Animal & Pet Job Board.  Currently boasting over 20,000 animal and pet related jobs – Petazon has partnered with Simply Hired to capitalize on Petazon’s animal related visitors to market US jobs in the animal field.

Below are just a few jobs available.  There is a nominal $5.00 fee to post a job on the board for 30 days (just to cover the administration)