some questions

Question
hi ive got alot of questions to ask you.
1. how often do you cange the water and filter
2. do aquatic plants need something to keep them alive.
3. what does ph mean
4. if you by fish online, how does it get shipped

Answer
Hello Caleb!

I got your question today out of the expert "pool" where another expert had referred it.  I hope you are okay with me answering your questions. :)  I love volunteering and I have some great advice for you.  

As to your questions:

You change the filter every month.  Pad, liner, media...everything must be changed.  

Water changes are bi-weekly to monthly.  If it's freshwater, you may get away with monthly changes, but for saltwater, we recommend weekly or bi-weekly water changes.

PH is the measurement of your water's acidity.  Many fish require specific PH in their environments.  For this reason, I recommend a PH testing kit and water testing, weekly (at least), but every 3 days if you can do it.

If you buy fish, online, they are put into a bag.  Oxygen is injected into the bag (usually, an O2 mixture) and the bag sealed.  Then, in most cases, the bag is double-sealed, or triple-sealed so that there is no leakage.  The bag is then placed in a styrofoam box, and is shipped to your location overnight.  They don't like fish to be in bags too long.  Stress is hard on them.

Heating or cooling packs may be added, as required, to stop from fish overheating or getting too cold during transportation.

Here is an article about one company's method of shipping fish.

http://www.fish.com/CS/LiveShipInfo.aspx

Caleb, I hope I've answered your questions.  

Feel free to respond and ask all you like.

Happy fish-keeping!

Renee