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<channel>
	<title>Good Living</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.jesterproductions.biz/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.jesterproductions.biz</link>
	<description>home, family, relationships, health &#38; money</description>
	<pubDate>Tue, 26 Aug 2008 04:54:03 +0000</pubDate>
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	<language>en</language>
			<item>
		<title>Health: Weight Loss:  How and Why You Shouldn’t Have to Go Though It Alone</title>
		<link>http://www.jesterproductions.biz/health-weight-loss-how-and-why-you-shouldn%e2%80%99t-have-to-go-though-it-alone/</link>
		<comments>http://www.jesterproductions.biz/health-weight-loss-how-and-why-you-shouldn%e2%80%99t-have-to-go-though-it-alone/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 26 Aug 2008 04:54:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jester</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[womens issues]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.jesterproductions.biz/health-weight-loss-how-and-why-you-shouldn%e2%80%99t-have-to-go-though-it-alone/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Are you a woman who is looking to lose weight?  Whether you are interested in losing weight to improve your physical appearance, your health, or both, you may be feeling a little bit hopeless. While many women are able to lose weight when they want to do so, others have a little bit harder [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Are you a woman who is looking to lose weight?  Whether you are interested in losing weight to improve your physical appearance, your health, or both, you may be feeling a little bit hopeless. While many women are able to lose weight when they want to do so, others have a little bit harder time.  If you are finding it difficult to lose weight, it may be because you are trying to go about losing weight all on your own.</p>
<p>When it comes to weight loss, there are many women who find it easier, as well as less embarrassing, to doing their own weight loss program from home. While it is more than possible to exercise and workout by yourself, do you know that you don’t have to?  In fact, many women who have a workout partner or a workout buddy find it easier to lose weight than going at it along. Two popular reasons as to why those who have a workout partner or a workout buddy see success is because of support and motivation.</p>
<p>As nice as it is to hear that you should think about getting a workout buddy or a workout partner, to help you exercise and to help you lose weight, you may be wondering where that person may come from. Unfortunately, many women do not realize that they don’t actually have to look very far.  If you are married or if you have a romantic partner, you may want to think about asking them to join you.  Even if your partner isn’t a fan of exercising and working out, you can place a “quality time,” spin on it.  In fact, if your partner is a little bit overweight or out of shape themselves, they may even want to join you in your weight loss adventures.  This is the ultimate show of support.</p>
<p><span id="more-463"></span></p>
<p>In addition to a romantic partner, you may want to think about asking any of your friends or family members if they would like to be your workout buddy or workout partner. When approaching your friends or family members, it is important to not focus on their weight or their physical appearance.  Unfortunately, many women make the mistake of assuming that those that they know who are already in perfect shape wouldn’t have any reason to exercise, but you may be surprised. For that reason, you are advised to ask any friends or family members that you know to join you when you workout.</p>
<p>If you have asked those that you know to join you as a workout buddy or a workout partner and you have still come up empty handed, you may want to consider joining a weight loss program.  Locally operated weight loss programs are ideal, as you often get membership perks, like access to proven exercises, as well as healthy meals. Another benefit to joining a locally operated weight loss program is the support from other members.  There is a good chance that one or more of your other weight loss program members would love to join you when you exercise.</p>
<p>If and when you get a workout buddy, it may be a good idea to “spice up,” your exercises a bit. For instance, you may want to let your workout buddy or partner choose your exercises or activities for one day and then you choose for the next.  This may help to keep your exercises fun and exciting.</p>
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		<title>Health:  Three Reasons Why You Should Lose Weight</title>
		<link>http://www.jesterproductions.biz/health-three-reasons-why-you-should-lose-weight/</link>
		<comments>http://www.jesterproductions.biz/health-three-reasons-why-you-should-lose-weight/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:55:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jester</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[womens issues]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://jesterproductions.biz/?p=462</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Are you a woman who is struggling with your weight?  If you are, you are definitely not alone. Today, many women are faced with many issues, including weight.  If you are unhappy with your current weight, you may be interested in changing it, but, for many, that is often easier said than done.
When [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.jesterproductions.biz/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/277470_lose_weight.jpg" alt="277470_lose_weight.jpg" align="right" height="272" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="180" />Are you a woman who is struggling with your weight?  If you are, you are definitely not alone. Today, many women are faced with many issues, including weight.  If you are unhappy with your current weight, you may be interested in changing it, but, for many, that is often easier said than done.</p>
<p>When it comes to losing weight, many women are able to come up with an unlimited number of excuses as to why they can’t lose weight or excuses as to why this important issue should be pushed off to the side for now.  Many women are lacking the motivation needed to lose weight.  If you are one of those women, you will want to continue reading on. Below, three reasons as to why you should lose weight are outlined and these reasons may serve as the motivation that you have been looking for.</p>
<p><span id="more-462"></span></p>
<p>#1 – Appearance</p>
<p>Although many women are satisfied with the way that they look, many are not.  If you are currently unhappy with the way that you look and feel, you will want to consider losing weight.  Weight loss, even a small one, can significantly improve the way that you see yourself, as well as the way that others see you.  If you hate looking at yourself in the mirror every morning, it may be time to think about losing weight.</p>
<p>#2 – Health</p>
<p>For many women, being overweight or obese isn’t just about carrying around a few extra pounds.  Obesity has been linked to a number of health complications, including high blood pressure, diabetes, as well as the early onset of death.  If you do not take steps to lose weight now, especially if you are seriously overweight, your health may have other plans for you.  It is important to mention that those plans may not necessarily be good ones.</p>
<p>#3 Wellbeing</p>
<p>In addition to benefiting your health and your physical appearance, weight loss can also make you feel good about yourself.  Many women notice an instant improvement in their self-confidence and self-esteem when they lose weight. This means that even if you are suffering from other issues, aside from weight related issues, weight loss may be able to assist you with overcoming those issues or at least the stress that is associated with them.</p>
<p>The three above mentioned reasons are just a few of the many reasons why you may want to think about losing weight, if you have weight to lose. Should you decide that losing weight is in your best interest, you may want to think about making an appointment with a healthcare professional.  These types of appointments are important, as well as insightful. Your healthcare professional may be able to instruct you on safe ways that you can go about losing weight and they may also be able to help you set reasonable weight loss goals for yourself.</p>
<p>Although it is advised that you speak with a healthcare professional about your intent to lose weight, you don’t have to just rely on their expertise or their input. A large number of women, just like you, lose weight by joining locally operated weight loss programs, as well as online weight loss programs. What is nice about weight loss programs, both those operated locally and online, is that you often walk away with professional advice, as well as support from others just like you.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Health:  Do You Need to Lose Weight?</title>
		<link>http://www.jesterproductions.biz/health-do-you-need-to-lose-weight/</link>
		<comments>http://www.jesterproductions.biz/health-do-you-need-to-lose-weight/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 12 Aug 2008 04:49:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jester</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[womens issues]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://jesterproductions.biz/?p=460</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Are you a woman?  If you are and if you are like many other women, there is a good chance that you are concerned with your appearance.  When it comes to appearance, there are many women who are concerned with their weight, namely the weight that they would like to shed or need [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Are you a woman?  If you are and if you are like many other women, there is a good chance that you are concerned with your appearance.  When it comes to appearance, there are many women who are concerned with their weight, namely the weight that they would like to shed or need to shed.  Unfortunately, many women believe that they need to lose weight when they really don’t.  To determine if you should seriously think about losing weight, as it is an important issue, you may want to continue reading on.</p>
<p>When it comes to determining if you should lose weight, there are a number of important factors that you should consider. Since many women are concerned with their appearance and the way that they look, you may want to examine your appearance.  Do you think that could benefit from a weight loss?  If you are currently unhappy with the way that you look, it may be something to consider.  Of course, it is also important to make sure that you don’t lose too much weight, as it can be harmful to your health. For that reason, you may want to consult with your doctor to determine if weight loss is an issue that you should work on.</p>
<p><span id="more-460"></span></p>
<p>Speaking of consulting with your doctor, your doctor may have recommended that you lose weight, with their own fee will.  If your doctor has suggested that you lose weight, it is advised that you take his or her suggestion into consideration.  What many women fail to realize is that their healthcare professional isn’t as concerned with their appearance as they are their health.  So, if your doctor recommends that you lose weight, even just a little bit of weight, he or she may be concerned with your health and the possibility of you developing any weight related health complications.</p>
<p>The two above mentioned signs are two the most common signs that you may want to think about losing weight.  Of course, it is important to remember that the decision to lose weight is yours to make, as it is an issue that you have to deal with.  With that in mind, it is important to also remember that carrying around excess weight is more than just carrying around excess weight.  There are many women who are constantly stressed out about or concerned with their appearance. If you would no longer like to spend every day in front of the mirror ashamed of your body or hiding your body from those and you know and love, it may be time to take action.</p>
<p>If you would like to lose weight, you may be pleased to know that you have a number of different options. Many women are able to develop their own weight loss plans, which often include a regular exercise plan, as well as eating healthy.  You also have the option of joining a local weight loss program or an online weight loss program. These types of programs are nice, as you often get professional advice as well as support from group leaders and other weight loss program members.</p>
<p>As a reminder, it is advised that you take the time to speak with your physician, regarding your weight loss plans or goals.  This is especially important if you plan on creating your own at-home weight loss plan. In addition to giving you the go-ahead, your physician may also offer you a few weight loss tips, tricks, and techniques, ones that you may find helpful.</p>
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		<title>Finances:  The Importance of Creating a Budget for Yourself</title>
		<link>http://www.jesterproductions.biz/finances-the-importance-of-creating-a-budget-for-yourself/</link>
		<comments>http://www.jesterproductions.biz/finances-the-importance-of-creating-a-budget-for-yourself/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 05 Aug 2008 04:49:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jester</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[womens issues]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://jesterproductions.biz/?p=458</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Are you a debt-ridden woman?  Even if debt may not be an issue for you now, there is a good chance that it will become one in the future. Whether you are in debt now or if you are looking to prevent yourself from falling victim to it, you may want to examine budgets. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Are you a debt-ridden woman?  Even if debt may not be an issue for you now, there is a good chance that it will become one in the future. Whether you are in debt now or if you are looking to prevent yourself from falling victim to it, you may want to examine budgets. Creating a budget for yourself is a simple process, but it is one that can help to keep you out of debt or even get you out of debt.</p>
<p>Before examining how you can go about creating a budget for yourself, it is important to understand the importance of budgets.  As previously stated, budgets are a tool that can be used to make sure that debt isn’t any longer an issue for you.  By creating yourself a budget you are able to track your spending, as well as ensure that all needed expenses, like your car instance or your mortgage, get paid.  This also gives you the opportunity to examine how much extra money you have each month, money that you could put towards repaying your debt or put in a savings account, if you aren’t in debt right now.</p>
<p><span id="more-458"></span><img src="http://www.jesterproductions.biz/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/silver_dollars_and_money.jpg" alt="silver_dollars_and_money.jpg" align="right" height="256" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="249" /></p>
<p>When it comes to creating a budget for yourself, you should be able to find a number of budget templates online for you to use. While these free resources are nice, you may only want to use them as starting points.  You can get great ideas from them, but you may want to create your own budget. This is important because not all individuals lead the same lives or have the same expenses to take care of.  For instance, a budget template for those in New York City may not necessarily call for car payments or auto insurance, but if you had a vehicle, you will need these sections displayed on your budget.</p>
<p>It is also advised that you take the time to create a budget for each month of the year.  As previously stated, a budget allows you to account for your spend in advance.  If you have a birthday party in July that you need to attend, you may need to account for buying a gift.  However, this is something that will likely not occur each month.  Creating individual budgets for each month of the year may seem like a complicated process, but it doesn’t have to be.  It may take a few extra minutes, but those few minutes are more than worth it.</p>
<p>To get you started with saving your money, to help relieve the stress and other issues often associated with debt, you will want to start by outlining all expenses that you must pay for on a monthly basis.  These expenses are ones in which you cannot go without paying, like rent, mortgage, renters insurance, homeowners insurance, auto insurance, auto loan payments, groceries, and your utility bills. These are the expenses that must be paid, no matter what.</p>
<p>Once you have a detailed list of important expenses, like those that you are unable to go with out, you can focus on the next level of importance.  These are items such as internet access or cable television.  If you are just looking to save money, possibly to put into a savings account, you should be able to continue paying these expenses without any problems.  On the other hand, if you are looking to dig yourself out of all of the unpaid debt that you have accumulated, it may be a good idea to go without internet access or cable television, if at all possible, even if it is just for a short period of time.</p>
<p>You can also use your budget to determine how much extra money you will have each month.  You can do this if you regularly work the same hours or if your pay is salary based.  Once you have totaled up all of the aforementioned expenses, you can subtract that from the amount of the money that you bring home from work each week.  Any extra is money that you may want to consider putting towards your debt or saving, just in case.</p>
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		<title>What Types of Hermit Crabs Should Be Placed in a Saltwater Aquariums?</title>
		<link>http://www.jesterproductions.biz/what-types-of-hermit-crabs-should-be-placed-in-a-saltwater-aquariums/</link>
		<comments>http://www.jesterproductions.biz/what-types-of-hermit-crabs-should-be-placed-in-a-saltwater-aquariums/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 29 Jul 2008 03:58:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jester</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[aquariums]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.jesterproductions.biz/what-types-of-hermit-crabs-should-be-placed-in-a-saltwater-aquariums/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hermit crabs have been popular pets for adults and children alike for many years, and there are many who appreciate their unique beauty (and just as many do not-it&#8217;s a matter of taste). With the increasing popularity of bringing a piece of the sea into the home it is no wonder that the notion of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Hermit crabs have been popular pets for adults and children alike for many years, and there are many who appreciate their unique beauty (and just as many do not-it&#8217;s a matter of taste). With the increasing popularity of bringing a piece of the sea into the home it is no wonder that the notion of introducing hermit crabs into a saltwater aquarium has been gaining in popularity.</p>
<p>Just as there are many types of hermit crabs that can be kept as pets, so too are there many different breeds which can be kept in aquariums. Not all have the same chance for survival if kept in captivity, however, and it is important that the aquarium owner make sure that they are familiar with all of the specific needs of their hermit crabs before they are introduced to the aquarium. Below is an introduction to some of the most common breeds of aquarium hermit crabs.</p>
<p><span id="more-423"></span></p>
<p>- Red Hermit Crab (Dardanus megistos)- Also known as the White Spotted Hermit Crab this crab has red legs with black edged spots. It is not a safe addition to a reef aquarium but is very useful in keeping algae growth to a minimum in a community aquarium. Only one crab per aquarium please; these crabs are very protective of their personal space.</p>
<p>- Red Legged Hermit Crab (Clibanarius digueti)-these Mexican crabs are a hardy addition to any aquarium, eating algae from the tank. They demand a low level of copper in the water, however, as their bodies cannot survive in the presence of this metal.</p>
<p>- Scarlet Hermit Crab, or Reef Hermit Crab (Paguristes cadenati)-this hermit crab generally remains small, around two inches across, and has a red body with yellow eyestalks. They are very helpful in keeping the algae growth inside the aquarium under control; however, if insufficient algae is available inside the tank they must be supplementally fed with dried seaweed.</p>
<p>- Common Hermit Crab (Pagurus bernhardus)-These crabs are more common in Europe but can be found in other countries as well. Also known as the soldier crab.</p>
<p>Since these crabs carry their homes around on their backs it is important that they constantly have new shells available to them when they have outgrown their previous shell. A hermit crab in an improperly sized shell cannot grow properly. These shells can be purchased from a pet store or an online retailer or, if the owner is familiar with the requirements of their hermit crabs, these shells can often be found on a beach. If the owner chooses to go out into the wild and collect their own shells it is important that they choose the proper type of shell for their hermit crab to inhabit. As sea anemones are often an important part of the hermit crabs natural environment they make excellent tank mates, eating the leftovers when the hermit crab has finished a meal and cutting back on the amount of tank waste.</p>
<p>Hermit crabs are an intriguing addition to any tank, and require very little maintenance once their owners are familiar with their needs and their habits. With the proper care they can live for quite a while, providing endless hours of joy for their owners and their families.</p>
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		<title>Tips for Successfully Selling A Saltwater Aquarium on e-Bay</title>
		<link>http://www.jesterproductions.biz/tips-for-successfully-selling-a-saltwater-aquarium-on-e-bay/</link>
		<comments>http://www.jesterproductions.biz/tips-for-successfully-selling-a-saltwater-aquarium-on-e-bay/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 22 Jul 2008 03:58:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jester</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[aquariums]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.jesterproductions.biz/tips-for-successfully-selling-a-saltwater-aquarium-on-e-bay/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Aquariums are a delightful addition to any home, and they inevitably brighten up the scenery and delight young and old alike. Despite their many assets there may come a time when an aquarium owner is simply unable to keep their aquarium. It may be a matter of finances (even though the majority of expenses are [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.jesterproductions.biz/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/combattant.jpg" alt="combattant.jpg" align="right" height="176" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="252" />Aquariums are a delightful addition to any home, and they inevitably brighten up the scenery and delight young and old alike. Despite their many assets there may come a time when an aquarium owner is simply unable to keep their aquarium. It may be a matter of finances (even though the majority of expenses are associated with setting up the aquarium there are certain expenses associated with keeping it running, and repairs and fish food can accumulate to be an impressive sum as well) or there may a move taking place and the new home will not accommodate a large aquarium, or the owner may be traveling such a distance that it is impractical for them to take their aquarium with them. Whatever the reason, if an owner is unable to keep their aquarium one of the fastest and most painless ways to sell their aquarium is on e-Bay.</p>
<p>For those who are not familiar, e-Bay is an online auction house and one of the biggest sales venues in the country today. Every day hundreds of thousands of people visit e-Bay to view what is for sale and to list their own goods. The advantage of e-Bay over more traditional sales venues is that it allows competition to drive up the price of its products so that there is literally no maximum amount of profit a product can sell for. The name of the game is for buyers to outbid each other until one buyer finally makes a bid so high that no one else is willing to try to top them or the time for bidding has passed.</p>
<p><span id="more-422"></span></p>
<p>Registering to sell on e-Bay is simple. All a would-be seller needs to do is open a seller&#8217;s account, which can easily be done by following the instructions on e-Bay&#8217;s homepage, www.ebay.com. Once a seller account has been created the seller can begin to list their goods. It is free to establish a seller account; however, there are certain fees associated with selling on e-Bay, so it is necessary to determine if the potential profits justify the amount of these fees before committing to selling through this venue. Chances are the answer will be yes.</p>
<p>There are some steps which can be taken to make sure that the saltwater aquarium an individual is attempting to sell will sell quickly. Including a picture of the aquarium with the listing is important, as many novice aquatic enthusiasts will not recognize a written description of an aquarium. A picture will draw their attention. The one line description should include as much basic information pertaining to the aquarium as possible, as the attention span of most buyers is extraordinarily short and if it is not captured in a first glance their business will probably be lost. It is also important that the minimum bid be competitive with other, similar aquariums on e-Bay. It is free to search these listings, and it is not necessary to have an account to view them.</p>
<p>Selling an aquarium on e-Bay is an excellent way for a owner to recoup some of the money which they have invested in their marine life while at the same time assuring that their saltwater aquarium is going to a good home.</p>
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		<title>Testing the Hardness of Your Aquarium Water</title>
		<link>http://www.jesterproductions.biz/testing-the-hardness-of-your-aquarium-water/</link>
		<comments>http://www.jesterproductions.biz/testing-the-hardness-of-your-aquarium-water/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jul 2008 03:58:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jester</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[aquariums]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.jesterproductions.biz/testing-the-hardness-of-your-aquarium-water/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As the ecosystem in nature is very fragile and prone to triggering severe consequences if the balance of elements is altered so is the ecosystem inside of an aquarium a very fragile thing, leading to devastating consequences if the balance is thrown off. Because of this it is important that the elements of the water [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As the ecosystem in nature is very fragile and prone to triggering severe consequences if the balance of elements is altered so is the ecosystem inside of an aquarium a very fragile thing, leading to devastating consequences if the balance is thrown off. Because of this it is important that the elements of the water be tested on a regular basis and necessary alterations made as frequently as possible.</p>
<p>There are many elements which are important for the well being of your aquarium fish; temperature and pH have the greatest immediate impact on their well being and should be monitored closely. There are certain precursors which can be tested in order to anticipate problems with these elements, and by closely monitoring these precursors an attentive owner can prevent the death of their fish in much the same way that an attentive physician may be able to head off the formation of cancer.</p>
<p><span id="more-421"></span></p>
<p>The carbonate hardness, or kh, level of the water should be monitored closely using one of the commercial systems which are available on the market. These can be purchased from any saltwater fish dealer or through an online retailer such as Amazon.com. The hardness of the water is significant because it can lead to rapid swings in pH. These swings can cause the fish to become stressed, making them more vulnerable to disease than they would be otherwise. This means that it will take very little to make them ill; the germs from the fingers of human hands could be enough to cause an epidemic and wipe out your entire aquarium population. Remember what smallpox did to the Indian populations because their immune systems were not prepared? The consequences could be just as fatal.</p>
<p>Fish will generally adapt to the hardness of the local water supply fairly quickly; however, to truly thrive their environment should be as close to that of their natural habitat (i.e. where they would be living if they were not living in a tank in your home) as possible. This is particularly necessary if you are entertaining the notion of breeding your fish-bear in mind that much like human newborns baby fish will not have had a chance to adapt to an environment that was not suited for them, and many may die because of this. Organic water plants will also thrive best in water that closely resembles their natural habitat. There are many commercial products available which will help to soften the water if the kh level is too high.</p>
<p>By carefully monitoring the kh levels of your aquarium you will be able to stay one step ahead of the elements and help to ensure that your fish have the best chance of survival possible.</p>
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		<title>Successfully Raising Coral in Saltwater Aquariums</title>
		<link>http://www.jesterproductions.biz/successfully-raising-coral-in-saltwater-aquariums/</link>
		<comments>http://www.jesterproductions.biz/successfully-raising-coral-in-saltwater-aquariums/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 08 Jul 2008 03:58:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jester</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[aquariums]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.jesterproductions.biz/successfully-raising-coral-in-saltwater-aquariums/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When people start a saltwater aquarium they do so because they have an compulsion to create a miniature version of the ocean in their living room. They want the whole kit and caboodle; the brightly colored fish, the flowing plants, the half rotted pirates ship, and the coral reef. Growing a coral reef in your [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When people start a saltwater aquarium they do so because they have an compulsion to create a miniature version of the ocean in their living room. They want the whole kit and caboodle; the brightly colored fish, the flowing plants, the half rotted pirates ship, and the coral reef. Growing a coral reef in your saltwater aquarium is the ultimate goal for many saltwater aquarium enthusiast.</p>
<p>Beginners that are just starting a saltwater aquarium are not advised to attempt a reef aquarium. Start with a fish only aquarium and become familiar first, once you have mastered that you will be ready to add one of the hardier breeds of coral to your tank.</p>
<p>Before running out and purchasing coral reef, bear in mind that you are not adding an elaborate rock to your tank. Polyps are tiny invertebrate. These polyps work together to form the limestone structures we know as coral reefs. Before you add the reef to your saltwater aquarium you must remember that the life of these polyps depends on your ability to provide them with the proper food, lighting, and water.</p>
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<p>Having good water is especially important if your want your coral reef to survive. An abrupt change in your water can cause the polyps to go into a state of shock, this will cause your reef to become discolored.Your aquarium must be filled with clear water which will allow the coral reef to get the full benefit of your lighting. Coral requires a strong water current, outfit your tank with a filter that circulates the water throughout your entire tank. Avoid a linear current.</p>
<p>When you have decided on a variety of coral for your coral saltwater aquarium do some research on the lighting. Some corals have special lighting requirements.</p>
<p>Remember that coral, like all living organisms, require you to feed them. For along time it was believed that coral reefs needed only minimal feeding. This belief was triggered by belief that coral reefs were nutrient poor.  People assumed that the reefs used photosynthesis to feed. The reality is that most coral needs to be fed, at a minimum, weekly (every two to three days is recommended). Most coral needs to be fed food that has to be frozen or refrigerated. Throw away any food that has been open for over five months, it becomes stale. You may want to consider purchasing liquid or bottled food for your corral. The size of the polyps in your coral reef will tell you a great deal about their food requirements. If you have large fleshy looking polyps you will be able to feed them large pieces of food, minced meat and large zooplankton. If your have a coral reef that is made up of tiny polyps you have to remember that they can&#8217;t digest the large pieces of food, these polyps will starve to death in an aquarium that is full of food that is to large for it to digest.</p>
<p>If you have done your homework and are patient and diligent you will be able to enjoy a very successful and beautiful coral saltwater aquarium.</p>
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		<title>Stocking Your Saltwater Aquarium With Tropical Fish</title>
		<link>http://www.jesterproductions.biz/stocking-your-saltwater-aquarium-with-tropical-fish/</link>
		<comments>http://www.jesterproductions.biz/stocking-your-saltwater-aquarium-with-tropical-fish/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2008 03:58:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jester</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[aquariums]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.jesterproductions.biz/stocking-your-saltwater-aquarium-with-tropical-fish/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When most people look at a saltwater aquarium the first thing they notice are the fish. Fish of all shapes, sizes, colors, styles, and personalities. One of the most devastating things that can happen to a tropical fish lover after they have gone to the effort and expense of purchasing an aquarium and setting it [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.jesterproductions.biz/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/plants_in_a_blue_world.jpg" alt="plants_in_a_blue_world.jpg" align="right" height="189" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="254" />When most people look at a saltwater aquarium the first thing they notice are the fish. Fish of all shapes, sizes, colors, styles, and personalities. One of the most devastating things that can happen to a tropical fish lover after they have gone to the effort and expense of purchasing an aquarium and setting it up is to purchase fish that are riddled with disease that die shortly after they are brought to their new home.</p>
<p>The odds of purchasing a healthy fish is by purchasing it from a reputable pet store. If you walk into a store that sells pet fish for private aquariums and your immediately flattened by the odor of rotting seafood turn around and walk away. It isn&#8217;t unusual for fish stores to have a peculiar musty scent. Strong odar can indicate a store who is not as concerned as they should be about the care of their animals.</p>
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<p>Take a good look at the store&#8217;s aquariums. The tanks should be clean. The water should be clear. Don&#8217;t be alarmed if you see a tank that has a sign announcing that the fish in the tank aren&#8217;t for sale. Many fish stores don&#8217;t have enough room for a quarantine tank.</p>
<p>The staff should be friendly and attentive. If the store is having a slow spell the employees should be cleaning tanks or feeding fish. When they catch a fish, the handler should use two nets and corner the fish, eliminating unnecessary stress. The members of the staff should be helpful and informative.</p>
<p>The rule of thumb is that if there are more then three dead fish in a tank consider shopping somewhere else. Dead fish happen. When stores are busy they don&#8217;t always have the time to clean the deceased fish from the tank. So one or two is not necessarily a bad omen, but more then that and you&#8217;ll want to consider looking somewhere else before you stock your saltwater aquarium.</p>
<p>When you are shopping for tropical fish take your time and really study the fish. Take note of their physical condition. Study their eyes, fins, mouths, scales, and abdomens. Put your hand as close to the glass as you can without actually touching it. The fish should either swim towards your hand, looking for food, or they should dart for cover. If a fish doesn&#8217;t look or act healthy, don&#8217;t purchase it.</p>
<p>Before you go shopping for tropical fish, gather a little knowledge. Make sure that the fish you purchase are compatible. Make sure you know what kind of food they require (predatory fish generally need frozen or live bait). If you decide that you want to own a predatory fish that requires live food make sure that you have a way of keeping that food alive, in many cases this will mean a completely separate tank. If you are eventually planning adding coral to your saltwater aquarium you may want to start thinking ahead and purchase fish that are compatible with coral.</p>
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		<title>Setting up a Reef Saltwater Aquariums</title>
		<link>http://www.jesterproductions.biz/setting-up-a-reef-saltwater-aquariums/</link>
		<comments>http://www.jesterproductions.biz/setting-up-a-reef-saltwater-aquariums/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 24 Jun 2008 03:51:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jester</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[aquariums]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.jesterproductions.biz/setting-up-a-reef-saltwater-aquariums/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Saltwater enthusiast have developed a love affair with coral reefs. There is nothing they love better then to design, stock and maintain a saltwater aquarium that is teaming with coral.
For years only the most adventurous were brave enough to tackle the challenges proposed by a reef saltwater aquarium. Until recently coral reef was notoriously hard [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Saltwater enthusiast have developed a love affair with coral reefs. There is nothing they love better then to design, stock and maintain a saltwater aquarium that is teaming with coral.</p>
<p>For years only the most adventurous were brave enough to tackle the challenges proposed by a reef saltwater aquarium. Until recently coral reef was notoriously hard to maintain.</p>
<p>Times have changed. Now there are several varieties of coral that even the most novice saltwater aquarium owner can enjoy.</p>
<p>The key to successfully maintaining a reef saltwater aquarium is to have your saltwater reef aquarium properly set up.</p>
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<p>The first thing you&#8217;ll want to find is a tank. Select the largest possible tank that you feel comfortable with. The greater the size of your tank, the greater the water mass encompassing the reef, and the more you will be able to duplicate the effects of the ocean. You can choose either the classic look of a glass aquarium or you can select an acrylic tank which gives you a larger variety of shapes and styles. Acrylic tanks are also more durable then glass tanks. Make sure that there is absolutely no copper anywhere in the tank. Copper has a lethal affect on coral.</p>
<p>Before adding the coral to your tank make sure that the temperature of your water stays consistent. The temperature should remain at 23-25 degrees Celsius (73-77 degrees Fahrenheit). Your coral will remain healthier in water that is always at the same temperature.</p>
<p>It is very important that your reef saltwater aquarium be properly filtered. The three types of filters are mechanical, biological, and chemical.</p>
<p>A mechanical filter is a filter made out of spun nylon floss. Mechanical filter trap and remove wasteful material and prevent your chemical and biological filters from becoming clogged.     There are a variety of biological filters. Some use the tanks aquarium substrate as a part of the filtration system. The purpose of biological filters is to contain the biochemical properties and to break down waste products.</p>
<p>Chemical filters absorbs the ions of dissolved waste. Chemical filters are typically based on active carbon.</p>
<p>Many reef saltwater aquarium owners like to use other products such as Bioballs and Protein Skimmers to assist with their filtration system.</p>
<p>The PH level of a reef saltwater aquarium should hold steady at 8.2.</p>
<p>Coral reefs require a filtration system that circulates the tanks water. Moving water tends to be rich in oxygen and the currents carry food to the invertebrates living inside the  immobile coral. A submersible pump will do wonders to increase the water flow in a saltwater aquarium.</p>
<p>When you decide that it is time to stock your reef saltwater aquarium with fish you need to remember a few things before rushing out to your favorite fish store.</p>
<p>Bear in mind that just because a variety of fish lives in the ocean does not automatically mean that it&#8217;s compatible with coral. Some fish eat the invertebrates that make the coral reef their home. Some fish produce waste that is toxic to the coral. Some fish, like Blow-fish, produce a toxin when they die that can kill every living organism in your aquarium.</p>
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