Turtle Aquariums - Simple Cleaning Tips

Turtle aquariums are not hard to clean, but they do take time. Turtles are messy reptiles - they eat, drink, swim, urinate, and defecate in the same water. Eventually, all this mess will lead to dirty water that can cause diseases.

Grimy turtle aquariums are also an eyesore in the home. It not only looks out of place, but also attracts insects and bacteria. Therefore, it is important to maintain a clean aquarium so that your turtle can live in it freely and safely.

To clean the aquarium, you will need the following materials:

* water vacuum

* plastic siphon tube

* gloves

* toothbrush

* baking soda

* white vinegar

* paper towels

Once you have all the materials, you are ready to start the cleaning.

Move your turtle elsewhere. You can probably put it in a box or a kiddy pool. Just make sure that the temperate is around 75 degrees. It is also recommended that you keep the turtle near so you can check up on it from time to time.

Attach the plastic siphon tube on the water vacuum. Direct the other end of the hose towards the sink, the tub, or out the window, if you want to use the water for the plants.

While the vacuum empties the turtle aquarium's tank of water, remove decorations, accessories, and other objects from the tank. Use a toothbrush and white vinegar to clean and rinse them. If you are going to add more decorations, make sure that they won't crowd the tank. Also, if you picked up the decorations outside, sterilize them before you add them to the tank.

For the filter and media, use water to rinse them out. Make sure there is no dirt, algae, or other things in the filter.

Scrub the walls of the tank using a toothbrush and baking soda, especially for hard water stains. Use a paper towel and white vinegar around the tank's inside. Scrub and wipe the glass thoroughly.

Once the tank is empty, remove the siphon tube from the vacuum. Rinse out the tank once again, to get rid of vinegar and baking soda residue. Give the water time to settle before you dump them. Do this process at least three times. Do not use glass cleaners on turtle aquariums because these can cause problems from the turtle.

If you find that the aquarium is clean enough, you can add fresh water now. Attach the tube to the faucet and fill the tank with water. While the tank is filling, you can return the accessories inside the aquarium. This is your chance to rearrange or change the aquarium's layout.

Changing 10% of the water in the aquarium once a week maintains sanitary conditions. To keep the water clean longer, remove leftover food or debris from the tank every day. Better yet, you can move the turtle to a separate tank during feeding so it won't make much of a mess in its own habitat.

Turtle aquariums can be cleaned out every 45 days, so you won't have to hassle yourself too often.

Learn more about Turtle Aquariums and how to best care for your pet turtles at: http://www.TurtleTanks.Org/turtle-aquarium.html

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The American Bald Eagle - Facts Everyone Should Know

Many people don't know that the bald eagle has been the symbol of the United States and the nation's national bird since 1782. Sea Eagles, so common in 18th century Europe, were a common sight to America's early settlers, and it is from mistaking the two birds that the bald eagle got its name. There were no bald eagles in Europe, as the bald eagle is found only in North America. The sea eagle name lingers, and the scientific name, Haliaetus leucocephalus, actually means "sea eagle with a white head" in Greek and Latin.

Of the 'sea eagle' species, the bald eagle is the only one that is native to North America. The bald eagle is immediately obvious by its smooth, white head and white tail, contrasted by the deep brown feathers of its body. Coins, flags, buildings, and seals in the United States have used the image of the bald eagle to symbolize the country.

The bald eagle is a fierce bird of prey, along with other raptors, such as hawks, vultures, owls, and falcons. The bald eagle lives on a diet of live prey, such as waterfowl and fish, as well as rodents, snakes, rabbits, and birds, but they will eat carrion when there is no live prey to be eaten.

Bald eagles are enormous and intimidating birds, with adults growing to 32 inches in length, with wingspans to 7 feet, and weighing up to 16 pounds.

The largest eagles live in Alaska, and the smaller eagles can be found in Florida. Wherever the bald eagle lives, the animals in the region scatter when the bird begins to land.

Each hunting pair of bald eagles requires an area of 2 to 15 square miles in which to hunt. Each pair of bald eagles shares a nest, furiously guarding it from predators. The bald eagle sometimes chases animals that have made a catch of their own, such as the east Central Florida bald eagles that chase Ospreys along the Indian River lagoon. The eagle will then get to eat the Osprey's catch, as the Osprey drops its squirming prey to escape the eagle.

Although they are birds of prey, the bald eagle shows a tremendous instinct for family loyalty. The bald eagle stays with its mate for life, though few other birds follow this behavior. Though most birds live a much shorter time, the bald eagle can live for as many as 25 years. They live across North America, from the north, including Canada and Alaska, across the middle expanses of the U.S., and south into the northern part of Mexico.

The bald eagle travels frequently, flying to northern climates to escape hot summers, the birds usually return close to the place where they were hatched in order to begin families of their own. Breeding bald eagles lay one to three eggs in the spring, which hatch about 35 days later. After three months in the nest, the baby bald eagles begin to fly, and a month later fly away from their mother for good. The dangers of hunger, disease, harsh weather, and toxic chemicals can all make life hard for baby eagles, but almost 70% manage to adapt and survive for at least a year.

Did you know that to save the species in 1940 the United States Congress passed the Bald Eagle Protection Act? This law made it illegal for people to disturb or bother the birds. This also included taking bald eagles for reasons such as selling, trading, or transporting them, and also included their eggs and nests. Taking an eagle included shooting at the birds, wounding them, trapping, capturing, disturbing them, or killing them in any manner.

Large numbers of bald eagles died because of DTT, the overuse of pesticides, and other toxic chemicals. The bald eagle was given a chance to be saved by the many reintroduction programs and new laws that were enacted to help them. It seemed nearly impossible to save the species from extinction at the time.

The Endangered Species Act of 1973 allowed species that were small in numbers to be classified as threatened, and species with very low populations to be classified as endangered. In the early 1990s, the rapidly increasing numbers of bald eagles made it possible for the species to be taken off the endangered species lists in most states.

The bald eagle has dramatically increased in numbers between 1963 and 1994, rising from about 500 pairs to almost 5,000 pairs and leading Congress to reclassify its status as threatened. With the increasing population of the bald eagle, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service will soon take the bird off the endangered species list.

To observe the bald eagle is a pleasurable experience. The long strides of the bald eagle as it launches leads into the soaring, slow motion movement of the bird in flight. The determined eagle keeps to its determined path, its prize kept in sight. The skies of North America are increasingly filled with the majestic bald eagle. Everyone should make an effort to see this animal.

Ryan Orlancia is a writer for http://www.OodlesOnBaldEagles.com OodlesOnBaldEagles.com offers american bald eagle facts and a bald eagle shopping section where you can find American bald eagle statues and other bald eagle shopping items.

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Rainforest Plants - Yacon

Family: Asteraceae

Genus: Smallanthus

Species: sonchifolius

Common names: aricoma, arboloco, aricona, arikuma, colla, chiriguano, ipio, jacn

General Description: The Yacon plant has dark green leaves that grow in a clump of twenty or more spindle-shaped tubers, that can weigh as much as two pounds. Yacon is easy to grow, adapts to a variety of climates, and is not bothered by length of day changes in the seasons. It is almost completely pest- and disease-free.

Location: Yacon is currently cultivated from Ecuador to Argentina and Brazil as a staple food crop by many local people, who also use the plant in ceremonies. Yacon is indigenous to Colombia and Ecuador and is a hardy, attractive herbaceous perennial that produces a harvest of large tubers.

Uses: Yacon is the ideal food additive for diabetics. It is a natural herb for diabetes and liver problems. It is also a digestive aide, and some believe it may be a colon cancer preventative. Yacon is useful for weight management and obesity.

Yacon is long-lived but needs frost protection. It is a member of the sunflower family, growing in warm and temperate valleys of the Andes. Its tubers and leaves are edible. Another name for Yacon is "Earth Apple" and is considered one of the lost crops of Peru's Inca tribe. Its flavor is a cross between celery and Granny Smith apples, high in fiber and low in calories.

Its name is derived from the Quechuan 'Ilagon', which means "watery" or "water root". The tubers are very juicy. This rainforest plant is being called a superfood of the future because of its potential as a multi-use food additive. Although an attempt to develop a commercial trade for Yacon in the 1930s failed, this food is now becoming a commercial crop in South America, New Zealand, Japan and Korea.

Disclaimer: The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Any reference to medicinal use is not intended to treat, cure, mitigate or prevent any disease.

Tony Mandarich

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10 Things To Do & See In Australia

You can find all sorts of beauties and great things in Australia. Certainly, the island continent is a unique land of natural wonders, wide open spaces, deserts, woodlands, grasslands, mountains, beaches, and oceans. It is the marvelous country of numerous action packed wonderful outdoors sites, and fantastic cities, such as cities, such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, and Canberra.

Australia is a vast country comprised of the continental mainland and the major island of Tasmania and a number of other islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans in the southern hemisphere. Surely, you can find a one C of things to see & do in Australia, but here are top 10 things that that you just cant ignore.

Sydney is one of the most beautiful cities of the world. Located on the south-east coast of Australia, the Harbor City certainly is globally influential in the fields of culture, art, fashion, cuisine and design. The city is home to the Australias two most iconic structures Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. You can enjoy the vibrant life of the dynamic city.

Sydney Opera House, designed by Jrn Utzon, a Danish architect, is one of the wonders of the modern world. Situated on Bennelong Point in Sydney Harbour, New South Wales, the opera house is the most iconic building of Australia. It is the most famous performing arts venues in the world. You can enjoy the world famous theatrical, musical, and dance performances at this World Heritage Site.

Australian Museum, originally known as the Colonial Museum or Sydney Museum, is located in College Street, Sydney. Famous in the fields of natural history and anthropology, it is one of the oldest museums in Australia. You can enjoy witnessing wondrous collections of vertebrate & invertebrate zoology, mineralogy, palaeontology, and anthropology, and exhibitions at the museum.

Melbourne is undoubtedly the culinary, sporting and cultural capital of Australia. Often dubbed as one of the most cultured cities of Australia, Melbourne is widely known for its Victorian-era architecture, many cultural institutions such as museums, galleries and theaters, and large parks and gardens. You can enjoy every bit of Melbourne.

Royal Botanic Gardens, located near the centre of Melbourne, Victoria, are the finest in Australia and the best in the world. On the south bank of the Yarra River, the Royal Botanic Gardens are 354,000 square metres (35 hectares or 87 acres) of beautifully landscaped gardens. You can see a wide range of flora and enjoy the refreshing scenic beauty of the gardens.

Great Barrier Reef, located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland in northeast Australia, is a must visit site in Australia. It is often dubbed as one of natural wonders of the world. It was declared as a World Heritage Site in 1981. It is very popular tourist destination. You can enjoy scuba diving and boating in the warm clear waters of the reef.

Gold Coast is a wonderful coastal city in the southeast corner of the state of Queensland. It is often dubbed as Surfers Paradise. The city is famous for its sunny subtropical climate, popular surfing beaches, grand waterway & canal systems, beautiful skyline & skyscrapers, active nightlife, and countless tourist attractions. You can enjoy the beaches, lovely airs, and vibrant nightlife of the city.

Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, is a very popular destination. You can enjoy shopping at Queen Street Mall in central business district (CBD); enjoy eating & walking at restaurants, cafes, & boardwalks in South Bank; enjoy vibrant nightlife in Fortitude Valley; enjoy shopping & eating at artsy shops and cafes in West End; enjoy dinning at trendy dining places in New Farm; and cruising on the Brisbane River at Brett's Wharf.

Belair National Park is located 13 km south of Adelaide in South Australia. The park is known for many of its areas of interest, which include Old Government House, the park Nursery, Playford Lake, and the Adventure Playground. You can enjoy playing tennis, walking, biking, or horse riding at numerous tennis courts, ovals, and walking, bike and horse-riding trails in the park.

Daintree National Park, in Far North Queensland, is a popular tourist destination. Founded in 1988, the park consists of two sections, with a settled agricultural area that includes the towns of Daintree Village and Mossman. Home to numerous with tropical birds, butterflies, reptiles and countless species of wildlife, Daintree Village is a nature-lovers paradise.

Author writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing listings for hotels, villas, Holiday rental apartments in Sydney, and Vacation apartments in Australia

Arthur C. Clarke - Brilliant Visions But Bad Scientific Blunders

Arthur C. Clarke, who died on March 19 at age 90, was one of the most popular science fiction writers of the 20th century. He is best known for his novel 2001: A Space Odyssey(1968). Its film version was directed by Stanley Kubrick.

Clarke served as a radar specialist during World War II and realised that geostationary satellites could be used in telecommunication. They are satellites that orbit almost directly above the equator and appear to be stationary to an observer on the ground. Clarke popularised the concept in a paper called "Extra-Terrestrial Relays - Can Rocket Stations Give Worldwide Radio Coverage?"published in the magazine Wireless World in 1945.

Clarke had a great trust in the progress of human civilisation. However, at times his optimism bordered on scientism although some of his views were at odds with mainstream science. For instance, he toyed with the idea that an ancient alien civilisation might have produced the human race.

Writing in Skeptical Inquirer in 2001, Clarke outlined his religious beliefs. He called God a hypothetical entity and said, "early in the next millennium the rise of 'statistical theology' would prove that there is no supernatural intervention in human affairs. Nor does the 'problem of evil' exist; it is an inevitable consequence of the bell-shaped curve of normal distribution."

Such views have nothing to do with science. Modern science was born and developed in the western world, thanks to a belief in a rational Creator God who designed natural laws. The great pioneers of modern science, such as Johann Kepler, Blaise Pascal and Sir Isaac Newton, were devout Christians.

Christians have not eschewed rocket science, either. Wernher von Braun, the "father" of the Apollo moon program, was a Christian who actually believed it was wrong to exclude the teaching of creation in science classes. The astronauts Jim Lovell, Frank Borman and William Anders who orbited the moon in December1968 chose the opening verses of Genesis as their Christmas message to earth.

Clarke, however, had little respect for Christianity. He was a firm believer in extraterrestrial life. He supported the SETI@home community that tries to get proof of alien intelligence by monitoring messages they might send us.

It is strange that the SETI people spend billions of taxpayer dollars on listening to messages that might never come. At the same time, they ignore the message coded in our DNA that speaks volumes of intelligent design. But, as Ben Stein shows in his soon to be aired film Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed most mainstream scientists do not tolerate any dissenting voices.

Science should be a quest for the truth but unfortunately staunch Darwinists have used their preconceived ideology of naturalism or the stance that nature is all that there is to exclude all views that deviate from theirs. Regrettably, Arthur C. Clarke, the great science fiction writer, chose the side of those who do not want to allow discussion or dissent.

Joel Kontinen is a translator and novelist currently living in Finland. His background includes an MA in translation studies and a BA in Bible and Theology. He likes to keep up-to-date on science news and often comments on creation/evolution and origins issues.

Blog: http://joelkontinen.blogspot.com/