Welcome To Our New Blog
Dalbarb was established in 1972 with a commitment to providing better aquariums for the growing number of people interested in keeping fish. Today Dalbarb remains 100% Australian owned and
continues its commitment to producing the highest quality product and backing it up with the best service.
Our blog has been setup to provide existing and prospective customers with the latest product innovations and information from Dalbarb, as well as the latest industry news. We will provide our readers with the photos and specifications of product releases as well as useful information on looking after and maintaining aquariums and habitats.
We encourage all readers to submit comments or feedback as well as any suggestions on what you would like to see in our products. PLEASE NOTE- all comments are moderated so please don’t post irrelevant or inappropriate material.
Dalbarb Aquariums – The Preferred Choice For Fish Tanks in Sydney
Are you in need of a quality fish tank to display in your home or office? Dalbarb Aquariums in Sydney has been providing local Australians with the highest quality of fish tanks for over 39 years. Dalbarb Aquariums selects only the best possible quality of materials and state of the art manufacturing to produce superior fish tanks at reasonable, competitive prices. It’s easy to see why Dalbarb Aquariums is the best choice for fish tanks in Sydney.
When searching for a top-notch fish tank for your fish, whether it is to add interest to your office space or entertainment for the home, things such as durability, price, size, and variety becomes important aspects. Dalbarb Aquariums offers a whole range of sizes and capacities. There’s sure to be a perfect match for your fish and space, whether you’re looking for a small tank (also called a starter tank) to comfortably fit a few fish, or a larger shape tank to make home for a large quantity.
Since Dalbarb provides and supports Australian made fish tanks and aquarium furniture, prices may be slightly high than imported products. However, the products are of the highest quality and include warranty to ensure durability and excellent built structure well worth the investment.
Not only does Dalbarb offer several fish tank options, but also has a full supply of valuable products to complement a range of reptile habitats in their modern manufacturing facility in Sydney’s western suburbs. Offering more than just fish tanks, Dalbarb delivers the highest quality of aquarium furniture in Australia.
In the case you don’t find a fish tank to meet your satisfaction or perhaps you need a specific shape/size built aquarium furniture, no worries! Sydney’s Dalbarb Aquariums also allow for unique customization of fish tanks and more, meeting each customer’s unique requests and needs. Established in 1972, Dalbarb Aquariums has been Australia’s largest fish tank manufacturer, continuously providing quality and custom built fish tanks and aquarium furniture since.
If you are looking for a large variety of durable, high-quality Australian-made fish tanks in Sydney at very affordable prices, visit our showroom or contact us for more details!
Our Top 10 Aquarium Tips
1. Plan your aquarium before you begin.
It’s no good buying fish before you ‘re properly equipped for their arrival. Be prepared: decide on the size and kind of aquarium, where it’s going to be positioned and equip it accordingly. Don’t introduce fish until the tank has been up and running for several days. Talk to the staff at Dalbarb for the correct size and type of aquarium for your needs.
2. Never overfeed.
Fish need a healthy, well balanced diet to enjoy a long, illness free life. However any uneaten food quickly decays and provides an ideal breeding ground/or any decay bacteria which creates deadly toxins. Watch the fish feed and only give as much food as will be eaten in 2-3 minutes. If any food is left over you’re giving them too much. Remember fish prefer several small meals rather than one large meal.
3. Never keep too many fish together in one tank.
Too many fish produce too much waste which leads to the harmful build-up of toxins such as ammonia and nitrite. Stock with 2.5cm of fish per 4 litres of water, although with an efficient filtration system and good maintenance routine, this may easily be doubled. Calculate 2.5cm of fish to 16 litres of water for marine fish, these figures can be doubled after six months.
4. Inspect the aquarium and fish daily.
Quite often the condition of the fish and the aquarium provides early clues of potential trouble. Look for any signs of parasites, wounds or abnormal behaviour which may be an indication of a sick fish. Visible, excessive dirt or discoloured water is a sure sign that the aquarium needs cleaning. Don’t ignore conditions in the aquarium which may deteriorate to a point where the causes of disease can take hold.
5. Keep fish that live well together.
The selection of a good fish community needs care right from the start. Certain species have unfriendly habits or temperaments. Don’t guess or you could be taking home a fish who will terrorise another fish. Always ask your aquatic dealer about compatible species.
6. Always de-chlorinate tap water.
Chlorine is harmful to fish! Use a water conditioner on setting up your fish tank. When doing partial water changes always de-chlorinate tap water before it is added to the aquarium. Ask you dealer for advice on commercially prepared conditioners.
7. Ensure adequate filtration and heating.
Operating a wrongly sized filter or heater will lead to health problems with your fish. A healthy environment will help develop strong growth and a happy disposition in your fish. Talk to the staff at Dalbarb about filtration and heating.
8. Keep a regular cleaning routine.
You flush the toilet routinely don’t you? Regular cleaning of waste will help stop the development of toxins in your tank. Do fortnightly partial water changes using a gravel cleaner to get at the embedded dirt in the bottom of the tank. Also check the levels of ammonia and nitrite. Clean your filter regularly and ensure that the filter media is unclogged and changed when necessary.
9. Always isolate sick fish.
A diseased fish is a danger to the fish community as infections can spread quickly. Gently net the fish and place in a “hospital” tank where it can be treated individually. Consult your aquatic dealer and keep the patient in isolation until it has recovered before returning it to the aquarium.
10. Never clean your tank or equipment with detergents.
Never use commercial cleaning agents. Chemicals, even in the smallest amounts, are normally deadly to fish. Be aware of overspray from your air freshener and furniture polish finding its way into your aquarium as this will also harm your fish. Use clean water or water and weak vinegar solution.
The following will help you start your aquarium on the right track. For professional advice on the right aquarium to suit your needs, talk to the friendly staff at Dalbarb. Call now on (02) 9824-5677
Fish Tanks For Sale – Buying Imported or Locally Made
When looking at fish tanks for sale, whether locally or those which are imported, there are many options that you will face before making your final choice. There are a few factors to take into consideration that will make your choice a bit easier though. The first choice to make is whether you want to have an acrylic tank or whether you are more interested in a tank that is made from glass. This decision depends on weighing the advantages and disadvantages of both choices. The most visible advantage for a glass tank is that it is highly scratch-resistant.
Fish tanks for sale that are made from acrylic scratch so easily that they often already arrive scratched if you are buying one that is imported, or in some cases, even those that are bought locally. The fish and various inhabitants of your tank can scratch the fish tank surface as well. Fish tanks made from acrylic do offer one important advantage though, regardless of how easily they scratch. It is very unlikely that an acrylic tank will ever break or crack, unlike glass tanks. However, acrylic tanks can break if they incur a heavy impact from a very sharp object.
Fish tanks for sale come in standard sizes or they can be ordered in customizable shapes and measurements. Custom fish tanks are nearly always made from acrylic due to the fact that molding plastic is a much less costly process than molding glass. Molded glass in a custom fish tank also poses problems for observing the aquarium life. The molded glass will bend light causing warping and distortion when you are viewing your specimens. Acrylic containers refract light at a very low level. If you are interested in a custom fish tank, acrylic is likely to be your optimal choice.
One final thing to consider when choosing between acrylic and glass fish tanks for sale is the longevity of your purchase. Acrylic will yellow over long periods of time, unlike glass. Also, the build-up of scratches occurs much quicker with acrylic than with glass. If you purchase a glass fish tank it is unlikely that you will feel the need to replace the item as quickly when compared to most acrylic tanks. In regards to algae and various build-ups on the material surface, there is no considerable difference that makes one material superior to the other.
The size of your tank should vary according to the needs of the life that will be kept in it, and the price range you can afford. Larger tanks and those made from acrylics will have higher price tags. Buying fish tanks for sale locally is good in terms of supporting your local shop. Imported fish tanks and those from wholesale manufacturers can be less expensive than buying locally, but that depends heavily upon the manufacturer and other variables. In most cases, your local shop will have access to the same retailers as the common shopper in terms of ordering tanks. In many cases, they will have access to deals that the average person does not when it comes to shopping online.
The local retailers generally have more in-depth knowledge of the products to assist buyers as well. It really comes down to whether or not you as the buyer are willing to pay a few bucks extra to support their store front, and compensate their guidance through the process of picking out one of the finest fish tanks for sale – one that is right for you.
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Tips on Buying and Maintaining a Reptile Enclosure
Buying a pet is one of the more common and enjoyable experiences for many people. And with a vast variety of options available, people have plenty of choices when looking to buy a pet. Animals such as dogs, cats and birds are among the more common pets that people consume.
There is another type of animal that is quite popular, reptiles. Reptiles include animals such as turtles and lizards. When buying a reptile as a pet, there are certain things that you must have and use in order to make the most of your experience as the pet owner. Unlike dogs and cats, reptiles such as turtles and lizards need to be held in a reptile enclosure. The most common type of enclosure for reptiles is a tank.
When having a reptile enclosure such as a turtle tank and lizard tank, there are some tips to help make the most out of its use. Firstly, it is important to make sure that the tank is strong and durable. The last thing you want is for the tank glass to shatter and break, forcing the animal to be on the loose. Getting a tank that has a durable framework and strong glass will prevent this from happening and help keep the animals in a safe and secure enclosure.
The next tip for a lizard tank or turtle tank is to place it in a location where it is not likely to fall. It is a good idea to place the reptile enclosure/tank against a wall on the floor, or on a table, so that it won’t fall off the edge and have the glass break. By placing the tank in a secure location where it won’t fall, you will be preventing a possible disaster, or at least your reptiles from running wild.
Since these animals are used to a certain type of habitat, it is important to make the environment of the tank rather similar to their natural surroundings. Including things such as dirt, tree branches, water and plants will help the turtle or lizard feel at home. This will result in the reptile being comfortable, offering a good chance of living well and surviving. When you get an enclosure, make sure to add plenty of these natural elements in the tank.
Another tip for maintaining a reptile enclosure is to have a place where the animal can easily be fed. It is important to make sure that the animal is well nourished, and therefore put food and water in a place that is convenient for it to access and consume. By allowing the animal to have a dependable location for food and water, it will be able to survive and have proper nutrition.
Maintaining a lizard or turtle tank is a very important task when owning such an animal. By following these tips though, any reptile owner will be in a good position to make the most out of their experience of owning a reptile as a pet. The well maintained reptile enclosure will benefit both the owner and the animal itself.
Hints & Tips For Setting Up Your New Aquarium
When setting up your aquarium we suggest the following will be of assistance:
- It is absolutely critical that your glass aquarium is supported by furniture which is designed to suit an aquarium. An aquarium can easily weigh more than a person and incorrect support may cause the aquarium to break, resulting in not only losing your precious tank and fish but may lead to possible disputes with guarantee and inconvenience.
- A styrene foam pad placed between the furniture and the bottom of your aquarium will act as a cushion and protection for the glass bottom. Some framed tanks may already have the pad built in.
- It is very important that your furniture and glass aquarium is level and on a firm foundation.
- Glass cover lids of the correct size should be fitted to all aquariums to prevent damage from water condensation, protection of fish and to comply with regulations concerning aquarium lighting.
- Do not, under any circumstances attempt to move your aquarium if it contains any water or decorations
- Before first use, always wash your tank thoroughly with clean water and a soft cloth.
Use a clean, detergent free container or bucket to rinse the gravel in small quantities until the water runs clear. Wash all rocks, plants and decorations before adding to your tank. - Place a generous layer of gravel and slope it down towards the front. Allow about 7.5cm at the back to slope to 2.5cm at the front. Not only does this look better but it will help debris to collect at the front for easier cleaning.
- Never overfill your aquarium. Leave approximately 20 – 25mm between the water surface and aquarium top.
- Leave your fish to float in the bag they were brought home in and allow the water to acclimatize for about 20 minutes. At 10 minute intervals, please some of the aquarium water into the bag. Repeat this 2 or 3 times before gently releasing the fish into the tank.
We Invite You To Join Us On Facebook
We have recently launched our Facebook page, we felt that as a business we needed to have a Facebook presence and most importantly to stay connected with our loyal customers. Our page willl be updated regularly with new products and industry information and we encourage users to post photos of their Dalbarb setups on the page for everyobe to see.
As part of the Facebook launch we are offering special discounts for people who visit our page. Our page can be found at www.facebook.com/dalbarbaquariums
The Five Most Important Tips When Considering Custom Aquariums
Many fish enthusiasts, both freshwater and marine, dream of designing their own custom aquariums. Luckily for them, lighter weight materials and high-tech filtration systems can now make this a reality. There are five important things to consider though when creating a custom built aquarium. They are as follows:
1. Design
The days of basic rectangular aquariums are gone. Custom aquariums are now built into bookshelves, corners, coffee tables, or act as room dividers. While glass is still popular and tends to last longer, acrylic tanks are gaining popularity for their lighter weight and design options. Design should include adequate access above the aquarium for cleaning.
Much of the design will be dictated by budget. The more sophisticated the design, the more the aquarium will cost. However, the larger the system, the less susceptible it will be to temperature and water chemical fluctuations.
2. Location
The location of custom aquariums often dictates the shape. Aquariums need to be kept out of direct sunlight, to minimize temperature fluctuations and algal growth. Weight constraints must also be considered. Custom fish aquariums are heavy. A ninety litre tank might work on a second floor, but a 280 litre tank needs to be on a reinforced or concrete floor, or the ceiling below the tank may start to sag. The aquarium will need to be located by outlets with ground fault interrupters.
3. Service
Custom aquariums are expensive. Therefore, it is important to seek out a manufacturer with extensive experience. Reputable manufacturers will include sump installation for either marine or freshwater fish. They will explain the proper ventilation for the tank and the amperage needed for the electrical system. And they should ask what breeds of fish will be in the aquarium. Professionals know which breeds do and do not get along.
Many manufacturers not only install the aquariums, but also clean and service them. Proper cleaning is important for maintaining the health of the fish. Healthy fish don’t need to be replaced, reducing the cost of ownership. New owners can watch how professionals clean the aquarium and maintain the parts, and eventually take over maintenance themselves.
4. Size
The size of custom aquariums is not only determined by their location (bookshelf build in versus room divider), but also by the capacity. A general rule is two litres of water for every one centimetre of fish. Based on this rule, 150 centimetres of fish require a 280 litre tank. Will a 280 litre tank fit in the space allotted? Will it fit through the entrance to the room or home? The aquarium has to be customized to the space rather than customizing the space to the aquarium.
5. Budget
The more sophisticated custom built aquariums come with a sophisticated price tag. Manufacturers are willing to work with customers to design an aquarium that meets their requirements while staying within budget though. Providing the manufacturer with a budget up front will eliminate surprises at the end. Custom aquariums are a fish enthusiasts dream, and considering these steps can turn that dream into a reality.
Dalbarb has nearly 40 years experience in designing and building unique top quality custom aquariums. call David on (02) 9824 5677 to discuss how Dalbarb can design and create a unique custom aquarium to suit you or your business.