Track Your Dog’s Mood With TailTalk Emotion Sensor

by Mary Simpson

October 9th, 2015 12:00 AM

track your dog 8217 s mood with tailtalk emotion sensor

If you’re happy and you know it, wag your tail! That’s the basis behind TailTalk, a small device placed on your dog’s tail that tells you how your dog is feeling.

When I was a kid we learned pretty quick that a growling dog was an unhappy boy to be avoided and that a tail-wagging pooch was a very happy camper who would always welcome a pat on the head. Simple, right? Apparently, not so much.

Wagging isn’t just about being happy – it’s also used as a key social cue for dogs that includes complex emotional signals that we simple humans don’t’ quite get.

According to DogStar, understanding the tail means understanding the dog and to this end, and that’s why they’ve created the TailTalk tracker. It’s a small flexible sensor (think ponytail holder) that slips over the tail and is worn throughout the day. Based on your pet’s tail activity, the tracker can translate his emotional state at any given time via the DogStar app on your iPhone or android device.

Wondering how it works? The TailTalk unit is a sensor that has a 3-axis accelerometer and a gyroscope that tracks tail movement in real time. An algorithm then translates the activity into emotions that pet parents can check in on throughout the day.

What’s cool – and to me most useful – is the stored information that can show you how your pet’s level of happiness changes over a period of time. You can view this status for the day, week or month which might be helpful if you’ve changed up his routine – new dog walker or pet sitter? New home, baby or pet? Find out how he’s adjusting.

A cheat sheet for newbies? Did you know that if Rover is wagging his tail to the left, he has negative feelings of fear, aggression or anxiety? If he’s wagging to the right, it’s all good with positive feelings of happiness, excitement and satisfaction.

Want to lead the pack with this new technology? DogStar is ready to move into production mode and is funding this next step through Indiegogo. For $89 you receive one of the first TailTalk units at a $40 discount, the app and the opportunity to have your feedback incorporated into future designs. For $168 you receive two TailTalk units, the app, feedback opportunity as well as your dog’s right-wagging smile featured on the website.

Mary Simpson

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No More Woof! Amazon Pet Communication Device in the Works

Amazon backs futurologists claim that pet communication devices will turn woofs into words in less than a decade… ruffly speaking. Could you imagine talking to your fur-baby? Petting his or her’s soft, luscious coat while asking, “Who’s mommy’s good dog?” You would normally expect a quick woof or lick to the face, but your dog replies, “Me, me, me, I’m a good dog!” Pet communication might be something you never thought would happen. Amazon recently revealed that turning woofs and meows into words may soon become more of a reality than a fantasy with a pet communication device. Amazon and co-author/futurologist William Higham of Next Big Thing, believes that pet communication devices could be on the market in less than a decade. A professor at Northern Arizona University spent 30 years studying the behavior of prairie dogs, the north American rodent, and discovered they had a sophisticated communication system and use their own ‘words’ for different species of predators, colors of human clothes, or the coat of coyotes or dogs. Related: Track Your Dog’s Mood With TailTalk Emotion Sensor Advances in machine learning have led to an increase in automatic speech recognition and translation. Now convinced that other animals use decipherable language, he begins his effort in raising money to create a cat and dog translation device so we can our pets will finally know who the good boy or girl really is. Juliane Kaminski, psychologist and Portsmouth University, is less optimistic about the approach, as she believes a dogs woof is not a language. Instead, a dog would use rudimentary signals, a right-sided tail wag may be construed as a positive signal to others, while a left wag is not so positive. She does believe, however, that a translation device could help people who lack intuition or misinterpret signals by interpreting the animals behavior and possibly saving someone from approaching a dog or cat that could bite. Related: 6 Bizarre Ways Our Dogs Talk to Us Amazon currently sells a device that transfers a human voice into meows by using samples from 25 cats. A dog translation device called No More Woof was recently put “on pause” when the research lab realized the scale of the challenge. The gadget resembles a Madonna-style headset that measured brain activity according to the dogs thoughts, which were communicated through the speaker on their collar. The project lacked a full understanding and required more research. Tomas Mazetti, who was also involved in the project described it as “extremely limited.”

Interested in Pets for Adoption? Adoptapet Has Thousands Looking for A

Before You Shop, Consider All The Pets For Adoption On Adoptapet.com There are thousands of pets for adoption and it makes sense that you should look into this option before you go to a breeder. Just look at the numbers – about 4 million dogs and cats are killed each year because of overpopulation. Overall, about 25 to 30 percent of dogs for adoption are purebred and 70 to 75%, of course mixed-breed pups that can’t wait to find their forever home. This is where Adoptapet.com comes to the rescue! Adoptapet.com is North America’s largest non-profit pet adoption website. By connecting with over 12,000 animal shelters, humane societies, SPCAs, pet rescue groups, and pet adoption agencies, this site showcases thousands of pets for adoption, for free. Prospective pet parents can browse the site to find their perfect pet. Related: 7 Ways a Shelter Dog Can Improve Your Life How It Works Adoptapet.com wants to make the search of its pets for adoption as simple and easy as possible for you. You can search for dogs, cats or other animals based on a number of options. Just put in your Zip or Postal Code, along with the distance, breed, sex, size, color and age. There’s also consideration for special needs and bonded pairs. Click GO Fetch Now and you’re presented with a list of animals that match your requirements. Because Adoptapet.com is connected to pet agencies across North America, the list is long. It will be hard to pick just one (so you should totally bring home two or three). By connecting with over 12,000 animal shelters, humane societies, SPCAs, pet rescue groups, and pet adoption agencies, this site showcases thousands of pets for adoption, for free. What’s Next? Once you’ve found your match, you contact the rescue organization that listed the particular animal. And that’s easy, because Adoptapet.com has all the relevant contact information provided. You don’t have to do any additional research to track them down. Each adoption agency has different rules, regulations and processes, so be sure to check out the website before contacting them. Related: 6 Ways Your Life Will Change When You Adopt A Dog What Else You Can Do to Help If you want to go the extra mile for these furry cuties, you can spread the word. On each animal posting, you can share the pets for adoption on popular social networks or you can email it to a friend. Just because it wasn’t the dog or cat for you, perhaps it’s the perfect match for one of your friends. And that will give you a warm feeling inside! Adoptapet.com Extras Adoptapet.com has lots of extras. On each of the individual pet posts, there are links that let you donate to a shelter and print pet information. There are also pet articles that cover a host of important topics. On top of that, there’s the Save-A-Pet TV show, where famous pet owners such as Drew Barrymore, share their experiences with us. Remember, when you adopt a dog or cat from a humane society, an animal shelter, an SPCA, or a dog rescue or cat rescue group, you are saving a life. And that makes you a hero – just one look into your pet’s eyes reaffirms that fact. And Adoptapet.com is your partner in saving lives! To get paired up with pets for adoption, visit Adoptapet.com now. If you know of an animal rescue or advocacy site or organization that can use a little extra publicity, please tell us about it. We love to share this information to our readers.

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever Basics Some dog breeds need to be sold to potential dog owners as they might not be familiar with the intricacies of what makes those particular pups special. Other breeds are so legendary that the name is a selling point in and of itself. Enter the Labrador Retriever. The reputation of this beloved breed speaks for itself. There’s a reason why suburbs are filled with these fine animals and why seemingly every family wants to bring one into their homes. These dogs live up to the hype. Labrador Retrievers are among the most popular dog breeds out there today for a reason. Loyal, easy to get along with, and easy to train, these retrievers could be considered a neighborhood classic all around the United States and even in other parts of the world. It’s hard to find anything negative to say about these remarkable pooches and they are guaranteed to remain family favorites for generations to come. But what exactly makes Labrador Retrievers such popular and well-respected dogs? Does a strong breed always mean that a Labrador Retriever will be the right dog for you? The answers to these questions and many more can be found below. So if you’ve ever considered bringing home a Lab Retriever, you’ve come to the right place. Keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away. By the end of this article, you’ll either be racing out to get a Lab or beginning your search for a new breed. But what exactly makes them such popular, well-respected dogs… and does a strong breed always mean that a Labrador Retriever will be the right dog for you? Origin Canadian in decent, Labrador Retrievers originated in Newfoundland, having descended from the St. John’s Water Dog around the 16th century. The smaller versions of the St. John’s Water Dog were often used to retrieve as well as pull in fishing nets, giving this breed of dog a true working class background. Many people will observe that the personality of Labrador Retrievers is a strong indication of this background. These dogs are happiest when performing a task with their humans, after all. Descending from Portuguese, English, and Irish breeds, the Labrador Retriever could be considered a classic “blue-collar” dog. It is not quite on par with some hunting dogs, but certainly one of the more favorable “working” dog breeds available out there today. More recent history through previous centuries brought the Labrador Retriever back to England where it became a popular sporting and hunting dog. These dogs may have started in Canada, but they belong to the world now. Pedigree

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Chesapeake Bay Retriever Basics For many people, understanding dogs is simple. They find a friendly, loyal, easy-to-get-along with breed like the Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever and they’ll never want for a good friend again. But for the dog lover who appreciates all sorts of breeds, the Retriever doesn’t only sporty, friendly dog most of us grew up learning about. There’s more to the retriever story, and one only has to travel to the United States – and the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, specifically – to find it. Of course, by now you know we’re referring to the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, perhaps one of the great under-appreciated dog breeds out there. You won’t have to look far to find a quality dog after you’ve encounter a Chesapeake Bay Retriever or two; many times, whether you live on your own or with a family, a great Chesapeake Bay Retriever will be exactly what you’ve been looking for in a dog. The uniquely American heritage and breeding is a benefit to those of us who keep our dog breeds simply and domestic. Here’s a little bit more about this great breed of dog that more people should be talking about. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a classic retriever when it comes to behavior and training. Origin You don’t have to be a rocket scientist or, more fittingly, a dog historian to figure out where the Chesapeake Bay Retriever hails from. It’s not a trick question: the Chesapeake Bay Retriever does indeed trace the origins of its unique breed to the Chesapeake bay on the Atlantic seaboard of the United States. What’s unique about the origins of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, however, is that you can trace their lineage to two very specific dogs. These dogs, named Sailor and Canton, were brought to Maryland at the dawn of the 19th century and bred with other dogs in order to create a breed unique in and of itself. These two dogs weren’t Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, but they were known as Newfoundland dogs, which suggest that you can indeed trace the history of the Chesapeake Bay Retrieve further back if you want. The retriever has become a favorite in the Maryland and Chesapeake Bay area, even becoming Maryland’s state dog in 1964. If the history of Sailor and Canton is ever challenged, we at least know that the breed was recognized as its own in the late 19th century, not unlike many breeds we would consider “older” than the Chesapeake Bay Retriever.

Beagle

Beagle Basics When you hear a one-word breed of dog, you think of some true classics: Dalmatians, for example. Poodles, for another. It seems that any breed of dog with only one word in its name must be somewhat unique and, well, considered a classic. The Beagle? No exceptions here. One of the most recognizable dogs in the world, the Beagle often has a classic brown-and-white coloring to its coat that has become synonymous with the world of pets. Heck, if there was a flag for pets, it would probably look like the coat of a Beagle. Technically a type of hound, the Beagle’s unique identity is thanks to its easy-going and easy-to-get-along-with nature. It’s cute enough for anyone in your household and loyal enough to melt the heart of even the most stubborn anti-dog people around. For many people, a Beagle is a perfect addition to the home – it’s not often where people have to wonder if this breed is “right for them.” The question is: are you right for a Beagle? The Beagle’s unique identity is thanks to its easy-going and easy-to-get-along-with nature. Origin We told you Beagles are classic. Some people trace their origins back to antiquity and ancient Greece, making their direct ancestors thousands of years old. Beagles were not developed as separate breeds like many Terriers in the 19th Century; instead, the Beagle has a long and rich history across the European continent. That doesn’t mean, however, that the Beagle always appeared in its modern form. The history-changing William the Conqueror brought a Beagle-like hound to England, the Talbot hound. This hound gave rise to another breed of dog that is believed to be a direct ancestor to the Beagle. So the genetics of the Beagle were definitely swimming around during the high Middle Ages even if their current form wasn’t quite developed. But that doesn’t make them a non-classic: heck, you can say the same about the history of corn. Pedigree

Much Odd Doge Tourism Video Will Crack You Up (Or Scar You For Life) [

A new, fluffy doge-inspired musical group is rocking the Akita Prefecture in Japan, and it’s all in the name of tourism. We think… but we’re not sure. See for yourself.

DentaDish Dog Bowl Stops Bloat and Brushes Teeth

Some dogs won’t let you near their teeth with a brush – what’s a pet parent to do? The new DentaDish may help keep your dog’s clean and healthy. Here’s something we haven’t seen before – a dog dish that cuts down on bloat and helps clean teeth! The DentaDish was designed because an overwhelming number of dogs show signs of dental disease by the time they are three years old. Dental disease can end up being life-threatening as it can spread to vital organs and lead to sepsis! While we giggle sometimes at the thought of doggie toothbrushes, the reality is that dog oral hygiene is just as important as human oral hygiene. DentaDish can help clean your dog’s teeth while he eats. You read that right. It cleans as he eats. Granted, your dog may look at you like you’ve been smoking something when you place it in front of him, but…with good food as the motivator, he’ll dig in anyway, and have his gums gently massaged by the soft, flexible bristles as he eats. Related: Talking About Tartar Buildup On Dog’s Teeth The DentaDish has been clinically proven to reduce dental and gum disease this way–it reduces the formation of plaque, tartar and gingivitis, which at minimum produce horrendous dog breath (it’s not just licking their butts that does that!) and could require pet parents to spend thousands in dental surgeries. And, not only does the DentaDish clean dogs’ teeth while they eat, it slows them down. You may not think the speed at which a dog eats is a big deal, right? We joke about how dogs ‘wolf their food down,’ but the reality is that when dogs eat at a slower pace, there is less air taken in and as a result, less bloating of the belly. ‘Food bloat’ really means that a dog’s stomach is twisted because he’s eaten too quickly and taken in too much air as he did. In the dog’s body, this air turns to gas and can cause the abdomen to swell. When this happens, all the other internal organs also get internal, uncomfortable pressure and could lead to death. In fact, food bloat is only second to cancer as the leading cause of death in dogs. DentaDish tackles that serious, but not often known problem instantly and safely. Related: What Is Dog Bloat? There are two sizes of the DentaDish–small, which fits up to two cups of food and is made for dogs under 40 pounds, and the larger bowl, which fits up to four cups of food for dogs over 40 pounds. Considering they can save you thousands in vet care bills for oral surgery or bloat, we think that the prices of $14.99 and $19.99 are ridiculously reasonable and would make great holiday gifts for all the pets in your life!

Dog Food Drama Over as Purina and Blue Buffalo Settle Lawsuits

Nestle Purina and Blue Buffalo finally hug it out after an almost 2-year lawsuit showdown over false advertising claims. The verdict: everything’s cool now, nothing to see here. Fights are messy. It doesn’t matter if you’re best friends or huge dog food company rivals – once the fingers are pointed, no one wants to back down first (or a least admit to it). So we may never know who folded first – Nestle Purina PetCare and Blue Buffalo Co. One thing we do know is that they’ve finally settled the false advertising lawsuits they filed against each other. The fight is finally over – on Thursday, November 3, Blue Buffalo and Nestlé Purina shook paws and asked the court to dismiss the claims between the two parties. But Blue Buffalo will continue to prosecute its legal claims against the third-party suppliers of ingredients. No financial terms were disclosed in the settlement, so we may never know how much money (if any) changed hands. And we’re also sure that it doesn’t mean Purina and Blue Buffalo are besties, which means they’ll still talk smack about the other’s dog food behind each other’s back. That’s so high school! The drama started in 2014, when Purina filed suit, claiming that tests showed Blue Buffalo used chicken by-products in some food, even though the label said it didn’t include any by-products. Blue Buffalo denied the claim and filed a countersuit that accused Purina of false advertising and unfair competition practices.

Coral Reef-Safe Fish Species for Saltwater Tanks

Pairing the right fish with the right coral makes for a vibrant and healthy aquarium. Here’s what saltwater fish will enjoy your coral reef tank. Saltwater fish, particularly reef-dwelling species, are some of the most colorful creatures on the planet. They come in every color of the rainbow ranging from brilliant blues and greens to vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. As beautiful as these fish are, however, not all saltwater fish are reef-compatible. Keep reading to learn more about reef-safe species of fish to use in your saltwater tank. What Makes a Species Reef-Safe? A reef environment is a living entity made up of live rock, corals, and marine invertebrates – it is an underwater ecosystem that needs a certain balance to survive. The truth of the matter is that some species of fish simply are not compatible with a reef environment for one reason or another. Some saltwater fish feed on marine invertebrates or smaller species of fish, for example, and others dig through the tank substrate which can disturb corals and other tank inhabitants. Related: The True Tail Behind the Regal Tang Fish A reef-safe species of fish is simply one that is deemed safe for use in a reef aquarium – this means that it is unlikely to eat small fish and marine invertebrates and that it will get along with other species of fish. Top Recommended Species of Reef-Safe Fish There are thousands of different species of saltwater fish, but many of them are not reef-safe. If you are thinking about adding fish to your reef tank, consider one of these top recommended species of reef-safe fish: Gobies: The name goby applies to fish belonging to the family Gobiidae and there are more than 2,000 different species. Gobies usually grow to no more than 4 inches in length and they are bottom-dwellers, typically feeding on algae and small shrimp. Related: Open Your Tank to Clams Anthias: Many of the orange, yellow, and pink fishes that live in reef environments are anthias – fish that belong to the subfamily Anthiinae. Anthias usually remain fairly small and they feed largely on zooplankton which means that they aren’t a threat to invertebrates and other fish. Wrasses: While some wrasses are notorious for killing invertebrate and other fish, many of the smaller species are considered reef-safe. Cleaner wrasses, for example, feed on dead tissue and parasites. Other reef-safe wrasses include the exquisite fairy wrasse, the leopard wrasse, and the Christmas wrasse. Blennies: There are six families of blennies grouped into the Blennioidei suborder. These fish are usually fairly small with long, eel-like bodies and large eyes and mouths. Blennies burrow into sandy substrate, feeding on small crustaceans – they are not a threat to larger invertebrates. Tangs: These fish belong to the family Acanthuridae which they share with unicorn fishes and surgeon fishes. There are nearly 100 species in this family that have been identified and tangs are among the most colorful of these species. Some tangs can grow very large but they have small mouths that they usually use to feed on algae. These are just a few of the many reef-safe species out there – if none of these appeals to you, do some research of your own to find some better options. Just make sure that your reef tank is fully cycled and stable before you add any fish.

PetSmart’s National Adoption Weekend Starts November 11

Mark your calendars! If a pet is at the top of your holiday gift list, next weekend will be the time to mark it off at PetSmart’s National Adoption Weekend. PetSmart Charities and PetSmart Charities of Canada are sponsoring National Adoption Weekend November 11 to 13 at their stores across the US and Canada, and they want to encourage anyone looking for a pet for the holidays to consider looking and adopting now. Often commercials and print ads will give warm fuzzies with adorable puppies or kittens crawling out from holiday trees, but what many don’t consider is that the season also brings with it lots of unusual circumstances–travel plans, extra family members, chaotic households–all of which could potentially traumatize a new family member. PetSmart Charities and PetSmart Charities of Canada recommends looking before all the hustle and bustle really hits and National Adoption Weekend is a great weekend to do so! Related: 11 Celebrities Who Decided To Adopt, Not Shop PetSmart stores across both countries will have several rescue/adoption organizations offering the most grateful pets for adoption. PetSmart Charities and PetSmart Charities of Canada team with local organizations in both grant-giving and opportunity to allow the widest and varied selection of adoptable pets, helping more than 20,000 pets find their furever homes each year. PetSmart Charities of Canada knows that a surprise furry family member under the tree may be a wonderful memory, they’ve offered five better reasons to adopt well before the holiday season: 1. You can get the best holiday gift for the family even before the holiday… leaving the rest of your shopping easy, peasy. 2. You will have plenty of time to allow your new pet to adapt to living in his or her new family before the holiday season gets too busy. 3. Your new pet will be able to be part of all of your family’s holiday traditions. Who doesn’t love watching Fido dig through his stocking on Christmas morning? 4. A new pet will encourage healthy habits for the family–playing with the new kitty or walking the new pup can create healthy family habits that will last a lifetime. 5. Most important–pets need homes now. Many in shelters simply don’t have the time to wait until you come across them as a cute holiday gift. Adopting a pet now could literally save his life. Related: Tips For Traveling With Your Dog Over The Holidays PetSmart Charities and PetSmart Charities of Canada wants you to share the love when you adopt by showing your new family member with the hashtags or on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. And, as an added ‘Thank You” for saving a pet, PetSmart will offer free adoption kits to anyone who adopts. The kits include over $400 in product and services coupons, and are sure to help give your new pet a great start in your family! So, if you were considering finally giving in and adopting a family pet, but were waiting for the holidays, reconsider and visit the National Adoption Weekend at a PetSmart near you. Trust us, you’ll still get the big impact of the best gift ever, and you’ll be saving the life of a pet in need now.

Facility Dog Stands On Guard for Canadian Children Testifying in Court

Sometimes, children have to testify in court cases, and the process is terrifying. A city in Ontario has recently acquired a court dog to help ease their anxiety and fears. In 2015, The Calgary Police Service introduced Hawk, a black lab, as a court assistance dog for part of a child sex-assault case. Hawk gave comfort and allowed the child witnesses to open up more in a very intimidating situation. Since, a specially trained facility dog, Merel, has joined the ranks to become the second ‘court dog’ in Canada, and the first in Ontario. Merel is an 18-month-old black Lab/Bernese Mountain mix who was trained with National Service Dog s in Cambridge Ontario. Facility dogs cost over $30,000 to train for their very specific duties, and was donated by National Service Dogs to help assist children and other emotionally fragile witnesses in court cases. Merel has been taught to sit with a child witness and put her head in their lap, or even lie down with the child to comfort him or her. Merel’s handler, Rachel Crawford, is a program coordinator for the Child Witness Program at the London Family Court Clinic, and simply tells Merel, “Merel, visit!” and Merel will go quickly and quietly to the child who needs some extra assurance. Crawford says that often, children involved in court cases are those who have experienced significant, traumatic events, such as robbery or sexual assault, and that being involved in the testifying is sometimes just as traumatic as the actual event they suffered through. Related: Why Courthouse Dogs Are Crucial To Our Justice System Crawford said that the child who is testifying is only responsible for telling the truth, even though they often feel the weight of the entire trial, and Merel helps bring a calming presence to the children as they tell their stories in testifying. Crawford said her job as a preparer for children in court has seen tremendous change, now that Merel is part of the preparation process and offers the children comfort and support as they get ready to and then actually testify in court.

Top 5 Low Light Corals for a Beginner Reef Tank

You want to start a coral reef tank, but you’re not sure where to start. Here are five types of coral that are great for beginners. If you want to achieve a beautiful, natural look in your reef tank then you should consider adding some corals. There are many different types of corals to choose from, but some of them are very difficult to keep in the home aquarium – especially if you are a reef tank beginner. Keep reading to learn about the various types of coral that are easy for beginners and to learn about the top 5 low light coral species that are easy for beginner reef tank aquarists to work with. What Types of Corals are Best for Beginners? Like most invertebrates, corals can be very sensitive to changes in water parameters such as water temperature, pH level, and salinity. If the conditions in your tank fluctuate even a little bit, it could kill off all your reef tank inhabitants – this is why it is important for reef tank beginners to choose their tank inhabitants carefully, to give yourself a small margin for error. Related: Coral Reef-Safe Fish Species for Saltwater Tanks When it comes to corals, certain types are hardier than others and some corals are less demanding in terms of their requirements for lighting, filtration, and nutrients. Soft corals, for example, are fairly easy to care for because they have low light requirements and they will feed on any free-floating food in your tank water. Star polyps are another type of coral that is fairly easy to keep because they are adaptable to various levels of light. Some other corals that are good for beginners include zooanthids, mushroom corals, tree corals, and leather corals. Related: Open Your Tank to Clams Top 5 Recommended Coral for Beginners Now that you have a better understanding of which types of corals are easier to maintain, here are some specific species you should consider if you are a beginner reef tank hobbyist: Hammer Corals: These corals grow uniquely shaped tentacles that look like hammers or anchors – hence the name hammer coral. Hammer corals grow in either branching or wall formations and they come in many colors ranging from yellow to brown to green. These corals are easy to maintain but they may sting other corals.Mushroom Corals: Mushroom corals exhibit a wide variety of colors or textures which makes them a unique addition to the reef tank. These corals prefer low to moderate water flow and they do well in low lighting. In fact, they prefer to be in a shady area.Button Polyps: These are one of the easiest species of coral to care for because they require no supplemental feeding and they do well in low-light conditions. Button polyps range in color from brown to green and they are generally peaceful with other corals.Sun Coral: This type of coral has a bright orange color and a spherical shape which is where they get their name. Sun corals are hardy and adaptable to various levels of light, though they can be a little tricky to feed at times.Leather Corals: These corals are low-maintenance so they do not require high levels of lighting – they also tend to grow quickly. Some types of leather coral can grow large so they may not be right for a nano reef tank, but they usually don’t bother other corals. There are hundreds more species of coral out there, many of which require relatively low lighting. But these five are a safe bet for beginners, and they’ll provide a building block for your beautiful coral reef tank.

Colorful Tips for Starting a Nano Reef Tank

Amazing things come in smaller packages. If you live in a smaller space and you’re a coral enthusiast, set up a nano reef tank. There is nothing more beautiful than a fully stocked reef tank loaded with corals, live rock, and colorful saltwater fish. But reef aquariums can take up a lot of space and they require a significant amount of upkeep. If you like the idea of a reef tank but don’t have a limitless budget or unlimited time to dedicate to its upkeep, you may want to consider a nano reef tank. What is a Nano Reef Tank? The name “nano reef tank” is probably enough to help you form an idea of what this kind of tank is. A nano tank is simply a reef tank in miniature, generally 30 gallons or less. The size of the tank is what earns it the “nano” nickname but, in all other aspects, it is a typical reef tank with corals, marine invertebrates, and even small fish. Related: Coral Reef-Safe Fish Species for Saltwater Tanks But setting up and maintaining a nano reef tank is not quite the same as working with a standard reef tank. Many aquarium hobbyists mistakenly assume that small tanks are easier to maintain than larger tanks. While it may take less time and money to set up a nano reef tank compared to a standard reef tank, both still require a significant amount of maintenance to keep the conditions in the tank stable. Tank parameters can fluctuate quickly and dangerously in a small tank. Start-Up Tips for a Nano Reef Tank If you already have experience with reef tanks, you may be able to design and set up your nano reef tank from scratch. For those who have never worked with a reef tank (or any other kind of saltwater tank), however, you may want to think about purchasing a nano reef tank kit. Related: Top 5 Low Light Corals for a Beginner Reef Tank These kits come with the tank itself as well as the equipment you need such as a filtration system and a lighting system. Maintaining high water quality and stable water parameters is essential for a healthy nano reef tank, so do not take the task of setting up your tank lightly. You should plan to test your tank water at least once a week to make sure the conditions are ideal. In addition to setting up and equipping your nano reef tank, you also need to think about your tank inhabitants. A nano reef tank can accommodate small polyp corals and soft corals as well as small mushroom corals. You may also want to include some live rock for decoration and live sand for your tank substrate. If you want to include fish in your nano reef tank you should wait to add them until the conditions in your tank have stabilized and you should choose fish that grow to no more than 2 or 3 inches in length. Gobies, blennies, and fire fish are good choices for a nano reef tank. If you plan to include invertebrates in your tank, make sure they will not cause problems with your fish and vice versa. Setting up and maintaining a nano reef tank is a challenge, but it can also be rewarding. Achieving success in cultivating a thriving miniature reef environment is quite an accomplishment – one that any aquarium hobbyist would be proud to show off.

What Are the Most Attractive Corals for a Reef Tank?

Broccoli, bubbles and… open brains? These are just a few coral types that will bloom in your aquarium and give your reef environment life. Nothing compares to the beauty of a thriving reef environment – just look at pictures of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia or the Rainbow Reef in Fiji. But what makes these environments so unique and colorful? In many cases, it is a variety of thriving corals that gives a reef environment its beautiful color and movement. The Top 5 Most Beautiful Coral Species There are more than 2,500 different species of coral in the world, about half of which are the hard corals that make up the skeleton of the world’s coral reefs. Soft corals are those that bend and sway with the flow of the water around them, giving the reef its beautiful movement. If you want to capture the beauty of a reef environment in your tank at home, consider some of the top 5 most beautiful coral species: Open Brain Coral (Trachyphyllia geoffroyi): This type of coral has a conical base with a heavy oval-shaped skeleton – it is also known as crater coral or folded brain coral. Open brain coral comes in various shades of red, green, blue, yellow or brown and they are entirely photosynthetic. Related: Colorful Tips for Starting a Nano Reef Tank Broccoli Coral (family Nephtheidae): Though these corals are bright yellow they resemble broccoli crowns with their unique shape. Broccoli coralBubble Coral (family Euphyllidae): These corals develop water-filled bubbles that inflate and expand in accordance with the light. During daylight hours, they look like grapes or bubbles and they are very fragile. Bubble corals are mainly found in the Indian Ocean, Red Sea, and the Pacific Ocean.Mushroom Coral (family Fungiidae): These corals are amongst the largest polyp corals, growing up to 12 inches wide. Mushroom corals exhibit amazing Technicolor variations and they are amongst the only coral species to feed on jellyfish. Related: Top 5 Low Light Corals for a Beginner Reef Tank Cup Coral (family Dendrophyllidae): These soft corals live in the deeper regions of coral reefs feeding on zooplankton that they filter from the water around them. Cup corals are also known as “flowers of the sea” because they grow in a beautiful bouquet-like formation and they come in a wide range of brilliant colors. Tips for Keeping Corals in a Reef Tank Corals are some of the most beautiful and unique-looking creatures in the natural world which is why they are so popular amongst reef tank hobbyists. In addition to being beautiful, they are also something of a challenge to keep. Not only do you need to make sure that your corals get enough food, but they also require a certain amount of light and a certain degree of water flow. The ideal tank parameters for corals varies from one species to another so you need to do your research to determine what you need to do to keep the kind of corals you like best. You will definitely need a high-quality filtration system to keep your tank water clean and to facilitate flow – you will also need a good lighting system to provide your corals with the energy they need to facilitate the process of photosynthesis. If you are an experienced aquarium hobbyist looking for a new challenge, consider adding some corals to your reef tank! Corals come in all kinds of shapes, colors, and patterns so you can mix and match them to create a unique and custom look in your reef tank.

Spanador

Spanador Basics Also known as the Cockador or Cockerdor, the Spanador is an affectionate dog that will prefer being around you as much as possible. These dogs will curl up into your lap even after they’re full grown, and they’ll gladly follow you around the house. If you’re in search of a dog that features the good looks and personality traits of two popular breeds, the Labrador Retriever and the Cocker Spaniel, look no further than the Spanador. But before you make the decision to introduce one of these great dogs into your family, keep reading to learn a bit more about this breed. The Spanador is a cross between a purebred Labrador Retriever and the Cocker Spaniel. Origin

Cockalier

Cockalier Basics The Cockalier is a designer dog breed that is known for its pleasant personality and super cute looks. These dogs have a lot of energy and are always ready to play, and they are also full of love and loyalty. To find out if the Cockalier is the right dog for your family, keep reading to learn a bit about this popular breed. The Cockalier is a cross between a purebred Cocker Spaniel and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Origin

Eskipoo

Eskipoo Basics Whether you’re looking for a companion pooch to spend your retiring days with or would love to grace your family with their first family dog, the Eskipoo is a wonderful choice. These high-energy dogs, also known as the Pookimo or Eksapoo, have a naturally happy outlook on life and love to spend lots of time with their human family. They love to play and have a good time, making them a great breed to interact with children no matter their age. Due to their small size, these dogs make excellent apartment dwellers so long as they are taken on regular walks and their barking is controlled. This pooch has a tendency to bark at any and all unfamiliar sounds, so training them so they won’t bother your neighbors is a must if you live in an apartment. They don’t do well in solitude and may suffer from separation anxiety if left for too long a time, which is the reason why they would do best with families with at least one person home, or couples where one person may work from home. The Eskipoo is a cross between a Poodle and American Eskimo dog. Origin Bringing two breeds together to create a new breed has been all the rage for the past two decades. While some designer dog breed origins are known to us, we aren’t entirely sure how or when the Poodle and the American Eskimo mix came to be. Fortunately, we do know the beginnings of each of these breeds. The Poodle started out as dogs who assisted their human masters on hunting trips – they were, in essence, water dogs! In fact, the German word “pudel” refers to the splashing this dog would make when retrieving waterfowl and the sort, and “Poodle” is simply the English equivalent. In 19th-century America, white Spitz-type dogs were first found in the communities of German immigrants. They were the descendants of the German Spitz, white Keeshonden or white Pomeranians that came over with immigrants. In the late 19th century, these pooches became popular and were better known as the American Spitz, bred to be multi-purpose working dogs on farms. In 1917, the American Spitz became known as the American Eskimo, despite having no origin or connection to Eskimo culture whatsoever. They became popular in traveling circuses as trick dogs thanks to its gorgeous coat, amazing agility and ease of training. Pedigree

Koolie

Koolie BasicsWhen you see the Koolie for the first time, you may think that you are looking at an Australian Cattle Dog. The breed is, in fact, an Australian breed but it is actually the other way around – the breed played a role in the development of the Australian Cattle Dog, also known as the Blue Heeler. Interestingly, however, the breed is sometimes misrepresented as a German breed because it is also known as the German Koolie.Koolies played a role in the development of the Australian Cattle Dog.OriginThe Koolie is also known as the German Koolie because the predecessors of the breed were brought to Australia by early German settlers. The German Koolie was used as an all-purpose working breed until the 1800s when one of them accidentally mated with a Dingo, the wild dog of Australia. The result of this mating was a short-coated working breed ideally suited to the hot climate in the Australian outback. The breed rapidly gained popularity after that point and was used to develop other Australian working breeds like the Australian Kelpie and the Australian Cattle Dog.Pedigree

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