Fish Painting

A painting art of Koi fish or Japanese carp , an ornamental domesticated varieties of the common carp that are kept for decorative purposes in outdoor ponds and water gardens. This fish painting clip art also available in wide screen size. It great for desktop wallpaper background. Need some modification for use in powerpoint template ( You can crop it, change level or add new layer with 50% of opacity.



Koi
Koi (鯉?, pronounced [koꜜi]) (English: /ˈkɔɪ/), or more specifically nishikigoi (錦鯉?, [niɕi̥kiꜜɡo.i], literally "brocaded carp"), are ornamental domesticated varieties of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) that are kept for decorative purposes in outdoor ponds and water gardens. They are also called Japanese carp.

Koi were developed from common carp in Japan in the 1820s, and are still popular there because they are a symbol of love and friendship. A variety of colors and color patterns have since been developed; common colors include white, black, red, yellow, blue, and cream. The most popular category of koi is the Gosanke, which is made up of the Kohaku, Taisho Sanshoku, and Showa Sanshoku varieties.

History

The carp is a large group of fish originally found in Central Europe and Asia. Various carp species were originally domesticated in East Asia, where they were used as food fish. The ability of carp to survive and adapt to many climates and water conditions allowed the domesticated species to be propagated to many new locations including Japan. Natural color mutations of these carp would have occurred across all populations. Carp were first bred for color mutations in China more than a thousand years ago, where selective breeding of the Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) led to the development of the goldfish.

Carp are known as koi in Japan. Of the various domesticated carp species, the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is one of the more commonly used in aquaculture. Common carp were first introduced into Japan by way of China between 400 to 600 years ago. Common carp were first bred for color in Japan in the 1820s, initially in the town of Ojiya in the Niigata prefecture on the north eastern coast of Honshu island. By the 20th century, a number of color patterns had been established, most notably the red-and-white Kohaku. The outside world was not aware of the development of color variations in koi until 1914, when the Niigata koi were exhibited in the annual exposition in Tokyo. At that point, interest in koi exploded throughout Japan. The hobby of keeping koi eventually spread worldwide. Koi are now commonly sold in most pet stores, with higher-quality fish available from specialist dealers.

Extensive hybridization between different populations has muddled the historical zoogeography of the common carp. However, scientific consensus is that there are at least two subspecies of the common carp, one from Western Eurasia (Cyprinus carpio carpio) and another from East Asia (Cyprinus carpio haematopterus). One recent study on the mitochondrial DNA of various common carp indicate that koi are of the East Asian subspecies.[5] However another recent study on the mitochondrial DNA of koi have found that koi are descended from multiple lineages of common carp from both Western Eurasian and East Asian varieties. This could be the result of koi being bred from a mix of East Asian and Western Eurasian carp varieties, or koi being bred exclusively from East Asian varieties and being subsequently hybridized with Western Eurasian varieties (the butterfly koi is one known product of such a cross). Which is true has not been resolved.

Etymology

The word 'koi' comes from Japanese, simply meaning "carp." It includes both the dull grey fish and the brightly colored varieties. What are known as 'koi' in English are referred to more specifically as 'nishikigoi' in Japan (literally meaning 'brocaded carp'). In Japanese, 'koi' is a homophone for another word that means 'affection or love'; koi are therefore symbols of love and friendship in Japan. An example of this is given in a short story by Mukoda Kuniko, "Koi-san". Koi tattoos have also become a popular trend in North America.

Where do tropical fish wholesalers get their fish from?

Hi, I recently purchase some fish from a wholesaler. I know that regular fish shops purchase from them, but I was wondering where does wholesalers get their fish from? and why doesn’t fish shops just buy from them instead of the wholesalers?

Fish for consumption:
I know of an independent fish shop that buys straight from the source, but further inland they’d probably buy from a wholesaler because the wholesaler might provide a delivery service whereas the source might not.

Ornamental fish:
I know that for marine aquariums almost all of the fish are fished straight from the reef and sold. Same reason as above though for aquarium fish shops not buying straight from the source (unless the wholesaler does the fishing as well): transportation of the fish is probably provided by the wholesaler as opposed to the people who go out and catch the fish. To be honest, at a quick glance I think tropical marine fish are a bit unethical to buy/encourage the trade of by the looks of this article: http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/8-5-2006-104634.asp

Freshwater aquarium fish are different though (presumably because freshwater is easier to maintain compared to sea water); apparently in the US most of them are bred in man made ponds in Florida.

‘Relative to other aquaculture ponds, tropical
fish ponds are very small, averaging 25′×75′,
with a maximum depth of about 6 feet’

I’d imagine the wholesaler will have the fish imported to a certain state or country from the source and then individual aquarium fish shops will buy from their nearest wholesaler. The aquarium shop won’t have to import a small number of fish from a long distance (costing alot per fish) as opposed to having the wholesaler import lots of fish from a long distance (not as much cost per fish delivered) and it probably working out cheaper for the aquarium fish shop and the consumer.

freshwater aquatic planted aquarium/tank

aquatic plants
Mosses – Christmas Tree Moss
Fissidens Grandifrons “Planiccaulis”
Fissidens Nobilis
Vesicularia Dubyana

Foreground – Anubias Barteri var Nana “Veriegated”
Cryptocoryne Becketii
Cryptocoryne Wendtii “Green Gecko”
Eleocharis Parvula (Japan Version)
Eriocaulon “Australia”
Eriocaulon Cinereum
Eriocaulon Robustius
Eriocaulon “Taco”
Pogostemon Helferi
Ranunculus Papulentus

Midground – Microsorium Pteropus “Windelov”
Nesaea crassicaulis
Rotala Indica “Uliginosa”

Background – Aponogeton Madagascarensis
Crinum Calamistratum
Echinodorus “Oriental”
Echinodorus “Ozelot”
Echinodorus “Ozelot Green”
Echinodorus “Red Flame”
Hygrophila Balsamica
Limnophila sp
Nymphaea Micrantha
Microsorium Pteropus “Narrow Leaf”
Microsorium Pteropus “Tropica”

Most Popular Marine Ornamental Fish In The Hobby

There is a enormous choice of fish available to saltwater tank hobbyists. They come from hundreds of species and come in all shapes plus sizes. However, there are a handful that time in addition to again garner notice from the community due to their beauty. Let us take a look at these recognizable marine fishes.

At number one, we have Amphiprion Percula plus Amphiprion Ocellaris. They make up the most popular in addition to recognizable saltwater fishes for sale in the industry. They have even been represented on the big screen as the star of the hit animated feature, Finding Nemo. However, to most marine enthusiasts they are simply known as the false percula along with the true percula.

Both species have differing number of dorsal spines . Amphiprion ocellaris sells for very low due to large amounts being collected from the seas. The pricier specimen between the two is Amphiprion percula as less are collected. They both do well in the tank plus are good selections for experienced or new enthusiasts.

The second prize goes to the blue tang as well as the yellow tang. They are the poster child of the tang family with both of them generally featured on a diversity of posters promoting some product or another. The movie Finding Nemo also starred the blue tang. There, she was identified as the clumsy Dory. Yellow tangs are usually more pricey than blue tangs.

They are both top candidates for captive life if they have ample room to swim and are treated for any parasites that came in with them during shipment. Like It must be noted however that all tangs are susceptible to lateral line erosion as well as particularly ich. Ensure they are given a diet that is rich in greens as they are algae grazers in the wild.

Finally, 4 angelfish make up the last spot. They are the queen angelfish, emperor angelfish, french angelfish as well as the stunning flame angelfish. All four fish typically garner good demand from marine fishes keepers. In terms of price, they cost the most compared with the other fishes mentioned. Excluding the flame angelfish, the rest can go for a few hundred in particular if they are large plus in great condition.

Flame angelfish are the cheapest angelfish of the bunch. Among the dwarf angels, flame angelfish are by far the most popular. Feed angelfish with a nice balanced diet consisting of greens and meaty selections. They are also known to consume corals in the wild so be warned.

For a very in depth article concerning Amphiprion Ocellaris along with its close cousin Amphiprion Percula, do drop by the authors hubpage for how to guides concerning a selection of saltwater aquarium fish as well as corals.

Freshwater Aquarium Maintenance – Preventative Measures To Keep Fish Thriving

Freshwater Aquarium Maintenance is relatively easy to do. Regular maintenance will help to keep your aquarium sparkling. Water will need to be removed and added every week to every two weeks and the gravel at the bottom needs to be cleaned with a special vacuum cleaner. Always check the apparatus of the tank every day to make sure everything is working and the fish are thriving.

Water changing is one of the most important steps to keeping your aquarium healthy. Changing water keeps the chemicals at a level that is not toxic to fish in the aquarium. Many things make a tank dirty including waste from the fish, uneaten food, and the respiration of the fish and this can create ammonia which is toxic to fish. Toxins are removed when you do a partial change of water. Another thing that must be done to maintain your aquarium is to remove excess garbage from the gravel in the bottom of the aquarium.

When you are performing regular maintenance on an aquarium it is important that anything electrical be turned off and unplugged so that you do not get shocked by mistake. Turning everything off for just an hour or so will not do any harm to the fish. Remove all ornamental objects from the aquarium but leave live plants in. Gravel vacuums should come with the aquarium and if not purchase one at the pet store. You cannot do without one. Put the nozzle in the gravel and move it back in forth. This will stir up a great deal of dirt but keep going until the stuff coming into the tubing looks clean.

Purchase one bucket and use it only for aquarium maintenance and nothing else. To remove water from the aquarium put some plastic tubing in and the bucket on the floor with the other end of the tubing in it. Start siphoning out the water and remove about half. Once that is done you can slowly and carefully put fresh water back in but check the temperature because the new water should be close to the temperature as what was removed. If not you can shock the fish. If the place that sold you the fish told you to add dechlorinator do so before replacing the water. Check the pH of the new water. Normal pH for a freshwater aquarium is around 7 or 7. 5.

Filter cartridges need to be replaced on a monthly basis. If your air pump has a filter you will have to replace it regularly as well. Some filters can be washed with water and replaced. This will help your pump to last much longer. If the inside of the aquarium gets a little green you can use an algae scrubber pad on it just before changing the water. Also make sure to clean the hood monthly so that the lights will give the ultimate light to your aquarium.

Avoid overfeeding fish in a freshwater aquarium. The amount of food the fish eat in a 5 minute time period is what you should feed them, no more. Food that drops to the bottom of the tank makes the water cloudy and feeds algae. Find out how many times a tank of fish needs to eat from a pet store. There are some that should be fed once a day or twice a day and some less. With regular maintenance your aquarium should provide a healthy environment for tropical fish for a long time.

Maui council member wants to wipe out callous aquarium industry practises

A bill introduced by Maui County Council Member Mike Molina may tighten up the rules for how aquarium fish is treated after being caught in Maui waters. Existing animal welfare laws only stipulate that ornamental fish collectors must maintain facilities that can keep the fish alive and “in reasonable health”.

“The reality is that the inhumane treatment is inherent in the trade,” said environmentalist and dive operator Renee Umberger. “They don’t consider them to really be animals. That’s why it’s important to change the (legal) definition of what the state considers pets.”

The new bill would piggyback on superseding state laws and is intended to make sure that ornamental fish is treated well. Molina also hopes that the bill will raise awareness about overfishing and the fragility of Hawaii’s reefs. Over the past two decades, Hawaii’s aquarium reef fish population has declined by nearly 60 percent.

According to statistics from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, Maui fishermen caught aquarium fish valued at $32,478 last year. In the entire state, the value of all caught aquarium fish was roughly $2 million in the same period.

Robert Wintner, owner of Snorkel Bob’s, now questions why Hawaii is endangering its reef fish population for a mere $2 million a year when hundreds of local jobs in the multimillion scuba and tour sector depends on the wellbeing of the reefs.

Examples of what the Molina bill is suggesting

• Prohibition of several industry practises, such deflating the swim bladder, exposing the fish to air, and temperature changes of more than 2 degrees.
• Mortality rates and dead fish disposal methods must be documented.
• Causing the death of an ornamental fish will be considered an inhumane treatment of aquatic life.
• Violation of the law would be a misdemeanour. The fine would range between $500 and $2,000 and up to a year in jail.

Before the bill goes before the full County Council, it needs to be assigned to a committee for further discussion.

Guide To Fish Pond Building

Outdoor ponds make an excellent addition to your garden. You can install a pond as an accent or as a centerpiece of your backyard’s overall design. However, a pond can also serve a more fulfilling purpose; a place to raise fish.

Now a pond is neither an aquarium nor a fish farm. Aquariums are aesthetic, a place to display ornamental fish. Fish farms are practical, a place for breeding fish. A backyard pond is a happy medium. It’s a place to show off your fish but at the same time allow them to live and breed in a natural setting.

Why Build a Fish Pond?

When does a pond become a fish pond? Obviously, it’s when your pond contains fish! But that doesn’t mean you can simply buy a bunch of fish and dump them into your pond. A fish pond is specially built not only to contain fish, but also to keep them alive and healthy. Why should you build a fish pond? A few ideas come to mind:

- Taking care of fish is a challenging and enjoyable hobby.

- A fish pond is an attractive feature that adds to the beauty of your backyard.

- Challenge. Some water gardeners aren’t satisfied with a simple self-sustaining pond. They want to constantly test their horticultural and husbandry skills; and nothing provides a better vehicle for this than taking care of a pond full of fish.

Tips for a Healthy Fish Pond

Every feature of your pond should be carefully considered and controlled. The pond’s many parts should work in harmony for the benefit of your fish. Here are some key points that you should remember to make your backyard pond thrive.

For example, water quality should be maintained. Fish are susceptible to diseases and also high nitrogen levels. Your fish pond will surely need a good filtration system.

Build your pond so that it’s well away from trees and shrubbery. This will reduce the amount of debris that falls into your pond and prevent your filter from becoming clogged. This will also save you a lot of tedious maintenance work.

Finally, spend some time researching your fish’s needs. Each fish has its own requirements that you would do well to consider when sizing your pond. For example, goldfish need very little space and you can stock quite a lot even in a small pond. Koi however need a lot of room to swim and thus you’ll need a bigger pond. Happy fish make for a successful pond and a satisfied pond builder.

Want to find out more about Pond Building, then visit Michael W.’s site on how to build the best outdoor pond for your needs and dreams.

Kochi Ornamental fish show proves popular

The exhibition named 'De Aquaria' started on November 24 and would continue till November 30.

The aquatic fish like Giant gawro, Albino, Pearl Arowana, Oscar, Red tail Catfish and Guppy tail Molly, which is most sought for its vibrant blue stripe 'Emerald Butterfly' have become the focus of attraction.

"The fish is named Emerald Butterfly, a marine water fish, which we have imported from Singapore and is very colourful one. Since the show started people in large numbers have been attracted towards it mainly because of its vibrant stripes and it really looks great," said Antony V.S, a salesman at the exhibition.

The cost of Emerald Butterfly is more than 5,000 rupees a piece and the availability is rare at the exhibition as the demand is high in the international market.

Around 450 varieties of marine and fresh water fish are lined up in water filled tanks for the visitors, which they find an eye glittering masterpiece.

"I am seeing such different types of fish here. We are able to see such fish for the first time here; I haven't seen such fish anywhere else. I have come here for the second time today," said Satyajit Kumar, a visitor.

Stalls for locally available fish, glass bowls, aquariums and other accessories have also been put up on sale for the fish lovers.

Bill would regulate aquarium fish harvest

WAILUKU - Maui County may significantly tighten up rules regarding how aquarium fish are treated once the ornamental fish are caught and before they reach pet stores worldwide.

A bill introduced Tuesday by Council Member Mike Molina would piggyback on superseding state laws, which animal rights and reef experts argue are too weak. The measure is intended to help mitigate Hawaii's evaporating reefs and fish populations and treat the animals more humanely. It does not pertain to game fish.

Molina said even though the bill will not lessen the number of fish taken, it will raise awareness about overfishing and the fragility of Hawaii's reefs.

The bill would give Maui island animal control officers the authority to ensure that aquarium fish essentially are put on legal par with other pets, such as dogs and cats. It would prohibit aquarium fish harvesters from harming or killing the fish, whether they intend to or not.

Existing law states that aquarium fish collectors must maintain facilities that can keep the fish alive and "in reasonable health."

However, the need for Maui County Code regulations is clear, Molina said. Over the past 20 years, Hawaii's aquarium reef fish population has declined by 59 percent.

"The reality is that the inhumane treatment is inherent in the trade," said environmentalist and dive operator Renee Umberger. "They don't consider them to really be animals. That's why it's important to change the (legal) definition of what the state considers pets."

What impact the law would have is unknown. Critics of the industry said it is lightly regulated by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources' Division of Aquatic Resources.

According to DLNR statistics, last year a half-dozen Maui fishermen used net traps to catch 12,129 aquarium fish valued at $32,478. Statewide, almost one million fish were sold for nearly $2 million.

But Umberger said DLNR officials were told in meetings this year that the number of fish captured is greatly underreported, by as much as 10 times.

The commercial capture, handling and transportation of aquarium fish leaves the industry with a 99 percent mortality rate within a year of capture, Umberger said. She called it "the disposable pet trade."

Industry officials have said the mortality rate is as low as zero.

Robert Wintner, owner of the local Snorkel Bob's chain, questions why Hawaii would not only put at risk its reef fish population for $2 million a year, but also the multimillions of dollars and hundreds of jobs provided by scuba and tour companies.

Wintner said he and a like-minded group of others spent the past year developing the county ordinance after repeatedly being rebuffed at both the Legislature and Gov. Linda Lingle's office for legal reforms.

In September, the County Council banned shark tours in Maui County waters, although none currently exist. The ordinance prohibits any business that charges customers to enter the ocean to feed or attract sharks for viewing.

But Umberger said lax laws prevented those advocating more regulation of taking aquarium fish because, unlike shark tours, the state already has aquarium fish statutes on the books.

"For $50, just about anyone can get a DLNR aquarium permit to empty any reef you want in Hawaii, except in an marine-protected area," Wintner said.

And if it's a question of the county or state not having the money for enforcement, Wintner promised to come up with the cash to pay for 24-hour surveillance of Maui's near-shore waters for aquarium fish violators and poachers.

DNLR Division of Aquatic Resources Administrator Dan Polhemus did not return a call this week seeking comment. A member of Maui's aquarium fish industry declined to comment for this story.

Molina's bill would do the following to require the humane treatment of aquarium fish:

* Prohibit many industry practices, including withholding food for more than 12 hours; deflating the swim bladder; trimming the spine or fins; exposure to air; and temperature changes of more than 2 degrees.

* Include causing the death of fish as being an inhumane treatment of aquatic life.

* Require documentation of mortality rates and disposal methods of dead fish.

* Provide that violations would be a misdemeanor with a fine between $500 and $2,000 and up to a year in jail.

Molina's aquarium fish bill still needs to be assigned to a committee for further discussion before it goes before the full County Council.

Al Jaraf Fisheries Commences Ornamental Fish Breeding And Supply In UAE

Al Jaraf Fisheries L.L.C.; the country’s leading commercial seafood producer, commenced farming operations of ornamental fish. In addition to breeding and supply of different ornamental aquatic species, the company is offering customized tanks and aquariums for pet collectors as well as commercial establishments including hotels, restaurants and offices in the UAE.

Al Jaraf Fisheries is a part of Pal Group a leading business concern of Abu Dhabi. Prior to the introduction of its ornamental line, the company has been mainly involved in aquaculture and seafood trading since 2005. The company began the commercial production of shrimp within its lined pond facility in Barmid Island and finfish breeding in Al Ajban by 2006.

“The expansion comes in line with the growing demand for quality ornamental aquatic life and its less than adequate supply. We believe that with the help of its infrastructure, Al Jaraf has all elements to offer the best product and service to maximize on the segment’s lucrative potential,” said Dr. S.D. Gopakumar, Manager at Al Jaraf Fisheries.

The company aims towards becoming a leader in ornamental fish production by employing the finest technologies and its industry experience. And to further ensure a comprehensive experience for its customers, the division is designed to offer end-to-end support including consultation and maintenance.

Tips Choosing Your Online Business Topics

The first thing you should specify in starting to build an internet business website is to choose the topic. Why is this so necessary?

Currently the Internet has become a "jungle" of information. Internet users prefer a specific web containing specific information related to the information they need.

For example, if they want to buy books, then they will find the famous web booksellers such as amazon.com.

Despite the fact amazon.com also sells health and beauty products, but the average visitor does not buy amazon.com health and beauty products from amazon.com, because amazon is more synonymous with the bookstore. Amazon likely visitors will go to another website if they need health or beauty products.

And you should also remember, amazon able to provide various types of products the internet is because he is a big company who already has a high reputation. So although the health and beauty products or other products not sold, the sale of books that have been able to control every aspect of the cost of supplies is not a book. Amazon.com stronger for it because he has a capital of millions of U.S. dollars.

Well .., if you are just starting an Internet business, your website should focus on only one or two types of products only. If you sell herbs (just an example), then the topic of your website only related to health. Do not try and suddenly you are also selling the phone on the website. Your visitors will think your business is not professional and they will move another kewebsite more specific selling herbal medicine.

My advice, choose a topic for your business website with perpedoman to:

Interests and Hobbies you.
For example, if you like maintaining ornamental fish, then you will be excited and perpeluang to succeed in ornamental fish trade, since it is your hobby or interest. If you create a website or blog about topics that you are not interested in, then over time you will become bored and ignore the website or blog.

Your knowledge.
You have the knowledge and experience on the topic. Taking the above example of ornamental fish, if you know a lot of the ins and outs of ornamental fish, you can provide tips and guidance about ornamental fish. The netter interested in ornamental fish will come to your website or blog to read the information on ornamental fish while buying your products (ornamental fish, aquarium, food advertising, etc.).

Market demand sufficient.
Do not promote barangan not / less desirable people, as your goods will not be sold. Do not also promote the goods that are not useful or violate the law.

You are able to provide.
Do not promote products that you can not sell or provide. Customers would be disappointed if they purchase order that you can not meet. Disappointed customers who typically will tell their disappointment to others, so it will be extremely harmful your online business.

Actually there are still other things you need to pedomani in selecting topics for your business website. However, four points above is the most important.

Preserve fish and Aquarium Decoration

Here is a series of tips and useful guide for beginners to undergo maintenance hobby Fresh Water OrnamentalFish. Species Freshwater Ornamental Fish can live in some very long time if cared for properly. Therefore, you must have a long-term commitment before you start keeping fish or ornamental fishcultivation.

Here are the steps you need to do before you start keeping fish or Ornamental Fish Farming:

Find information as possible before buying the fish. Consider the following factors:
How much Fresh Water Fish is when an adult and if you have an aquarium large enough to accommodate the body size of Ornamental Fish as an adult.

Find out about the water temperature, pH range and so on. What kind of food you eat fish
Temperament species of FreshwaterFish. Are certain species suitable for fish, coupled with your existing or want to maintain in the future. This factor is often overlooked by penghobist.

Is the species you will be able to keep the breed quickly? If so, do you have the equipment at the time of breeding fish? (find unique ornamental fish and cheaper in the store Ornamental Fish Selling & SellFish)

Do fish to be purchased susceptible to certain diseases?
Buy a fish tank as big as possible in accordance with the budget and space you have. Aquarium Fish Farming Ornamental major cause of water in the aquarium more stable. For example, if the heating temperature is broken, and the shops were closed, the water temperature will be more stable in a large aquarium.

Learn about the aquarium nitrogen cycle. This important process you must understand if you want to succeed in maintaining the ornamental fish freshwater.
Learn aquarium equipment before you buy.

If you love to read, buy books on freshwater fish look at the Ornamental Fish Selling & SellFish. Reading books is the fastest way to get the information you need to keep fish. Magazine subscription ornamental and aquarium fish is also one easy way to get tips and you continue to learn new things in this hobby.

Provide many hiding places for fish. Hiding places will be refuge for fish and will reduce the stress levels of fish.

Sell aquarium water test kit to monitor the aquarium nitrogen cycle (look at the aquarium equipment Fish Shop & Ornamental FishStore). You can buy a test kit to test ammonia, nitrites, nitrates and pH. You also need to test tap water when using piped water.

Do not put the aquarium in the window. Sunlight entering the tank will cause the explosion of green algae. Direct sunlight will also cause the water temperature increases in the aquarium.

Do not follow the rules 1inci fish per 1 gallon of water. A better rule is 1 inch of fish per 2-3 gallons of water.

Deklorinasi doing tap water before it is inserted into the aquarium.
Sell aquarium filter which has a cartridge, so you can replace one when it is dirty, look for ornamental fish here ikah Shops Fish & Ornamental Fish Shop.

Do not rinse the filter with tap water use in the aquarium water that you have the time to change the water filter. Kloramin in chlorine and tap water will kill the bacteria-killing nitrites and nitrates in the filter.