Is Maintaining an Aquarium at Home Hard?

Owning fish is generally seen as an easy way to get into owning pets. Unlike dogs, you don’t have to walk the fish every day. Instead, they live in their own little microcosm we call aquariums. That being said, you can’t just grab your nearest aquarium, put the fish in it, and call it a day. 

There’s so much more to it. Maintaining an aquarium at home requires a bit of work, but is hard? Let’s find out by going over the entire process from getting the tank to populating it with fish. 

The Right Size 

Choosing the right aquarium for your fish is essential for their wellbeing. The key thing to keep in mind is the size of the tank. Larger fish require more room, meaning that a small aquarium simply won’t cut it so keep that in mind. Then again, if you’re planning on having more than one fish, watch out for overcrowding too. 

Giving fish enough room to thrive is a great way to keep them happy. The only thing to watch out for is to get fish that will get along with each other.

The Basics of Aquarium Maintenance 

Once you have everything planned out, it’s time to actually prepare the aquarium. There are a few things you’ll need to do before you can safely move your fish into your aquarium. 

• Prepare the Water - your average fish will require a tank full of water that has been previously conditioned. Namely, tap water won’t work. You have to balance it by using a dechlorinating agent as well as a few other supplements. 

• Track Temperature - your fish are susceptible to any changes in water temperature. Make sure that your aquarium is sitting in a place where it isn’t subject to constant temperature changes. In other words, keep it away from sunlight. 

When all of these conditions are met, it’s time to check the pH levels of the water in your tank. Different fish will require different pH levels to thrive. You should check what kind of pH levels your particular fish species requires. 

Daily Maintenance 

Once you dial in the perfect water conditions within your tank, you’ll have to work in order to maintain everything the way it is. Experts over at aquaticly.com argue that aquarium maintenance can be divided into daily, bi-weekly, and monthly tasks. This classification makes it easy to stay on top of everything. 

Daily maintenance involves checking that everything is running smoothly. When feeding the fish, give the pump and every other piece of equipment a quick look. Make sure that everything is working fine and that nothing is broken. 

Bi-Weekly Maintenance 

Once every two weeks is a good time to give your water a quick test. You should check for everything - pH values and other critical parameters. Every two weeks is a good time to clean the aquarium walls, vacuum the gravel and cycle some of the water (usually 10-15%). Also, remove any filter inserts and rinse them out. 

Monthly Maintenance 

The monthly maintenance involves changing the filter inserts and cartridges as well as giving the entire tank a proper inspection. Look for any sign of damage or degradation in the tubing, joints, connections, and any other part of the tank that is essential for sustaining your fish. 

This is also a good time to give the entire aquarium a good cleaning as that will help you determine the true extent of any potential degradation. 

Is Aquarium Maintenance Difficult? 

To answer this question, you have to define what ‘difficult’ means for you. As far as caring for animals goes, owning fish is on the easier side of the spectrum. However, fish require that you stick to an established schedule and make a routine out of it. The moment you start to deviate from this routine, your fish will feel it. 

Fish, just like us, react to changes in their habitat. Fish that are not receiving the care they need will become stressed out, which ultimately has a negative effect on their well-being. 

Start Small

Although everything we’ve mentioned so far could come across as overwhelming to some, there’s no need to get the biggest tank and populate it with 100 fish. You can always start small and learn how to take care of fish in a controlled way. 

Caring for a few fish in a small tank is much easier than trying to handle a massive aquarium as a newbie fish owner. By building a small aquarium, you’ll find out just what kind of maintenance work is involved, whether having fish is for you, and more. 

Saving Your Home: What to Do When You Cannot Pay Your Mortgage

For a majority of the population, home mortgages are the biggest loans that they are ever likely to take out. Unfortunately, things do not always go as planned and many homeowners in the United States end up with a mortgage that they simply are not in a financial position to pay back in time anymore. For those facing such a predicament, losing their home may feel like an inevitability at that point, although it does not necessarily have to be so. There are still options for homeowners to consider even if they find themselves to be financially unable to pay back the mortgage. As to what they are, let’s discuss the most useful advice next.

See if Your Mortgage Company Has a Program You Can Use

Depending on the particular mortgage company in question, they may have programs designed to aid homeowners in such scenarios. Call your mortgage provider up and see if they have a program which you can avail to avoid a foreclosure on account of your present financial status. Even if they do not have a program, it might be possible to persuade them into creating one for you, but it depends mostly on their individual discretion. Expect to answer questions regarding the nature of the financial problems you are facing, your current employment status, previous military history (if any), present income and expenses, available assets and cash, fixed deposits and other long-term investments, etc. If the mortgage servicer already has plan for such cases, you will need to provide the necessary information by filling out a mortgage assistance form.

Contact a Real Estate Attorney for Estimating Your Mortgage Forbearance Options

Mortgage forbearance is a legal term used to define any impermanent agreement that is reached between the houseowner and the mortgage lender, including provisions regarding either temporary suspension of mortgage payments for a fixed amount of time, or temporary reduction of the mortgage payments for a fixed amount of time.

It should be noted that while mortgage forbearance and deference are interrelated terms, they signify two different parts of the same process. To know more about the differences between the two, as well as to find real estate attorneys who can help you keep your home by negotiating the terms of a forbearance, head on over to clinelawyers.com.

Mortgage Refinancing is Also an Option

In simple terms, mortgage refinancing is the act of taking out a new mortgage loan that replaces the current one. It’s a good option if you can find lower interest rates and better suited terms in respect to your present financial condition.

Due to the global depression, the consequent loss of jobs, and a state of unrest created by covid outbreaks, it is understandable if you are facing unexpected financial crisis. No one could have predicted that an event such as this would happen, and that is not even considering the fact that 2020 was a record-breaking year for other natural disasters as well.

There are many government schemes, private plans, lenient forbearance programs and various other options available for troubled homeowners right now. With the help of an experienced real estate attorney, you can take advantage of them to save your home.

How To Effectively Make Your Lips Look Younger And Healthier

Few don’t dream of parading a pair of luscious, plump smackers. But how does one realistically and effectively achieve this desire? There are a series of tips, both seemingly obvious and, perhaps not, that promise brilliant ways to enhance your lips. If you are tired of tried and failed methods, and looking for a sustainable and healthy way to increase the longevity and youth of your lips, then look no further as this is for you.

Sun Damage

Our big fiery friend in the sky, Mr. Sun is no friend of your lovely lips. The sun is one of the biggest culprits behind prematurely aged and chapped lips. The harm of the rays does severe damage to this sensitive, often unprotected, area of skin. Interestingly, your lower lip is 12 times more likely to burn than your bottom lip. Sun damage to your lips can also increase your risk of mouth cancer, so there is an urgent need to protect yourself from the harsh rays. For more information on skin cancer and how to prevent it, you can read up on https://www.cancer.org/cancer/skin-cancer.html.  So what can be done to protect our sun-vulnerable lips?

Go for lip products such as balms or ointments that include an SPF of at least factor 30 in the ingredients. Applying such products needs to become a habit as this area of our body is constantly moist from eating, drinking, and talking so it needs to be a regular reapplication process. A hat that covers your entire face when out in the sun for extended periods is also a way to combat the harmful rays.

Fill ‘Er Up

Naturally, with aging, the area around our lips begins to sag and lose its supple appearance. This is due to the loss of elasticity and collagen in the area. The result is often an increase in the fine creases surrounding our mouths, lip lines. Getting rid of them is a lot easier than you may think. There are various collagen-containing fillers available on the market. The type of filler you choose will likely depend on factors like how long it will last, the price, and reviews from other customers.

Hydrate Yourself

It might seem obvious, but we can’t stress it enough: water, water, and more water! Keeping yourself sufficiently hydrated has a direct impact on the amount of moisture in your lips. When you are dehydrated, your body searches for water and one of the places it will draw from is your lips. So keep chugging.

Keep It Natural

Many lip products on the market feel ultra-smooth and creamy upon application but contain harmful ingredients that have the opposite effect than intended. Certain chemicals cause your lips to feel soft and lubricated while drying them out further and causing you to become dependent on the product for that instant relieving and soothing feel. Toss aside the harmful ingredients, and let’s go back to nature with all things natural and organic. Your simple coconut butter, beeswax, and shea butter are all brilliant places to start. If cost is a concern, then there are numerous ways you can make a homemade natural balm. For a recipe idea, check out https://www.diynatural.com/homemade-lip-balm-recipe/. 

Fiddle Less

It might seem obvious, but the other main culprit in the battle against our lips is ourselves! Our incessant picking and/or chewing of our lips, which is often a result of stress and anxiety, is a major cause of damage to the soft tissue area. Sometimes this habit is unconscious and before we know it, we spot ourselves in the mirror with a bleeding lip of our own doing. Finding ways to keep your hands or teeth busy such as using a stress ball or chewing gum can help to alleviate some of that excess, restless energy.

Smokers, Beware!

We use our mouths constantly. To eat, breathe, talk, and laugh. So adding an extra, muscular-taxing exercise like smoking is just another stress to our already-busy lips. Years of smoking can cause severely etched lip lines that can potentially undo all of our hard efforts to protect ur youthful lips. Time to ditch the cigs, if not for your lungs, then do it for your lips!

Our lips are very delicate and prone to the harsh impact of damage and aging. However, this does not mean there is nothing to be done to nourish and enhance them. There are a variety of ways one can preserve lips, ranging from habit changes to lifestyle additions and modifications. See what changes you can incorporate into your life to keep those smackers juicy. 

6 Tips to Help Reduce Your Home Upkeep Costs

Running your home isn’t cheap, and there can be lots of different things that require your attention. However, with good planning, you can fix small issues before they grow and cost you even more money. 

Here are six tips to help you reduce your home upkeep costs while keeping your property in tip-top condition. 

Act Quickly 

When you see a small problem develop, it’s always tempting to delay making a decision and hope it just goes away. So often, this just results in a small problem turning into a much bigger problem that costs you more money in the long run. 

When little issues arise in your house, it’s best to act immediately and get them fixed. You might find it saves you a big chunk of money. 

Plan Ahead

The way we use our houses changes depending on the season. For example, in the summer, you’re more likely to be using the air-conditioning, and in the winter, you’re going to get a lot of use out of your heating. 

Take the time during the offseason to make sure everything is in order with these seasonal items, so when you do come to use them, they’re ready to go.

Understand Your Surroundings

Your surroundings are going to have a big impact on the kind of upkeep you need to do in your home. For example, if you’ve got big trees in close proximity to your house, then something you will have to be aware of is roots growing underneath your property. 

If you understand your surroundings, you know what sort of things to look out for and can sort problems before they become bigger issues. 

Think About Home Warranty 

One of the problems with house expenses is they’re often unpredictable. Your boiler might give up, the washing machine might decide to play up, or the air conditioning could fail to turn on, and you just don’t know when it’s going to happen. 

When big items do have problems, it generally results in a big bill that can hurt your finances, but one way to protect against this is with home warranties from a reputable company. A home warranty like one from Liberty Home Guard means you’re covered when things go wrong with your appliances.

Perform an Energy Audit 

An area where you could be losing money every day is your energy consumption. If you live in a slightly older house, then it might not use energy efficiently, so it’s a good idea to perform an energy audit. 

Improving your energy efficiency might take an upfront investment, but it can soon pay for itself with improved efficiency. 

Find a Trusted Handyman 

If you’re not much of a handyman yourself, then finding a trusted handyman is an amazing feeling. You can look online to find a handyman, or you can ask family and friends for recommendations. Make sure to get several quotes to find the best price, and ensure the work they have done is up to standard before you pay them. If you're impressed with their work, keep a note of their number for the future!

When you’re looking for someone to do work for you, make sure you do your research by checking reviews and following up on references. The right handyman can save you lots of money in the long run, so go with quality and build the relationship. 

What Supplements Can Help Stabilize Mood

Mental health is an ever-growing concern and should be prioritized in daily life. Increased dopamine production is vital for your health as it aids in the regulation of sleep and cognitive functions. It also affects your mood, your attention span, and your memory. Luckily, there are many mood-boosting supplements that you can take which provide safe solutions. So, without further ado, here are some supplements that effectively stabilize your mood. 

Probiotics

Probiotics help your body function efficiently. They are known to benefit gut health and thus improve your digestive system. This makes probiotics a vital component of health as our mood, brain activity, and energy levels are fiercely impacted by our diet. As well as treating mood disorders, probiotics aid in preventing various health issues down the line. Simply put, probiotics treat the entire body in every aspect. Getting your daily dose of this ‘good gut bacteria,’ you are simultaneously increasing dopamine production which can help those with anxiety and depression. Individuals with irritable bowel syndrome specifically found that taking a probiotic supplement had positive impacts on their mood. You can also receive your intake through fermented food like yogurt. 

Vitamin B

Folate is derived from B vitamins. It has a strong impact on energy levels which can improve mood almost instantly. Unfortunately, it can be hard to get your hands on any B vitamins without receiving the added fillers that come with them. That’s why it’s important to understand the different types of vitamins to ensure you’re getting the nutrients that benefit you. For instance, methylfolate is a form of folate which aids fundamental body functions and is more active than folic acid in the body. It can also be more beneficial during pregnancy.  You can also get Vitamin B from Goli which can be purchasable using Goli coupons to save while staying healthy.

It’s important to look for specific ingredients in your multivitamins. The folks from Methyl-Life™ supplements suggest you consider the purest form of supplements for optimal health. In other words, avoid supplements with allergens, dyes, and added fillers. A lot of the added ingredients can do more harm than good depending on your condition and can dilute the dosage of the supplement you need, which is why the purest form of vitamins is the safest option. 

Fish Oil

Fish oil supplements offer two types of omega-3 fatty acids which are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). There are numerous benefits to buying supplements that contain omega-3 acids such as improved mental health. Fish oil supplements are an effective antidepressant, thus they stabilize your mood in the healthiest, most natural way if included in your regular daily diet as they influence dopamine regulation. 

Prebiotic Fiber

In addition to probiotics, incorporating a high-quality prebiotic fiber supplement like KFibre can further enhance gut health and support a well-functioning digestive system. Prebiotic fiber acts as nourishment for the beneficial bacteria in the gut, promoting their growth and activity. KFibre's gut health range offers a convenient and effective way to supplement your diet with prebiotic fiber, supporting a healthy gut microbiome and potentially benefiting mood, brain function, and energy levels. By incorporating KFibre into your daily routine, you can nourish your gut with the essential components it needs for optimal functioning and overall well-being.

Vitamin D 

Vitamin D has a large effect on dopamine regulation and other neurotransmitters, making it an effective mood booster. However, due to limited research, there is a possibility that its influence on dopamine levels in the brain may not take effect unless the person in question currently has a vitamin D deficiency. Therefore, adopting a diet enriched with vitamin D may not be effective as a mood enhancer unless you are deficient. 

If you take some time to learn about IM8 health's ingredients, you will see that vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining a balanced mood and supporting overall well-being. This exploration also reveals how these ingredients work together to enhance mental and physical health, offering a comprehensive approach to wellness.

Curcumin 

Turmeric contains the active ingredient curcumin, which comes in many forms from powder to tea, extracts, and capsules. Research shows that curcumin intake showcases similar results to the effects of Prozac. Therefore, it should provide positive results for those who suffer from the major depressive disorder (MOD) since its antidepressant properties allow it to influence dopamine levels. However, since limited research is available, you might want to include depression-management supplements in your diet rather than relying solely on curcumin. 

Magnesium 

Magnesium is an effective supplement to improve vitality. With its antidepressant qualities and positive impacts on the mind and body, it is evident that a magnesium deficiency can result in depression and decreased dopamine levels. Including a magnesium supplement as well as getting your dose through your diet will show tremendous effects over time. 

To further understand the role of neurotransmitters in mood regulation, particularly the effects of a 'dopamine rush' on mental well-being, resources like dopamine rush offer valuable insights into how certain supplements can influence these crucial brain chemicals.

Caffeine

It should come as no surprise that caffeine is on the list of mood-enhancing supplements. After all, the majority of the population can’t start their day without their dose of caffeine, and for good reason. Caffeine is proven to boost cognitive performance and release dopamine which improves brain function. This explains why caffeine has such positive impacts on our mood each morning. However, stabilizing your mood with caffeine might grow more difficult over time as you can easily develop a tolerance for it. Therefore, you would need to increase your dose in order for it to provide the same effect. 

As you can see, there are many natural remedies to stabilizing your mood and improving brain activity. By understanding the ingredients contained in different supplements, you’ll be able to choose ones that will effectively increase dopamine production for your specific health condition. If you have any chronic illness, make sure you discuss your health with your medical care provider before taking any new supplements.

6 Major Steps That Will Greatly Improve Your Gardening Skills

Gardening is a good past time to help yourself unwind, find time for yourself, and even get handy with your hands dirty. Gardening isn’t just a past time for seniors as well anymore, contrary to popular belief, gardening is becoming incredibly popular with the younger generation as people want to eat healthier and find more economically viable food options.

The best part about gardening, and any hobby for that matter, is that you are never done learning. The period of growth as a hobbyist never seems to end which makes it fun to learn more and more about new skills or techniques. Here are some 6 major steps to help improve your gardening whether you’re a beginner or advanced.

1. Do a Lot More Research

The biggest kicker for anyone that wants to get good at something like gardening is that they don’t spend enough time on the research. Hands-on is the name of the game for gardening, but it is still very much science in nature. Learning about composting and soil analysis are things you need to get familiar with. That means dedicating time out of your day, anywhere from 20 minutes to a few hours, to reading research, tips, and other advice from botanists, agricultural scientists, and gardeners who have the knowledge to spread. You can’t expect to dive right in and yield good plants, so take time to research as much as you can.

2. Invest in a Greenhouse

This isn’t a step you need to do right away, but there will come a time when you need to upgrade your gardening setup and a greenhouse is a way to go. Greenhouses protect your plants from the elements and insects/animals, and you can see how a greenhouse from Halls would be a great way to up your game. They don’t cost much and you can dramatically improve the quality of your plants or vegetables. You can even think about building one yourself if you feel capable enough.

3. Join Gardening Clubs and Groups

Not all the best research has to come from academics and professionals on the subject of gardening, plenty of people around forums, blogs, and social media groups can provide insight and helpful advice. Not to mention, many of these online groups are free to join which gives you more money for gardening supplies. You can also look into joining local groups and community organizations for gardening which provides you in-person chances to build your knowledge and skills as well.

4. Focus on a Few Plants Before Expanding

Before getting too overzealous with your skill or your garden size, you need to tone it down and get specific for a while. Focusing on one (or a handful) of plants will provide you time to cultivate a better appreciation for the growing and maintenance process. It won’t be as transferable because each plant is different in their growing conditions, but it teaches you how to be more attuned to the needs of each plant and help you identify the growing, soiling, transplanting, and care process for individual plants. Keep it simple in the beginning to help you appreciate it when you can grow more.

5. Learn How to Maintain Your Tools

Maintaining your garden, the plants, and the soil is one thing, but you also desperately need to learn how to properly maintain and care for your tools. Things like shovels, spades, bow rakes, wheelbarrows, and garden knives all have metal which means you have to prevent them from rusting. Keep them away from exposure to water and exposure to cold by wrapping them in a tarp or another kind of wrapping. Hoses have to be put away properly in the winter to prevent water from freezing in the tubing, and you have to clean your tools routinely so they can last a while.

6. Be Patient and Don’t Give Up Easily

This last piece of advice is a general statement to anyone who wants to improve their gardening skills. Patience is always key and gardening isn’t always easy, so knowing that it will take time and you are going to have to deal with plenty of setbacks and mistakes is all part of the learning process. Give it time and stick with it and you will see results as a reward for your diligence.

Gardening is a hobby for anyone and everyone, so if you want to get into it, or learn more about the process, these 6 steps towards bettering your skills will definitely come in handy.