Archive for March 2009
Is wet/dry filter really worth it?
Another popular question that I receive from customers is how does a wet/dry filter work? Most o0f these customers have been using traditional power filters like this Whisper Ex20 Power Filter #ATS26310 or this Skilter 400 Power Filter (400gph) #ASP01033. Rotating water through a series of matter and carbon and actually polishing the water is how these filters work, as long as you are careful to move the tank water so as not to have any “dead spots” or places where the water is stagnant. This is done with small power heads that create a tidal surge to move water out from around ornaments and rocks.
In a natural aquarium environment, salt or fresh water, a series of bacteria is created which controls pollutants in the water, converting them to nitrite gas that dissipates away after converted by bacteria. This can all be very simply measured with a good test kit. The Ph Saltwater Test Kit #ATS16676 or the Ph Freshwater Test Kit #ATS16675 are good examples of basic test kits you should have. My personal opinion, in order to save you headaches is to purchase an all in one like a Multitest Reef Special Master Test Kit #ASM992 or a Multitest Basic Master Test Kit #ASM990. These will enable you to do all the tests you need.
In order for the correct bacteria to grow, you will need to inoculate or introduce a basic bacteria to the empty tank. Some will purchase an inexpensive fish to jump start the tank. This fish will have a 50% chance on making it through the “cycle” or chemical reaction that will occur prior to water stabilization. Another way to begin this process is by taking filter matter from an existing tank and placing it in your wet/dry filterbox. This will circulate the bacteria and begin the approximately 4- 6 week process. There are excellent wet dry filters available. This Premier 60 Slim Line Wet/dry Filter #APC702760 will handle most aquarium sizes easily and will fit anywhere. The Pro 75 Wet/dry Filter #APC207515 is also very well built for the price with plenty of room for beneficial bacteria. If cost and economy are a concern, try thePremier 125 Wet/dry Filter W/prefilter Box #APC781256. A great option at a fair price.
Either way a wet dry filter is definitely worth it. Make sure you research it and become familiar with the “chemistry” involved. I would recommend it for the intermediate hobbyist a a minimal. Enjoy the hobby and feel free to email me questions…
Designer accessories with a different take!
For most of us, designer accessories are limited to the occasional handbag that we love but cant afford, or the shoes that we can’t find in our size or color. There is however another type of accessory that most of us overlook. Let’s take a look at the other side of accessories.
The non essential accessory has been on the scene for a while now. “Non essential accessories” are considered items that are not absolutely needed. The first of these is the designer ipod case. Take for instance Prada Ipod Case in Saffiano White # 1N1252. This is the first in a new line of accessorised made for the ipod connoisseur. For the traditional buyer the Prada Ipod Case in Saffiano Caramel 1N1252 is the way to go. Carved from natural leather, everyone will want to house there ipod in this elegant holder.
Next on the non essential list would be the designer key holder. Designers like Fendi have come out with some beautiful and elegant items. This FENDI Silver and Red Large “FF” Key Chain # 8AP051 is exquisite in design. Absolutely stunning at a great price. Like the more traditional look. This FENDI Silver and Brown Large “FF” Key Chain #8AP051 is for you. Traditional Fendi with a flair for the elite. Worth the cost for all you non essential, ” I need something different” buyers.
Cosmetic bags with the designer label on them have become very popular. Take a look at this Prada Cosmetic bag in Black #MV29 . The perfect accessory for someone who enjoys the extraordinary! Total non essential bliss for the weary shopper looking for something different.
Now our next category is not designer wallets. They, believe it or not are considered “essential items”. I guess that depends on your own point of view. We will now take a look at lap top bags. In a world where woman are climbing the corporate ladder and hold half of the “executive positions” in the U.S. some may say these designer laptops are essential. Never the less let’s take a look at this Prada travel Laptop bag in Black Microfiber # V158. This absolutely fantastic carrier has plenty of room and has the Prada insignia on the front. Style and functionality in one item. Bravo Prada!
Other “non essentials” include messenger bags, backpacks and checkbooks. All subject to opinion but for the designer fanatic, these items are out there at great prices, just waiting for the taking.
Happy shopping!!
Inexpensive but practical, Stainless Steel Bowls are a great value!
You can spice it up very easily by getting your furry pal a new bowl. So many varieties to choose from makes it a bit confusing to choose sometimes! Let’s take a look at some of the different types of bowls that are Avalabile in the stainless steel category. These bowls and dishes are tough, come in a variety of sizes and are extremely cost effective.
Stainless steel bowls are perhaps the most basic types of bowls available. They are inexpensive and clean up easy. The basic stainless steel bowls like this Standard 16 oz. Stainless Steel Bowl, is light weight and very inexpensive, it also comes in a variety of sizes so you can match size to your dog! For an upgrade, try the Stainless Mirror Finish Dish 1 . This stainless steel dish has a sheen to it and is heavier gage than a normal stainless steel bowl. If you are concerned about your dogs dish being to light and tipping over, you might consider the Standard No – tip Dish 8oz . Available in many sizes, this dish will not tip over while being used. this makes it a candidate for even the most aggressive feeders. The Silver Bullet No – tip Dish8oz also comes in a variety of sizes and boasts a no skid/ tip design. This is a very functional dish that will not let your pet chase their food around the floor. For those of you who like a high sheen bowl, the High – lustre Ss No – tip Dish 16oz is for you. It has all the attributes of regular stainless, is no tip and no skid and has a high shine to it. For those of you that like prints on your animal bowls, you can have the Printed 1 qt. Non-Tip Stainless Steel Bowl. There are specialty bowls available like this Stainless Steel Puppy Pan 8″ which is wide for ease of use by your little puppy friend.
Check out this elevated combination of dishes in stainless steel. A bit more exotic, the Stainless Steel Packaged Double Diner 1/2 Pint has a stand with two bowls that are elevated for ease of use. For those of us who require a bit more style, check out the Scroll Wrought Iron Packaged Double Diner 2 Quart , Infinity Double Diner 1qt, or the Scroll Work Stainless Steel Double Diner 1. All are are stylish and come in several different sizes and finishes.
Lastly, for all you extremists, look at these beautiful elevated stainless steel bowl holders. The Posture Pro Adjustable Stainless Steel Double Diner 2 – quart is available in cherry, black, and light wood. so many different kinds of bowls at great prices. Happy shopping and best of health to you and your pets!!
Fendi is Fashion elegance at a great price.
As we all know, there are many designer fashions and accessories out there. What most people don’t realize is that one of the most wanted and famous designers has become very affordable.
Fendi is known worldwide for it’s designer excellence in the handbag industry. All 100% guaranteed, no one stands behind their handbags and accessories like the Fendi corporation. Known the world over for it’s quality , integrity of design and exceptional stature, Fendi is the standard by which other designers are judged. What most people don’t realize is that these fashionable hand bags have become very affordable thanks to accessory companies who buy in bulk. look at some of these great accessories at great prices.
Let’s start off with the classic Fendi 8BL076 Beige Brown. This handbag is not only a classic but has unsurpassed elegance at a great price. The Fendi 8BL076 Zucca Brown has long been known for it’s color and classic pattern. These are two of the most well known examples of Fendi’s classic design elegance. Another classic example, the Fendi Chef Bag with Zucca Print in Brown with Brown Trim 8BR436 , has long been a standard of excellence and is being offered at a great price. Need something a bit less traditional, take a look at this beautiful Fendi Mama Baguette Zucchino Beige and Brown 8BR001. Classic style, soft to the touch with a modern flair. All at an amazing price. This Fendi 8BH162 Beige, Brown and Ivory Zuchino handbag is the perfect spring compliment to your wardrobe. Smartly shaped and nicely appointed, this handbag is made to go out on the town. But that’s just the beginning. This great bag is available in black and brown as well. Serious fashion ladies at a great price! Great designer handbags that are at home by day and by night.
Want areal casual look, this FENDI Handbag Medium size Hobo Black with Black leather trim 8BR466,is just the right call. A great looking bag at a great price. So many fantastic hand bags from one of the worlds leading designers. Now everyone can afford excellence and style so there is no excuse ladies, go get em! Happy shopping!!
What really works to help me train my puppy?
I have heard this question many many times through out the years. There are so many theories and so many gadgets that anyonecan get confused. Here are a few items that I have found to be really helpful in the trainig of any puppy.
First of all you must get a crate for your pup. if you are not planning on crate training your pup, stop right here. This is the only way that I believe in as far as training dogs. Make sure it is big enough to support growth later on so that you do not have to purchase several crates for each growth spurt. A Prec Great Crate will be your best bet. Another way to go is to let the experts ay getpetsavvy.com do it for you with their “Savvy Packs“.
Then, get some literature or a book on training. Something like CommunicatingWith Your Dog (training) or CivilizingYour Puppy (training). Each of these books provide excellent insight into the training of dogs.
Make time for your new friend. like in any new relationship, get to know one another. Spend time together, not as something you have to do but something you want to do. after all, the more you interact with your friend now the better off you will be later. I have five rescues and they go everywhere with me! They are my best friends.
Remember, there are many good products out there that work. I personally like a fenced in yard but there are many who have used an electric fence and had success. You can purchase them anywhere but I recommend the Smart Dog Basic Complete Contaiment System as it works well and is fairly inexpensive.
Another tool which I find fantastic is C Herm Sprenger Pinch Collar W/snap . These are the most effective collars around. See this Pet Product review for more details.
Unfortunately, we can not cover all the good training products available out there in one blog but if you have any questions that I can help with, do not hesitate to e mail me at http://www.getpetsavvy.com/. Remember, training is supposed to be “fun” not a chore. Happy training.
The pet man.
Check out the new line of designer handbags!!
Well ladies here we go. the new line of designer handbags is out and ready to go. Lets take a little time to see what our favorite designers have in store for this years collections.
From our friends at Gucci we have the Gucci 139261 handbag in Black on Black With Stripe or the Gucci 145778 Black Leather With Light Gold Hardware, both stunningly petite for any occasion. For everyday style and class the Gucci 146247 is absolutely classic and beautiful! Its cousin the Gucci 146247 is also a thing of beauty in the classic colors. Also available in black, the Gucci 188828 Beige and Brown is a fantastic new look. And lets not forget the old classic Gucci Pelham handbag 144186. Absolute styll and class.
Moving along, Prada has brought out some amazing new styles for the season. The Prada B6243 Tundra handbag is totally new, totally wanted and very affordable. Definitely a bag that is totally get able. Here is a totally affordable and gorgeous new Prada style. The Prada Black Buffalo Leather Pushlock Bag BR2375 is fantastic and 100% authentic at a great price. This Prada Handbag BL0254 in Corda Canvas Red will definitely turn some heads. All the class and beauty you would expect from Prada.
Our friends Fendi have come up with some beautifully different handbags. Sure to be the want of the season, this Fendi 8BH162 Beige, Brown and Ivory Zuchino is absolutely fabulous as well as this Fendi 8BH162 Black on Black Zuchino. Both absolutely gorgeous and priced right.
Lets take a quick peak at what our friend Marc Jacobs is doing for the season. This Jacobs Handbag Leather in Sophia Red is a fantastic Bag. It’s color and texture are so different it is sure to be a hit this season. This Venetia Caramel Quilted Leather Handbag is exquisite. Soft and beautiful, it will compliment anyone who wears it! Then there is the Louise Handbag in Taupe which is affordable and comes in many colors. Practical yet stunning!
So many beautiful handbags to choose from. Whichever bag you choose, enjoy it and remember to wear it with pride! Happy shopping…
Keep your pet safe, get a reflective collar.
Many of us feel that we keep our pets as safe as possible. The truth is that one of the safest things y0u can do is to get your pet a reflective collar for them to wear. now many of you have said “my pet”,dog or cat, ” is an indoor animal. “Why do I need a reflective collar”. You need one for the emergency time when your pet may get out. I cannot tell you how many times I have swerved and avoided hitting an animal on the road due to them wearing some type of reflective material. The funny thing about this is that most dogs and cats wear a collar anyway. Due to the inexpensive nature of it’s cost, it is something that really must be done.
There are many of reflective collars available. You can go with a patterned collar like Nyl Adj Reflect Collar, which comes in a multitude of sizes and colors, or you can go with a solid collar like the Reflecto band #112, which comes in an assortment of bright, neon colors to choose from. Either way for under $10.00, you can protect your dog from the unexpected.
Yes, these colors are also made for cats. Ultra Suede Safety Cat Collars are made in neon colors and extremely safe. Not your cats style, then try the Super Star Glitter Safety Cat Collar series. Made tough, these colors combine glitter and nylon to produce a highly visible material especially when illuminated at night. Also, check out the Cat Reflect Safety Collar which comes in many patterns including little fish!
The bottom line is we all like to think of our pets in a perfect world. After all they are family. In life, emergency’s occur. Why not be prepared for it. It could save your pets life and in these hard economic times, it is nice to know that you can help out for a small price. Your pets will thank you.
Marc Jacobs, American designer excellence!
For most of us, owning a designer handbag is all about Italian, French or European design. There are a few well respected designer handbags outside this realm but for the most part this is usually the pinnacle by which others are measured.
Enter Mark Jacobs. Jacobs has been making designer American handbags or thirty years. His ladies accessories are considered some of the best in the world. From styles like his “Sophia” Leather Handbag which comes in custom colors to the famed Jacobs daria leather handbags in pink ,everyone can find a style to fall in love with.
Look at this Venetia Caramel Quilted Leather Handbag. Absolute beauty for those who can afford it. For those who are on a bit more of a budget, lets look at afew accessories that are more in range.
This Jacobs Louise Handbag in Camel is fantastic looking and priced to sell, as is this Louise Handbag in Taupe. Affordability and style at your fingertips. Want something more colorful, check out this Mark Jacobs Louise Handbag in Pink.
For those of us that want something a bit bigger at a great price this Jacobs Handbag in Leather Sophia Red. Absolutely gorgeous and still affordable.
Lets not forget about sunglasses. Jacobs makes some of the best styles and colors anywhere. look at these Marc Jacobs Sunglasses Rhdviolipnk. 100% Jacobs fashion at a great price!
The point ladies is that there are many American designers out there and yes, the all deserve their due. The difference is that very few are wanted in Europe and considered to be in the running with names like Fendi, Gucci, Prada , Ferragamo, Lotti, Hermes and more. Marc Jacobs is the exception. wanted in more countries around the world than most American designers combined, Marc Jacobs is the host of American designer excellence.
Take advantage of good pricing and wear some serious fashion. Happy Shopping!!!
Excersizing your indoor bird. Does it really matter?
Many clients call and ask if exercising their parakeet, cockatiel or other small house bird is really worth it. The answer my friends is unequivocally yes.
First of all, handling your bird forms a sense of trust with them. The more you handle your fine feathered friend, the greater your relationship. The more comfortable your friend is with you, the less stressed your bird is and you bird owners know that stress in birds from non routine as well as infrequent handling cal lead to a multitude of bird issues.
Next, we all know that animals like routine. Every night after you get home, pick a time and take your bird out. let them exercise. There are some fantastic, inexpensive playpens out there. Take for example, the Playpen Wood Tabletop Parakeet 15″x13″. This is a great example of an inexpensive way to bond with your bird as well as exercise it. Not into parakeets, check out this Playpen Wood Tabletop Cockatiel 19″x14.5″. There are many available items to exercise your pet from the inexpensive to the expensive. This Playpen Wood Parrot Playground 18″x21″x23″his a fantastic little exercise place for your bird. It comes complete with all the climbing apparatus you need.
Then ,to top it all off, make sure you have some snacks and cuttlebones available. These are great ways to interact with your feathered friend and relieve not only their stress level from being alone all day but yours as well!
Remember to keep a variety of treats available. A supply of honey sticks are always an inexpensive and healthy way to keep your bird happy and fit. Remember, a big part of keeping birds is not only to build a bond by contact but to keep them health and exercised. A task that can easily be accomplished with a little caring , a healthy diet and some exercise and bonding time. Enjoy and be well.
When money is tight, don’t forget Roberto Cavalli?
In 1972 Roberto Cavalli opened his first store. A native of Florence Italy, he has been making some of the most wanted fashion accessories in the world. Cavalli merchandise, also known as “Just Cavalli” has been the trendsetter for over twenty-five years. His fashions make a statement and define the phrase “trend setter”. Lets take a look at some of his creations.
Sunglasses have always been a Cavalli passion. Noted for some of the most modern styles and trends, “Just Cavalli” sunglasses are fabulous. For example, look at these JC085S shades in brown. devastating unisex fashion at a great price. These Just Cavalli Tinted Frame sunglassess 974i are the classic Cavalli look, again at a great price. True trend setting fashion.
Like to see some Handbags? Roberto Cavalli can help. Crested with his “heart ” symbol, this Cavalli Leather Heart Handbag Dark Grey (463891) is outstanding. So fashionable and its grey color makes it different yet easily accessorized. Grey not your color? Check this Roberto Cavalli Leather Heart Handbag Metallic in light Brown (464471) out! This is an absolutely beautiful handbag in a metallic color that is absolutely in this season. A beautifully creative piece and it is also available in greenish gold. This Cavalli Leather Heart Hangbag Greenish Gold 457418 is a true fashion statement. Comfortable at work or play its color and design are truly gorgeous and bold. Lets not forget that the price is right also. For a bit of a different look, try this Cavalli Medium Black Distressed Leather Handbag RCHB18for size. Classic distressed black leather in an exquisite shape makes this bag a winner anywhere, after all it’s Cavalli.
I leave you with a little food for thought. Money is tight as we all know. At this stage most of the Hermes handbags are out. So why not get yourself a beautiful accessory from one of the most respected fashion designers on earth. Roberto Cavalli still making fashion affordable for over thirty years!!
Happy Shopping!