Well done, and a big thank you to everyone who entered our Pet Portrait Competition 2011.

We had an overwhelming response and it was tough to pick a winner, but in the end it came down to just a few. Scroll down to see the winners. The quality of entries was superb and we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who entered. If you didn’t win don’t worry, stay tuned for more great competitions and offers and you could be next.

If your picture is a winner, get in touch with us either by email at info@petessentials.ie or by telephone on 021 483 4653 to claim your prize and make arrangements to collect it.

Winner 2011: Another clear round!!!

Another clear round!!!

2nd Place:

3rd Place:

Special Recognition

All creatures great and small

Ruby

Terms & Conditions:
Open to all pets. Competition is judged by an independent judging panel and the judging panels decision is final. Competition not open to employees of persons in any way associated with Pet Essentials. No alternative prizes available.

Just a reminder that the Cork Cat Club Championship Cat Show is on in the Hibernian Hotel in Mallow on Sunday 25th September 2011.

Classes for all breeds of Pedigree Cats and Non-Pedigree household pets.

For entry info contact info@corkcatclub.com. Closing date for entries is 22nd August 2011.

We had an overwhelming response and it was tough to pick a winner, but in the end it came down to just a few. Scroll down to see the winners. The quality of entries was superb and we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who entered. If you didn’t win don’t worry, stay tuned for more great competitions and offers and you could be next.

If your picture is a winner, get in touch with us either by email at info@petessentials.ie or by telephone on 021 483 4653 to claim your prize and make arrangements to collect it.

Winner 2010: Rolo

Congratulations to our Pet Portrait Competition Winner: Rolo the Pug

2nd Place: Miss Bella

2nd Prize goes to Miss Bella. Congratulations

3rd Place: Baira

3rd Prize goes to Baira the Alsatian. Congratulations

Best Cat Picture: The Lads: Finbarr and Fergal

Our 'Best Cat Picture' Prize goes to - The Lads; Finbarr and Fergal. Well Done.

Special Award: Sheldon (Terrapin) Chilling Out

And finally, a special award goes to Sheldon the Terapin, snapped chilling out in his pool. Congratulations.

Terms & Conditions:
Open to all pets. Competition is judged by an independent judging panel and the judging panels decision is final. Competition not open to employees of persons in any way associated with Pet Essentials. No alternative prizes available.

Q. How can I Control Algae?

A. Algae are microscopic plants that sometimes form unsightly growths on the aquarium glass and rocks, and occasionally on live plants also. Some algae are brown in colour, others green and red. To control algae, ensure the aquarium is properly maintained otherwise an accumulation of fish wastes and other decaying matter will generate nitrates and phosphates in the water upon which the algae thrive. An abundance of green algae may also be due to excessive light. Reduce the aquarium lighting to 8 hours per day and shield the tank from direct sunlight ( keep tanks away from windows).

Q. How Many Fish Can I Keep?

A. This depends largely on the size of your aquarium, specifically the water surface area. As a general guide, you can keep up to 10cm of fish (body length) per 250 sq cm of surface area. For example an aquarium that is 90cm long and 30cm wide could hold 20x5cm fish or 10x10cm fish. You should base your calculations on the adult size of the fish thereby allowing for room to grow. Our staff here at Pet Essentials will be able to advise you in relation to adult sizes of fish.

Q. Should I Leave My Filter Running All Of The Time?

A. Yes. Only switch it off to clean or service it. If it is switched off for more than an hour or two the friendly filter bacteria may die, compromising your system.

Q. Why Is My Aquarium Water Cloudy?

A. The water in a newly set up aquarium may be cloudy for the first couple of days (new tank syndrome), but should clear. If an established aquarium becomes cloudy then it may be a sign that the system needs a clean. Perform a 30% partial water change and siphon off excess dirt from the gravel using a gravel cleaner. An aquarium water clarifier may also be used.

Q. Which Types Of Tropical Fish Are The Easiest To Breed?

A. Guppies, Platies and Swordtails are recommended for beginners as they give birth to live young. You can tell the sex of a livebearer by looking at its anal fin (unpaired fin situated between the fishs belly and tail); the males anal fin is pointed into a tube shaped organ, whereas the females is normal fan-shaped. Livebearers will breed naturally in the community aquarium. You may need a breeding net to protect the young from predators. Most other species of tropical fish are egg-layers and these are more difficult to breed in the community aquarium.

This reward card is also valid in other participating local businesses in Carrigaline. Each business runs their own reward program and points earned in one business are not transferrable to another.

Points will not be awarded on purchases relating to existing loyalty schemes. See Instore for further details.

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• 6 height positions 32-82cm
• Lightweight for safety

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• 6 Height positions 30-80cm to the centre of the hoop (51cm to diameter)
• Lightweight for safety

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• Encourages your dog to keep fit
• 5 weaving poles
• Flexible joints for safety

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• Non-slip feet
• Folds for easy storage
• Lightweight 2.75kg
• carry Handle
• Suitable for dogs up to 50kg

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The results were presented by academics at the 12th International Conference on Human-Animal Interactions in Stockholm. Delegates heard that the same hormone that enables babies to bond with their mothers at birth, also accounts for the power of the emotional connection we form with our pets. The strength of this connection means that children with emotional difficulties have been shown to benefit more from a dog companion than a human one.

The study, Stress Reduction in Children, found that children with a dog present showed lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol than those with a friendly adult present when exposed to mild social stresses. In addition, the more the children stroked and interacted with the dog, the further their levels of cortisol decreased.

• Confused about tank maintenance?
• Unsure about how often you should clean your tank or change your tank water?
• Need advice about filters?
• Not happy with the decoration of the tank?

CONTACT US TODAY TO DISCUSS YOUR REQUIREMENTS.