Fish are often held up as the perfect pet for those trapped in tiny apartments or for those desperate for a pet of their own in a crowded household. Small tanks can be an excellent way to keep an animal companion while also not taking up more than a few square feet of space on a desk or a dresser. However, fish are still living creatures, and there are a few steps, tips, and tricks to keep in mind before diving headfirst into setting up an aquarium in your apartment or child’s bedroom.

Cost of the System

The first aspect to consider when looking at acquiring a new pet is, unfortunately, finances. The good news is that starter costs on a small aquarium setup are far from exorbitant; a five-gallon tank can be acquired for about $15, and a small filter for such a tank is available for even less. The cost to stock the tank with fish, substrate, and plants will vary widely depending on the plants and fish you choose, but a basic starter species is unlikely to break the bank. However, ongoing maintenance costs (food, water treatments, replacements, and repair costs) should be factored into future budgeting. This is an important step in deciding if a fish is right for you and your family.

Placement of the Fish Tank

Figuring out where you have space for even a small fish tank can be a difficult endeavor, especially in an already cramped space where it feels like every inch is taken up by other essentials. There are a few things to keep in mind when placing a fish tank. The most convenient spot in the child’s bedroom or apartment may not always be an ideal location.

Homes with free-roaming animals or small children will need to elevate their fish tank out of reach using a stable surface. This will prevent the tank from being knocked off or tipped over. Additionally, owners should consider how the placement will affect the fish’s environment. For example, will placing it above a heat vent overheat the tank? Will putting it in front of the window give the fish too much light? The answers to these questions will depend on your space and the fish you are raising, but they should always be considered before diving in on a fish tank purchase.

Selecting the Fish

Selecting fish is a fun but potentially overwhelming step in the process of setting up a fish tank. Besides all the exciting colors, fins, and exotic sounding names, there are also the (arguably more important) practical considerations around cost, hardiness, and ease of maintenance.

While there are many breeds of freshwater fish that are excellent for beginners, people who are strapped for space might favor rasboras, tetras, the ever-popular betta fish, or the good old guppy- all species that can thrive in small five-gallon tanks without suffering from a lack of space. Of course, there are many other species that do well in small spaces, all with differing sets of needs. Prospective fish owners should do their research to find the species that best meets their needs.

Maintenance

It can be tempting for people who do not know much about fish to think of them as a “set it and forget it” type of pet- one that does not require much maintenance beyond the occasional water change. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Fish have needs beyond food, water, and exercise. Fish owners are in control of the entire environment, must maintain an optimal water temperature and pH balance, manage light exposure, curate the habitat (plants, cohabitants, etc.), and monitor all aspects of the tank environment. Anyone looking at a fish as a starter pet for a child should be prepared to shoulder a significant level of responsibility for the tank.

Fish are great pets for many people, especially those with limited space in their lives. With a little research and some careful planning, anyone can bring some aquatic acquaintances into their lives without breaking the bank or overrunning the apartment. With any luck, those fish will remain your colorful companions for several years to come.

Take on September with these fun, local events! 

Movies in the Park - Frozen II

Friday, Sept. 10th 7:50 PM

Bring your blanket, lawn chairs, snacks, and invite your friends and neighbors to join you at this monthly, free, family activity. Relax and enjoy Frozen II on the giant, outdoor movie screen. Don’t forget your bug spray! 

10th Annual Ormond Beach Celtic Festival

September 11-12

The 10^th annual Ormond Beach Celtic Festival when clans, pipers, and highland games athletes gather, will be held at The Casements and Rockefeller Gardens. This popular festival features music, food, draft beer, and fun and occupies two downtown parks along the Halifax River, fillings them with four music stages, a Highland Games, Clans and Celtic societies from the seven Celtic Nations and beyond. Get ticket information here!

15th Annual 9/11 Memorial Ride & Ceremony

Saturday, Sept. 11th, 8:30 AM - 12:00PM

Join hundreds of local bikers as they memorialize the heroes and victims of 9/11.

Thrifter's Challenge Speakeasy 2021

Sunday, Sept. 12th, 5 - 9 PM

Enjoy an evening of Fun, Food, Drinks, Prizes, Silent Auctions, Thrifters Challenge and more. *Cocktail or 1920’s attire suggested. The Thrifters Challenge is like a treasure hunt: This year’s theme is 1920’s or cocktail attire. Find your feelgood, fun, outrageous, glamorous or whatever strikes your fancy outfit from our participating local nonprofit thrift stores. Prizes will be awarded! For more information and ticket purchase, click here!

Have a great weekend!

386-506-8008 | Oceanside@RealtyExecutives.com |  |  |   @REOceanside

Labor Day Weekend is already upon us!  Check out what's going on locally and get in on the fun this long weekend!

Thrillz Music Fest

Saturday, September 4th, 12:00 - 10:00 pm

Watch 19 Local Artist Perform Across 2 Stages! Eat From Some of Flagler's Best Food Trucks & Support Local Vendors. Play Games and Join in On Several Contests to Win Prizes!  Share this local event via Facebook here!

New Smyrna Beach Sangria Social

Saturday, September 4th, 1:00 - 6:00 pm

Taste a variety of Sangrias at 10 host locations from the Ocean to the River! Each host will have a 1.5oz sample of red and white sangria, crafted in different ways for you to sample! Passports for the event are $25 and include a keepsake tasting glass, and map. Make your ticket purchase here! 

2nd Annual Pet Parade

Sunday, September 5th, 1:00 - 4:00 pm

Show off your pet's talent and style in the Pet Parade! Enjoy huge prizes, music, and a special appearance by the Palm Coast Fire Department's Dalmatian! Also, meet adoption-ready pets from the Flagler Humane Society, which will receive a portion of all proceeds. Visit here for more information and registration! 

Have a great weekend!

386-506-8008 | Oceanside@RealtyExecutives.com |  |  |   @REOceanside

In the last several decades, it has become a common trend for most Americans to use the garage door as the primary entrance to their home instead of the front door. In fact, surveys over the last fifteen years have found that up to 70% of homeowners enter their home exclusively through the garage door. This information has several important impacts for those who are either selling their home or looking to buy a new one. It means that you should now be considering visual appeal, safety, and convenience for a garage door system.

Visual Appeal

Since the garage door has been dubbed the “New Front Door,” it has become even more important that you apply careful consideration to its visual design. In the same way that a brightly colored or elegantly designed front door makes a statement for your home, your garage door needs to be striking to add to your curb appeal. After all, this is likely the entrance that a potential homebuyer will notice first.

To ensure that your garage door creates a great first impression for your home, consider updating the style or exterior finish. Carriage house and modern style garage doors are both eye-catching options that go a long way to elevate the beauty of your home. Whether you choose an elegant carriage design with a clean white finish or a bold statement piece like a modern full-view glass door, the effort you place into the garage exterior will be noticeable to buyers. Maybe your current garage door is only a few years old, but you want to give it some new life. Consider repainting the exterior, replacing the hardware, and giving the windows a thorough wash. Just these small, affordable steps could be the difference in making that great first impression.

Safety

Because homeowners are now using the garage door as their primary entrance, garage door systems are experiencing more wear, more quickly. After all, if you open and close your garage door 2-3 times a day, this translates to a total of 1,500 cycles a year or more. This uptake in the work a garage door must perform means your door needs more attention in terms of maintenance.

The first element of garage door maintenance includes interior hardware like rollers, springs, and cables. The materials on these parts tend to last 10,000 to 15,000 cycles of opening and closing your door, or 10-15 years. However, since homeowners are using their garages more frequently, the average lifespan of the parts tends to be closer to 8-10 years. That is why annual maintenance checks are important to ensure the functionality of your door. Another vital part of maintaining your door is checking the safety mechanisms like eye sensors and automatic reversal. Manufacturers put these in place to prevent your heavy door from accidentally injuring you or a family member. Considering you may have young children and pets frequently using this entrance, be sure to keep up with your maintenance.

Convenience

The last important aspect of the garage door being the new front door is convenience. Since people use the door so often, they should be operating it with remote control access. Instead of worrying about replacing the batteries in a remote or getting out of the car to punch numbers in the keypad, use a smartphone to open the door.

Within the last decade, every major manufacturer of garage door openers has released some variety of smart opener systems. From LiftMaster’s myQ to separate systems like ismartgate, you can find the right option for you based on your home. You simply download the app on your phone, and it walks you through the installation process. In less than 15 minutes, you could be operating your garage door with the latest in both convenience and security technology. This upgraded level of ease and service for a garage door could be the factor that makes your home memorable to buyers.

When considering your garage door as the new front door, every added benefit counts!

386-506-8008 | Oceanside@RealtyExecutives.com |  |  |   @REOceanside

It is a part of homeownership: unexpected home repairs. Some of them are simple and inexpensive fixes, like repairing a broken drawer handle or replacing a doorknob. However, some of them, such as replacing the roof or removing mold, are laborious tasks that require the services of a professional and can cause financial strain if you are unprepared.

For this reason, it is important to plan for major home repairs. Even though you do not know when to expect such repairs, you can be prepared for when they happen! Read on for some insight into common home fixes that homeowners may encounter.

Roof Repair

The roof is essential in protecting your home from the elements. If there is a leak or other issue with your roof, it can lead to a host of other serious, expensive problems. Regularly check your roof for any leaks or missing/broken shingles or tiles. It is also a good idea to have a professional inspection done every few years. Expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $1,000 for a roof repair.

Tree Removal

If you have an abundance of large trees around your home, it is important to be mindful of how they could affect your home or property, particularly if a severe storm were to occur. In some cases, it could be better to remove a tree rather than cut it back. Tree removal costs can vary depending on the size of the tree and its location, and you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to as much as $1,500. Be sure to ask about additional costs, such as stump grinding, to confirm if it is included in the price. 

New Furnace

It is common for furnaces to stop working properly, and it is important to be prepared if it happens to you. Bob Vila recommends that homeowners consider the age of the furnace and whether it is working well. If it is older or not functioning at full capacity, you may be able to get by with a minor repair. However, it is also possible you will need a new furnace.

In most cases, a new furnace can run about $1,000 to $6,000, but the cost will vary depending on what kind of furnace you get. For instance, an electric model can cost $400 to $1,200 while a gas model can range from $850 to $1,800. Labor is another expense to consider, which can add an extra $1,500 to $3,000 to the bill.

New Water Heater

It is easy to see the potential problems with a water heater that goes out—cold showers perhaps being the most obvious one. However, a defective water heater can also cause some very costly issues, such as flooding. Keep an eye on your water heater, have it checked periodically, and set aside $767 to $1,446 for when you need a new one installed.

Water Damage

There are many ways for water damage to occur (e.g., leaks, flooding, storms, etc.), and it can be expensive to fix. Typically, the cost to repair water damage will depend on the type of damage that has occurred. Here are the three main categories of water damage and the average cost of remediation:

• Clean water damage — $3.75 per square foot
• Grey water damage — $4.50 per square foot
• Black water damage — $7 per square foot

According to Allstate Insurance Company, these prices include only the remediation of water damage. You will also need to factor in the cost of repairs to any items or areas of the home (e.g., furniture, drywall, floors, etc.) that need to be restored.

Electrical Rewiring

While some people opt to do their own electrical work, it is not the best idea if you do not have any valuable experience. In short, there is just too much that can go wrong, and the consequences of a simple mistake could result in electrocution, fire, or any other number of problems. If you need electrical work done, especially if it is rewiring, call a professional. Most electricians charge $75 per hour.

You may not be able to predict every major home repair that comes your way, but you can start preparing for the costs now. The repairs on this list are only a few of many that should be considered. Be sure to keep researching so that you can prepare as well as possible for future home repairs that call for the services of a professional!

Are you planning to sell your home soon? If so, updates and repairs are probably a top priority right now. To ensure you make the right repair choices and to get the best price for your home, connect with your local Realty Executives office today!