| How to Pack a Television for Moving Posted: 05 Jan 2018 04:00 PM PST When moving, it is important to pack your belongings securely. Your TV is an item that needs special attention during packing because it is fragile. You need to prepare it properly and use the right materials to protect it, including cushioning and cardboard. With some care, your TV can be packed and transported to its new home safely. EditPreparing Your TV for Packing - Remove any accessories and cords. When getting your TV ready to be packed, you should first unplug the TV and remove the power cord from the TV, if possible. Then remove the cords that attach any accessories, such as streaming devices or DVD players. Coil them up and tie the coil together with a rope or ribbon.[1]
- Leaving cords attached to your TV can cause the cords or the cord attachment points on the TV to be damage during moving.
- If you have a lot of components and cables, it's a good idea to label them before you pack them. Put a piece of tape around the cord and write what the cord is used for on the tape. This will make it easier to put your TV system back together once your move is over.
- Put the cords in a separate box or in the box you are using to pack up your components. Putting them in the same box as the TV could damage it if they move around.
- Wrap up attached cords. If there are cords that can't be detached from the TV, you should wrap them up neatly. You don't have to wrap up the cords all the way to the TV. You simply need to wrap up the majority of the cord so it can be contained and won't be a tripping hazard while you are packing up the TV.
- Clean your TV with a microfiber cloth. Take the time to clean all the dust and debris off of your TV before you pack it up. Not only will this help keep you clean as you move the TV, dust and dirt left on the screen could scratch it while shifting during moving.[2]
- Unmount your TV. If your TV is mounted on a wall, it needs to be taken down. Typically, you will first detach the TV from the bracket and then take the bracket off the wall after the TV is removed. Look at the instructions for the mounting bracket if you are unsure about how to detach the TV.[3]
- If your TV is large, it's a good idea to have someone help you take it down. Even if the TV is relatively light, a large TV can be awkward to handle by yourself.
- If your TV sits on a base, this should also be detached from the TV in order to pack it effectively. This typically requires the use of a screwdriver.[4]
EditPutting Your TV in its Original Packaging - Keep all packaging when you purchase your TV. When you purchase a new TV, it's a good idea to keep all of its packaging so you can use it for future moves. A TV's packaging is specially made to protect it, so using the original packaging is the easiest and most effective way to protect it during a move.[5]
- Place protective cushioning on the TV. Remove all of the protective packaging inside the box and put it back on your TV. The packaging was made specifically for your TV, so it should fit perfectly.[6]
- You may have to play around with the foam or cardboard protective pieces that cushion the TV. Take your time and just make sure that they are placed on the TV correctly.
- Put the TV in the box. Slide the TV into the box and make sure it is placed correctly. If it is, it should not move around much when the box is closed. Once the box is closed up, seal it with tape.
- Some TV boxes can be closed with tabs and do not need to be taped shut. However, without tape, there is always a chance of the TV coming out of the box on accident.
EditWrapping a TV in Packing Materials - Collect soft wrapping materials. Collect a variety of soft wrapping materials you can use to pad the TV. These can include bubble wrap, newspaper, and moving blankets.[7]
- In many cases, you can use materials that you are already going to move, such as blankets, clothes, and other linens. They can pad your TV and get moved in the process, and then you don't have to spend extra money buying additional packing materials.
- Wrap the whole TV in cushioning. Wrap the TV in the soft packing materials you have found. Once the whole TV is totally wrapped, tape the padding in place. Wrapping the entire TV before taping ensures that the tape does not get on the TV, which could damage the screen.[8]
- Place heavier protection over the face of the TV. Once you have cushioned the face of the TV, it's a good idea to put a harder layer of protection on top of the cushioning. Use a piece of cardboard or thin plywood to protect the face of the TV. Measure the size of the entire front of the TV. Then cut the cardboard to size and tape it on the TV by wrapping tape all the way around it.[9]
- If you have a large TV, you may need to use several pieces of cardboard to cover the face of the TV.
- You can use the cardboard from a flattened moving box or any spare plywood you have around.
- If you can, construct a makeshift box out of pieces of cardboard. This will protect the TV more effectively than just protecting the front of it.
- Move the TV carefully. If you haven't put your TV in a secure box, you need to be careful when moving it. Make sure that it is in a very protected spot in your moving truck, such as next to a mattress or other soft surface.
- You may even want to take the TV and move it in your own car. Taking it in the back seat of your car will help ensure that it gets to its destination safely.
EditUsing a TV Packing Kit - Purchase a packing kit. If you do not have the original packaging for your TV, you can buy a packing kit that is specially made for packing TVs. These are available from most moving companies and at many home improvement stores.[10]
- Packing kits typically include a box that can hold TVs in a range of sizes. Look at the packaging before you buy the kit to make sure your TV will fit in it.
- Kits should include a box and corner cushioning for the TV. They may also include padding, such as bubble wrap.
- Read the directions included. Each type of packing kit will have slightly different directions. Read your kit's directions before starting packing and follow them in order to protect your TV from damage.
- Wrap the TV in padding. It is a good idea to wrap your TV in a protective layer before putting it in a box. This protective layer can consist of soft padding, such as a thin blanket, or packing material, such as bubble wrap.
- Use a thin layer of padding before putting the corner protectors on so you can be sure that they will fit over the padding.
- Place corner protectors on the TV. Your packing kit should come with corner protectors that fit over the corners of your TV. There will be 4 included and they should be adjustable to fit a variety of sizes of TVs. Follow the directions for how to put them on your TV.
- Put the TV in the box. Once the corner protectors are in place you should slide your TV into its box. Many packing kits come with a 2-part box in order to fit a variety of sizes of TVs. Place your TV in 1 box piece and then slide the second piece on over the first.
- Fill empty space with cushioning. Because packing kits are made to fit many different TVs, there may be a lot of empty space in the box. Try filling this space with packing material, such as newspaper or bubble wrap, to ensure that your TV is kept secure.[11]
- If there is a lot of extra space, try using a moving blanket or small cushion to fill up the space.
- Tape the packaging closed. Once your TV is properly packed, you can seal up the box. Make sure the box is thoroughly taped so that the box will stay intact even if it is moved around and jostled in transit.
- When the TV is put in the moving truck or container, make sure that it is placed bottom down. It should not be placed face or back down. Also, keep heavy items off of the box.
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| How to Grow Freshwater Aquarium Plants Posted: 05 Jan 2018 08:00 AM PST Freshwater aquarium plants are a beautiful addition to your home and provide several benefits for your fish. Living plants will remove nitrates from the water, improving the quality of the water and reducing algae growth. They also boost the oxygen levels in the tank and provide fish with fun places to hide.[1] Growing freshwater plants in your aquarium is a fun and easy hobby that will delight both you and your fish. EditChoosing the Right Plants - Select common, easy to grow freshwater plants. Freshwater plants have different lighting requirements and can sometimes be difficult to maintain. Luckily, there are some easy options for beginners that will create the look you want in your aquarium. Look for plants that are labeled as Echinoderms, Lilaeopsis, Anarchies, or Anubis.
- Good options for tall plants include Amazon Sword and Java Fern. Amazon Sword grows quickly and easily, providing great cover for your wiring and filter system if it's visible from behind your tank. Java Fern has long leaves and provides good protection for fish.
- For medium-sized plants, great choices include Anubias Nana and Dwarf Sagittaria. Anubias Nana has curved stems with rounded leaves. Dwarf Sagittaria has long green leaves with curved blades and grows well around hard tank decorations like stone figurines.[2]
- Use mosses to decorate along the bottom and front of the tank. Easy to grow freshwater mosses include Java Moss, Willow Moss, and Water Wisteria. Moss is a low-growing plant, so you can put it in the front of your tank without obscuring other plants. It also helps keep your tank clean. Moss grows quickly, so you will see fast results with this plant.
- Moss grows best with medium to bright light.[3]
- Mosses are often edible for fish.[4] You will still need to feed your fish, however. Not all fish will eat the moss.
- Another great option for the bottom and forefront of your tank is a plant called dwarf baby tears. This lush, leafy plant grows quickly like moss but it has a more shrub-like appearance. This plant grows best in bright light.[5]
- Purchase full grown plants if you want a finished look right away. Full grown plants are more expensive, but they are the easiest way to get the look you want immediately. Choose plants that have started to bud and have white roots.
- Inspect the plants to make sure that they are free of snails, shrimp, and algae.[6]
- You can buy aquarium plants at a local pet shop or aquarium store. You can also find them online.
- Research the seller before you make a purchase to ensure that they have a reputation for clean, healthy plants.
- Grow your plants from cuttings if you want a less expensive option. While it will take longer for your final look to develop, cuttings are more economical. To grow them, you will need to acquire cuttings from an existing plant, which are sold through most aquarium stores and online. Locate the lowest stem node on your cutting, then remove the leaves below it. Plant the stem in the substrate so that it will take root.[7]
- You may also be able to acquire a cutting from someone you know who owns an aquarium.
- Create visual interest by using various sized plants. Layering your plants will make your tank more attractive. Background plants should be larger, while medium-sized plants can be placed in the middle of the aquarium or along the sides. You can decorate the front of your aquarium with a carpeting plant, like moss or dwarf baby tears.[8]
- Plants range from small plants up to plants that fill the tank.
- Add figurines, rocks, and driftwood for a more interesting look. They will also provide a great place to tie down plants that do not need to be buried.
EditSetting Up Your Aquarium - Purchase and install lighting to support plant growth. Just like other plants, your aquarium plants will need light to stay alive. Light is needed for plants to undergo photosynthesis, which gives them their energy and nutrients. Check the light needs of your individual plants, as they can vary from plant to plant. Full-spectrum fluorescent and LED tank lights are both great options. Plants can also get some light from nearby windows.
- Some plants require a lot of extra light, so do your research before you make a selection.[9]
- It's recommended that when you start out, stick to less than 2.5 fluorescent watts per gallon unless you put a carbon dioxide system in place.
- Quarantine and treat new plants before adding them to your tank. New plants may already harbor pests like snails or shrimp that can threaten the health of your aquarium. Snails and shrimp can breed quickly and fill your tank, unless you have fish that feed on them.[10] Additionally, they can introduce bacteria or diseases to the water.[11] A quarantine will allow you to spot pests before they get in your tank.[12] You can also treat your plants with a bleach solution.
- To treat with bleach, mix 1 part bleach into 19 parts water. Dip your plants for 2 to 3 minutes, depending on how sensitive your plants are. Thoroughly rinse the plants in fresh water before placing them in dechlorinated water.[13]
- To prevent snail infestations, dip your plants into saltwater after purchase. Mix of aquarium or kosher salt into of water. Dip the plants for 15-20 seconds, keeping the roots above water. Be sure to rinse them off with clean fresh water before placing them in the tank.[14]
- After a week of quarantine, place them in the aquarium.
- Add a plant-friendly substrate to the tank and cover it with gravel. Your substrate is the material you use to cover the bottom of the tank. When you're growing plants, you need a nutrient-rich substrate, which can initially be a bit more expensive. The substrates that are good for planting also tend to cloud the water when they're disturbed, but you can stop this by applying a thin layer of gravel over it.
- Seachem Flourite contains all of the necessary nutrients and comes in a variety of colors.
- Clays and laterite are good options for nutrients and can be less expensive. However, they often take more time to settle in the tank.
- Aqua Soil has good nutrients for plants but drops the pH of the water to 7. While this is optimal for plants, it can harm some fish. Check the pH requirements of your fish before choosing this substrate.
- Gravel alone will not nourish your plants.[15]
- Anchor the plants that need to be in the substrate so they get nutrients. Some plants need to be rooted in the substrate in order to absorb needed nutrients. Place the roots of these plants just under the substrate, but don't bury them deep because this can cover the rhizome of the plant, which is a thick green part above the roots. Covering the rhizome can cause the entire plant to die.
- Make sure that you do not anchor one plant on top of another.[16]
- Tie the remaining plants to rocks or wood so that they can root. Some plants, like moss, Java Fern, or Anubias Nana prefer to root into rock or wood. The plants will then take root on the rock or wood. Wrap fishing line gently around the plant, then loop the line around the rock or wood. Tie the fishing line in place, then add the rock and plant to your tank.
- Driftwood and lava rock are great options for tying down plants.[17]
- Add your fish after allowing a week for your tank to stabilize. Wait a week after establishing your plant garden before adding the fish. If you already own fish, you can leave them in a temporary aquarium. Otherwise, it's best to wait until your tank is ready before acquiring your fish.
- Waste excreted by the fish will help feed your plants.[18]
- Resist the urge to add your fish early. Your tank needs to go through a process called "cycling," where the water conditions stabilize and become safe for fish. Very few fish can survive before the water conditions have stabilized.[19]
EditCaring for Your Plants - Prune plants that outgrow the tank so that they won't decompose. Most plants grow quickly, so pruning will be a necessity. If the plant outgrows the tank, the part of the plant outside the cage will die. Use sharp scissors to carefully cut away the excess plant.
- As an alternative, you could choose slow-growing plants.[20]
- Clean your water weekly to maintain the health of your tank. Plants do not need water changes as frequently as fish do, but regular changes will keep your aquarium healthy. First scrape any algae from the sides of your tank. Use a siphon to remove 10 to 15% of your water, paying special attention to the gravel and area around your aquarium fixtures. Replace the water you removed with fresh, dechlorinated water.[21]
- When using your siphon, don't use it in the plant bed or you could accidentally kill your plants. Instead, keep it above the substrate.
- Shrimp and catfish both feed on algae, so they could make a good addition to your tank, depending on the other fish you've chosen.[22]
- This is also called changing your water. Some people like to clean the entire tank every few months, but this can upset your tank's ecosystem. It's better to use filters and maintain a clean tank.
- Add fertilizer to speed up the growth and keep plants healthy. Your freshwater aquarium does not need fertilizer, especially if you have fish, which help fertilize the plants with their waste. However, fertilizer can help your plants grow better and can be worth the extra effort. There are several ways to fertilize your aquarium plants:
- You can add fluorite directly into the substrate, which provides iron and nutrients for the plants.
- Root tabs are placed near the roots of the plants that need to be anchored beneath the substrate. They will continually fertilize your plants for 2 to 3 months.
- If you prefer a liquid fertilizer, you can add it to your tank once or twice a week. Liquid fertilizer is great for plants that are not rooted in the substrate, such as those tied to rocks.[23]
- A CO2 pump provides the plants with more CO2, which they absorb and convert to oxygen. If you have a high-light tank, it's good to include more CO2 because light speeds up photosynthesis, meaning that your plants will convert CO2 to oxygen more quickly.[24]
- Avoid letting plants that are not fully submerged dry out. If the plants dry out, they will die. To keep them healthy, store your plants in a bucket of fresh water. This is a great option if you are growing additional plants for your aquarium(s).[25]
- You can store the plants in the bucket indefinitely if they have clean water and proper lighting. Plants that must be rooted in the substrate will need to be anchored if they are stored long-term. When storing your plants, clean your water weekly.
- Start small and add plants slowly.
- If you have an algae problem, you could add glass or ghost shrimp, which eat algae. These freshwater shrimp get along great with tetras and guppies.
- Choose plants that are compatible with your fish, as some fish will eat or destroy them.
- Do not dispose of aquarium plants in local waterways or down the toilet. Many of them are non-native and can interfere with native plants. Instead, dry out any excess plants and dispose of them in the trash.
- If you keep crayfish, be aware that they will uproot and eat water plants.
EditThings You'll Need - Aquarium
- Substrate fit for plants - silt, sand, clay
- Gravel (optional)
- Filtration system
- Freshwater plants
- Full-spectrum light source
- Freshwater fish
- Dechlorinated water
- Aquarium salt or kosher salt
- Fish net
- Algae scraper
- Siphon
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| How to Improve Your Resume Posted: 05 Jan 2018 12:00 AM PST Creating an effective resume can be tricky, but it's crucial for getting noticed by recruiters and hiring managers. Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do to make your resume more professional and marketable. Consider the perspective of recruiters and hiring managers as you're making your resume. They like resumes that are skim-able, easy-to-understand, and tailored to the job they're looking to fill. By keeping those things in mind, you can make a resume that improves your chances of finding a job. EditSample Resumes EditTailoring Your Resume to the Job - Read the job description carefully. Look for specific skills, kinds of experience, and keywords listed in the job ad and write them down. If there are any educational requirements, make sure you note those too. Then, when you're making your resume, focus on including those things to show the recruiter you're the right candidate for the job.[1]
- Try copying and pasting the job description into a word cloud generator. Word cloud generators take all the words in a body of text and show you which words are the most common. If the generator tells you that the term "self-starter" appears a lot in the job ad, you'll know to incorporate that skill into your resume.
- Tailor your resume to the job you're applying for. Don't use the same resume for every job you apply to. Recruiters want to see that you're the right fit for the specific job they're trying to fill. When you find a job you're interested in, take the time to update your resume so it reflects the skills and experience the job ad is calling for.
- To save yourself time, have a "base" resume saved on your computer. Then, whenever you find a job you're interested in, you can just tweak the base resume so it's tailored to the job. Save your updated resume as a different file so you don't lose your base resume.
- For example, if you're applying for a job that calls for excellent customer service skills, you could take your base resume and move "customer service" to the top of your list of skills. You could also add more details to your descriptions for your previous jobs about how you excelled at customer service in those roles.
- Include keywords relevant to the job in your resume. Many companies use electronic tracking systems that look for specific keywords in applicant resumes. If you don't use those keywords, your resume could be overlooked. To find out which keywords to use, search online for a list of keywords commonly used in the industry you're applying to. Just search something like "resume keywords for financial advisor."[2]
- For example, recruiters looking to fill a financial position could be looking for keywords like "profit," "accounting," "budgeting," and "compliance."
- Choose the right kind of resume for the job you're applying to. If you're responding to a job ad that emphasizes work experience, use a chronological resume. If you're applying for a job that requires a lot of specific skills, a functional resume may be a good choice. If the job description focuses on both experience and practical skills, use a combination resume to demonstrate that you have both.[3]
- For example, if you're applying to a job that requires 3 years of landscaping experience, make a chronological resume by listing your work history at the top of your resume, starting with your most recent job in landscaping.
- If you're applying for an entry-level computer programming job where you need to know how to use a variety of computer programs, make a functional resume. At the top of your resume, list your experience working with the different computer programs, as opposed to your work history.
- If you're applying for a graphic design job that requires 1 year of experience and experience using different design programs, make a combination resume. Start the resume with a list of your skills and experience working in graphic design programs, and follow that section with your employment history.
EditImproving the Content - Add a 3-sentence summary to the top of your resume under your name. Describe who you are in the first sentence. Then, mention your goal or objective in the second sentence. Finish the summary with a sentence about why you're a valuable candidate for the position. A 3-sentence summary will help recruiters quickly understand who you are and what you have to offer.[4]
- For example, your 3-sentence summary could go something like "Writer with over 5 years experience at major publications. Looking to research and write about digital marketing trends. Brings solid understanding of editorial standards and a track record of meeting deadlines."
- If you don't have a lot of job experience or skills, leave the 3-sentence summary off of your resume.
- Include your most impressive achievements for each job. Instead of focusing on the responsibilities you had at your old jobs, focus on the things you accomplished at them instead. Ask yourself what your 2-3 best achievements were at each of your previous jobs and write them down. Then, include 1 or 2 of them after each job you have listed on your resume.[5]
- For example, instead of writing "Was responsible for reorganizing shelves in company stockroom," you could write "Implemented successful new organization system in company stockroom."
- Quantify the achievements on your resume. That way they'll be easier for recruiters to understand. Whenever you're listing an achievement, try to attach a number or percentage to it. Don't make it complicated and use too many numbers. Stick with one number or percentage per achievement.[6]
- For example, instead of writing "Helped increase traffic to company website," you could write "Increased traffic to company website by 45 percent."
- Start your bullet points with action verbs. Action verbs imply that you took initiative and accomplished something, which will look good to recruiters. If any of the bullet points on your resume start with a phrase like "Responsible for" or "In charge of," rephrase them so they start with an action verb.[7]
- Some action verbs you could use on your resume are: arranged, delivered, assisted, created, formed, organized, produced, eliminated, lead, transformed, and developed.
EditTweaking the Formatting - Use bullet points instead of paragraphs for your job descriptions. Paragraphs are harder to skim through than bullet points, so recruiters may not be seeing all the information you want them to see. If any of your job descriptions are written in paragraph form, break them up into several bullet points. Keep each bullet point between 1-2 sentences long.[8]
- Shorten your resume if it's longer than 1 page. To shorten your resume, make your writing more concise. Delete any unnecessary information, like dates and descriptions for jobs you had over 15 years ago. If you're using a large font, make it smaller (but not so small that it's hard to read). Recruiters like to skim resumes, and they'll be more likely to look yours over if it's only 1 page.[9]
- Move your contact information to the top. Put it in bold font so it's easy for recruiters to find. Make sure it includes your phone number, email address, city and zip code (you can leave out your full mailing address).[10]
- Use a simple, black, size-12 font. Avoid colorful, crazy fonts that will distract from the content of your resume. Try to use the same font throughout your whole resume so it looks neat and polished.[11]
- Make your headlines bold and slightly larger to help them stand out.
- Some simple fonts you can use for your resume are: Times New Roman, Georgie, Garamond, Arial, Century Gothic, Tahoma, and Bell MT.
- Use a resume-building software or app. Search online for "free resume builder." There are also resume builders you can pay for to get access to more premium features. Once you find a software or app you like, input the information from your resume into the builder so it can help you organize it all in an effective way. Then, save the resume you made and use it to apply for jobs.
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Sample Chronological Resume
Sample Functional Resume
Sample Combination Resume
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