QUATICAQU AT H E O N - L I N E J O U R N A L O F T H E B R O O K L Y N A Q U A R I U M S O C I E T Y VOL. 28 MAY ~ JUNE 2015 No. 5

Cuban Cichlid - Nandropsis tetracanthus

May 8 GIANT SPRING Tropical Fish

AUCTIONDetails Page 3 Photo: Ian Tan 1 1 0 4 Y EARS OF E DUCATING A QUARISTS AQUATICA VOL. 28 MAY - JUNE 2015 NO. 5 C ONTENT S

PAGE 2 THE AQUATICA STAFF PAGE 25 WHEN THINGS GO WRONG...NOTHING GOES WIGHT! PAGE 3 CALENDAR OF EVENTS An article titled; Collecting Fish BAS Events for the years 2015 - 2016 Under Difficulties from the September 1917 from the Aquarium Bulletin , PAGE 4 BREEDING CLOWNFISH. A recounting a collecting trip to North short description of the easiest tropical Carolina dripping with sarcasm. marine fish to breed; raising the young is HERMAN RABENAU, BAS relatively easy. WILLIAM BERG , Aquaticcommunity.com PAGE 27 TOO TOUGH TO KILL. #1 tough invertebrates for beginners: PAGE 6 OBSERVATIONS ON BATFISH . the Coral Banded Shrimp Stenopus Exploring how to keep these fish hispidus. eating and alive in captivity. ANTHONY P. KROEGER, BAS ANTHONY P. KROEGER, BAS PAGE 28 OUTLINE FOR WRITING A FISH PAGE 9 THE PRACTICAL PLANT. ARTICLE. An easy to follow guide on how-to- Instructions on propagating the Mermaid Weed write-a-fish-article. Hint, hint! IZZY ZWERIN, BAS BOB TILLMAN, OCA PAGE 29 DELICIOUS EARTHWORM SNACKS. PAGE 10 STARTING WITH CORYDORAS. Ian A recipe for aquarists that keep large fish which answers frequently asked questions about keeping are eating them out of house and home, like cichlids. and breeding Corydoras catfish. JOHN TODARO, BAS IAN FULLER, BAS PAGE 30 GREEN LACE SHRIMP. A new shrimp PAGE 15 SUBSTRATE & FERTILIZATION in the American Dwarf Shrimp hobby. INTRODUCTION. An in depth look at the make RYAN CURTIS, BAS up of substrate and aquatic plants’ needs. ROBERT PAUL HUDSON PAGE 31 REEF RULES - QUARANTINE. PAGE 20 TETRAS & TOUGHIES: HOW TO MIX To help reproduce the proper conditions in keeping. TETRAS & CICHLIDS. In nature, many tetras live in 5 reef rules for success. the same waterways as cichlids. ANTHONY P. KROEGER, BAS ANTHONY P. KROEGER, BAS PAGE 35 SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS. THEY PAGE 22 THE CUBAN CICHLID. The Cuban SUPPORT US. WE MUST SUPPORT THEM. cichlid is one of the few fish that comes from Cuba. Bob gives us an overview of this beautiful cichlid. PAGE 37 SPONSORS ADS. ROBERT PRICE, BAS PAGE 39 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION. PAGE 23 SPECIES PROFILE. Nandropsis tetracanthus Cuban Cichlid, Biajaca. JOHN TODARO, BAS

PAGE 24 TOO TOUGH TO KILL. Marine fish for beginner marine aquarists. The Sergent Major, Abudefduf saxtilis. ANTHONY P. KROEGER, BAS 2 A QUATICA STAF F

Editor: John Todaro ContributingWriters: Robert Price Associate Designer: Ginny Cahill William Berg Herman Rabenau Copy Editor: Kay Martin Ryan Curtis Bob Tillman Freshwater Shrimp Editor: Ryan Curtis Robert Paul Hudson John Todaro Marine Editor: Anthony P. Kroeger Larry Jinks Izzy Zwerin Plant Editor: Izzy Zwerin Anthony P. Kroeger Catfish Editor: Sy Angelicus Illustrations: JohnTodaro Norman Doughty Chris Giam All articles in Aquatica are the opinion and experiences of Julia Noonan the author or authors, and do not necessarily represent Shelly Sacks the opinions of the editors or staff of Aquatica or the Brooklyn Aquarium Society Inc.

Note: The Editor takes full responsibility for misspellings and punctuation errors .

AQUATICA is published on line bi-monthly (except July/August) by BAS. Original articles may be reprinted by other non-profit organi- zations, provided proper credit is given to the author and AQUATICA , and two copies are sent to the Exchange Editor. Transcriptions of lectures may not be reprinted without written permission of both Editor and the Speaker. A notice of where original AQUATICA articles have been published should be sent to the BAS Exchange Editor; Stu Hershkowitz, P.O. Box 290610, Bklyn, NY 11229-0111 AQUATICA will exchange publications with all interested societies. If we do not receive your publications for three consecutive months, we will assume you no longer wish to exchange and your club may be removed from our mailing list. ALLCORRESPONDENCECONCERNINGTHISPUBLICATIONSHOULDBESENT TO : • Editor: John Todaro, 247 Middletown Road, South Londonderry VT, 05155 - Phone: 802 824-3743 Fax: Same. You can submit articles to the Editor by mail, fax, or E-mail to: [email protected].

The Brooklyn Aquarium Society Inc. is a non-profit organization 501(c) (3) for people interested in the aquarium hobby and the study of aquatic life. The Society meets the 2nd Friday of each month except July and August at the Education Hall of the New York Aquarium at Coney Island, Surf Avenue at West 8th St., at 7:30 PM. Meetings are open to visitors. Refreshments are served. Membership is $25 per year family/$20 individual/$15 for students under 14. Send inquiries or membership checks payable to: Brooklyn Aquarium Society, c/o Membership Chairperson, P.O. Box 290610, Brooklyn, NY 11229-0011.

BROOKLYN AQUARIUM SOCIETY BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS Exchange Editor: BOARD MEMBERS President: Stuart Hershkowitz Bill Amely Joseph Graffagnino Membership Chairperson: Marty Karfinkel 1st Vice President: Christina Cingari Gennady (Gene) Kogan Steve Matassa Sergeant-at-Arms: Tomas Lis 2nd Vice President: Lita Goldberg David Manuel Marie Licciardello Recording Secretary: Dr. Robert M. Price Treasurer: Kay Martin Alfred Turrisi Denise Hershkowitz Web Master: Corresponding Secretary: Bernard Deren Dan Smith Editor: John Todaro 3 B R O O K LY N A Q UA R I U M S O C I E TY CALENDAR OF EVENTS ~ 2015•2016 2015 MAY 8 Giant Spring Auction ~ Freshwater fish, plants, marine fish, aqua-cultured corals & dry goods including a new 55 gal. tank & stand. JUN 12 Lou Ekus ~ (Tropic Marin USA) Basics of Reef Chemistry ~ Marine fish, aqua-cultured corals, freshwater fish, plants & dry goods auction. BAS elections. JULY/AUGUST - NO MEETINGS SEPT 11 Rick Borstein ~ 60 Tips in 60 Minutes ~ Marine fish, aqua-cultured corals, freshwater fish, plants & dry goods auction. OCT 9 Giant Fall Auction ~ Freshwater fish, plants, marine fish, aqua-cultured corals & dry goods, including a new 55 gallon tank & stand. NOV 13 Bob Fenner ~ Reef Stocking ~ Marine fish, aqua-cultured corals, freshwater fish, plants & dry goods auction. DEC 11 Holiday Party ~ Members, their families and friends, all you can eat sit-down dinner ~ • Fish Bingo & Prizes • BAS awards presentations. 2016 JAN 8 Jeff Bollback ~ Getting Rich Breeding Fish ~ Marine fish, aqua-cultured corals,freshwater fish, plants & dry goods auction. FEB 12 Joe Caparatte ~ Triton Method ~ Marine fish, aqua-cultured corals, freshwater fish, plants & dry goods auction. MAR 11 Speaker TBA ~ Marine fish,aqua-cultured corals,freshwaterfish, plants & dry goods auction. APR 8 Speaker TBA ~ Marine fish, aqua-cultured corals, freshwater fish, plants & dry goods auction. MAY 13 Giant Spring Auction ~ Freshwater fish, plants, marine fish, aqua-cultured corals & dry goods including a new 55 gal. tank & stand. JUN 10 Speaker TBA ~ Marine fish,aqua-cultured corals,freshwater fish, plants & dry goods auction. BAS elections. JULY/AUGUST - NO MEETINGS SEPT 9 Speaker TBA ~ Marine fish, aqua-cultured corals, freshwater fish, plants & dry goods auction. OCT 14 Giant Fall Auction ~ Freshwater fish, plants, marine fish, aqua-cultured corals & dry goods, including a new 55 gallon tank & stand. NOV 11 Speaker TBA ~ Marine fish, aqua-cultured corals, freshwater fish, plants & dry goods auction. DEC 9 Holiday Party ~ Members, their families and friends, all you can eat sit-down dinner • Fish Bingo & Prizes • BAS awards presentations. The Giant Spring Auction HE GIANT SPRING AUCTION WILL BE HELD ON MAY 8TH . We will be auctioning bags of hard to find and rare fish, also perennial favorites plus aquatic plants, marine fish and corals will Tbe among the lots. Please arrive early to view the lots from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The auction starts promptly at 8:30pm. We will auction a new 55-gallon tank & stand donated by our friends at Petland Discounts . If you win the tank, you will be given a certificate signed by Joe Graffagnino to pick it up at a designated Petland Discounts store. This way, you can make arrangements to get it directly from a local Petland Discounts store at your convenience. We accept personal checks from members we know. For more information, please see the BAS Bulletin or visit BrooklynAquariumSociety.com 4 William Berg of Sweden, for aquaticcommunity.com, Aquarticles

BREEDING

A short description

hanks to Disney's become a female. The second largest usually Motion Picture becomes the breeding male, while all the other fish remain juveniles and gender-neutral. If the T“Finding Nemo,” breeding female disappears, the breeding male almost everybody is will change to a female, and so on. Buying an familiar with clownfish established pair may be a reasonable way to go, . but it is often better to have a group of juveniles Clownfish, or Anemonefishes, from the growing up together. If you choose to buy a pair, family Pomacentridae , are one of the easiest tropical you should look for a pair that goes around marine aquarium fish to breed. Clownfish regularly together. Sometimes you can be lucky enough to lay eggs in aquariums. They have quite large get a pair already spawning. Anyhow, establishing eggs and larvae, and since the larvae easily eat an adult pair can be a little tricky; you need to cultured live foods, raising them is somewhat keep your eyes on them to make sure that the simpler than it is with many other marine species. female doesn't kill the male. You need to get a pair if you want to breed The next thing is to set up the tank. The clownfish, and that's quite interesting -- believe it tank should be large enough, approximately 200 or not, clownfish are all born as males! When liters for the breeding pair. It is better to keep a they are adults, the largest and the most dominant pair alone in an aquarium when trying to spawn fish of the group will undergo a sex change and clownfish. 5

The aquarium spspawning itself usually should be furnished ococcurs in the afternoon or with a nice anemone, a eaearly evening. Once the few live rocks and other spspawning is complete rocky substances with a (w(within several hours), vertical surface, a layer tthe h male takes on of coral sand on the bot- reresponsibility for attending tom, bright lighting, goodod ththe eggs, whereas the fe- filtration, and a protein mamale acts as protector of the skimmer. Your clownfishh egeggs and supervisor of her should be stress free, mamale. which means no aggres- Spawning is likely to sive tank mates and goodod wwatwaterat er qquaquality.ua li ty . As fforor occurococcucu r agagaiagainaiainn at intervalsi nt er va ls of 12 to 18 days. The eggs feeding, clownfish need a mixed diet of fresh should be left in the care of the parents and not raw seafood and vegetables. A good diet in- removed, unless the parents are known to be egg cludes prawns, mussels, and squid. It is best to eaters. At first the eggs are a bright orange colour, feed small bits at regular intervals. but after several days this diminishes and the eyes Spawning can begin 1 to 12 months after appear. Hatching usually takes from 6 to 15 days, the fish have settled into their new home. When depending on temperature. the fish are ready to spawn, they become The most critical stage of the fry is the first very aggressive. The male clownfish will dance 10 days of their larvae span. If you can get your up and down in front of the female (also known fry to survive thishis peperiodri the rest of their raising as "clownfish waggle"). They will also start to should be easier.er . clean their selected rock by robustly biting it. The

Clownfish fry in rearing tank at the Long Island Aquarium. 6 Anthony Kroeger - BAS ObservationsObservations onon BatfishBatfish

PlataxPlataxax pinnppinnatusinnatutus Can P. pinnarus be successfully kept in the aquarium? I like batfish. orbi, tiera and Pinnatus all are interesting and beautiful in my opinion. As an importer, I’ve had multiple opportunities to work with each. Yes, I know conventional wisdom says most Pinnatus starve to death in the aquarium and should be left on the reef, and I do not dispute this statment, for the most part...

But I also believe that in and not long term scientific study. I 2] Most animals feed order to learn how to maintain welcome any comments or opportunistically in nature. our fish, we have to try and opinions on batfish. Please Very few animals survive on only experiment with different write me c/o BAS. one food alone. One food alone strategies. I feel our current My observations are based is unlikely to provide all the understanding of P. pinnatus upon the following assumptions. necessary proteins, carbohydrates, batfish may be erroneous. 1] Most animals are fairly vitamins and minerals needed for The following observations hardy in their natural environment. survival. are based on personal experiences If not, they would be extinct. 7

3] In spite of our best response to the P. pinnatus . I added efforts, aquariums are not natural the P. teira and P. orbicularis environments; they are just a Batfish to elicit a mimicked similar approximation. feeding response. Monkey see, 4] Likewise, most foods we monkey do, essentially. offer are similar approximations. For the first week, I Do our fish recognize their color, introduced into tank #1 - Frozen texture or placement as food? brine shrimp and high quality 5] Finally, most animals in flakes and the P. pinnatus refused all a particular family have similar food. basic needs, with varying In tank #2, the P. pinnatus particulars based upon the had a feeding response but spat animals individual environment. P. pinnatus out all food. Plus its feeding Batfish are native to the Batfish come from coastal response was slow. The Indo-Pacific. Orbiculate Batfish, reefs and mangrove shoreline M. argenteus got most of the food. Platax orbicularis and Platax teira estuaries. So I examined the In tank #3, the P. pinnatus Batfish, P. teira are relatively easy to following: stayed near the P. orbicularis keep and feed well. So why do 1] Would juvenile P. batfish and did eat, not heartily, P. pinnatus batfish usually starve? pinnatus bats feed in a estuarial but it did eat. The M. sebae, being I want the best for my environment? more sedate than M. argenteus, fish and to keep them healthy Estuaries go through also encouraged the P. pinnatus to and for them to live long lives in tidal/salinity fluctuations come out more front and center. my aquariums. So the question frequently. So I lowered the What I found interesting about above I experimented with to salinity to 1.017 -1.018 very the P. pinnatus in tank #2 and #3. see what kind of results I could gradually. I added small mangrove was that both species of batfish obtain. I hope others will (red) which are common in picked at both the mangrove experiment with these ideas too. Florida as well as mangrove roots and seed pods - relatively seed pods. I used a coral sand substrate, a canister filter and airstone. I set up three 55 gallon aquariums all set-up as mentioned above. The temperature was kept at 76˚F. lights on 14 hours a day. In tank #1 - I put one 3” P. pinnatus Batfish alone. In tank #2 - I put one P. pinnatus bat 3”, four small 1 1/2” Monodactylus argenteus and Monodactylus sebae Platax orbicularis one 3” P. orbicularis Batfish. frequently, in fact. The P. pinnatus In tank #3 - I put one P. in tank #1 was losing weight; I looked at all the parameters pinnatus bat 3” one 3” P. pinnatus #2 was about the of batfishes’ natural environment P. teira Batfish and three small 1 same and P. pinnatus #3 that I know of and applied them 1/2” Monodactylus sebae . showed no weight loss, but no to my aquariums. Some of my All specimens were freshly gain either. I had never seen M. results are very interesting and imported fish. The M. sebae are sebae eat off of roots and seeds need more research and observation, common estuarial fish and I before. hopefully from marine aquarists. wanted to use them as both dithers and to show a feeding 8

For the second week, I the reef tank. This time the P. thought I would see if I could pinnatus ate well. It continues to make the mangrove roots and eat off the root and pod until I pods more interesting. sold it after about 8 weeks. For all three tanks, I selected one root and one pod THESE EXPERIMENTS for “food” enhancement. I set RAISE MANY QUESTIONS: the root and pod upright. 1] Would P. pinnatus thrive For tank #1 - I made a long term using this formula on paste of spirulina, brine shrimp, a feeding root and pod method? crushed krill and Reed Mariculture’s ™ 2] I do not think it was Instant Algae ®. I painted a root Monodactylus argenteu so much of a problem of what and seed pod with this mixture the food was, but rather the and placed them in tank #1. THE RESULTS WERE: delivery of it. Perhaps do P. For tank #2 - I did the Tank #1 - The P. pinnatus pinnatus migrate from man- same, but added beef heart and nibbled with the M. sebae . It did grove estuaries to reefs and store bought fresh popcorn not feed strongly, but did keep change their food sources shrimp to the mix. the food down. enroute? Do they adapt gradu- For tank #3 - I did the Tank #2 - This time both ally to eating from reefs? same, but also added Mysis batfish fed moderately and kept 3] Would adult P. pinnatus shrimp and soaked the mix in the food down. not eat from roots and pods? Is Ocean Nutrition’s ™ HUFA Tank #3 - These batfish had it only a juvenile food? Enriched Brine Shrimp. a strong feeding response, eating 4] Did the dithers play off the root and pod just as much an essential role in eliciting a THE RESULTS WERE: as the M. sebae . Not only that, feeding response? Was the other Tank #1 - The lone P. but the P. pinnatus stomach was batfishes’ presence a catalyst to pinnatus did nibble consistently extended when it was through feeding? on the “enhanced” root and feeding. I really do not know the pod, but spit everything out. I kept this up for 2 more answers to these questions. But A noticeable improvement, but weeks. By then, all three P. pinnatus I plan on experimenting further. it was still starving. were eating. The one in tank #3 I encourage other aquarists to Tank #2 - The M. sebae the best. do the same. Please write me went crazy and cleaned the root Tank #1 was the worst, with your results. I truly believe and pod before the batfish got but at least it had stopped losing P. pinnatus can be kept healthy, much of a chance to eat. weight. long term in the aquarium. Tank #3 - The M. sebae 2] Would the P. pinnatus It’s a matter of gaining and both batfish nibbled on the continue to feed once moved to knowledge of these beautiful roots and pod and kept the food a reef tank from the estuarial fish. I hope this givegives you some down. The feeding response tank? Well, yes and no! initial ideas. was much stronger. I moved the strongest P. Untill next xt time.tim The next day, I removed pinnatus from tank #3 into a reef 2 M. argenteus from tank #2. I tank and added a dried coral head put one into tank #1. I also put painted with the food mixture. the formula from tank #3 onto a It nibbled at it, but not nearly as ony root and one seed pod in all much. So I again painted a root T three tanks. and pod and set them upright in 9 Izzy Zwerin - BAS The Practical Plant Propagating Proserpinaca Palustris The Mermaid Weed

roserpinaca #204) with the output palustris is better being directed through a Pknown as Mer- submerged spray bar is maid Weed. It has to be doing my filtration. I use the strangest stem plant I the Estimated Index sys- have ever dealt with. tem of fertilizer dosing. That being said, it is also This means that once a one of the most decorative week I perform a large plants I have ever seen. It water change (50-75%). has leaves which are This is usually done on essentially elliptical in Saturday. You don’t have shape. The leaf edges are to worry about the large somewhat pinnate. volume of water that is However, as the plant being replaced. Your fish grows taller and gets closer to the light it becomes will love it. This large water change is necessary increasingly more pinnate. The upper leaves to reset the system. Then on Saturday, Monday become so pinnate that they look like a slim triangle and Wednesday I dose the macronutrients, and with a row of long needles around the edge. on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday I dose the mi- There is a color change as well. The lower leaves cronutrients. Friday I take the day off. The light- are a dark green and, again, as it gets closer to the ing is timer controlled and on for 12 hours a day light it becomes a lighter green. The uppermost To propagate this plant, just treat as you portion becomes a bright red. In addition to this would any other stem plant. Take a cutting and odd growth pattern it is also the slowest growing place it into the substrate. You will need to be stem plant I have ever worked with. very patient with this plant. To give you an idea This is no plant for beginners. It requires a of just how slow growing this plant is, in the high great deal of light and nutrients and CO 2. I am growth environment I described to you, I have keeping this plant in my Guppy tank. This set up only had to prune this plant twice in four is in a 25 gallon tank. I keep all the males in this months. It is also reluctant to form any branches. aquarium. The pH is about 6.8-7.0, temperature is All this being said, if you can maintain P. kept at 78˚F and the GH runs about 60. This palustris, it is a stunning plant. aquarium has 130 watt Compact Fluorescent lighting (Coralife “Aqualight” double strip) and zy CO 2 enrichment. A Fluval canister filter (model Iz 10 Ian Fuller - BAS STARTING WITH CORYDORAS

Corydoras barbatus

ver the years I have been asked many questions about keeping and breeding Corydoras Catfish by people that Owould like to start keeping them and others that have them, but would like to try and breed them. The ten most popular questions I have listed below. The answers I have given to these questions are based on the many years of experience I have gained by keeping and breeding these wonderful little fishes, and are meant as a guide rather than the rule. Questions Answers . 1. How big do they get? 1. Corydoras pygmaeus and Corydoras hastatus are 2. How should I set up a tank for them? the smallest described species, at twenty-five 3. How many can I put in my tank? millimetres, with Corydoras barbatus possibly the 4. What species are best to start with and how largest at one hundred millimetres. (2PICS) expensive are they? 2. There are many ways of setting up tanks that 5. Where are the best places to get them? are suitable for Corydoras ; I think the main criteria 6. What should I look for when buying? would be what are the ingredients needed to create 7. What do they eat? the ideal Corydoras environment. For me these 8. How can I sex them? would be: a) Tanks that are large enough to house 9. Can I breed them? the fish you intend to keep. (See answer 3). b) A 10. How many species are there? smooth substrate to prevent damage to mouthparts. c) Quality water = Clean and aged for at least three 11 days, with near neutral large enough to house values pH 6.8 – 7.4, Corydoras paleatus the fish that you are in- GH10 – 15, and a tending to breed. In temperature of between the small 20 x 20 x 70˚ – 76˚F would be a 20cm tanks, I keep good starting place. and breed small species Most water authorities like C. xinguensis and supplies, although C. griseus. they may vary in values from one authority to All of my breeding and rearing tanks have another, are quite adequate for most species. a ten to fifteen millimetre layer of either river There are two types of set up that I use. sand or fine smooth gravel in them. I have in the The first is a community tank set up that is past and do still occasionally use tanks without any primarily aimed at housing Corydoras , in which substrate at all; these are mainly for quarantining or other fish are added to give the tank a visual balance. raising delicate fry, where uneaten food and waste External power filters are used on my community matter can be seen and removed easily with the tanks because of the substrate I use, which is either minimum of disturbance to fish or fry concerned. fine smooth gravel no larger than one and a half The types of filtration used in the small 20 millimetres, or well washed river sand which very x 20 x 20cm tanks are sponge filters. Box filters quickly clogs under gravel filters. are used in the medium The depth of the substrate is quite Corydoras aeneus sized tanks (45 x 25 (30) x shallow, no more than fifteen 25cm); in the larger 90 x 45 x or sixteen millimetres deep, 20cm stock/fry rearing tanks which allows the Corydoras to the filters are home made search out food particles right under gravel box types with down to the base of the tank. power heads fitted. If I need This prevents the problem of extra filtration, I use an external food particles filtering deeper canister type filter. than the catfish can reach and souring the sub- 3. The number of Corydoras that can be housed in strate. any one tank is much a matter of choice, but if For tank decoration, I use pieces of bogwood you bear in mind that they are shoaling fish, they with either Java Fern or Java Moss attached. are generally happiest in groups of six or more. Although the substrate is fairly shallow, I have My recommendation would be six to eight found most plants such as Cabomba and Elodia inches of fish to every square foot of base area. When will and do grow well. Java Fern is particularly calculating, do not count the caudal fin (tail) as good because it can be attached to a variety of tank part of the fishe’s length; it’s the body length that decorations, be it wood, slate or rocks. If it is held counts. in place with the aid of an elastic band, it will attach 4. In the main, most of the Corydoras species that itself in a very short space of time. It is a very tough are available are quite hardy and not too difficult plant and will grow well under a wide range of conditions. to keep and maintain in good health. Therefore The second type of set ups that I use are the choice of species to start with will probably purely for breeding and raising have more to do with finance fry. These tanks vary in size Corydoras hastatus than anything else. There are from 20cm x 20cm x 20cm species such as C. aeneus and which house small species, to C. paleatus that have been in 90cm x 45cm x 20cm which are the hobby for many decades; stock /fry rearing tanks. The size of these are being commercially the tank for breeding is relatively bred in the thousands in far unimportant, so long as it is eastern fish farms and can be 12 bought for one or two pounds bred and raised, how old they are each, depending on their size. Corydoras trilineatus and the best types of food to feed At the other end of the scale, them. This last point is something there are species like C. solox that is almost impossible to de- and C. pulcher that have asking termine with wild imported fish. prices of thirty pounds or more 6. When buying Corydoras, there each. are a number of important things For those of you that to look out for to ensure that you have never kept Corydoras, I are selecting good quality stock. It would recommend some of the less expensive is probably easier to list the fish to avoid and add species, which should be available for under a the good points later: a) sunken eyes, b) red blotches fiver each; some of them are quite striking in their in the abdomen, c) hollow belly, d) inflamed gills, markings and are ideal species to start with. Here e) missing or badly worn barbels, f) deformities. are a few to look out for: C. trilineatus and C. Fish that have sunken eyes are old and almost at schwartzi have sharp black and white markings. the end of their lives. Those fish that are showing C. metae, C. meleni, and C. rabauti have tan red blotches in the abdomen have an infection in coloured bodies with dark bands across the back. the gut, which in most cases is fatal. These fish Then there’s one of my all time favourites C. arcu- should be avoided and not given a second look atus (the skunk catfish), with its white body and because the chances are they will not survive for arching black band that runs more than a few days. Fishes from snout to tail. Those of you Corydoras schwartzi that have sunken or hollow bel- looking to try your hand at lies may survive given the right breeding need look no further kind of conditions and feeding. I than Corydoras aeneus, its albino would still leave these fish alone. form, or C. paleatus ; these are Reddened/inflamed gills are probably the easiest of all also a sign of infection which Corydoras to breed. may or may not be easily cured. 5. There are several sources to If the fish was rare and the price acquire Corydoras from; some of them are better was right, then I might take a chance, but normally than others. The first place to look is in your local I would leave these fish alone. aquatic shop. The choice of species there may be The barbels of Corydoras are very important limited, but most if not all aquatic shops will have sensory organs used for detecting and searching at least a couple of species on offer. out particles of food from the substrate, and, where To find a larger choice of species, you may the females are concerned, play a major part in have to travel a little further afield to one of the the breeding activity. Badly worn barbels shops that specialises in catfish. There are a few may result in infection and mouth fungus, so again of these establishments around the country where these are fish that I would avoid. Any fish that are the choice of species will seem almost endless. I showing deformities are definitely given a miss; have been known to make a round trip of over four although they may be perfectly healthy, they may hundred miles in a day because pass on their deformities to their certain shops have got the species Corydoras metae offspring. that I have been searching for. Freshly imported fish quite A third source of supply is often arrive with damaged finage, from someone that is breeding splits or with pieces missing out of Corydoras. The biggest advantage them. In most cases, the damage with buying from a breeder is will grow out and is not normally that you will know the conditions a danger to the fish’s health. in which the fish have been Now that we’ve seen the 13 undesirable fishes what does a Corydoras pulcher Feeding takes place good one look like I hear you twice daily whenever possible. ask. Well a quality Corydoras When time permits, the should have a full rounded morning feeds will consist of body, sparkling eyes, good flake (pre-soaked) or tablet barbels, a full set of seven fins; foods only. In the evening the the flanks and gill covers tanks that are scheduled for should be covered by a metallic water changes have this done sheen. Finally it should be first. Then the fish are fed; reasonably active, although there are some species however, all the fry tanks have daily water changes which are far more active than others. before feeding commences. 7. The choice of food is very important with any 8. Sexing Corydoras is not always the easiest fish you keep and not just Corydoras . I use a variety thing to accomplish, especially with freshly im- of foods both commercially manufactured, as ported fishes, so I will explain how I go about the well as cultured and collected live foods. My task. To start with, there are three areas where I feeding program is based around a staple diet of look for differences. The first is color, which is either a pre-soaked (so it sinks to the bottom probably the easiest area where differences will straight away) quality flake or sinking tablet food. show. With most Corydoras species, there are no The tablets are crushed before giving to the discernible color differences, but in those that do smaller species and crushed powder fine for fry. show color dimorphism, it’s the male that poses Live foods come in a variety of forms. The the brighter, more intense color patterns. There is, following are the ones that I mainly use: non- aquatic however, a danger here because with some of Micro Worm, White Worm and earthworm finely these species, the color differences are so great chopped, Aquatic Brine Shrimp, Daphnia, Tubifex you could quite easily think that you are looking and Bloodworm. All live foods are given in small at two separate species. amounts, that is to say, as The first thing to do is ask much as the fish will eat in five the retailer if they have been or ten minutes. brought in as the same species; There are also frozen if they were, then there’s a fair foods that are very good chance that they are the same especially during the winter species. I would then take two of months when live foods can be the brighter colored specimens to harder to come by. The range of every one of the lesser-colored frozen foods is quite extensive Corydoras rabauti ones. If there is any doubt, then from Cyclops to mussels and I would take equal numbers of these days most aquatic shops stock them. It each. Most Corydoras species belonging to the ‘elegans’ doesn’t hurt to try these out now and again; I’ve group do show color dimorphism. not found any that my fish won’t eat, although The second area I look at is the finage. some may need grating down to a size that can Mature male Corydoras almost always have longer be consumed easily. and more robust fin spines than females, in During the summer when Daphnia is particular the pectoral fins and, to a lesser extent, plentiful, I will collect as much as I can, drain off the dorsal fin. With some species, the differences the water when I get home and freeze it in plastic are so small that it is virtually impossible to see. bags. I roll it out flat so that it is in sheets of about With other species, the differences are quite the same thickness as a medium slice of bread, dramatic to the point where the males’ fins can be (10mm thick). This makes it is easier to break pieces twice the length of the females. When there are off to feed to the fish, and each bag contains no discernible differences visible in the Dorsal or enough Daphnia to feed all my fish. Pectoral fins, the area I look at next is the Ventral 14 fins. If there are any fin differences to be seen at all, in my opinion, they are invaluable, especially it will be here with males having longer, narrower when trying to breed some of the more difficult and more fine. species. These notes can be referred to at any time The third and final area that I look at is the to see the changes that have been made, or used to body. When viewed from above, the widest part help formulate a series of changes that you think of the females’ body is at a point just forward of may trigger a spawning. The following is a list of the insertion of the ventral fins. In males, the the things that I would do in order to encourage a widest part of the body is at or just behind the in- species to spawn, given that the fish are in spawning sertion of the pectoral fins. When viewed from condition; a) A weekly water change with no the side, females show a deeper, more rounded temperature change. b) Twice weekly water body shape, where males should look slender and far changes with no temperature change. c) Daily more streamlined. There are other characteristics water changes with no temperature change. Then a, b, that can also help to differentiate the sexes. For and c, again this time reducing the temperature instance, C. barbatus males have bristles on the by six to eight degrees Fahrenheit. After the cheeks and females don’t. So with species that are cooler water changes, the same sequence would be difficult, I will look for anything that can separate applied using warmer water again by six to eight them. On the occasions when I find it impossible to degrees Fahrenheit. There are some species of separate the sexes, I will buy at least six specimens Corydoras that prefer warmer temperatures; C. or more if the price is right. Once you have had gossei is one of these. I will change the same the fish for a while and conditioned them, the amount of water approximately fifty percent for sexes will be relatively easy to separate. every water change made to maintain consistency. 9. Breeding Corydoras in itself is not difficult the My next move would be to extend the time be- fish do that with relative ease all on their own. tween water changes from one week to two The difficult part is triggering them to do so in weeks and then three or even longer, first with the first place. There are many conditions that equal temperature water, then with cooler water. need to be met before they will breed. Sometimes If all these measures failed, then I may try reduc- all that is required is a change of water of the ing or raising pH values, then the general hardness same temperature to set them off ( C. pygmaeus ). lowered or raised. A list of things that could trigger The next stage would be a change of water that is a spawning is endless as is the time needed to slightly cooler. Fve or six degrees Fahrenheit is implement them, so I would say the main ingredient to enough to promote spawning interest. C. aeneus , successful Corydoras breeding is patience and lots C. paleatus and C. panda are typical of the species of it. that will respond to the cold water treatment. 10. The number of described Corydoras species is Once the basic water change methods have been now around one hundred and forty with many tried, then things start to get a little more difficult more species as yet undescribed and arriving in and other methods need to be used. What I do aquatic shops all over the country almost weekly. when trying to encourage a species to spawn is Because there is a lot of confusion in the only try one thing at a time. This is because the first true identification of many species, especially thing you changed may have been the right trig- those that look similar to each other. C. metae, ger. The second change may counteract the first C. melini and C. davidsandsi are one example. C. and put the fish off spawning altogether. This amapaensis, C. septentrionalis, and C. simulatus are may sound a bit like basic common sense to another. With these and many other species where many of you, but it is surprising how many people there are colour pattern similarities, I will in future tell me all the things that they have done to try to articles try to demonstrate ways of how to differentiate trigger their Corydoras to spawn. When asked, between these and other species.s. they tell me several condition changes were made at the same time. I would also recommend keeping notes as, 15 Robert Paul Hudson from Robert's web site in Salem, Oregon: Aquabotanic.com Aquarticles Substrate & Fertilization INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION Plants need a balance of macronutrients (those they use the most of), and minor or trace nutrients (which they use to a lesser degree).

Macronutrients: potassium, phosphorus, calcium. Minor elements Nutrients used by plants in relatively large include iron, boron, zinc, manganese, and other amounts. They are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), trace minerals. Iron is an important element for sulfur (S), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and many plants and is often added to the substrate potassium (K). with other minerals. Micronutrients: Laterite is a sediment soil that is formed in Nutrients used by plants in small amounts. nature by decaying rocks which are high in iron They are iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and aluminum. There are a few aquarium products zinc (Zn), molybdenum (Mo), cobalt (Co), and made of laterite, such as Duplarit, and First boron (B). Layer. Other sources of iron are soils, clay litter, The Substrate is the growing medium that red pottery clay, and sphagnum peat. the plants are rooted in. It is important to add a Various substrate methods: source of these nutrients to the substrate, • Layered substrate with "sub" soil (soil low in particularly in a new aquarium that has no mulm organics), sphagnum peat, gravel, and trace or fish waste settled in it yet. element mix. It is also advisable to use a medium such • Pottery clay balls enhanced with trace elements, as porous gravel that will provide a good CEC or commercial additives made for the aquarium and not compact together. CEC (Cation Exchange • Clay gravel Capacity) is the ability of the medium to absorb • Granular laterite, sphagnum peat, and gravel. cation ions, (minerals from fertilizers) and hold My mix of choice. them making them accessible to the plants when Fail-safe beginner substrates: the plants need them. Sand and coated gravel do Commercial products, laterite, clay gravel, clay not provide a good CEC. Good CEC mediums include based additives made for the aquarium porous gravel, clay litter, and clay soils. Macronutrients include nitrogen, oxygen, CO 2, 16

NPK What are those three numbers? Ions Cation exchange capacity (CEC) quantifies the Nitrogen supplied by the fish, phosphates by the ability of media to provide a nutrient reserve for plant water supply and uneaten food, and potassium to uptake . It is the sum of exchangeable cations, or a lesser degree in the water supply. NPK fertilizers positively charged ions, media can adsorb per should only be added if you have low or unreadable unit weight or volume. levels already. RO, distilled, and some bottled It is usually measured in milligram spring water will be low in NPK and mineral equivalents per 100 g or 100 cm3 (meq/100 g or elements. Most tap water will have sufficient levels meq/100 cm3, respectively). A high CEC value of P. Even some aquarium products contain NPK. characterizes media with a high nutrient-holding An NPK fertilizer high in potassium, but low or 0 capacity that can retain nutrients for plant uptake in nitrate and phosphate has the least affect on between applications of fertilizer. Media algae. Check the numbers. Single digits are low, characterized by a high CEC retains nutrients double digits are high. In a heavily planted tank from leaching during irrigation. In addition, a high with fast growing plants, and a small number of CEC provides a buffer from abrupt fluctuations fish, it is possible to have consistent 0 readings of in media salinity and pH. nitrate and phosphate creating a Important cations in the nitrogen and phosphate deficiency Nitrogen supplied cation exchange complex in order for the plants. by the fish, of adsorption strength include Target nutrient ranges: phosphates by the calcium (Ca 2+) > magnesium Nitrate (N03) 5 to 10ppm water supply and (Mg 2+) > potassium (K+) > Phosphate (PO4) 0.2ppm to uneaten food, and ammonium (NH 4+), and sodium 0.5ppm potassium to a (Na+). Micronutrients which also Iron (Fe) 0.2 to 0.7ppm are adsorbed to media particles Potassium (K) 20-30ppm lesser degree in include iron (Fe + and Fe +), the water supply. 2 3 Types of fertilizers: manganese (Mn 2+), zinc (Zn 2+), and • tablets NPK fertilizers copper (Cu 2+). The cations bind • spikes should only be loosely to negatively charged • balls added if you have sites on media particles until they • liquid low or unreadable are released into the liquid phase of Sources of trace elements: levels already. the media. Once they are released • Sphagnum Peat: Iron (Fe). High into the media solution, cations CEC are absorbed by plant roots or • Soils: Iron (Fe) other trace elements. High CEC exchanged for other cations held on the media • Pottery clay: Iron, (Fe). High CEC particles. • Clay litter: Iron, (Fe). High CEC Anion exchange capacity: Some media • Vermiculite: trace amounts Iron, Potassium, retains small quantities of anions, negatively Magnesium. Very High CEC charged ions, in addition to cations. However, Drawbacks of Soil substrates: anion exchange capacities are usually negligible, When plants are removed or replanted, the soil allowing anions such as nitrate (NO 3-), chloride mixture can come up with the plants and pollute (Cl-), sulphate (SO 4-), and phosphate (H 2PO 4-) the water. You are better off using a clay gravel if to leach from the media. you anticipate moving and transplanting plants Cation Exchange Capacities for various growing often. media amendments and selected media. The Following information is taken from Material/Cation Exchange Capacity meq/100g "Something to Grow on", Cornell University. It Perlite/ 1.5 - 3.5 is not written specifically for aquariums, but Silt/ 3.0 - 7.0 the information is very useful. I particularly Clays/ 22.0 - 63.0 like the information on CEC: Pine Bark/ 53.0 17

Vermiculite/ 82.0 - 150.0 Inorganic media Sphagnum Peat/ 100.0 - 180.0 Materials such as vermiculite, perlite, and sand Humus/ 200.0 represent the inorganic fraction often used in Peat moss : vermiculite 1:1/ 141.0 container media formulations. These materials Peat moss : sand 1:1/ 8.0 generally increase the aeration porosity and Peat moss : perlite 1:3/ 11.0 drainage yet decrease the water-holding porosity Peat moss : perlite 2:1/ 24.0 of media. Inorganic components are usually inert Sources: see Bunt, A.C. 1988, and Landis, T. D. 1990. materials characterized by a low cation exchange Sphagnum peat moss capacity. Sphagnum peat moss, derived from the genus Vermiculite Sphagnum, contains at least 90% organic matter Vermiculite is a commonly used inorganic media on a dry weight basis. In addition, this peat moss component which is mined in the U.S. and Africa. contains a minimum of 75% Sphagnum fiber, This mineral, comprised of an consisting of recognizable cells of leaves and stems. aluminum/iron/magnesium/silicate mixture, is Approximately 25 species of Sphagnum excavated as a material composed of thin layers. exist in Alberta, Canada and 335 species are pres- Processing includes heating the vermiculite to ent throughout the world. Sphagnum fuscum is temperatures upwards of 1000˚ degrees C, which an important species bearing many desirable converts water trapped between the layers of the traits. Sphagnum grows in northern cool regions material into steam. The production of steam re- and is also located in peat bogs found in Wash- sults in a pressure that expands the material, in- ington, Maine, Minnesota, and Michigan. creasing the volume of the pieces 15 to 20 times Many pores are present in the leaves of their original size. sphagnum; when used as growing media, as Vermiculite is sterile because of these high much as 93% of the water occupying this internal heating temperatures used during processing. pore space is available for plant uptake (Peck, Vermiculite is characterized by a high water-holding 1984). After draining, sphagnum peat can hold capacity as a result of its large surface area: 59% water and 25% air by volume. volume ratio, a low bulk density, nearly neutral Sphagnum is usually characterized by an pH, and a high cation exchange capacity attributed acidic pH, low soluble salts content, structural in- to its structure. Because it compacts readily when tegrity, and the ability to serve as a nutrient re- combined with heavier materials, vermiculite is serve ( Landis, 1990 ). sometimes recommended more for propagating Although peat mosses are classified into four material than container media. different groups, variation may exist within any Vermiculite gradually releases nutrients one type of peat moss. Peats of the same for plant absorption; on average it contains 5 - 8% classification often differ notably in quality, and available potassium and 9 -12% magnesium. This even peats from the same bog taken from separate inorganic media component can adsorb phosphate - layers can possess different chemical and physical some of which remains in an available form for properties. plant uptake, but cannot absorb nitrate, chloride, Sphagnum peat moss is classified as light or sulfate. Vermiculite can fix ammonium into a or dark peat, based on its color. Light peats are form that is not readily available for plant absorption. characterized by a large amount of internal pore This fixed nitrogen is gradually transformed to space, 15 - 40% of the pore space comprises aeration nitrate by micro-organisms, making it available porosity. Dark sphagnum peat does not display for plant uptake. the elasticity of light peat and is usually not as Vermiculite is manufactured in four different long lasting. Dark sphagnum peat moss grades, differentiated by particle size. Insulation maintains twice the cation exchange capacity of grade vermiculite and that which is marketed for light peats, yet does not possess as much poultry litter (which has not been treated with total or aeration porosity. water repellents) has been used with some success. 18

Vermiculite which has been treated with water of fertilization. Be aware of possible aluminum repellent, such as block fill should not be used as toxicity in acidic media (pH 5). growing media. Because vermiculite tends to The very low levels of fluoride perlite compact over time, it should be incorporated with contains is not likely to pose plant health problems. other materials such as peat or perlite to maintain Any soluble fluoride present in a media characterized sufficient porosity. It should not be used in conjunction by 6.0 - 6.5 pH will precipitate out of the media with sand or as the sole media component, because with excess calcium from sources such as gypsum, as the internal structure of vermiculite deteriorates, limestone, or calcium nitrate. air porosity and drainage Although perlite has decreases ( Landis, 1990 ). several positive attributes, The particle size of it also has drawbacks. Perlite vermiculite influences the consists of many fine water-holding and aeration fragments which, when dry, porosity of the material. can lead to lung or eye Although grade classification irritation. In addition, because is based upon particle size, water clings to the surface each grade is represented by of perlite, it may tend to a range of particle sizes. float in the presence of Note that grades consisting water ( Landis, 1990 ). of larger particle sizes have Perlite contains, on a higher aeration porosity average, 47.5% oxygen, and lower water-holding 33.8% silicon, 7.2% aluminum, porosity than grades 3.5% potassium, 3.4% sodium, consisting of a smaller range 3.0% bound water, 0.6% iron of particle sizes. Properties and calcium, and 0.2% of the four vermiculite magnesium and trace elements grades are shown in an (Perlite Institute, 1983 ). associated table. Although a uniform categorization of perlite does Perlite not exist, individual producers of this inorganic Volcanic derivation, perlite is a second inorganic component assign grade levels. This inorganic component which may be used in formulating media amendment is sometimes recommended container mixes. This chemically inert material is for use only in propagation media because of its extracted in New Zealand, the U.S., and other low bulk density and tendency to compact. countries and is usually mined by scraping the In comparison with sand, polystyrene, or earth's surface. The processing method includes a pumice, perlite has the greatest inner total porosity. grinding and heat treatment (up to 1000 degrees C) Coarse perlite is characterized by approximately which results in very lightweight, white sterile 70% total porosity, 60% of which is aeration fragments. As the ore is heated, internal water porosity. Perlite can retain two to four times its escapes as steam, resulting in the expansion of dry weight in water, which is much greater than the material. that of sand and polystyrene, yet much less than Perlite has a very low cation exchange the water-holding capacity of peat and vermiculite capacity, low water-holding capacity (19%), and (Moore, 1987 ). neutral pH. The closed-cell composition of perlite Sand contributes to its compaction resistance, enhances Sand has been used as an inorganic media media drainage, and heightens the aeration component to add ballast to containers. Some porosity of peat-based media ( Bilderback 1982 ). sands contain calcium carbonate which may raise Because perlite contains only minute amounts of media pH undesirably. A rise in pH may lead to plant nutrients, liquid feeding is a practical mode nutrient deficiencies, particularly of minor elements 19 such as iron and boron. A few drops of dilute Calcined clays hydrochloric acid or strong vinegar may be When fired at high temperatures, some clays, fuel added to sand to test for carbonates; if bubbling ash, and shales form stable compounds that and fizzing result, carbonate is present as a result possess low bulk densities and internal porosities of carbon dioxide production. of 40-50%. Though calcined clays alter the physical Sand used for container media should attributes of media in a positive way, they also have a 6 to 7 pH. Sand maintains good drainage, decrease the level of water-soluble phosphorus in a low water-holding capacity, and a high bulk the mix. density when used independently of other materials. Because calcined clays are characterized Because of its shape and size, sand can obstruct by a high cation exchange capacity, fertilizer pore spaces, decreasing drainage and aeration, application rates may need to be modified if instead of improving porosity. calcined aggregates are incorporated into the Various sand particle sizes have been media mixes ( Bunt, 1988 ). recommended for container media use, including Pumice ranges of 2-3 mm or 0.05 - 0.5 mm (fine sand) in Pumice is produced as volcanic lava cools; escaping size ( Landis, 1990 ). In addition, another steam and gas contribute to its porous nature. recommendation suggests that 60% of the particles This alumino-silicate material contains potassium, be within 0.25-1.0 mm range, and 97% be greater sodium, magnesium, calcium, and slight amounts than 0.1 mm and less than 2 mm ( Swanson, 1989 ). of iron. Pumice can absorb K, Mg, P, and Ca from Uniformity coefficients assigned to sand mixtures the soil solution and render it available for plant signify the amount of sand which is within a absorption later ( Bunt, 1988 ). certain size range; a coefficient < 4 is evidence of a homogeneous sand mixture ( Swanson, 1989 ). If Have questions? the correct grade of sand is used, the wet ability Email me at [email protected] of the media is enhanced. 20 Anthony Kroeger - BAS

TETRAS & TOUGHIES How to mix Tetras and Cichlids WHAT!! SOME IDEAS TO TRY Most people when they think of tetras, think of cardinals and neons, and when they think of mixing cichlids with them, they think of rams. But in nature, many tetras live in the same waterways as cichlids. True cichlids eat many tetras, but many tetras get along surprisingly well with cichlids.

etras come from South Also most tetras are fast; their America, Central America streamlined bodies are made to Tand Africa, pretty much move quickly thru the water. So many tetras are well matched to 1 the same as cichlids, except for Madagascar and the Indian handle what a cichlid can throw Malawi Melanochromis subcontinent. at them. and/or Pseudotropheus species Tetras are characins . They This article explores and Exodon paradoxie - I have have teeth and know how to some unusual combinations of found Exodons are a wonderful use them. Boiling, churning tetras and cichlids which have dither fish for the above species. water filled with piranhas as worked well for me. I’d like to Always active, fast and somewhat seen in cheap B-grade movies hear other aquarists’ opinions aggressive, they have no problems comes to mind. on these combinations. If you holding their own with these Piranhas are characins as try them, write me care of BAS cichlids. Fast enough to get their are neons and they all have teeth. and let me know your results. share of food, they are colorful 21 as well. I have used single less if they have Dempseys to Exodons and small schools of 5 keep an eye on. Try this combination; to 6 fish. Never use only two it’s awesome. 6 Exodons . You will soon have Blind cave tetras and only one due to the Exodon firemouths - this is the most bullyng each other. unusual and interesting 4 combination I have found yet. Redtail Chalceus and any In nature, firemouths and 2 Paraneetroplus species (ex black Astyanax occur together, but not belt cichlids) both get large and the blind cave form. The interaction Any Distichodus species colorful. As long as their sizes fo these two fish is amazing! and Lake Victoria Haplochromis are similar, the Chalceus make The blind cave fish sense species. The reasons and care excellent dithers for the cichlids. (smell?) the cichlids. Their reaction results are the same as #1. They are fast and can easily is to form a revolving school hold their own. around the cichlids’ territory. At feeding time, the school makes 3 lightning fast forays thru the cichlids’ territory to grab morsels 5 of food. Try this combination Anostomus anostomus and just to watch the behavioral Jack Dempseys - this odd Black neons and Festivums - this is one of my favorite interactions. combination I stumbled across So the next time you by accident. I had an Anostomus combinations. Yes, you may occasionally lose a black neon to want to keep something interesting jump from its tank into a tank of with your cichlids...thinkchlids.. tetras. Dempseys. Instead of being killed, a large Festivum , but this is rare. Usually both get along just fine, it became more active and the Happy Fishkeeping.ke ep in Dempseys’ color and deportment and I find the contrasting stripes were much improved. Again, on the neons and the Festivums this works with schools of 4 to 6 to be interesting artistically. It’s Anostomus also. The Anostomus sort of like a Picasso in a tank! y nip and bother each other much Ton 22 Robert Price - BAS

The Cuban Cichlid Nandropsis tetracanthus he Cuban Cichlid, Nandropsis worms and small fish. It is considered a very vicious fish by people who have kept wild caught Ttetracanthus, is one of the specimens, but tank raised ones do not become few insular Amphilophines , conspecifically very aggressive until about 4 inches residing in Cuban rivers and in length, and thereafter are semi-aggressive with other large Central American Cichlids and catfish. lakes that are densely vegetated. (I have kept one with a large Distichodus without It is not well known in the hobby incident.) It is a reclusive fish, which usually lives in a rock or shoreline cave when not mating or for political reasons, making eating. importation difficult. It makes a good captive, and needs at least a 50 gallon tank as an adult. The tank should have a substantial swimming area, and hide rocks or a cave. They dig a fair amount. Curiously, it will destroy all rooted plants in a tank, as it is very tuned in to its line of sight. In captivity, they eat all standard meaty foods, shrimp, and large pellets. They are substrate breeders, but since they are hard to sex, the best way to get a pair is to raise several small ones. They will pair off once they exceed 4 inches. They are good parents and care for their fry up to an inch in length. The young are fairly fragile until the 4 inch stage when their hormones come in. They should be kept at pH 7 - 8 and 75˚F to 85˚F degrees, in moderately hard It is sometimes confused with the Jaguar water. They are Cichlid, but the Cuban has a ground color of messy and need white with grey-black splotches and in males an strong filtration. iridescent purple sheen to the front of the head. It Cuban Cichlids is a stouter fish than the Jaguar. It is sexually do crossbreed with dimorphic, but hard to sex. Males reach 12 inches, Jaguars in captivity, females 10. There is no hump in either sex. and there are reports Vieja syspilum Females often have a large dark blotch on of it having been hy- the front of the dorsal fin. The dorsal is fairly bridized with Vieja syspilum . Since the latter is a rounded in both sexes. There are 2 nominal strains: component of Flowerhorn genetics, there is spec- the ssp1 with bolder and larger black facial ulation that the pearling and fine spots on some blotches, and the ssp2 which has finer smaller Kamfa Flowerhorns mayy in ppart be inherited dark spots and more white area. It is a bottom to from the Cuban Cichlid. middle swimmer, and in the wild eats insects, 23 John Todaro - BAS

SPECIES PROFILE

Scientific Name: Nandopsis tetracanthus. the excess fish from the tank. The eggs are Common Name: Cuban Cichlid, Biajaca. laid on a flat surface and the fry can be fed Family: Cichlidae. newly hatched brine shrimp. The parents Origin: South Cuba. will protect their fry until they start getting Distribution: Found - rivers and lakes. ready to spawn again. Cuban cichlid fry grow pH Range: 7 - 8. quickly. Eggs hatch in 5 days and wigglers Temperature Range: 75˚ - 86˚F. are moved to pre-dug pits. Fry are free Ideal Hardness: Moderate hardness. swimming in 7 more days. Feed baby brine Life Span: 3 - 5 years. shrimp and daphnia. Size: 10” inches. Remarks: Keep Cuban cichlids in at Temperament: Highly Aggressive. least a 55 gallon tank. Decorate with Diet: Carnivore. Will eat flakes and pellets large rocks, driftwood. Create hiding of all types, also live or frozen foods. It is places large enough for this fish while important to add some vegetable contribution leaving areas open for swimming. Only to their diet, some fruit (apple, banana, use floating plants and hardy plants peach) piece, provide at least 3 or 4 times a such as Java fern; other plants will be month; small fishes, crustaceans or worms, destroyed. Plants are not necessary but it accepts insects like crickets, flies, etc. recommended. It’s important to decorate Sexing: Males are bigger than the females, the aquarium so natural territorial and have a larger dorsal and an anal fin boundaries are formed. The aquarium more pointed than females. The females should be well filtered. The Cuban cichlid have a more delicate coloration. produces large amounts of waste.. Breeding: Cuban cichlids are relatively easy Reference: to breed once a pair has been established. cichlid-forum.com The best way to get a pair is to let a group of cubanaturaleza.org young fish grow up together and form aquaticaccommunity.com pairs. Once pairs have formed, you remove petworldrochester.com/cichlid 24 Anthony P. Kroeger - BAS too tough to kill Marine Fish for Beginner Marine Aquarists #2 TOUGH The Sergent Major Abudefduf saxatilis

e continue our survey Majors are also good of beginner fish that “dither” fish for shy fish. Majors wwill handle any mistakes constantly swimming and move thrown at them and still survive. about the aquarium. They’re My #1 choice in Damsels bold feeders that are always is the Sergent Major. In my first to the chow line. A Major opinion, this is the hardiest that hides is stressed, in trouble They are grouchy with each Damsel. and this indicates that some- other but still tolerate the company. Most Sergent Majors in thing is wrong. Majors tolerate wide stores come from Florida or the Because of their constant temperature fluctuations. I once Caribbean. They can grow to (dither) activity, they help fish had a heater thermostat stick, about 5” inches, but usually remain that can be shy to feel more the tank temperature went to smaller. Majors have a silverly comfortable and safe, If it’s safe 103˚F and the Majors were the /yellow body with 5 vertical for the Majors to be out in the only fish to survive. black stripes over it; the tail is a open, then it’s safe for the shy Although breeding habits smoky black. Young fish are fish too. of this damsel are known, it is especially yellow. Majors’ boldness at feeding not raised commercially. Majors eat any food offered. time also helps other fish feed All specimens available Once I fed them cracker crumbs better too. in stores are wild caught. just to see if they’d eat them. Do not keep 2 Majors Juveniles of this fish will They loved them! together. One will bully the other. sometimes exhibit “cleaning” Any normal water at pH Always keep Majors either behavior. That is, they will pick 8.0, a temperature between 72˚ - 80˚F, lone or in schools of 3 to 6 fish. parasites off other fishes. This is a salinity between 1.020 and 1.024 Bar none, this is the not a common behavior with this will suit them fine. A 20 gallon toughest Damsel I know of. This fish, but I have seen it on occasion. or larger tank will be just fine. I fish has earned its stripes as a So if you see them pick something use Majors to cycle tanks because beginner’s fish. Try some next time off another species of fish don’t they turn black when their water you set up or cycle a marine worry. quality goes bad. If this happens tank. However, if the behavior during cycling, change 20% of Until next time and is constant, badgering, belligerent the water and they will recover. toughiehie #3, a fish with lots of or chasing, that in nature is not They behave like Tomato color. a “cleaning” behavior, that is Clowns when cycling a tank. Majors aggression and must be dealt with. also do fine alone, or you can This fish is not the cheapest keep them in schools. But a damsel to buy, but compared to y school is basically a collection of n other fish, it is usually cheaper. To Ebenezer Scrooges all in one room. 25 When things go wrong . . . nothing goes Wight! The other day I was thumbing through a Brooklyn Aquarium Society archive issue of the Aquarium Bulletin from September 1917 and came across an article by one of the founding members of the Society, Herman Rabenau , and an importer of tropical fish. Among his many achievements, he must be credited with being among the first persons to import Angelfish to the States. In this article, he recounts a collecting trip he undertook to North Carolina for the Society in which just about everything went wrong and he found himself in jail. Reading between the lines, you’ll see the sarcastic nature of this article about his ill fated adventure. John Todaro , Ed

September THE AQUARIUM BULLETIN 1917 Collecting Fish Under Difficulties BY HERMAN RABENAU

(Mr. Rabenau recently made his second excursion with which the country is overlaid, the rocky in the interest of the Brooklyn Aquarium Society, formation being from four to ten feet beneath. Inc., for the collection of Southern Wildfish to be Following up a branch of the Santee used in the scientific study of the Society.) River, the Catawab, great changes were found, new bridges having replaced those Once a man gets the “Aquarium washed away by floods. The smaller tributar- Fever”, he generally lets his enthusiasm ies were clear and shallow. carry him further than he originally intended Inquiring of a small boy if there were and at times unpleasant experiences result. minnows in the brook, I was told that the Having made one very successful trip in druggist was selling them at ten cents each the interest of The Brooklyn Aquarium Society, but I was disappointed to find that the fish Inc., for the collection of specimens of wildfish were common goldfish, Carassius auratus . from Southern waters for their use in scientific However, the druggist, a Mr. Davis, proved of study and exhibitions, I was naturally elated great assistance by granting me storage space to receive another assignment. I concluded to go for my paraphernalia. in the cool Spring and take in North Carolina. During the next few days I became Because of the concentration of varied acquainted with the nearby brooks, but found geographical conditions at the upper headwaters specimens scarce, most of the fish having of the different streams, and the consequent been swept away during the floods. variety in species, I decided to make a round As warmer weather approached, however, trip that would embrace as much territory as specimens became slighty more plentiful and possible. I filled one can with them and expressed it to Going first to the upper branches of Brooklyn, preserving in alcohol one of each the Santee River in North Carolina, I found class. mostly sandy river beds. These branches are fed Never having seen a person collecting by cool springs; after each rain clay sediment fish in this manner before, the natives viewed 26

September THE AQUARIUM BULLETIN 1917

me with astonishment and apprehension and that it had been increased to $200 instead. It finally verified my statements by communicating now dawned upon me that my cans, etc., had with the New York authorities. My next blow excited more than ordinary attention and that was advice that my fish had died enroute to I was suspected of being an anarchist or worse. New York, the reason for which later proved to After paying my fine under protest, I be the unsuspected presence of wood alcohol, wired to Dr. Smith of Washington, D.C., instead of grain alcohol, in the coating of the Commissioner of Fishes and president of the can used. Washington Aquarium Society, who courteously Next going beyond Asheville, N.C. to a intervened in my favor. point some 6000 feet above sea level, I The protest against the fine and learned of an aquarist, a Dr. Von Rok, a confiscation will be appealed and decided in a philanthropist who maintains a beautiful few months and, as the District Attorney conservatory with pools, aquatic plants and doubts the legality of the action taken, there goldfish. In this territory I found only Blacknosed is every probability of a proper refund being made. Dace and a variety of Sculpins, Cattus ictalops. Anxious about my specimens, I hurried I next left for Shausville where I had to the railway station and found they had collected on my previous trip. I was here received no care, the water being black and received by a Mr. Taylor who lent me every aid. only some twelve fishes were still living. In this vicinity were small ditches inhabited by My next stop was at Washington minnows from sholes from which I collected where I visited the Aquarium and left bottled fine, hardy specimens of Crosum oreas and specimens for classification, which was made Notropus cerasinus . The water, which found as follows: its source in a small spring, was nearly still. Minnows: Hyopsos ketuckiensis, The following day I took a wagon with my cans Rhinichthys atronasus, Notropis ombratilis and a helper and in two hours had the cans, ardens, N. cerasinus, N. hudsonius, each 20 inches in diameter, filled with some N. macdonaldi, N. procne, N. pyrrhomelas, 500 selected specimens. N. chalybacus, Chrosomus areas, Leuciseus My elation was short-lived, however; a vandoisulus and an unknown specimen. game warden. to whom complaint had been made, Suckers: Catostomus commersonii. approached and I was placed under arrest for Darters: Etheostoma flabellare, game fishing without a license. My documents, E. thalassinum and three unknown specimens. proving that my efforts were strictly for scientific Sculpins: Cottus ictalops. purposes, were disregarded and a local Justice Madtoms: Schilbeodes insignis. of the Peace fined me $70. Not having this sum at the moment, I was placed in confinement, being taken ten miles by automobile to the Note: Owing to these conditions, it was impossible county seat. Strange to say, these good-hearted to procure any photographs as was planned. - Ed. people did not add a charge for this unsolicited ride. The following day I was visited by more county officials who pleasantly informed me that the Justice had erred in his fine and 27 Anthony P. Kroeger - BAS too tough to kill #1 tough Invertebrate for Beginners CC ORR ALL BB ANN DEE D SS HRR IMM P Stenopus hispidus

We’ve covered fish so far, but what about cool critters? Well, that’s inverts and the focus of this series onward we first go to meet the Coral banded shrimp. This is one beautiful, hardy shrimp. A red and white candy cane striped body and claws with huge white antennae make this shrimp a real eye catcher. ost specimens sold in will climb up on a coral and set The Coral Bands become inactive the trade are collected up a “cleaning station” where when it is time for it to shed. Min Florida. This hearty they will pick parasites off of The shell splits down the back shrimp stays relatively small, at passing fish. Coral Bands will and the shrimp backs out of the several inches in length, but its “clean” a fish’s body, fins, mouth old shell. Its new shell is too soft beautiful white antennae can pretty much the whole fish. for it to move well, so it must rest easily double that length. This unique behavior is while the new larger exoskeleton I keep mine at 1.022 -1.025 called mutualism. Both animals hardens; then it will become salinity and at 8.0 - 8.2 pH and benefit. The fish loses its parasites active again. The old shell is a at a temperature range of 72˚F and is kept healthier. The shrimp perfect transparent copy of the to 80˚F at the most. They tolerate gets a meal by eating the parasites. shrimp. Don’t think your new tank cycling. Coral Bands Watch for “cleaning” behavior shrimp has died when you see eat any flake, pellet or frozen and you will see nature at its finest. the empty shell. Rather, your food offered. They are not picky. Coral Bands are active all shrimp is growing well. Remove They are active enthusiastic day. They sleep at night and the old shell from your aquarium. feeders, often leaping up off of Coral Bands are peaceful with If your shrimp becomes the substrate to grab at sinking all fish (that do not eat them) inactive, change 20% of the flakes with their claws. When not and other inverts, but not with water. An inactive shrimp means grabbing at food, they con- each other. Never put more than your water quality is poor. stantly poke in the substrate one Coral Band in an aquar- Try a Coral Band! It’s a with their claws looking for a ium unless you are fortunate sweet invert treat. choice morsel to eat. enough to buy a breeding pair. A Until next time... Coral Bands also are breeding pair usually will get occasional cleaners. This is a very along fine. interesting behavior. Cleaners Coral Bands grow by ny are called such because they shedding their shell (exoskeletons) To 28 Bob Tillman - OCA Reprinted from the Inside the Fish Room column from the January 2005 issue of Buckeye Cichlid Lover’s Bulletin , the publication of Ohio Cichlid Association. OUTLINE FOR WRITING A FISH ARTICLE This is very easy to use. Just answer the questions in one or two sentences (more would be okay, too), put the sentences together in paragraphs and email it to the Editor at ([email protected]). You can add or delete to the information below to your liking. When complete, you would have just written an informative and useful article that will help others in successfully keeping the same fish.

A. Name of fish. F. Spawning tank. 1. Common name. 1. Size. 2. Latin name. 2. Water temperature. 3. If chemistry altered, how. B. Description of fish. 4. What substrate? 1. Color and general shape. 5. Type of filtration. 2. Sex differences. 6. Light source. 3. Size at maturity and/or breeding. 7. Tank distance from floor, traffic by tank.

C. Fish’s natural state. G. Description of spawning. 1. Geographic location. 1. What is spawning site? 2. Climate of area. 2. Courtship and spawning actions. 3. Water chemistry. 3. Spawning colors and patterns. 4. Number and description of eggs. D. Set-up. 1. Pair or multiples. H. Raising the fry. 2. How introduced to tank. 1. How long until eggs hatch? 3. What substrate, plants, etc. 2. Special care of eggs? 4. When to expect spawning. 3. Size of spawn and percentage of hatch. 5. How long to leave set-up. 4. When do fry begin to eat? 6. Feeding during set-up. 5. What is first food? 6. Special care of young. E. Conditioning. 7. Parental brood care. 1.Were sexes separated? How long? 8. Filtration with fry. 2. Food. What and how much. 9. Growth rate. 3. Raise temperature? I. Commentary. 1. Difficulty obtaining pairs. 2. Interesting habits of adults and fry. 29 John Todaro - BAS From the Brooklyn Aquarium Society’s publication SCRUMPTIOUS MEALS & LIVE FOOD TREATS Compiled, Edited & Written by John Todaro

Delicious Earthworm Snacks

or those of you with large fish that are eating you out of house and home, like cichlids. Most all meat eating fish of any size will gobble up earthworms as a delicious treat. F Cultivating earthworms might just be the answer to your problems, and guess what, you can grow them right in your own home. Yuck! Earthworms can also be cut up and fed to smaller carnivorous fish. If you’re squeamish about cutting up live earthworms (yuck again) and watching them wriggle, you can kill them first by dipping them in boiling water for 10 seconds. Don’t forget to cool them down before feeding them to your fish. But I think fish really enjoy wrestling with a live earthworm; it’s all part of the fun of catching and eating them. Yum! Here is what you need to grow your own at home, or in the garage. If your wife lets you! Guess what? It’s not so yucky!

R E C I P E

SUPPLIES NEEDED: Add the worms. 1] A container with a minimum size of The worms should be fed with a about 20” x 20” X 12”. There are cooked mashed potato and cup plastic storage boxes with covers that of oatmeal spread on top of the can be adapted for use as an earthworm soil. Put back the damp cloth “home.” 2] You will need to get a starter cover. When the food has been culture of about 100 worms. consumed, feed again. The cheapest and easiest way to Keep the earthworm container get earthworms would be at a bait covered loosely (don’t worry; the and tackle shop. You can also get worms can’t crawl out) or if you must them from Carolina Biological or Weekey cover the container, drill air in it, Worms or others online. earthworms have to breathe too. Within a few months, you should see PREPARATION: large numbers of young earthworms Fill the plastic container with loose `` in the soil. At this point, you can start garden soil (without any additives feeding your fish. Periodically gently such as fertilizer), mixed with a stir up the soil. Now you should have bucket full of rotting leaves and two a continuous supply of fresh, live, raw potatoes chopped into small pieces. earthworms for your fish. Yum! 30 Ryan Curtis - BAS

TheShrimpFarm.com is the place to go for freshwater shrimp. The new owner is Ryan Curtis, with a new mailing address: The Shrimp Farm USA, 2401 East Washington St, STE 200 A2, Bloomimgton, Il 61704 and has set up an Aquarium Shrimp Forum http://theshrimpfarm.com/forum/index.php. You can go to this forum and ask questions, talk to other shrimp nuts and discuss anything and everything related to Freshwater Aquarium Shrimp. Green Lace Shrimp Scientific Name: Atyoida pilipes. Other Scientific Names: N/A. Common Name: Green Lace Shrimp. Other Common Names: Green Filter Feeder Shrimp. Origin: South East Asia. Found in the wild: Yes. pH Range: 6.5 - 7.8. Ideal pH: 7.2 Temperature Range: 72˚ - 80˚F. Ideal Temperature: 75˚F. Hardness Range: 2- 10 dkh. Ideal Hardness: 5 dkh. Life Span: 1 - 2 Years. Gestation Period: 30 Days. Size: 1/2 - 1”inch. Diet: Omnivore.

GREEN LACE SHRIMP HISTORY GREEN LACE SHRIMP BREEDING The Green Lace Shrimp is a new shrimp to the There is currently very little information about American Dwarf Shrimp hobby. This shrimp first breeding Green Lace Shrimp. It is suspected that started to gain popularity in 2007. Since its they are a low order shrimp (shrimp hatch in a introduction to the hobby, it has quickly gained larval form) and breed very similarly to Bamboo popularity due to its relatively small size for a Shrimp. It is also suspected that the larva of this filter feeding shrimp. shrimp require brackish/full salt water to reach GREEN LACE SHRIMP CARE adult form. Green Lace Shrimp require nearly the same care GREEN LACE SHRIMP BEHAVIOR as Bamboo Shrimp. They are filter feeders so they Green Lace Shrimp are extremely non-aggressive. should be kept in only aquariums that are well This peaceful shrimp can be kept with anything established and have quite a bit of micro foods floating that is not a threat to it. It will often be observed around the water column. These shrimp are smaller in a high flow area of the aquarium filtering the than Bamboo Shrimp, but it is still recommended water for food. This shrimp seems to pick at the to keep them in an aquarium of 20 gallons or more. substrate much more than other filter feeding GREEN LACE SHRIMP DIET shrimp. Green Lace Shrimp are filter feeders, and because SPECIAL NOTES of this, their food source has to be very small. Many As with all aquatic invertebrates it is important to well-established aquariums will produce all the food a make sure copper does not get into the aquarium. filter feeding shrimp will need, but if supplemental Copper is toxic to all Dwarf Shrimp . Many feeding is necessary, foods intended for filter feeders medications contain elevated levels of copper, so can be used as well as powdered flakes and algae it is recommended not to medmedicate an aquarium powders. It is also important to have a moderate with Dwarf Shrimp in it.t. amount of water flow in the aquarium so the Green Lace Shrimp can effectively filter its food an from the water coulumn. Ry 31 Anthony P. Kroeger - BAS REEF RULES

QuarantineQuarantine

o reproduce nature in the form of a Tcoral reef in their home, many components have to be considered. This article will look at a few of the rules you should follow to assure your success in the reef keeping hobby .

entry of parasites, diseases or Copper would kill the unwanted animals into your flatworms and your coral too. Reef RULE #1 reef tank. Melaleuca treats them, but now We all know fish can your whole tank is infected so introduce a multitude of parasites you have to treat everything! Always quarantine or diseases into an aquarium, If you had quarantined the coral anything live going into your but so can corals and live rock. in a small tank, the problem reef aquarium! Let me repeat Here is an examples: in nature, would be easy to solve. this again. Always quarantine various flatworms feed on coral. Likewise, Mantis shrimp everything! These can easily spread from or predatory crabs can easily There are many reasons coral to coral and may be small hide in live rock, as do fireworms for this, the most important of and very hard to see. Suddenly and bristle worms. which is that it will prevent the your corals are ruined. 32

So quarantine and save Quarantine There are many benefits yourself a lot of headaches. everything you buy derived from this, the major It’s easy to do. Set up a ones are as follows: bare 10-gallon tank with a piece in this tank for 15 #1 Dissolved metabolic wastes of bio-seeded base rock, a to 30 days before and detritus are removed. This powerhead for circulation and a you put it in keeps your ammonia, nitrite small LED overhead light. Seed your reef tank. and nitrate low. Low levels of the tank with commercial aquarium Feed your these are critical to your reef’s cycling bacteria. It will live in animals during this health and well-being. #2 the water and on the base rock. time and change 20% Trace elements are added. Quarantine everything All quality marine mixes contain you buy in this tank for 15 to 30 of the water trace elements such as calcium days before you put it in your every 3rd day. and iodine. Your corals, clams, reef tank. Feed your animals Watch your inverts and fish need these trace during this time and change animals closely for elements and absorb them out 20% of the water every 3rd day. any signs of parasites of the water. Just as you take Watch your animals or diseases. your vitamins for good health, closely for any signs of parasites If you see any, it’s so give your reef its vitamins or diseases. If you see any, it’s (trace elements). easy to treat in a small tank. easy to treat in a #3 Water changes stabilize water Watch your live rock for small tank. quality. With frequent partial hitchhikers you do not want in changes it becomes more difficult your reef tank. Use a flashlight at This change may be for conditions to skew drastically night to check for the presence seasonal in nature, such as runoff from a base norm. Yes, it is possible! of mantis shrimp, crabs, fireworms from rivers during monsoons, But less likely as not, enough and bristle worms. If you find typhoons or hurricanes or it time has passed to accrue the any--remove them. may be tidal in nature. Marine necessary accumulation of waste Check your corals for animals have adapted to this products so as to diminish disintegration due to flatworms. stable environment. It’s not that water quality. #4 Treat if necessary with Melaleuca. they cannot adjust to changes, - It gets you out of couch po- Always quarantine! they can, as long as the changes tato mode! Well, I’m not sure Remember Rule #1 and you will occur slowly over time. In our how beneficial that is to your be much closer to a successful aquariums, we are dealing with fish, but it is beneficial to you! reef tank. a very small quantity of water So change your water! in comparison to the Ocean. Both your reef aquarium and Our water quality can change you will benefit. Reef RULE #2 much faster, many times too fast for our aquarium inhabitants to adapt without stress or even Reef RULE #3 The Oceans are a huge, loss. stable , balanced (generally The best way to maintain Keep it clean! Cleanliness is next speaking) bio-system. As home good water quality in a reef to godliness or so the saying goes; aquarists, we try to replicate that aquarium (or any aquarium for in reef tanks, cleanliness is para- balance to the best of our abilities. that matter) is to make frequent, mount to your success. We Environmentally speaking, small, partial water changes. focus on equipment in here. I conditions in the Oceans are If possible, 10 - 20% per check my system daily to be sure fairly stable in regards to water change once a week is a good all my equipment is functioning quality and change slowly. rule to follow. properly. 33

DO THE FOLLOWING DO THE FOLLOWING especially in summer heat it’s DAILY ONCE A MONTH amazing how much water can #1 Wipe off any encrusting salt #1 Once a month, remove and evaporate out of the top of your deposits. Particularily on any clean all siphons and return aquarium. So to prevent any wiring, if left uncleaned it can hoses for all equipment. I clean problems, I test daily with a and will start fires. Especially them as I do the skimmer; I use good hydrometer. This takes all check plugs into extension properly sized bottle brushes of 60 seconds to do, so even cords and outlets! (soft) and pipecleaners for this. with multiple tanks it doesn’t #2 I empty and clean my skimmer Always throughly dry hoses take long to test. To me, it’s well cup daily. After washing it out before reconnecting them so as worth my peace of mind. under hot water, I dry it with a to ensure a tight waterproof fit I test for ammonia, nitrite paper towel. Than I soak it in on reconnection. Always check and nitrate weekly according to vinegar or straight lemon juice for leaks after restart. the manufacturers’ instructions on for 15 minutes. Again I wash it #2 Clean all powerheads; follow my test kits. I also test pH weekly. in hot water and paper towel it the skimmer directions above. These 4 basic parameters dry before placing it back on the and salinity are where most water skimmer. DO THE FOLLOWING issues arise. By staying on top of #3 Check all fittings and power TWICE A YEAR them you stay ahead of any heads to ascertain proper functioning. Replace your light bulbs. problems. #4 Check the heater to assure it All light bulbs diminish in both I keep a “water quality” is functioning properly. output and intensity over time, diary for every aquarium I have #5 Check all wires and plug to to the detriment, especially, of in which I note in my daily socket connections to assure the your corals and clams. Replace salinity and weekly test results. safety of your home and family. them every 6 months to give these (see sample below) inverts the light they need. Follow Keeping water quality DO THE FOLLOWING these rules of cleanliness and logs allows me to track trends in TWICE A MONTH you are one step closer to keep- my aquariums and project #1 Breakdown and clean the ing a successful reef tank. where a problem will occur if skimmer. Use hot water and a any readings start to skew out soft bristle brush and pipe of their normal parameters. cleaners. After everything looks Reef RULE #4 This log also allows me clean, soak everything again in to look back over the water a lemon juice or vinegar bath for Test! Test! Test! quality history and stability of 15 minutes. Then reclean and Knowledge is power! That is any particular tank, which lets rinse everything and paper simply a fact. We can observe me better place any sensitive towel it dry and reassemble and our reef tanks all day and notice species into the most stable restart it. The lemon juice and any problems, but we may not aquarium/environment. vinegar removes all bio-film and know what the cause is of what I test for calcium, magnesium, leaves the skimmer feeling we see. strontium, phosphate and iodine squeaky clean. Water quality test Tank #1 Log #2 Change 25% of the filter media. kits help us establish ex- Daily Salinity pH Ammonia Nitrite Nitrate This allows the rest of the filter actly what is going on in Date to reseed the new media and our reef tanks. keeps the filter from clogging. On all my marine Because you only replace a aquariums, I test salinity portion of the media, it does not daily. Yes, I know salinity effect the stability of the water seldom changes that fast or the bio-filter. as to cause problems, but 34 twice a month. Again, follow the our reef tanks, currents become under the same measurements instructions on the manufacturers essential to such efforts. as above with great success. test kits. Certainly our aquariums’ If your currents are too strong, All of this information is inhabitants will respond to them. your corals will close up. But I also logged into my water But how do we make have found that rarely to be the quality diary. Over time, you currents? And why have a rule case. Normally, they will open will obtain an accurate cycle to “Keep it moving?” wide to feed on the bounty the assay of your water quality. You Making currents is the current brings them. The vast could easily put your “diary” easy part. Our filters add some majority of corals like a strong on your PC or laptop if you pre- currents. Use powerheads aimed current. fer. I keep both a written diary in opposite directions to make more. Now on to the rules: Why and a laptop diary. If you have adjustable keep it moving? Three reasons: Test kits provide invaluable head direction powerheads #1 A strong current will flush information to a reef aquarist. (most powerheads are of this detritus from under and within The more you test, the more design), you can adjust your base rock crevices into the water knowledge you gain, and currents frequently if you so column so your filter can pick it knowledge is your key to success choose. I adjust my outflow up, keeping your tank cleaner. with reef aquariums. daily. Place the powerheads #2 It also will push suspended on timers that partially overlap food materials past your corals (Ex. 6 am to 10 pm and noon to for them to feed on. Reef RULE #5 6 am). This varies the strength It’s a “natural” condition and direction of your currents for your animals and they behave Keep it moving! Your for your animals’ multiple times and respond to it, making our water, that is. The oceans are during the day. aquarium simulation closer to huge. Large quantities of water Ocean currents are pow- nature’s conditions. As we want are circulated via currents such erful. In the aquarium, I size the the best for our charges, this is as the Gulf Stream. powerheads 25% higher than desirable. Reefs are surrounded by the labelled capacity. It sounds simple, but currents which flow past and So, for example, if a currents benefit your animals through them 24/7, 365 days a powerhead is rated for a 55-gallon and make your maintenance easier. year. So in nature, reefs are used aquarium I’d use it in a 37 gallon It’s a win - win! Follow these to currents. tank. I use 2 powerheads in my rules and yoyou’ll have a winning Since we are trying to reef tanks. I’ve also used multiple reef tank! simulate nature’s conditions in small capacity powerheads 35 SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS. THEY SUPPORT US. WE MUST SUPPORT THEM!

Welcome 3 new Sponsors AMAZONAS The legendary freshwater aquarium magazine is now in English. This is a great publication. If you keep freshwater fish, you should subscribe. Only $29 for 6 issues CARIBSEA - From marine and reef, community aquariums, and well worth it. African cichlid aquariums to planted aquarium susbtrate CORAL - The reef & marine aquarium magazine a fabulous you can count on Caribsea. Trusted by hobbyists and magazine for reef and marine fish enthusiasts. $37 for 6 professional alike since 1972. They have 280 products to information packed issues . help make you a better hobbyist. For more information go to Go to their web site to down load their latest catalog WWW.AMAZONASMAGAZINE.COM or product flyers, videos and directions or to contact them with questions at ALGAE MOWER VAC - A new idea in aquarium cleaning WWW.CARIBSEA.COM tools. It keeps your hands dry and is battery operated, it’s They’ll get back to you as soon as they can. great for marine and freshwater aquariums. You can re- move and control all sorts of algae in your tanks. To see a “C” THE JUNGLE PET STORE In the heart of demonstration on how it works or order visit:- Brooklyn, carries a full line of pet supplies, tropical ALGAEMOWER.COM/PRODUCTS fish, birds, and small animals. They offer a 10% dis- count to BAS members with a current membership ABSOLUTELY FISH’S staff is knowledgeable and card. can help you solve your aquatic problems. They “C” THE JUNGLE PET STORE offer a 15% discount on select fish, marine life & 247 New Lots Ave., Bklyn NY 11207 supplies with current BAS membership card. A really Ph: 1 (718) 649-2536 great aquatic shop. Well worth the trip. Hrs: Tue-Sat 10 AM - 8PM • Sun 10 AM - 6PM ABSOLUTELY FISH 1080 Route 46 W., Clifton, NJ 07013 FAUNA Ph: 1 (973) 365-0200 is Manhattan’s largest exotic pet boutique and Dan offers a 10% discount to Open 7 days a week: a new sponsor of the BAS. members. They keep over 2,300 gallons stocked with Mon - Fri 12 AM - 9 PM • Sat 12 AM - 8 PM • Sun 12 AM - 5 PM freshwater, marine fish and corals. They also carry AQUARIUM VILLAGE has 4 to 5 livestock shipments of small animals, birds and reptiles. Make a point to freshwater, saltwater fish and corals every week, to offer visit and tell them you saw their ad in the BAS Bulletin you a great selection at a great price. With 6,000 gals. of and Aquatica . This store will blow you away! FAUNA stocked tanks, 1,000 coral frags and 2 tons of live rock in stock at any one time. Saltwater is their specialty, but you’ll 265 West 87th St. between Bway & West End Ave., NY, NY 212-877-2473 also see a large selection of African cichlids, 1,000 gals. of Ph: tropical fish, goldfish, koi and plants and a wide range of Store hrs: M-W-T-F 11 AM - 7 PM • Closed Tues. equipment, accessories and supplies to fit all your needs. Sat 11 AM - 7PM • Sun 11 AM - 6PM They also do installation and maintenance. A well-trained staff is on hand to answer questions and provide quality service. JOSEPH S. REISMAN & ASSOC. Accounting & Tax Experts. Richard, the owner, also welcomes group buys and offers. They specialize in aquarium societies, aquarium hobbyists, This is a must visit store! aquariumretail suppliers and stores and aquarium wholesale AQUARIUM VILLAGE suppliers. They offer a 10% discount to Brooklyn Aquarium 473 A2 Old Country Road, Westbury, NY 11590 members with a valid membership card. Ph: (516) 333-0682 • www.nyAquariumVillage.com Ph: 718-332-1040 • Fax: 800-518-5251 or Mon - Sat 11-9 • Sun 11-6 www.TAXHELP1040.COM 36 SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS. THEY SUPPORT US. WE MUST SUPPORT THEM!

WORLD CLASS AQUARIUM has been serving the hobby since 1986. New Yorker Magazine recognized them as the "best aquarium supply store in the five boroughs." You'll be pleased to know that they: MANHATTAN AQUARIUM has one of the largest • Offer a large selection of freshwater, marine fish, corals, plus a selections of marine fish & corals on the East Coast. full line of aquarium, bird, and small animal products. Located conveniently at 522 West 37th St. in Manhattan. • They give a 10% discount to BAS members with a You should check them out for all your Marine Fish & current membership card. Coral needs. • Carry a selection of large and small tanks and cabinets. BAS members get a • Have a marine biologist on staff. 10% Discount with current membership card . • Design and install aquariums for educational institutions. MANHATTAN AQUARIUM • Do maintenance for home or office aquariums. 522 West 37th Street, NYC, NY 10018 • Build glass tanks and sumps to your specifications. Ph: 212 594-2271 • Fax: 212 594-2271 www.ManhattanAquarium.Com • www.UniqueCorals.Com If you’re into birds, check out their selection of hand-fed baby parrots, African grays, cockatoos, macaws, Amazons, conures, parakeets, and canaries. PETLAND DISCOUNTS, the complete pet store, Call or stop by to see what new babies have arrived! carries a full line of pet supplies for fish, dogs, cats, Owned by two hobbyists, Allan and Robert , who offer a birds, reptiles and small animals. Also a variety of personal touch and pride themselves on “world class” fish, birds, small animals and reptiles. Open 7 days quality. They’re always available to answer questions. a week. Locations in New York, New Jersey & You can also subscribe to their Newsletter. Connecticut. Over 15 stores in Brooklyn. Shop on Visit www.WorldClassAquarium.com and sign up. line at: PetlandDiscounts.Com or see the white pages, WORLD CLASS AQUARIUM for a store near you. 2015 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11234 WWW.PETLANDDISCOUNTS.COM. Ph: (718) 258-0653 • F: (718) 258-4637 REEFS2GO.COM. They’re located in sunny Florida. Visit Store Hrs: Mon - Sat 10 AM - 7 PM Sunday 10 AM - 6PM their web site to view the full line of saltwater fish, inverts, corals, live foods for marine fish and corals plus a ZOOMED AQUARIUM LED HO - Energy efficient complete line of saltwater dry goods and equipment. Get LED Aquarium lighting with a low profile design! all the details on FREE SHIPPING and their 14 day • Unique modular design allows for replacing or swapping Guaranteed Living or Credit policy . If saltwater is your out LED panels. passion and you’re looking for deals, check their Daily • Includes High Output 1W white LEDs, and blue Deals and Over Stocked Items page. For more great buys, 500mW for nighttime 'lunar' effect. check Buy 1 get 1 Free Offers . Check out the site. Read • 50% brighter than T5 HO fluorescent lamps. More LEDs the testimonials and if you still have questions, call them than comparable hoods on the market = more light! Monday to Thursday from 10 AM to 5 PM EST at 727-623-0914. • Shimmer effect: Bright white light produces shimmer, just like in nature. PACIFIC AQUARIUM & PET INC., in Manhattan’s • Dual Switches for independent control of white & blue Chinatown,carries ornamental goldfish, koi, freshwater LEDs.Adjustable sliding rail. fish, & aquatic plants. BAS membersget 10% discount • Direct-contact PCB design & aluminum housing for with current card (Discounts not to be combined with better heat transfer resulting in longer LED life; 20,000 other specials). They have a full line of aquarium supplies. hours life rating! You can order custom size tanks. • Individual LED modules allow for easy replacement. PACIFIC AQUARIUM & PET INC. Never throw another LED hood away again! 46 Delancy St., NY, NY 10002 • Includes optional stainless steel 'aircraft cable' suspension Ph: 1 (212) 995-5895 for hanging. Find out more about it and other ZooMed Open 7 days a week and all holidays 10 AM to 7:30 PM aquatic products at WWW.ZOOMED.COM 37 Please Patronize Our Sponsors.p TTheyhey ssupportuppoort uus,s wwee mmustusstt susupporsupportpport tthem.heem.m.m TellTe them youu saw theire add iin tthe Aquatica.uatiica.ca. Welcome 3 new Sponsors ALGAE MOWER VAC The legendary New aquarium cleaning tool freshwater aquarium hands-dry, battery operated for marine & freshwater magazine is now in English Trusted by hobbyist and aquariums! $29 FOR ONE YEAR professionals alike, since 1972 Now you can remove and control green & black hair algae • brush & beard hair algae We have 280 products • red & black slime algae • moss & sticky detritus to help make you a • aiptasia or other pest corals better aquarist! PATENT THE REEF & MARINE PENDING AQUARIUM MAGAZINE Questions about our products? Above are two AMV88 at 1-foot and 2-foot length. $37 FOR ONE YEAR Feel free to contact us via our web site. The Algae Mower Vac allows hands-dry operation for www.caribsea.com tanks from 6" deep all the way to 36" deep! SUBSCRIBE NOW! We will get back to you as soon as we can . To see a demonstration or order CaribSea, Inc . ALGAE MOWER VAC visit: P.O. Box 13359, Fort Pierce, FL 34979 www.algaemower.com/products WWW.AMAZONASMAGAZINE.COM 1-772-461-1113

PACIFIC AQUARIUM & PETLAND PET INC. DISCOUNTS 46 DELANCEY ST., N Y, NY 10002 PH: (212) 995.5895 Open 7 days a week & all holidays OVER 47 YEARS OF SERVICE 10AM - 7:30PM • Specializing in freshwater aquatic plants & supplies. Large selection of ex- OPEN 7 DAYS 522 West 37th Street otic freshwater, marine fish, goldfish & NYC, NY 10018 koi. Custom size tanks & mainte- • nance available. See our listing in the 1 0 % BUY 2 FRESHWATER FISH, white business pages DISCOUNT GET 1 FREE EVERY DAY or online FOR MEMBERS OF EQUAL OR LESSER www.petlanddiscounts.com Phone: 212 594-2272 Ext/5 VALUE Fax: 212 594-2271 10% Discount to BAS members LOCATIONS: Cell: 347-782-2407 with current membership card New York. New Jersey www.ManhattanAquarium.Com Close to the F, B, D, & 6 Subway lines & Connecticut www.UniqueCorals.Com Visa, MC, Discover Card, AmEx

ORLD LASS QUARIUM JOSEPH S. REISMAN & ASSOC. W C A Accounting & Tax Experts “C” New York’s Best Pet Shop! 2751 Coney Island Avenue New Yorker (Corner of Avenue Y) Recognized by the Magazine as the Brooklyn,yn, NY 11235 The Jungle "best aquarium supply store in the five boroughs." Pet Store Weekly shipments of tropical fish, marine fish, African cichlids, live coral. Large selection of tanks and cabinets IN STOCK. TROPICAL FISH, BIRDS & % Discount for BAS members SMALL ANIMALS. 10 with current membership card. PET SUPPLIES WE SPECIALIZE IN: Custom tank and sump building, installation, & aquarium service • Aquarium Societies unequalled for almost 3 decades. We have the largest on-hand asst'd • Aquarium Hobbyists 10% Discount for baby birds in the area and bird & small animal products. BAS members with • Aquarium Retail Suppliers current membership card Advice is always free just call us with your questions. • Aquarium Wholesale Suppliers We are Hobbyists who use the products we sell. Tel: 718-332-1040 724178 N•6ew4 9Lo•t2s 5A3ve6. 2015 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11234 Fax: 800-518-5251 Brooklyn, NY 11207 P: (718) 258-0653 • F: (718) 258-4637 Store Hrs: Mon - Sat 10 AM - 7 PM • Sunday 10 AM - 6 PM www.TAXHELP1040.com Hs: Tue-Sat 10 AM - 8PM Sun 10 AM - 6 PM 10% discount to www.WorldClassAquarium.com/ Brooklyn Aquarium Society members with, valid membership card We Accept 38 Please Patronize Our Sponsors. They support us, we must support them. Tell them you saw their ad in the Aquatica.

A w a r d e d B e s t A q u a t i c P e t R e - Manhattan ʼs Largest LONG ISLAND’S AQUARIUM t a i l e r i n N o r t h A m e r i c a f o r t h e y e a r 2 0 1 3 Exotic Pet Boutique AQUARIUM VILLAGE B y P e t P r o d u c t s N e w s 473 A2 Old Country Road Fauna Westbury, NY11590 BAS MEMBERS GET 265 West 87th A 15% DISCOUNT Freshwater Fish; btwn Bway & West End Ave. Over 120 tanks filled with common & hard to find tropical, catfish & cichlids. Specialized aquatic plant systems. Over 2,300 gallons A complete range of exotic fish; freshwater, saltwater, and corals. High-tech reef & filtration equipment. 4 to 5 shipments per week for the widest selection of great prices. Larger selection of live rock & live sand. of freshwater & Also a wide range of aquaruim equipment. A well-trained staff More invertebrates; provides the highest customer service for your aquarium needs. Over 2,000 gals of coral-reef exhibits. marine fish & corals. • 6,000 Gal. of well stocked tanks. Saltwater a specialty. Over 4,000 galsof rare & unusual marine fish • 1,000 frags of coral, plus 2 tons of live rock and Expert Staff in marine science & aquarium 10% DISCOUNT FOR a 44 cubic ft freezer of frozen foods • A wide assortment of tropical fish, goldfish, koi and plants. husbandry ready to answer questions BAS MEMBERS Inquire about our aquarium set up and • Rare and unusual invertebrates. Custom aquariums & cabinetry available. SERVICES: Installion of entire systems. maintenance service! • Aquarium maintance. • Expert help on tank (973) 365-0200 size, equipment, installation and logistics. 1080 Route 46 West Clifton, NJ 07013 Hrs: Mon-Wed-Thur - Fri 11 AM - 7 PM Closed Tue & Sat 11 AM - 7 PM • Sun 11 AM - 6 PM 516 333-0682 Open 7 Days a Week [email protected] M-F 12 AM - 9 PM • Sat 12 AM - 8 PM • Sun 12 AM - 5 PM 212-877-2473 Store hours: Mon-Sat 11-9 • Sun 11-6 We Honor: Visa, Master Card, Discover, American Express, MAC

Quality saltwater livestock & products at reasonable prices FREE SHIPPING Visit us for Details Visit our site for our full line of fish, in- verts, corals, live food & marine supplies. Check out our DAILY DEALS Overstocked Live Stock & Buy 1 get 1 Free Offers!

GOT QUESTIONS ? C ALL US M-T H 10 AM - 5 PM EST 727-623-0914 39

Membership & Renewal Application Brooklyn Aquarium Society Mail This Form and Your Check Payable to Brooklyn Aquarium Society to BROOKLYN AQUARIUM SOCIETY, ATT: MEMBERSHIP CHAIRPERSON P.O. BOX 290610, BROOKLYN, NEW YORK 11229-0011

Meetings are held at the NY Aquarium Education Hall on the 2nd Friday of the month at 7:30pm. Knowledgeable speakers on fish care and culture, door prizes, raffles, and fish auctions. All meetings are free to members. Visit us on line: WWW.BROOKLYNAQUARIUMSOCIETY.ORG

NAME______OCCUPATION______

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E-mail Address______TYPE & LENGTH of MEMBERSHIP: (CHECK ONE) INDIVIDUAL FAMILY [ ] $15 STUDENT 1YEAR 1yr. 2yr. 3yr. 4yr. 1yr. 2yr. 3yr. 4yr. (UNDER 18 YEARS) $20 $36 $51 $68 $25 $45 $63 $85 *If family membership, please list all family members. Only first two listed will have voting rights. 1______2______3______

4______5______6______Number of tanks [ ] marine [ ] freshwater [ ] Do you breed fish? [yes] [no] If yes, what types do you breed:______

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On occasion, the Brooklyn Aquarium Society uses its mailing list to send notices of interest to our members. If you DO NOT wish to receive these mailings please check here [ ]

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Member number:______Type of membership [F] [I] [S] Date paid:______Board approved date ______Amount paid:______Renewal/member since______