The GOLD Cardinals coming to a shop near you

FRIENDLYGHOSTS How to set up a

Whyyouneed river aquarium
Phantom tetras …and what to
in your life
put in it

32
AIR PUMPS
TRIED &
TESTED
Issue 2 February 18 £4.40

&
THE BRIGHT STEP-BY-STEP

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Welcome
Learn from
the best

JEREMY GAY is a
former PFK editor and
now Evolution Aqua’s
Business Development
Manager. He spotlights
a very un-cichlid-like
cichlid from Lake
Tanganyika. Page 36.

One of the first fish I ever kept as a newbie in 24 Reader’s amazing

the 80s was the Black phantom tetra. These hanging reef aquarium.
are gorgeous little fish and, kept in a decent
DAVE WOLFENDEN is ratio of boy and girls, you’ll see plenty of
curator at the Blue
Planet Aquarium in displays between rival males. At the time I
Cheshire Oaks. He was a very inexperienced fishkeeper, and
offers advice on keeping while I’d noticed the males, with their
carpet anemones on
page 46. elongated dorsal fins and black attire, I hadn’t
really taken notice of the females, which were
looking washed out in the sales tank. I assumed in my naivety that they
were a different species (the shop regularly mixed the fish in its tanks).
Once the assistant had confirmed that they would be okay in my
set-up, I left him to bag me some up. It wasn’t until I got home that I 8 Phantastic Phantoms.
realised I had three Black phantoms and three ‘other fish’. Rather than
make what would have been a 50-mile round trip back to the shop, I
muttered something unpleasant about the assistant and acclimatised
NATHAN HILL is an them all to my tank. In my defence there was no Internet back then,
aquatic journalist and with research limited to books and magazines. It didn’t help that the
PFK’s features editor. He only photo I had of Black phantoms — in black and white — showed a
profiles phantom tetras,
discovers a gorgeous single male.
new ‘gold’ Cardinal tetra However, as the females coloured up and became gorgeous in their
and offers advice on
fast-flow set-ups. own right while the males sized one another up with stiffened fins and
Pages 8, 18 and 78. displays, it was obvious even to a newbie that they were different sexes
of the same species. In fact, when I visited the shop again I bought a
few more — and they were even better in bigger numbers. I still have a 36 Keep sardine cichlids.
soft spot for these delightful fish. Find out more about them on page 8.
I’d like to take this opportunity on behalf of everyone at PFK to
wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a fish-filled 2018! Get more PFK!
Like us on Facebook.com
Karen Youngs, editor
NES WITH MUCKY HOMES

FR EGU Follow us @PFKmagazine

GABOR HORVATH 24-PA
GE
IDE TOBEGINN

Get the next three

ER MARI
NES S

is a Hungarian aquarist
issues of Practical
Get spawning!
with over 35 years of Banish winter blues
with our breeding
project ideas Watch us on youtube.com/
fishkeeping experience. No m

user/practicalfishkeeping
Fishkeeping for
e

He tests a range of
aquarium air pumps on 101 SEE just £5!
PAGE
FASCINATING
page 96. FISH FACTS
Discover what make
th
es
GOLDF AB
ISH —
a fancy
for pond
s

52
contra
arium st
Why Aussie
oughnuts
un rings All the
a around other colours
the rainb of
ids corals Disco ow
ver
dazzl ng the
— the Mic o Lord
co

5
ee keepe al every
r is a ter!

www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk
February Cover image: Neil Hepworth

ON THE COVER

08 PHANTASTIC PHANTOMS
You don’t have to be garish to
leave a lasting impression, and
46
the subtle, understated charm of
the Phantom tetras will win you
over in a heartbeat.

18 SEASONAL DELIGHTS
Oddities are in full swing
this month, with some very
unconventionally coloured new
arrivals...

36 HOW TO KEEP SARDINES

No, not the kind you buy in
tomato sauce! These sardines are
the gorgeous Cyprichromis, from
Tanganyika. Every Rift Valley fan
should keep them at least once…

42 A SOFT SPOT FOR STRIPES

The Zebra plec is one of the
most iconic freshwater fish in
the hobby. Johnny Jensen puts
together an ideal home for these
lovely catfish.

46 MAGIC CARPETS
The carpet anemones are among
the most beautiful and imposing
invertebrates you’ll see and in
the right set-up they can make an
amazing centrepiece.

54 THE TAKE-IT-EASY ISLAND

Aquascaping doesn’t have to
be hard work. You don’t need 78
super high lighting, loads of
liquid fertilisers, expensive
CO2 injection and huge water
changes...

58 HOIST THE FLAG

A stunner on every front, the
Flagfin angel is a slightly
wildcard marine showpiece that’ll
liven a dull FOWLR system, or —
with an element of risk — a well
planned reef.

78 GOING DOWN THE RIVER

While most aquaria are static
cubes of water, many fish hail
from waters that are much livelier
— and there’s plenty to gain from
going with the flow… 42
96 THE BIG AIR PUMP TEST
We compare 32 aquarium air
pumps over a range of tank sizes,
with some surprising results.

6 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
 70
FISHKEEPING KNOW-HOW

60 PARENT POWER
The underwater world is a
dangerous place and young fish
60
In association with
need all the help they can get to
make it to maturity. For many
species, the key to survival starts
with their parents.

68 INSPIRATIONAL
AQUARIUMS

DIPLOMA
The colours of the cichlids in this
Malawi set-up contrast beautifully
with the almost monochrome
rocky hardscape.

70 AQUATIC SCHOOL

84
The final part of our Diploma
series looks at tank management,
and the tasks that you need to
perform to keep things healthy.

84 HAPPY, HEALTHY NEW YEAR

Make a new year’s resolution to
improve your fishkeeping this
year. One small change can bring
lots of benefits.

YOUR FISH & TANKS

24 OFF THE WALL

Ralph Moorman discovered a way

24
to have a large, heavy reef tank in
a fourth storey apartment without
it falling through the floor.

30 TANK COMMUNITY
The place to share your fish,
tanks and experiences.

34 ME AND MY TANK
Gavin Little’s aquaria are a
paradise for L-number catfish
and elephantnoses.

NEWS & REVIEWS

58 14 FISHKEEPING NEWS
All the latest on the aquatic front.

102 NEW GEAR

We review the products coming to
106
a shop near you soon.

106 SHOPTOUR
We visit retailers in Dublin and
Wembley.

PROBLEMS SOLVED

87 FISHKEEPING ANSWERS
Some of the world’s top experts
answer your questions.

36 PLUS
87
52 SUBSCRIBE TO PFK!
Save money when you take out a
subscription to PFK.

114 TAILPIECE
Nathan Hill is suffering with
the heat.

www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 7
 Phantastic
PHANTOMS
You don’t have to be garish to leave a lasting impression,
and the subtle, understated charm of the Phantom tetras
will win you over in a heartbeat, given the chance.
WORDS: NATHAN HILL

I
f you ever fancy getting lost within a single genus, you could Three of a kind
do worse than immersing yourself into the Hyphessobrycon If you’re out of the loop, you might be confused — Phantom tetras
of South America. Fishbase, the online ‘fishcyclopaedia’ of are Meglamphodus, not Hyphessobrycon, surely? Well, they were,
species, currently has no less than 140 species marked as up to 1997 when Meglamphodus was made a synonym. If you’re
valid. Wikipedia, either ahead of the curve, or still including hauling old books off the shelf, like the Baensch or Axelrod atlas,
outdated species, lists 154. then they’ll be written up as Meglamphodus all the way. You’re
Understanding the relationships between different also forgiven if you’re using retailer labels as identification.
Hyphessobrycon is a feat at best. Taxonomists put in long hours to Whether lazy or oblivious, I still to this day see Phantoms sold
tidy things up, but these far-reaching and loosely homogenous under the old scientific moniker.
fish make it hard work. In some cases, the construction of clades Almost all of us will have seen the regal Black phantom,
(a kind of tighter ancestral link within a genus) has lifted Hyphessobrycon megalopterus. Fewer of us may have sifted out
imbricated clusters of fish out of the confusion. Particularly Red phantoms, Hyphessobrycon sweglesi, from retailer tanks
switched on readers may have heard of the Rosy tetra clade, for filled with similarly shaped, similarly marked Hyphessobrycon on
example, where DNA analysis has highlighted the relationships offer. But you’ll need an acquired taste — likely you’re a biotope
MP&C PIEDNOIR AQUAPRESS.COM

between a handful of species. buff — if you know the Yellow (or Golden) phantom,
A consequence of ongoing reclassification is that it tears apart Hyphessobrycon roseus, too.
some of the old ‘colloquial’ associations we’ve known and trusted This sliding scale from well-known to scarce ties in with their
for years. In the early days, fish were routinely lumped together availability. Black phantoms are almost entirely farmed, en masse
on the basis of similar appearance alone, and the hobby came to in the Far East or Eastern Europe. Red phantoms tend to be a mix
recognise them as such. Now the old ties are being broken at a of farmed and wild caught imports. The best Yellow phantoms are
scientific level. Among those tossed around in this new world those that come in wild — the farmed versions are the blandest of
order are the gorgeously trapezoid fish that are the Phantom tetra. the bunch.

Yellow phantoms,
Hyphessobrycon
roseus.

8 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
 Fish of the month

MP&C PIEDNOIR AQUAPRESS.COM

Red phantom,
Hyphessobrycon
sweglesi.

MP&C PIEDNOIR AQUAPRESS.COM

Male Black phantom,

Hyphessobrycon
megalopterus.

www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 9
Black phantoms vomit’ gravel and dayglow plastic plants like a planting substrate, or one of the dark
Getting a Black phantom to bloom requires — not mine, I should add). They’ll look even sands from JBL or Dennerle. Lighter sand
clever housing, and a little patience. Young more stunning in a biotope. will look stark against a jet-black fish.
fish in stores (especially in tanks denuded of Black phantoms, originally from Bolivia Besides, these tetras lend themselves to a
substrate) are the piscine equivalent of and Brazil, are often found in vast wetlands. tank that’s moody, dull and secretive. You
bedroom-dwelling teenagers — pale and For the aquarist, that’s a biotope blessing. want them to completely relax in their
gaunt, and a little bit moody too. Wetlands mean plants, plants and more surroundings.
If you want them at their best you should plants, as much or as little sunken wood as Go mad on plants — Sagittaria, Eleocharis,
buy multiple males, and plenty of females you like, and totally clear water. Bacopa and Echinodorus are all great. Toss
for them to show off to. Sexing them is I’d want a tank of around 100cm long for a on some floating Salvinia and let it
pretty easy. A big dorsal fin, leading to a bit decent shoal (12 to 18 individuals), proliferate, and it’ll all add to the wetland
of a point, and it’s a young male. A round preferably with a respectable width as well ambience, while keeping excess nutrients
paddle of a dorsal, and some orange-red in as length. Some of the new aquascape- in check.
the anal fin and belly, means it’s a lady. oriented tanks have ideal footprints, but Finish your tank off with a few fallen
Now, get them in a tank. Rest assured, make sure you can cover them. Black branches and a generous handful of leaf
they’ll flourish in almost any choice of decor phantoms are known to launch themselves litter. You’ll need to soak the leaves for a long
(I’ve seen them as a curious contrast, from open aquaria. time before use — I simmer mine on the hob
looking stunning in a tank with ‘clown On the base, plump for something dark, for an hour or so, replacing the stained

Male Black phantoms grow to live up

to their name. Gone are the wishy
washy greys and in comes a sheen as
black as coal. The dorsal fin becomes
a long, arcing scythe of
bellowing skin. Now is
when the magic happens.

10 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
 Fish of the month

water with fresh every ten minutes or so.

The aim of the game is not to stain the water
— you want to get a nice, wilderness feel on BLACK PHANTOM
the bottom of the tank. You may even get a G Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon
bit of an ecosystem down there, with little megalopterus (High-fess-oh-brr-eye-con
worms and copepods that the phantoms can meg-ah-lop-terr-uss).
tuck in to. Don’t panic if you do happen to G Size: Usually to around 3.5cm, females
get some water discolouration, the fish slightly smaller.
won’t mind a bit of tannic acid in the water. G Origin: Bolivia and Brazil.
Just avoid turning everything the colour G Habitat: Wetlands, ponds, pools, lakes,
of amber. backwaters. Found in shoals around
Sit back and wait. Feed them well with a plants.

ALAMY
mix of fresh, live and frozen foods — don’t G Tank size: 60 x 30cm minimum footprint
forget to add some greenery to it. Those for a small shoal.
young, greyish fish will mature, and oh, will G Water requirements: Soft and acidic to
they mature into something special. ventral fins, and a charming red adipose fin, neutral: 5.5 to 7.0pH, hardness 1 to 12°H.
Females will stay the blander gender, but as as subtle as a brooch. On their flanks, the G Temperature: 20 to 28°C.
adults they’ll have wonderful, burnt-orange unique ‘Eye of Sauron’ markings will be at G Temperament: Hierarchical but not
full shine, an inverted black teardrop set aggressive.
arly sheen of green, G Feeding: Flakes, pellets; live and frozen
urquoise. Daphnia, Cyclops, bloodworm and
males will grow to live Calanus; greenfoods algae supplements,
TOP TIP o their name. Gone
e the wishy-washy
fruit.
G Availability and cost: Common, from
Watch for whitespot reys and in comes a around £2.50 each.
when buying Black phantoms. sheen as black as coal, 0 Tank volume
pH Temp C
While not especially prone to with only a splash of 9
the disease, they can be carriers, powdery, bright
colour behind each 8
30
28
26
54 l+
and newly imported fish in pectoral. Look to the 24
particular may have the odd 7 22
dorsal fin, and where 20
spot. Inspect all the fish in it was only slightly 6 18
the sale tank, not just the nlarged before, there’s
w a long, arcing scythe 5
ones you’re buying.
llowing skin. This is
he magic happens.
tuck to a decent male Corydoras whiskering about in the
to female ratio (40/60 is a safe bet), the substrate will help to keep leaf litter aired.
men of the tank will now display to each
other, full of moxie and proud as Adonis. Red phantoms
Two fish will approach each other, with an While the Black phantom comes in one
eye on becoming the tank’s alpha, raising type, and one type alone, there seem to be a
their disproportionate dorsal fins while handful of different morphs masquerading
stretching their anal fins to capacity, and under the Red phantom name.
they’ll dance a tight dance to one another, The most common fish are the farmed
each vying for dominance. There’s no biting ones. They have a body shape similar to, but
involved, no chasing or bullying. Everything slightly more stretched than, the Black
comes down to who is the biggest, and who phantoms. They’re mostly orange with a
dances the best. Look closely for the finesse hint of transparency. On the flank, the black
of the moves, especially the slight sideways spot is more splodge than teardrop shaped,
tilt at the last moment. The whole affair and lacking any kind of blue/green
looks a little like the kind of circling combat backdrop. The anal, ventral and caudal fins
seen in ocean sharks. are the same orange as the body, if a little
Tank mates can include anything that’s deeper. The dorsal may be orange-bottomed
peaceful, not too large, and ideally South with a broad black blotch covering the
American. Avoid pugnacious cichlids like upper two-thirds, though it may also be
Angelfish — small Apistogramma would be orange throughout. Sometimes, there’s a
best suited, but avoid species that need white tip to the dorsal, too, while the adipose
NATHAN HILL

extreme blackwater conditions. Torpedo- fin can be either white or orange.

bodied tetra will be ignored and pencilfish To be controversial, I think many of these
and hatchets will fit in nicely. A shoal of farmed Red phantoms are frauds. I think
that somewhere along the line, some
broodstock has been contaminated with
other Hyphessobrycon species. It certainly
Why the Hyphessoconfusion? wouldn’t be the first time.
We have French Icthyologist Jacques Géry to blame for Wild imports come in from Venezuela or
bundling some tetra together in groups where they no longer Colombia and tend to be clearer in the body,
fit. In his defence, he was dashing around, formally describing but redder in the fins — the dorsal, ventral
the phantoms in 1961, a year before Watson and Crick were and caudal fins in particular have an
given a platform for their discovery of DNA. With relatively intensity not found on the farmed species.
A trio of Black primitive morphological tools at his disposal, it made sense The black splodge on the flanks is still there,
phantoms, with the to Géry to arrange fish by colour relations. but to my eye always looks a little ‘rougher’
female to the left.
than those of farmed fish. Again, the dorsal

www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 11
fins may be plain orange, or they may be
imprinted with a large black blob.
Then there’s the Red phantom ‘Red’ or
The only connecting theme with these
‘Rubra’ variant, often brought in from
Colombia. Here, the body has very little
fish is the ‘phantom’ in the name.
pigmentation, while the head and fins are
the fiercest red of all. The adipose fin looks
Rather than blood brothers, they are
almost see through it’s so pale, while the
dorsal fin carries a black streak along the
loose cousins. But related or not, all
front. In contrast to the other Red phantom
types, the flanking black splodge tends to be
make for superb aquarium denizens.
washed out.
The ‘Rubra’ examples seem to come from
flowing blackwater regions, with high are higher maintenance than their Black

RED PHANTOM
tannins and high acidity, while the tamer counterparts. They’re unforgiving of swings
variants are found across the tropical in pH or hardness and the dreaded
grassland plains of Los Llanos. Here, Red whitespot will be hot on the heels of a poorly G Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon
phantoms are found in close proximity to kept specimen. sweglesi (High-fess-oh-brr-eye-con
Moriche palms — a tree that will only grow Behaviour and shape wise, there isn’t a sway-gels-eye).
where it can live with its roots underwater. huge difference between these and Black G Size: Usually to around 3.5cm, females
Phantoms are often found around the fallen phantoms. Males will dance, erecting their slightly smaller.

MP&C PIEDNOIR AQUAPRESS.COM

palm leaves and associated vegetation at elongate, sickle-shaped dorsal fins, while G Origin: Colombia and Venezuela.
their bases. smaller, less glamorous females watch G Habitat: Wetlands, ponds, pools, lakes,
However, all of that means nothing if with indifference. backwaters. Found in shoals around
you’ve got a run-of-the-mill supplier. Suitable tank mates are also similar — Red plants and Morichale roots.
Farmed phantoms haven’t seen a palm leaf phantoms are no more or less waspish than G Tank size: 60 x 30cm minimum
in their lives. Black ones, happy to spend their time footprint for a small shoal.
But note that even farmed Red phantoms displaying to each other and ignoring all G Water requirements: Soft and acidic to
neutral: 4.5 to 7.0pH, hardness 1 to
12°H.
Male Red phantom (top) G Temperature: 20 to 28°C.
with the female below. G Temperament: Hierarchical but not
aggressive.
G Feeding: Flakes, pellets; live and frozen
Daphnia, Cyclops, bloodworm and
Calanus; greenfoods algae
supplements, fruit.
G Availability and cost: Farmed fish are
common, from around £2.50 each.
Wilds usually on request, starting
around £3.50 per fish.
0 Tank volume
pH Temp C
8

7
30
28
26
54 l+
24
6 22
20
5 18

12 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
 Fish of the month

Yellow phantoms may be the

least colourful of the trio,
but they will be perfect for a
biotope set-up.

YELLOW
MP&C PIEDNOIR AQUAPRESS.COM

PHANTOM
G Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon
roseus (High-fess-oh-brr-eye-con
row-see-uss).
G Size: Usually to around 2cm, females
slightly smaller.
else. If it’s small and torpedo shaped, or if it is, I’m sad to say, a species that needs to be G Origin: French Guiana and Brazil.
shuffles across the substrate, it will be fine. appreciated on its own merits. G Habitat: Slow, shallow streams with
Those merits include being a subtle fish in heaps of fallen wood and leaf litter, and
Yellow phantoms an outstanding biotope. Yellow phantoms overhanging vegetation.
The Yellow phantom is the two-door are associated with iragapés — the G Tank size: 60 x 30cm minimum
hatchback compared to the family saloons indigenous name for canoe paths — which footprint for a small shoal.
of the Black and Red relatives. It’s a smaller are shallow, blackwater, packed with leaves G Water requirements: Soft and acidic to
fish, with comparatively muted colours. At and fallen wood, with maybe a little neutral: 5.0 to 7.0pH, hardness 1 to
its worst, this is a silvery-yellow tetra, with vegetation here and there. They’re great fun 10°H — farmed fish to 7.5pH, hardness
hints of red around the caudal peduncle. to set up at home, too. to around 16°H.
The spot on the flank is present, at a darker Get fine sand (silver is fine). Toss in a few G Temperature: 22 to 28°C.
and higher resolution than its cousins. Any branches. Rain dried leaves over it all like G Temperament: Hierarchical but not
black in the fins is washed out at best, and some South American snowglobe, and aggressive.
that’s where black exists at all. Mostly, the maybe plant a little hairgrass here and there. G Feeding: Flakes, pellets; live and frozen
fins are a light orange hue, and wholly Use ultra-soft water (invest in some RO) Daphnia, Cyclops, bloodworm and
underwhelming. As you can tell, I’m not sold and let those leaves release their staining Calanus; greenfoods, algae
on them. tannins. The Yellow phantoms will love it. supplements, fruit.
Until, that is, you show me a wild import. That’s pretty much it! If you’re not too G Availability and cost: Farmed
Suddenly the yellow of the body becomes all fussed about owning a communitope, add moderately available (check larger
the more intense. The fins brandish bright some bright pencilfish species (this chain stores in particular), starting
tips, with hints of a dark central band aquarium is crying out for the likes of around £2.50 each. Wild caught fish
through the dorsal — much like the X-ray Nannostomus mortenthaleri) and a available intermittently from
tetra. Fed well, with a carotenoid-rich diet, handful of small Corydoras, and you’ve an specialists, starting around £2.50 each.
the red of the caudal region becomes a enviable set-up. 0
pH Temp C

54 l+
glowing beacon. With a little work, this Just note that of all three, wild Yellows 9
phantom can be reclaimed from the land are the least tolerant of high or fluctuating 30
28
of drab. pH values, so keep things soft and acidic. 8 26
Yet, they still lack the ‘oomph’ of the Red But that really isn’t an issue with the 24
7 22
and Black phantoms. Their compact bodies farmed ones. For their blandness, I’ve seen 20
reach maybe half to two thirds the mass of them kept in communities alongside tank 6 18
the others here. The dorsal fin, for its mates that prefer things in the 7.5pH
colours, never attains the sail-like stature. It upwards mark. 5

www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 13
FISHKEEPING NEWS
Latest news and events from the world of aquatics.
SPECIAL REPORT

The best (and worst) of the China show

WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY: GABOR HORVATH

The China International Pet Show is Asia’s — if that no water changes were necessary in the A Chinese dragon made an
not the world’s — largest pet show, with tanks they build, I decided to investigate further. appearance in the marine
hundreds of exhibitors. 2017 year saw its 21st According to the manager, their special filtration aquascaping competition.
show, which took place in November in system based on natural minerals removes all
Shanghai, in four enormous halls, each big the harmful materials from the water, so there is
enough to swallow a football stadium. CIPS is a no need for a water change. In a moderately
giant showcase, where potential buyers from all stocked tank (in this case a 3m long aquarium
over the world can find suppliers, and I actually with six 45cm long Koi and a Pearl Arowana) you
met quite a few representatives from the UK, need to replace one of the four filter cartridges
looking for new ideas. every six months. In the first two years the
replacements, sent to you directly by the
Full of colour manufacturer, are included in the original price
One of the first things that struck me was the (which is $1000 per metre aquarium) and would
abundance of colour everywhere. There were set you back $50 a year afterwards. The
neon green filter pumps, purple air pumps and manager told me they have tanks more than five
yellow submarines (which actually turned out to years old running in the test lab with this
be aquarium heaters). system. The only issue is that this filtration only
You could also find tank decorations in every works in a bare bottomed tank.
shape and colour, including underwater Equipment-wise, I didn’t see many new These bowls take the
volcanos, pink jellyfish with flashing LEDs. products. There were some minor improvements word ‘ornamental’ to
Fortunately, for those (like me), who prefer on the existing lines, but nothing major. the extreme.
their decor a bit more natural, there was still Nevertheless, it was a great experience to meet
plenty to see. An international aquascaping the big Chinese companies and browse their
contest was included in the program and many immense offerings. Many of the aquarium
of the contestants were on hand to answer products you can buy in the UK originate from
questions, as well as holding workshops during China, with several well-known brands getting
the four days of the show. Several stalls their supplies from factories here — there really
presented a wide range of rocks, wood and other are some quality products coming from China,
aquascaping hardware. especially if you stick to the well known brands.
I found a few very promising new companies
Wi-Fi control bringing fresh ideas to the market. One of them
The key theme of this show seemed to be the is a company from South-Korea, called ZISS
intelligent aquarium with Wi-Fi controllable Aqua (PFK recently reviewed its ingenious egg
products. Among them was SICCE, which tumbler), but there are plenty more products in Flowerhorns
recently introduced its smart Syncra SDC Wi-Fi this range. The build quality looked exceptional. are still very
Controllable pump series. There were lots of However, I also came across other companies popular in
claimed ‘world’s firsts’ at the show, including (some of the names pop up regularly on online China.
Wi-Fi controlled Moon-LEDs, wavemakers, marketplaces) whose products looked like the
top-up systems, feeders and even power mainstream stuff of ten years ago, and in some
sockets. Many of them had a mini USB input cases the build quality was appalling.
allowing them to be run or charged by mobile
power banks. Global Championships
Other companies focused on smart CIPS isn’t just a trade show — there was a
monitoring systems, many offering complete Global Ornamental Fish Championship in
set-ups with built-in dashboards, which looked several categories, featuring outstanding
very sleek and futuristic. Perhaps we’ll soon find specimens of stingrays, Loricariids, ornamental
ourselves controlling fully automatic aquariums shrimp, crayfish, Flowerhorns, Guppies, Betta,
from our mobiles, doing water changes or Koi, Discus and Arowana. There was also an
feeding our stock from the comfort of an international marine aquascaping contest. I felt
armchair without getting our hands wet — like a child in a sweet shop.
although for me, that would take the joy out of While waiting for my train after the show had
my fishkeeping. finished, inspired by all the amazing fish I had
seen, I began to contemplate my choices in case
No more water changes? of a lottery win: should it be an Arowana, Discus
Having said that, I’m not against products that or Stingray tank?
reduce aquarium chores, giving me more time However, as I managed to squeeze myself into
to spend on my favourite fish related activities. the already full metro car another fish came to
Therefore, when I saw the DBS stand boasting mind: sardines…

14 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
Fancy a McDonald’s theme? Superb Koi Plakat fighter
in the Betta show.

An international aquascaping
contest took place at the show.

These cylindrical fish tanks had

everything up to and including
bathing elephants mounted on
the hood and sides.

This eye-catching
stingray is likely to
be a hybrid.

www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 15
 RETAIL NEWS

PFK Top Staff Member award

This year Practical Fishkeeping launched a
new award for the top shop staff member of
2017. We asked shop owners and managers
to nominate their employees for what we
wanted to be an extension of the PFK Retailer
of the Year, to recognise the hard-working and
often unsung heroes of our hobby.
What we weren’t prepared for was the sheer
number of nominations, by both people in the
trade and shop customers. The support for
this award has been quite overwhelming,
making choosing a winner more difficult than
we expected. But finally, after much
deliberation, we are delighted to announce
that the winner of the 2017 award is Martin
Chamberlain of The Aquatic Store in
Bristol, who was nominated by the shop’s
owner, Nicholas Cox.

Walking encyclopedia
Martin is the fish house manager and he has
worked at The Aquatic Store for the past
seven years. Nicholas describes him as a Martin Chamberlain (right) with boss
Nicholas Cox, who nominated him
‘walking encyclopedia’, loyal and passionate, for this new PFK award.
offering great customer service as well as
being a keen aquascaper.
He tells us: “Martin’s knowledge is second of duty, including going to customers’ houses in wasn’t for the support and dedication from
to none. From South/Central America to his own time to help people either set up a new every customer and aquarist I’ve worked with
Australia, he knows the fish, biotope and care aquarium or help resolve issues they are having. over the years I wouldn’t be where I am today.
of most freshwater species. “A while back we had a wild Brazilian shipment “With almost 150 aquariums in my care, I
“He always goes above and beyond the call due in at 1am — I was very unwell at the time always strive for perfection whether it be
and couldn’t make it in, so Martin went into the measuring and altering water chemistry
“Martin refuses store for 1am and put the whole shipment away
on his own; he didn’t leave until 5am.”
specific to the needs of individual fish or
ensuring customers leave with compatible
fish sales daily, The welfare of the fish is paramount to Martin
and he always puts them first, Nicholas says. “As
fish that they’ll be capable of caring for
correctly, I am always happy to get to work.
either because the the fish house manager, he brought in a policy
that we don’t stock any goldfish at all in the
“I am never afraid to refuse a sale if I feel the
customer won’t be able to provide a suitable
tank wasn’t set up store, so people physically cannot purchase
goldfish from us to go into tiny bowls, small
home or cater for the individual needs of the
fish. The wellbeing of the fish comes first and
correctly or the tanks or even aquariums in general.
“Martin refuses fish sales daily, either because
any sell or purchase ties into a duty of care.
“A huge thank you to Nick, who took over
fish doesn’t suit the aquarium was not set up correctly or the fish
does not suit the aquarium size or tank mates.”
The Aquatic Store this year, for his
recommendation and for upholding the
the aquarium size As winner of the PFK Top Staff Member award,
Martin wins £100 worth of gift vouchers. He
extremely high standards of fish care and
customer service we have always offered.
or tank mates.” says: “After almost 10 years in the aquarium
trade it is an honour to receive this award. If it
A great boss and the most dedicated aquarist
I know!”

Martin is the fish house manager Martin has 150 aquariums

at The Aquatic Store in Bristol. in his care.

16 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
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www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 17
Seasonal delights!
Oddities are in full
swing this month,
with some very
unconventionally
coloured new arrivals...
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY: NATHAN HILL

Seen at
Neil Hardy
Aquatica,
Carshalton

GOETHE’S
CHARAX
y species within its genus, the tiny
ax goethei is a nano-biotope dream in
Usually, these things come in as
couple here and a couple there
d Cardinal tetra. Wholesaler Neil
k full of the things.
ed to be really gentle when handling
g five into a bag (and I take great
m of my netting skills) and all of
from being caught. They rolled
ught they might even die. It took
snap back out of it.
Next up, assuming you can get them transported safely, is to
get a magnifying glass and have a good look at their mouths.
All tetra are ‘toothy’ (that’s one of the traits of being a
characin) but these guys are more ‘fangy’. Rather than being
close to the likes of Glowlights and Neons, these are closely
related to the Freshwater barracuda and Dog characins —
those high-speed, needle-toothed, hook jawed predators.
For their rough connections, in aquaria they seem as
peaceful as Tibetan monks. Get them a little planted tank
with leaf litter, and they’ll shine.

PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
 Fish in the shops

GOLDEN CARDINAL TETRA

Okay, so how do I approach these? Technically, the fish in question are ill, or at least
they were once. As they are here, they’re in rude health. They’re just at the zenith of
unusual (read ‘gorgeous’) markings for a Cardinal.
Gone are the classic electric blue and red layers, and in comes this intense
golden-platinum sheen. This metal-plating effect is only ever seen in wild caught
fish, and is a sign of an active immune system. Long story short, some wild tetra
become infected with a tiny trematode parasite (a microscopic flatworm) and by
way of reaction they produce light-reflecting guanine that deposits in the skin.
The gold-guanine response is seen in several wild-import tetra species (famously
in the Gold tetra) but this is the first time I’ve seen it to such an intense degree on
Cardinals. Note that if you spawn them, the golden sheen isn’t inherited. You’ll just
get ordinary Cardinals. Which is no bad thing.
Being wild caught, you’ll need soft and acidic water, and some
discolouring tannins in the water would be a definite advantage.

G Scientific name: Paracheirodon axelrodi.

G Size: To 3.5cm.
G Scientific name: Hoplocharax goethei. G Origin: Brazil and Venezeula.
G Size: To 3cm. G Habitat: Slow moving forest streams, usually in
G Origin: South America, including Brazil, Venezuela blackwater and associated with overhanging vegetation.
G Habitat: Slow moving forest streams, usually in blackwater and G Aquarium size: Minimum 60 x 30cm footprint.
associated with overhanging vegetation. G Water requirements: Extremely soft and acidic: 5.0 to
G Aquarium size: Minimum 45 x 30cm footprint. 6.0pH, hardness below 4°H.
G Water requirements: Soft, acidic, blackwater conditions: 5.0 to 7.0pH, G Temperature: 23 to 28°C
hardness to 4°H. G Temperament: Peaceful.
G Temperature: 23 to 28°C. G Feeding: Flakes, pellets, live and frozen Daphnia,
G Temperament: Peaceful. Cyclops, bloodworm.
G Feeding: Fine flakes, Cyclops, microworms, Artemia nauplii. G Availability and cost: Gold Cardinals of this calibre are
G Availability and cost: Rare as can be, these are currently at a wholesaler extremely rare, these are currently at a wholesaler — ask
—– ask your retailer if they stock Neil Hardy fish to get a price. your retailer if they stock Neil Hardy fish to get a price.

0 Tank volume 0
Tank volume
pH Temp C pH Temp C
9 9

8
30
28
26
40 l+ Seen at 8
30
28
26
54 l+
24 24
7 22
20
Neil Hardy 7 22
20
6 18
Aquatica, 6 18

5
Carshalton
5

www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 19
 ALBINO SPOTTED HOPLO
The Japanese have, for decades past,  Scientific name: Megalechis thoracata.
trumped us on interesting catfish, and  Size: To 15cm.
that’s exactly where these specimens  Origin: Widespread over South America,
were headed until something went including Brazil, Peru, Paraguay, Trinidad,
wrong and UK wholesaler Neil Hardy Guyana and Venezuela.
needed to ‘rescue’ the box from limbo.  Habitat: Pools, ponds, oxbows, floodplains.
As I understand it, these are being  Aquarium size: Minimum 120 x 30cm
commercially produced by a breeder, footprint.
but who and where that breeder is, I do  Water requirements: Tolerant, but best in
not know. In early 2017, I noticed a batch soft and acidic: 6.0 to 7.8pH, hardness 4 to
of the same fish crop up on a Glaser 16°H.
import list, so someone out there has the  Temperature: 20 to 28°C.
touch. Neil Hardy has already grabbed a  Temperament: Peaceful.
handful to slip into the breeding section  Feeding: Sinking pellets and granules, live
out back (who knows if they’ll breed and frozen Daphnia and bloodworm.
true?), but the rest are up for grabs to  Availability and cost: Albinos pretty much
retailers who are fast enough. unheard of, these are currently at a
On inspection, they really are albino, too. wholesaler — ask your retailer if they stock
Check out the bright pink eyes! On the Neil Hardy fish to get a price.
downside, that means they come across
as pretty short-sighted (they seemed Tank volume
oblivious to me coaxing them around pH
0
Temp C

108 l+
the photo tank with net handles) and so 9
30
you’ll want to house them in a tank 28
8 26
where they’re not going to need to see
24
any territorial boundaries. 7 22
20
6 18

GOLDEN FALSE pH
0
Temp C
Tank volume

UPSIDE-DOWN CATFISH
9

108 l+
30
28
8 26
That’s an awful long-winded name, but it is at least accurate. This fish is 24
7 22
Synodontis nigrita, the not-quite upside-down catfish from all across 20
Western Africa. Given its wide distribution and ubiquity, it was inevitable 6 18
that colour morphs would spring up sometime.
This is an imposter on two fronts. It isn’t a true albino (you can tell by the 5

black eye) and importantly, it isn’t a real upside-down catfish, Synodontis

nigriventris, either. That second point is essential to note as there’s a size
difference between the species — this fish can reach maybe 27cm or so at
full stretch, making it great for bigger and oddball communities, but not so
hot if you’re planning a 90cm community of tetras and barbs.
Considering they have no scales, these are up there as some of the most
robust fish you’ll ever meet. I’ve seen them in some very rough and tumble
tanks giving just as good as they get.

 Scientific name: Synodontis nigrita.

 Size: To 27.5cm.
 Origin: Widespread across Western Africa, including Nigeria, Ghana, Niger,
Chad, Senegal and Gambia.
 Habitat: In pools adjacent to rivers, usually underneath fallen trees and
other cover.
 Aquarium size: 120 x 30cm footprint or larger.
 Water requirements: Soft acidic to slightly alkaline: 6.2 to 7.8pH, hardness 4
to 18°H
 Temperature: 21 to 27°C.
 Temperament: Generally peaceful, but can chomp tiny fish. Can be stubborn
with territorial species.
 Feeding: Sinking pellets and tablets, live and frozen bloodworm.
 Availability and cost: Golden variants unusual, these are currently at a
wholesaler — ask your retailer if they stock Neil Hardy fish to get a price.

20 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
 Fish in the shops
Seen at
Neil Hardy
Aquatica,
Carshalton

Seen at
Neil Hardy
Aquatica,
Carshalton

www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 21
 Seen at
Wharf
Aquatics,
Pinxton

PEARL PARROT
Has science gone too far? Perhaps we should leave the  Scientific name: Amphilophus/Paraneetroplus hybrids.
scientists alone and go straight to the ethicists instead. Are  Size: Usually 20 to 30cm
these a fish too far? As a man who formally studied ethics,  Origin: Made in Taiwan (not joking).
even I’m ducking out of this one.  Habitat: None.
The fact is, Parrot cichlids are a major seller, so they’re not  Aquarium size: Something around 120 x 30cm footprint
going to disappear any time soon. Quite the opposite, in fact. suits them.
Breeders are now melding more and more fish together,  Water requirements: Endures a wide chemistry range: 6.5 to
creating numerous morphs of a morph. Parrots are 8.0pH, hardness 8 to 25°H.
hybrid cichlids to start with, and so all farmers need to do  Temperature: 23 to 28°C
now is toss more compatible genes into the mix to see  Temperament: Semi-peaceful cichlids, not good with
what happens. tiny fish.
As deviations from nature go, these Pearl parrots are only  Feeding: Flakes, pellets, live and frozen foods. Unfussy.
slightly distorted. In particular, when I see a parrot I go  Availability and cost: This strain is newer and less common,
straight for the mouth — a telltale sign of how mutated these but Parrots in general are now everywhere. These fish were
fish are. In the case of these Pearls, they actually had £45 each.
relatively normal mouths — none of that weird puckering
that blights so many Parrots. As for where the markings Tank volume
0
come from… Texas cichlid, maybe? The problem for me is pH Temp C
that it’s now reached the point where there could be almost
any Central American fish involved, so your guess is good
9

8
30
28 108 l+
26
as mine. 24
7 22
20
6 18

22 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
 Fish in the shops

HUMPBACK PUFFER
Hawwww! That face! Those chubby cheeks! The adorable  Scientific name: Tetraodon palembangensis.
big eyes!  Size: To 19.5cm.
I lost a chunk of finger flesh to one of these a long time ago,  Origin: Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia.
and still have bitter memories of it. For placid looking lumps,  Habitat: Pools, ponds, slow streams and rivers, over mud,
they can sure move fast when you’re distracted and cleaning sand and debris.
their tanks.  Aquarium size: Ideally 150 x 30cm minimum footprint for
Humpbacks are ambush predators, and ravenous fish eaters, a full grown adult.
so that’s pretty much any idea of a community tank out of the  Water requirements: Neutral to slightly alkaline: 6.8 to
window. A few years back, I knew a guy who had some with 7.5pH, hardness 10 to 20°H.
Pterygoplichthys catfish, but I don’t know how that worked out  Temperature: 25 to 28°C.
in the long run. I’m guessing not great.  Temperament: Highly aggressive, house as a species only.
In the context of the are they/aren’t they debate when it  Feeding: Shellfish such as cockle, mussel and clams,
comes to puffers and brackish water, the Humpback is totally prawn, fish chunks.
freshwater. Unlike some of the other ambush puffers, this one  Availability and cost: Specialist retailer territory, these
doesn’t bury itself in the substrate, so you’ve a good chance of fish were on sale at £36 each.
seeing it, but you do need to give it some cover or it’ll just
sit and sulk.
Relatively easy to cater for, just
Seen at
ensure a good-sized tank, as they
can hit near to 20cm, and make
sure you stock up on plenty of
shellfish to feed them — offer Wharf
too much soft food and the
beak will overgrow, so those
Aquatics,
shells are essential! Pinxton

Tank volume
0
pH Temp C

135 l+
9
30
28
8 26
24
7 22
20
6 18

23
 PHOTOGRAPHY: IVAN MIKOLJI UNLESS STATED

24
OFF THE
 L!
Reader visit

WAL

This sensational reef tank belongs

to Dutch aquarist Ralph Moorman,
who discovered that there is a way
to have a large, heavy aquarium in a
fourth storey apartment without it
falling through the floor...
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY: GEORGE FARMER

25
 Ample space between corals
allows room for growth and
prevents too much warfare.

N
ow and again I stumble across
an amazing tank that I just have Meet the reefkeeper Squarespot anthias.
to see in person. I found Ralph’s O Name: Ralph Moorman.
Reef, a beautiful peninsula- O Age: 41.
style mixed reef system on Facebook almost O Occupation: Author of health books,
by accident. It immediately caught my health expert.
attention with its unusual hanging design O Favourite fish: Hypsypops rubicundus
and awesome aquascape. After a brief and Apolemichthys trimaculatus.
message exchange, I booked some flights to O First fish kept: Goldfish.
Amsterdam armed with camera kit and O Time in hobby: 15 years.
notepad. Only 15 minutes’ drive from the O Favourite coral: Stylophora.
airport I met up with Ralph, hosted by my
Dutch friend, Stefan Pracht.
Not surprisingly, the tank was even more
impressive in the flesh. The colour and
movement was almost too much to take in.
The stunning nature of the livestock and
layout was matched by the way the system
fitted in with Ralph’s amazing fourth floor
apartment. It’s no wonder that this tank is
internationally well-known and respected
by many reefkeepers, and it was a real
privilege to be able to witness, photograph
and film it.
Here’s what Ralph had to tell us about his
amazing reef aquarium...

26 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
 Reader visit

PFK: Tell us about your background in the

hobby. How did you get into reefkeeping?
RM: When I was a kid I started with goldfish,
then I progressed to a community aquarium
with tropical fish. After that I kept Malawi
cichlids at my parents’ place. I then gave the
hobby a ten-year break. But there was still one
big wish on my list — a saltwater reef — and
four years ago my dream came true!

PFK: Your tank design is amazing! Can you

explain the hanging structure and
installation process in more detail?
RM: I always wanted a big ‘look through’
aquarium. But with a weight of almost 3000 kg
it was impossible to put it on the floor in my
fourth floor apartment.
A friend of mine, Peter van Wieringen, is a
reefkeeper and contractor. After calling an
engineer he told me that the only possibility
was to use a steel construction and hang it on
the two opposite bearing walls. One extra
advantage was that with this construction we
could make a free hanging aquarium — an
awesome effect — and we put the sump
against the wall and disguised it as a dresser
that blends seamlessly with the room. When
it’s closed it looks just like a piece of furniture.

PFK: What challenges have you faced since

the aquarium was set up?
RM: This set-up has been running for just
over four years so it’s no wonder that I’ve faced
a lot of challenges. Almost all of the
equipment has failed at least once, which has
been really frustrating for me. I was also
dissatisfied with the lights. I started with
Pacific Sun Triton LED lights and the coral
growth and colours were not what I expected.
After I switched to just T5 lights the reef really
started to shine.

PFK: You have a beautiful mix of corals from

soft to SPS. What’s the key to keeping them
all happy despite their different demands?
RM: I think it is key to start with easy corals
and let the reef do its work. I formed large
groups of the best growing corals and waited
Purple tang. patiently. I think a lot of reefkeepers buy too
many types of corals too soon — rather like
they are collecting stamps. I am lucky to have
a big aquarium and a lot of spaces between
the corals, so they won’t interfere with one
another too much.

PFK: Are you completely happy with the

aquascape or are you always looking for
improvement?
RM: I am happy with the aquascape right
now. But I know that with the fast coral growth
that I have, I will have to frag soon. Less is
more in this beautiful open aquascape to keep
the tangs happy and healthy.

PFK: What’s the biggest lesson this tank has

taught you?
RM: Don’t trust your equipment too much
and check a lot! I also got myself a lot of help
by hiring Martin van ter Meij every two weeks
for maintenance. He checks everything and
does a 400 l water change. This ensures that
on the occasions when I’m too busy, the reef
remains well maintained.

www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 27
Reader visit
The Flagfin angel is one
of Ralph’s favourite fish.

I think it’s key to

start with easy
corals and let the
reef do its work. A lot
of reefkeepers buy
too many types of
corals too soon —
rather like they are
collecting stamps.

What’s in Ralph’s reef? Ralph’s set-up

FISH OAquarium size: 3.10 x 1.00 x 0.75m; 2300 l volume.
O Nine Yellow tangs, Zebrasoma flavescens OLighting: 36 x 39W HO T5 Gieseman Corallight
O Two Purple tangs, Zebrasoma xanthurum ‘new generation’ + Aquablue, 15 hours.
O Flagfin angelfish, Apolemichthys OCirculation: 70,000 lph.
trimaculatus OSump size: 300 l.
O Seven Common clownfish, Amphiprion OProtein skimmer: Bubble King 300 Supermarin.
ocellaris OAdditives/media: Calcium reactor, magnesium
O Two Mandarins, Synchiropus splendidus supplement, carbon and phosphate removal.
O Two Squarespot anthias, Pseudanthias OWater changes and salt used: 400 l every two
pleurotania weeks, using Reef Crystals salt.
O Radiant wrasse, Halichoeres iridis ODecor: Started with ‘dead rocks’. Ralph switched back to
O Jewelled leopard wrasse, OSubstrate: Coral sand. T5s from LED lighting.
Macropharyngodon lapillus OParameters: NO3 0.1ppm, PO4 0.12ppm, Mg 1320.
O African pygmy angelfish, Centropyge
acanthops
O Flame angelfish, Centropyge loricula
O Two Watanabei angelfish, Genicanthus
watanabei
O Three Blue green chromis, Chromis viridis

CORALS
O Stylophora pistillata
O Acropora blue
O Acropora neon green
O Entacmaea quadricolor
O Seriatopora hystrix: pink and yellow
O Montipora plates: green, red, yellow, purple
O Montipora digitata: white, red, yellow
O Mushroom leather coral: White and green
polyps
O Green Nepthea leather coral
O Maze brain coral
O Plexaurella dichotoma (gorgonian)

MORE INFO:
www.facebook.com/ralphsreef or @ralphsreef on Instagram The aquarium houses a
Tank build by Peter van Wieringen, www.aqualuxury.nl total of eleven tangs.

www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 28
TANKCOMMUNITY
The place to share your fish, tanks, letters and photos +
STAR
One of Beth Marsden’s two letter
rescue Corydoras.

FORUM
Find the popular fishkeeping
forum at http://forum.practical
fishkeeping.co.uk.
Whyismytankstill
cloudy?

KrisMeredith
I have just put sand in
my tropical aquarium. I
washed it like there was no
tomorrow...but it’s still cloudy
in the tank! Any suggestions?

JessicaMacRae
Have you got any filter
wool? Lots of water changes
will help.

KrisMeredith
Yes — I have filter
wool. What should I do with
Tale of two corys
it? This photo shows one of two at University. The fantastic community set-up with six
beautiful Peppered Corydoras owners of Smithdown Aquarium danios, two of whom are now
JessicaMacRae that I have had for six years in Liverpool took in all the babies blind and a bit grumpy at seven
Put as much as you now — two sisters. They were and I took two home — and they years old!
can into your filter — it will rescued when 1cm long (along are wonderful, healthy, stunning I’ve been buying the magazine
help collect fine particles. with 30+ others) from a tank fish — who probably due to their ever since, and despite having
with a film of ice across the top upbringing, do fantastically in an five tanks of fish now, I ALWAYS
MarkRaw of 2in of water, which had been unheated tank! keep a look out for articles about
This happens from dumped in a back garden in They have lived in three different little Corydoras.
time to time and is really Liverpool when I was a student tanks and are now in a small BETH MARSDEN, GRIMSBY
nothing to worry about — no
matter how much you wash
sand there are always dust Win FishScience aquarium food
like particles left but they will The writer of each star letter will win a 250ml pot of their choice
settle or get filtered out over from this quality range of food, which uses natural ingredients.
time. Is the tank a new Email: editorial@practicalfishkeeping.co.uk
set-up?

KrisMeredith
Yes, it’s new. I’ll give it OCongos worth the
a day or two then thanks. wait
Congo tetra, Phenacogrammus
MarkRaw interruptus, especially young
I asked because you fish, can look a little dull and
may be having a bacterial unimpressive in bright shop
bloom in the water which can tanks, but given time and
correct care they just keep
give a milky clouding. It’s
getting better with age. These
quite normal and harmless fish belong to Jacob Annison.
and will go in a week or so
but doing water changes in
this situation can make
things worse.
JOINTHEPFKCOMMUNITY
Antony There are five different ways to get in touch with Practical Fishkeeping: Tweet, like us on Facebook, drop us an
email, join the forum or simply send a good old-fashioned letter:
Swindale
Wait for a day or two and it  editorial@practicalfishkeeping.co.uk facebook.com. Search Practical Fishkeeping


should clear on its own. http://forum.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk
twitter.com/PFKmagazine
Practical Fishkeeping, Media House, Lynchwood, Peterborough, PE2 6EA

30 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
 TANKCOMMUNITY
FROM
FACEBOOK
Responses to our
question ‘How much
and how often do you
do water changes?’

Are you a weekly or a

ALAMY

fortnightly fishkeeper?

Jason Beard: 30to50%once

aweek. OA welcome return OYou’d have 2B mad not to
Matt Branch: 20%weekly,
externalfiltermonthly.Just
Andrew Williams is returning to the hobby after a 12-year love these Pencils!
long absence and has made a great start with this bright, Pencilfish seem to often get overlooked when
seemstowork.Morecan smart looking tank. Stock includes Black neon and it comes to choosing attractive, small, soft-
disruptthechemistry,less Glowlight tetras as well as Albino corys. water South American fish. With an adult size
andyougetbuildupofcr*p of just 25mm, Dwarf pencilfish, Nannostomus
andalgae. marginatus, are the perfect smaller tank resident
Tim Caldwell: None. as seen here in Alex Bell’s photo.
Matthew Ellam: 90%every
otherweek.
Richard Neave: 50%weekly.
Chanelle Irish: 50%,Ithink
routineisimportantforthe
fishsoalwaysweekly.
Paul Jones: Whatarewater
changes?
Paul McNaughton: Ido
25%everytwoweeks.The
nitratesoutthetaparepretty
highinthisarea.Ifit’sleft
longerthenitratesgetreally
highandthefishstarttoget
healthissues.
Michael Rice: 10%weekly.
Paddy Flint: 40–50%weekly.
Irufflethesubstrateabitand
removeoldplantlitter.Iclean
thefiltereveryeightweeksor
so,dependingonload.
Where are the women?
Su Delve: Wetake6-8 First of all, I wanted to say a massive thank you to try and improve my macro fish/tank life
bucketsoutofourbig330l all PFK staff — I’ve been living on a steady photography by pushing myself.
tankevery7–10days,andtwo back-issue diet of the magazine for the past two Looking forward to hearing your thoughts. Now
bucketsoutofthesmaller months in the lead up to my dream tank which to continue with April 2017...
tankaboutfortnightly.Wedo arrived last week. The incredible knowledge MAGGIE GALBRAITH, EMAIL
itwheneverthebottomneeds passed down in truly awesome easy to understand
hooveringandtheglassneeds fashion has been just utterly invaluable to me. Editor, Karen Youngs, says: There are certainly
cleaning,anditseemstowork Those writers will never know how incredibly more women in the hobby than when I
outprettyregular. grateful I am. first started keeping fish 30-odd years ago. Back
Darren Paul: Waterchange However, while pouring over the past few years’ then if I walked into an aquatic shop and asked a
andfiltercleanonceayear. issues I noticed something. Where are the women? question, the usual response was for the staff to
Oliver Pate: 50%weeklyasa There have been quite a few in the Me & My Tank give me the answer while looking at my husband, as
minimum. features but that seems to be very much the only though I’d either asked the question on his behalf or
Mike PA Calnun: Weekly, place we see them. wouldn’t possibly be able to understand their reply!
usinga30%ROandfiltered Is the whole industry really that guy-heavy? If so, But our research suggests that we still have more
rainwatermix.Ineedtokeep any idea why? Is it the ‘techy’ side that keeps us male readers than women — and they definitely
TDSaslowaspossiblefor ladyfolk away? Is there a way to bring more of us outnumber the girls at all the events I’ve been to.
manyofmydwarfcichlids.I into the hobby, do you think? Or is it a case of the We’d love to see more women featured in PFK
don’treallyunderstandwhy guys are louder, more out there? It seems more — we know they’re out there, judging by the
somanyseem‘anti’water gender equal in the online forums. members of the PFK Chat Room and Facebook
changes.Itcanonlybeagood Please could you also pass an extra thanks to pages. So, come on, girls — if you have a set-up
thingright? your photographers? They’ve really inspired me to you’re proud of, get in touch!
U
www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 31
OGo wild for real Angels
Although there are dozens of domesticated
Angelfish varieties, it’s hard to beat the
wild fish for striking beauty as seen in this
Pterophyllum scalare ‘Manacapuru’ owned CONTACT US
Address: Practical Fishkeeping,
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OStunning Stendker
Breeders have brought a huge variety of colour into the Discus hobby in the past few decades and the German
breeder Jorg Stendker is responsible for many of these stunning fish in John Allder’s tank.

32 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
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www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 33
 TANKCOMMUNITY

Me & my
TANK
G Fishkeeper:
Gavin Little.
G Age: 29.
G Occupation:
Sales advisor
for O2.
G Whereabouts:
Penrith, Gavin’s large aquarium houses
Cumbria. a group of ten elephantnoses.
G Time in the
hobby: 17
years.
G Number of
tanks: Three. One 700 l set-up, plus a My current fish
250 l and a 70 l. I also have a pond. G Blue-eye plec, Panaque cochliodon G Green phantom plec (L200),
G Papa Panaque (L090), Panaque Hemiancistrus subviridis
bathyphilus G Chocolate Zebra plec (L270),
G Sunshine plec (L14), Scobinancistrus Hypancistrus sp.
What attracted you to the hobby? aureatus G False Zebra plec (L173b),
From an early age I was fascinated by aquatic G Watermelon plec (L330), Panaque cf. Hypancistrus sp.
life, but when I started secondary school I got nigrolineatus G Flash plec (L204), Panaqolus albivermis
the opportunity to go and work at my uncle’s G Zebra plec (L46), Hypancistrus zebra G Gold nugget plec (L18), Baryancistrus
aquatic shop, North Lakes Aquatics, at G Scarlet plec (L025), Pseudacanthicus sp. xanthellus
weekends to earn a bit of pocket money. My G Titanic plec (L273), Pseudacanthicus sp. G Red finned leopard plec (L114),
uncle, Sid Boulter, will be known to a lot of G Orinoco angel plec (L201), Pseudacanthicus cf. leopardus
PFK readers and is renowned in the Hypancistrus sp. G Sultan plec (L264), Leporacanthicus
fishkeeping world for his endless knowledge G Golden cloud plec (L048), joselimai
of the hobby, especially catfish. Scobinancistrus cf. pariolispos G Candy stripe plec (L15), Peckoltia vittata
G King tiger plec (L066), Hypancistrus sp. G Rusty plec (L310), Hypostomus
How would you describe G Shampupa royal plec (L418), cochliodon
your tanks? Panaque titan G Peters’ elephantnose fish, Gnathonemus
A fish paradise for the fish that I have; all my G Gold-line royal plec (L027c), Panaque cf. petersii
tanks are bespoke for each fish species I keep. nigrolineatus G Clown loach, Chromobotia macracanthus
For instance, my largest tank is heavily G Royal Panaque (L191), Panaque sp. G Giraffe catfish, Auchenoglanis
planted with wood and has low lighting, to G Blue phantom plec (L128), occidentalis
suit the L-number plecs and Peters’ Hemiancistrus sp. G Network cory, Corydoras reticulatus
elephantnoses that live in there. G Corydoras sterbai
My pond is a memorial to my mother, who G Slate cory, Corydoras concolor
loved the sound of running water and enjoyed G Panda cory, Corydoras panda
sitting and watching wildlife. She loved the G Adolfo’s cory, Corydoras adolfoi
patterns you can get on Koi, so I’ve stocked G Black cory, Corydoras schultzei
the pond with these. G Corydoras duplicareus
G Peppered cory, Corydoras paleatus
What’s your favourite fish? G Dwarf neon rainbowfish,
Royal Panaque. Against a lighter background Melanotaenia praecox
their striking black lines just ooze class and G Melanotaenia boesemani
elegance, and I can’t help but say ‘wow’ G Red rainbowfish, Glossolepis incisus
whenever I see one. They’re the Rolls Royce Gavin is a big fan G ‘Boris’ the Figure eight puffer,
of the L-numbers. But my pride and joy has to of the Royals. Tetraodon biocellatus
be my big Blue-eye Panaque — highly G False cuckoo catfish, Synodontis petricola
sought-after by L-number collectors and very
PHOTOGRAPHY: GAVIN LITTLE UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED

difficult to get your hands on.

What’s the most challenging fish And the easiest?

you have kept? Rainbowfish and Torpedo barbs, along
This has to be the Peters’ elephantnose fish. with my Corydoras; they look after
It is highly sensitive to water quality and can themselves and the tank. It’s all about
also be aggressive towards members of its keeping your fish happy, getting their
own species, so it’s all about getting the habitat right and keeping stress levels
balance right. After many years of keeping to a minimum.
this fish, I have finally got a group of ten as my
feature fish in the large tank, but there have Do you have a favourite plant?
been a lot of late nights and plenty of Anubias and other plants that will root
perseverance involved! onto wood.

34 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
 My top tips for newcomers
Elephantnoses are highly sensitive
to the hobby to water quality issues.
You have to be able to as negatives; learn from them
keep water before you can and pass on your knowledge.
keep fish. Filtration is key!
Plecs are not for cleaning
tanks and they do not just eat
Save money: Build your own
aquarium stands if you have
My wish list...
algae. If you need a fish to the ability to do so. The stand
clean your tank then you for my large tank cost about
should question if you are in £90 to build and can take
the right hobby. twice the weight that is
Patience is a virtue: good actually sitting on it, but the
things come to those stand that came with the
who wait. tank would have cost me
Do your homework and around £500!
don’t be too proud to ask Things I wish I’d known:
for advice. How expensive some of the
NEIL HEPWORTH

You will have ‘downs’ in this L-numbers would get due to

hobby, but don’t look at them things like import restrictions! Leopoldi stingray.

L-number plecs feature

What fish would you like to keep?
heavily in Gavin’s tanks. I have been lucky enough to have worked in a well-run, established
aquatic shop that has sourced some of the weird and wonderful
species from around the world. This means I have been able to try my
hand at all angles of fishkeeping. Although I don’t have a wish-list as
such, I would still like to try keeping a Black diamond stingray,
Potamotrygon leopoldi, or a Super red Arowana, Scleropages formosus.

What would be your dream aquarium?

I already have it! I always wanted a tank that looks like the one I have
— as though I’ve cut a section out of a river and placed it into my
living room. I think with my large tank I have finally achieved this. I
may upgrade to a 10ft tank, which would give me even more room to
play with. That’s the beauty of the hobby: you see an image in your
head and then you can create it.

Super red Arowana.

SHUTTERSTOCK

www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 35
 MP&C PIEDNOIR AQUAPRESS.COM

MP&C PIEDNOIR AQUAPRESSCOM

Cyprichromis
leptosoma C. leptosoma
‘Bulu Point’ ‘Chisanza’.

C. leptosoma
‘Malasa’.
MP&C PIEDNOIR AQUAPRESSCOM

No, not the kind you buy in

C. leptosoma
‘Chisanza’.
tomato sauce! These sardines are
the gorgeous Cyprichromis, from

MP&C PIEDNOIR AQUAPRESS.COM

MP&C PIEDNOIR AQUAPRESSCOM

Tanganyika. Every Rift Valley fan

should keep them at least once…
WORDS: JEREMY GAY

C. leptosoma. C. microlepidotus.
MP&C PIEDNOIR AQUAPRESS.COM
NEIL HEPWORTH

C. sp. ‘Jumbo’. C. microlepidotus. C. leptosoma ‘Nangu’.

MP&C PIEDNOIR AQUAPRESS.COM

MP&C PIEDNOIR AQUAPRESS.COM

AQUARIUM PHOTO .DK

36
 Cichlids
MP&C PIEDNOIR AQUAPRESS.COM

MP&C PIEDNOIR AQUAPRESS.COM

C. leptosoma
C. leptosoma. ‘Karilani’.

L
C. leptosoma ‘Mpulungu’.
ake Tanganyika is full of cichlid varieties of all shapes and sizes, but
the contenders for the least cichlid-like of them all in terms of both

MP&C PIEDNOIR AQUAPRESS.COM

looks and behaviour must be the Cyprichromis. These open-water
swimmers are often referred to as Sardine cichlids, and it’s a moniker
which describes these slender fish rather well.
Lake Tanganyika endemics, Sardine cichlids congregate in huge shoals in open
water, where they feed on zooplankton. Shoals may be thousands strong,
offering security in numbers when faced with the constant onslaught from
predatory birds, predatory cichlids and man.
Females, juveniles and non-breeding males are plain (in order to disguise their
outlines in the abyss) but sexually-active males sport bright blues and yellows C. leptosoma ‘Kapembwa’.
on their fins and tails in order to court females. Cyprichromis are maternal

MP&C PIEDNOIR AQUAPRESS.COM

mouthbrooders — no big surprise there considering the African rift lake they
live in. But what is unusual is the way in which they spawn compared to other
mouthbrooders. Typically, female mouthbrooders lower themselves onto rocks
or substrate, before dropping the eggs and then swiftly picking them up in their
mouths. In the case of Cyprichromis, however, because they live and spawn
within the water column, they don’t use the substrate for spawning. The large
eggs are dropped one at a time into the water by the female, after she has
snapped at the male’s quivering anal fins to take in his milt. The females then
back up and spiral downwards, snapping up each egg as it is ejected. This same
spawning behaviour can be seen in an aquarium if you are lucky, but the real
C. leptosoma draw with these fish has to be the spectacular colouration of the males.
‘Kétésé’.

C. pavo.
MP&C PIEDNOIR AQUAPRESS.COM

MP&C PIEDNOIR AQUAPRESS.COM

C. microlepidotus.

C. leptosoma ‘Utinta’. C. leptosoma ‘Malasa’.

MP&C PIEDNOIR AQUAPRESS.COM

MP&C PIEDNOIR AQUAPRESS.COM

37
 Three species of Cyprichromis are
recognised: C. leptosoma, pavo and Cyprichromis
microlepidotus. However, there are many microlepidotus.
geographical variations of each, and a few
undescribed species too. Of the above, the
first species that I kept, Cyprichromis
leptosoma, is my favourite, and males may
have either blue or yellow tails. These are
probably the most widely available in the
shops too, followed by C. leptosoma ‘Jumbo’,
which can come with yellow tails, blue tails,
all-yellow fins, all-blue fins, or even all-blue
or all-yellow bodies!
What’s more, several Cyprichromis
species will swim and feed together and
even breed next to one another in the lake,
so how natural hybridisation doesn’t occur,
and how females can choose the right male
of their species when even they are sporting
differing colours, I have no idea.
Three-dimensional territory
The breeding behaviour of the males is
fascinating. Being open-water fish with no
hard surfaces to defend, Cyprichromis form
a mid-water, three-dimensional territory
which they defend on all sides from rivals.
Sexually-active males space themselves
out into territories measuring one cubic
AQUARIUMPHOTO.DK

metre, where they hold their place in the

water column, display and entice females
into their space. We don’t get to see this in
the aquarium, of course; at best we cram
several males into tanks which may offer
TOP TIP
just one quarter of that three-dimensiona You will be able tell
volume. If only a public aquarium would Cyprichromis leptosoma from sp.
one day offer over one of its ten-metre ‘Jumbo’ in the shop (take a reference
deep, one million-litre display tanks to book) but even an expert will struggle
the fishes of Lake Tanganyika: we could
then get to see this incredible spawning to pick out regional variants in mixed
groups. Buy from a cichlid specialist
who receives them in separate batches,
SARDINE and keeps them that way, so when
you breed them and pass them
CICHLID on you can tell the recipient
G Scientific name: Cyprichromis spp. exactly what they are.
G Origin: East Africa, Lake Tanganyika
endemic.
G Size: Males up to 12cm, depending o
species. Females smaller.
G Tank size: 120cm x 60cm tall minimum.
G Water requirements: Hard and alkaline;
8.2–8.5pH.
G Temperature: 24–26°C.
G Feeding: Meaty invertebrate foods such
as brine shrimp, Mysis and Krill.
Females don’t eat while carrying eggs
and fry.
G Availability and cost: Usually available
from cichlid specialists; expect to pay
£12 or more per fish — and you’ll
ideally need at least ten.

Tank volume
0
pH Temp C

400 l+
9
30
28
8 26
24
AQUARIUMPHOTO.DK

7 22
20
6 18 Cyprichromis
leptosoma.
5

38 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
 Cichlids

behaviour without having to learn to dive

and then travel to East Africa...
Tank set-up
So, open-water space is critical when
keeping sardine cichlids, especially if you
want to see hints of that natural behaviour.
Fully-grown at 12cm in the largest species,
Cyprichromis require an aquarium of at
least 120cm in length, and they should be
kept in shoals — ideally of ten or more
individuals. Rocks are not necessary,
although some rockwork helps to create the
illusion of the Tanganyika lake habitat, and
authentic-looking rocky background inserts
can look particularly effective.
Lighting should be subdued. Males will
display brighter colours under a less intense
illumination, and I prefer to have marine
spectrum lighting over my Tanganyika
tanks to add a deep water illusion.
Adequate mechanical and biological
filtration is needed, and an external canister
filter is best, plus some carbon to keep the
water looking clean. Cyprichromis don’t
mind flow. Due to its size, Lake Tanganyika
behaves like an inland sea, and currents can
be considerable. Keep aeration high at all
times, so either fit a venturi to the filter
outlet or add an airstone — Tanganyikan
Being open water fish, with no cichlids won’t tolerate low oxygen levels.
Water temperature should be 24–26°C
hard surfaces to defend, and hard and alkaline at all times, ideally at
8.2–8.5pH. In soft-water areas, buffering
Cyprichromis form a materials like dolomite, oyster shells and
limestone will help to keep the water hard,
midwater three-dimensional and Lake Tanganyika ‘salts’ can be bought
and added to your replacement water at
territory which they defend on water-change time.
It is always tempting to add plants to bare
all sides from rival males. or rocky Tanganyikan tanks, but it isn’t
biotope correct, and Cyprichromis neither
want nor need them — heavy planting would
get in the way of their displaying behaviour.

Cyprichromis
AD KONINGS

microlepidotus,
Milima Island.

www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 39
 TOP TIP
NEIL HEPWORTH

In their natural habitat, these fish shoal While it won’t be cheap,

in their thousands, so it should come
as no suprise that they do best in larger ideally you need to keep
groups in the aquarium. these fish in groups, and it
could be argued that captive
welfare would be improved
by keeping these fish in
numbers, as much as it
would when keeping
tetras together.

Cyprichromis
Cyprichromis sp. leptosoma — note
AD KONINGS

AD KONINGS

‘Leptosoma jumbo’, the mouthbrooding

Nkondwe Island. female at the top.

40 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
Tank mates
With a group of ten fish I would aim for
aquariums that is. Large Cyprichromis with
small to medium Frontosa would be fine PFKrecommends
three males and seven females. If you are — just avoid extremes in size difference. G TANK MATES FOR
lucky enough to be able to house 20 fish, and Steer clear of Tropheus, which inhabit CYPRICHROMIS
they are easily bred, the male to female ratio shallow, rocky areas in the lake and are too
can rise to 50:50. territorial. More important is the vegetarian
While my usual advice would be never to diet Tropheus require, which is in direct
mix Cyprichromis species due to the risk of contrast to the small meaty invertebrate
hybridisation, they manage to coexist in the foods that Cyprichromis need.
same shoals in the wild without doing it, so Avoid small tanks and aggressive tank
it’s up to you — just ensure you have both mates. I added Cyprichromis to a 30in tank
sexes available of whatever species you go with lots of established Neolamprologus
for. In large tanks, the more Cyprichromis many years ago. My newly-added leptosoma

NEIL HEPWORTH
individuals, the merrier. Fiery males will were not received well by the resident fish,
chase each other and make physical contact which had already formed territories. The
as they mouth each other’s flanks. This may tank was aquascaped heavily with rocks and
result in the odd split fin, but you won’t end there was nowhere for the Cyprichromis to
up with males being beaten to death, as you go that wasn’t ‘owned’ by someone else. Altolamprologus calvus and
might with Lake Malawi mbuna cichlids. compressiceps will work particularly well
I would certainly go for a Lake Tanganyika Breeding alongside your sardine cichlids.
biotope tank every time when selecting tank Keep as few as one male and two females,
mates for Cyprichromis. Altolamprologus and when mature, they will breed. The
calvus and compressiceps work particularly female’s buccal cavity (throat) will distend
well, and will benefit from the regular brine as soon as she takes in eggs, and will clearly
shrimp, Mysis and Krill frozen foods that be visible. The fry are huge, up to 15-20mm,
you could offer the sardines. For other when spat out, so expect the numbers to be
lamprologines like Julidochromis and shell small. They will be able to feed on
dwellers, the tank would have to be zooplankton immediately. You won’t need
sufficiently large, and the open water area to intervene unless you are concerned about

SHUTTERSTOCK
sufficiently far away from rock or shell predation of fry in the main tank. Skilled
territories for the Cyprichromis to avoid hands can ‘strip’ a female of either
being snapped up, and to be allowed to do unhatched eggs or developed fry, and
their own displaying unhindered. Sand- keepers these days have the benefit of being
dwelling Xenotilapia make good tank mates. able to purchase egg tumblers, like those Sand-dwelling Xenotilapia make good
Frontosa are said to predate Cyprichromis from ZISS Aqua. These are ready-made tank mates for these open-water,
at night in the lake, although after keeping protective Perspex boxes which use water shoaling fish.
many Frontosa, I find them the least flow to spin eggs or fry, oxygenating them as
predatory of predatory cichlids — at least in if they were in their mother’s mouth.

MP&C PIEDNOIR AQUAPRESS.COM

In a large and deep enough set-up you MP&C PIEDNOIR AQUAPRESS.COM

could keep Cyprichromis alongside

Julidochromis, but ensure that the open
water area is sufficiently far above the
rock-dwelling ‘julies’ to avoid conflict
over territory. Sardine cichlids are
easily bullied.

The babies are quite big by

the time the mouthbrooding
female releases them.

www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 41
 A soft spot for
STRIPES
The Zebra plec is one of the most
iconic freshwater fish in the hobby.
Johnny Jensen puts together an ideal
home for these lovely catfish, in the
hope they will eventually breed.
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY: JOHNNY JENSEN, AQUARIUMPHOTO.DK

42
ALAMY

PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
 Favourite fish

I
know I’m not the only one who is dark crevices, fast moving water, plenty of
fascinated by the Zebra plec — oxygen, and soft water with a high
extremely beautiful, expensive… temperature, and then planned the
and soon to be extinct in the wild, aquascape using those guidelines.
due to the effects of the Belo Monte dam I placed the tank just under a window. I
on its natural habitat in Brazil. like the natural light in the tank very much,
I recently decided to set up an aquarium but as the plecs prefer some dark areas, I
with an aquascape that best suits the covered the back of the tank up to about
needs of these stunning fish. 2.5cm/1in from the top, meaning most of
I wanted to create a semi-natural space the rocks are left in relative darkness.
for the Zebras that provided something For the best water quality, I change half
nice to look at and, last but not least, I the water at least once a week; using 50:50
wanted a great looking environment to reverse osmosis water and tapwater. I
photograph them in. keep the temperature between 28–30°C.
I took inspiration from images of the I feed the fish daily with Tetra Discus
River Xingu, shown to me by my friend granular food, and once a week with some
and co-worker at Blue Planet Aquarium, frozen foods.
Peter Petersen. These pictures and videos I have the tank right next to my home
showed me exactly what the river bottom office work space, and initially I thought
topography looks like in the Zebra’s maybe the plecs wouldn’t show
natural habitat. However, as interesting it themselves much because of my presence,
was to see underwater footage from the but those worries have been firmly put to
Xingu, aquascaping my tank to replicate rest. Of course, they tend to stay near their
The Zebra plec has the environment exactly would be pretty covered caves, but they are active and
a place on many a difficult and, ultimately, fairly boring. visible almost all the time, even though I
fishkeeper’s wish list. So, I kept in mind that Zebra plecs prefer move about right in front of them.

www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 43
 Zebra plecs require a
meaty diet — they are
certainly not herbivores.

?
Did
’Scaping the aquarium you AQUARIUM
know SETUP
G Tank: All-glass aquarium,
The Zebra plecs 60 x 30 x 25cm; 45 l/10 gal.
you see on sale
G Decor: Mini Landscape rocks
now are all likely and slate, plus six pleco caves.
to be captive bred.
G Plants: Java fern, Microsorum
Hypancistrus pteropus ‘Narrow.’
zebra was given
G Filter: Eheim Liberty 200, 760
Appendix III CITES lph, rated for a 200 l tank.
protection last G Heater: Cobalt Aquatics Easy-
year in an effort to Therm submersible heater.
curtail smuggling
I packed the rocks together, sloping along the direction of the
1 water flow, so there would be as much current as possible in
the spaces between the rocks. I positioned the rocks on top of six
of wild-collected
specimens. This Ensure that with all the water
plec caves, which sat on top of a couple of layers of slate. means that any movement, the food actually gets
H. zebra leaving to your fish. Clever aquascaping
will allow areas for food to collect
Brazil will have to
around rocks and caves.
come with a state-
approved export
permit — and this is
unlikely under the
current conditions.

I used sand of varying sizes for the foreground and bottom

2 material. The slate layers help the Zebras to easily ‘sweep’ the
sand away from the caves, which is apparently what they prefer.

I added the Java fern on top of the rocks, where they seem to
3 thrive. I know there isn’t much plant life in the Xingu where the
plecs live — and if there was, it certainly wouldn’t be Java ferns
— but the plants are there for my own pleasure.

44 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
 Favourite fish

ZEBRA PLEC, LO46 PFK recommends

G Scientific name: Hypancistrus zebra.
G Size: 8cm/3.2in.
G Origin: Rio Xingu, Brazil.
G Aquarium size: Ideally 60 x 30cm footprint for a group.
Height is less important.
G Water requirements: Slightly acidic, soft water replicates the
natural habitat best, but this species has also been found to
do well and even breed in harder, more alkaline conditions.
The important factors are that the water needs to be high in
oxygen and warm. Aim for 6–7.5pH; hardness ideally <15°H.
G Temperature: 28–30°C.
G Feeding: A meaty diet is required — bloodworm, prawns,
brine shrimp and sinking and granular Discus foods will all be
enjoyed.
G Availability and cost: Becoming increasingly captive bred, so
available in more specialist shops. Expect to pay £100 or Johnny keeps his Zebra plecs with Cherry shrimp, Neocaridina
more each… davidi — in his case it’s the ‘Sakura red’ variety. Most species
pH
0
Temp C of Neocaridina do best in medium to hard water, with 6.5–8pH
9 and a temperature of 20-27°C.
30
28
8 26
24
7 22
20
6 18

45 l+

TOP TIP The wide water chemistry tolerance of his Zebra plecs means that
Provide more caves Johnny can keep them with Endler’s livebearers, Poecilia wingei.
than plecs so that a These lovely little fish will be happy at 7–8.5pH and are fine at
choice is available. warmer temperatures. They are very peaceful and in no danger
This will cut down from the bottom dwelling catfish.
squabbling over the
best caves.
Zebra plec in its
natural habitat.
PETER PETERSEN

Plenty of flow is appreciated

by these little fish.
www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 45
 Clownfish are the obvious choices of
tank mates for carpets — they also
tend to be safer than other fish from
these aggressive anemones.
ALAMY

46 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
 Marine

Magic
carpets
The carpet anemones are among the most beautiful
and imposing invertebrates you’ll see. As an impulse
purchase, they can be a terrible choice, but in the right
set-up a carpet anemone makes an amazing centrepiece.
WORDS: DAVE WOLFENDEN

I
t’s easy to see how carpet anemones get their Finally, the pedal column of S. haddoni is relatively wide
name, thanks to their wide oral discs and densely in comparison to that of S. gigantea.
packed, stubby tentacles that give them a distinct Stichodactyla gigantea can reach a diameter of nearly
‘shag pile’ appearance. There’s no doubt that one metre, making it obviously unsuitable for anything
these are stunning anemones. But their aggressive other than very large systems. In the wild, this species is
nature and sheer size mean that they need to be found in extremely shallow water, often in tide pools
considered as part of a dedicated system with carefully- where it can be exposed at low tide. It tends to be found
chosen tank mates. In the wrong set-up they could in shallow pockets of sand within rocky microhabitats.
prove to be a disaster, but if you can create a suitable Therefore, it needs a sand bed of a few centimetres in
habitat for carpet anemones, they really are incredible. depth in addition to some strategically-placed rockwork
With a few exceptions, anemones in general don’t tend to replicate its natural habitat.
to fare well in a typical reef system; they really do best in Brown and beige specimens are relatively
a set-up based around their exacting needs. Large inexpensive, but the more exotic forms of S. gigantea
carpet anemones epitomise the need for this approach, command high prices. You’re looking at perhaps several
and they’re often not strictly found on the reef itself, hundred pounds for some of the red morphs, but the
being found on the reef edge or among mangroves. blue, yellow, white and green forms are all still pricey.
Stichodactyla haddoni reaches between 50 and 80cm
Choosing your carpet in diameter. Haddon’s anemone is typically found on
Carpet anemones belong to the genus Stichodactyla. the reef edge in deep sand or mud, into which it can
There are six species in the genus, all but one of which retract when it feels threatened. Therefore, a deep
reach large sizes. Of these, just two are seen in the trade sandy substrate (around 20cm depth) is needed. In the
with any regularity: the Giant carpet anemone, S. aquarium, S. haddoni will attach to the tank base with
gigantea, and Haddon’s anemone, S. haddoni, both of its foot, the column extending through the sand.
which come from the Indo-Pacific. These anemones are Again, the cheapest specimens tend to be a fairly drab
often misidentified, so it’s best to give any prospective coloration, but multiple colour morphs are available,
purchase a once-over before buying. with varying prices. The most desirable and expensive
S. gigantea tends to have a more convoluted, folded morphs tend to be vivid red in colour, although white,
appearance and less ‘stubby’ tentacles than S. haddoni green and blue forms are also sought after.
(and the tentacles of S. haddoni are noticeably stickier).
There tends to be a pronounced area around the mouth Getting your new carpet home
of S. gigantea which lacks tentacles — on S. haddoni, the It’s obviously preferable to quarantine any livestock
entire upper surface of the anemone is covered with before introducing it to the main aquarium, but
tentacles, bar a region of 1cm or so around the oral disc. anemones pose a challenge here. Because they require

www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk
 established systems, maintaining the stability they need in a
quarantine tank can be difficult. Essentially, you’re having to Placing your carpet
replicate the optimal, rock-solid conditions of the main aquarium in The aquarium must be able to accommodate the adult size of the
a temporary tank — not an easy feat. Nevertheless, it is possible to anemone. Overall system volume is less important here than length
safely house carpets in quarantine for several weeks, given suitable and width, but you are certainly looking at several hundred litres for
substrate, flow and lighting. Managing water a single S. gigantea or S. hadonni.
quality is key, so an established filter and/or live Carpets demand established, mature systems
rock are essential, along with frequent water What’s in a name? which can provide stable conditions — any
changes — and avoid using freshly mixed salt Stichodactyla is derived from fluctuations in parameters are bad news. Aim
water; mature mixes are needed here. On the Greek words for ‘line’ for zero ammonia and nitrite, nitrate at less than
balance, many aquarists feel that the potential (sticho) and ‘digit’ (dactulos). 5ppm and phosphate at 0.03ppm. Lighting
stress of quarantine on large carpets outweighs This reflects these anemones’ should be intense for large carpet anemones,
the benefits, so they opt to introduce the animal stubby, finger-like tentacles, and warmer spectrums generally provide the
directly to the aquarium — it’s your call. which frequently seem to be optimal useable light. The use of higher-kelvin
Acclimation techniques for anemones are arranged in rows. blue lighting is in vogue for reef aquariums, but
similar to those used for corals. Specimens that it’s not the best for anemones.
have had a relatively short trip of just a few hours Stichodactyla anemones require fairly brisk
can be safely drip acclimated for an hour or so. Those shipped water movement to rid the animal of wastes and ensure adequate
overnight should be transferred more rapidly into optimal gas exchange, but how the flow is provided is important. Avoid
conditions, as gradual drip acclimation runs the risk of causing directly blasting the anemone and aim to provide chaotic, turbulent
ammonia spikes. In this case, it’s much safer to equalise water movement rather than strictly laminar flow.
temperature and salinity over 15 minutes or so, and introduce it to Do be aware that large carpets will move around if they’re not
the tank. happy. This is one of the reasons they can be a problem for a mixed

Large carpet anemones will

move around if they’re not
happy…providing a suitable
sandy substrate will encourage
them to feel at home, and
appropriately-placed rocks
on the sand zone’s margins
can provide enough of a
barrier to prevent them
from upping sticks.

Giant carpet
anemones can reach a
ALAMY

metre in diameter.

48 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
 Marine

reef tank — as they wander round in search of an ideal spot, they can can easily become sucked into filter and pump inlets, so these
cause mayhem, stinging corals in their path. In the case of S. should be inaccessible in case yours decides to take a walk.
haddoni and S. gigantea, providing a suitable sandy substrate should
encourage them to feel at home, and appropriately-placed rocks on Greedy feeders
the sand zone’s margins can provide enough of a barrier to prevent Although they harbour zooxanthellae, large carpets are greedy
them from upping sticks. Introduce the anemone directly to the feeders, and you’ll need to provide food frequently — twice a week is
space you’ve prepared for it, providing full lighting to dissuade it usually sufficient, although many aquarists feed more frequently.
from wandering off in search of a more brightly-lit spot. For the first Frozen krill, mussel and chopped fish are all ideal, and it’s best to
few hours, dial the flow down to allow the anemone to settle without enrich this with a HUFA (highly unsaturated fatty acid) and vitamin
being blown around the tank. preparation to maintain health and coloration. Offering specialised
Your aquarium should be anemone-proof; a wandering anemone anemone pellets in addition to enriched frozen feeds is also
recommended — these may contain additional vitamins which will
benefit the animal.
To feed, simply place food on the tentacles using tweezers. This
Carpet burns should rapidly elicit a feeding response, where the anemone will
Avoid touching carpet anemones with bare draw the food towards its mouth. Every now and then, the anemone
hands when acclimating and moving them. Many will eject pellets of waste — these should be removed from the tank
large carpets can deliver painful stings thanks to as soon as possible to help maintain water quality.
their potent cnidocytes (Haddon’s anemones, in
particular, can pack a real punch). Touching them with bare Suitable tank mates
hands can also damage the anemone’s delicate tissue. If you The large Stichodactyla anemones are extremely aggressive. They
must handle these anemones at all, wear disposable gloves. will munch just about any unlucky fish or mobile invertebrate
which bumbles into them, and they will sting corals and other

The stubby Gigantic sea anemone,

tentacles are Stichodactyla
arranged in rows. gigantea.

6 signs of a good carpet

Essential points to look for when buying your anemone:
O A well-inflated specimen with no signs of damage.
O A mouth that doesn’t gape excessively.
O No evidence of stringy white mesenterial filaments being
ALAMY

ALAMY
ejected from the mouth — this is a sign of an anemone in
potential trouble.
O No signs of tears or trauma to the pedal disc (foot). Many
injuries occur here during collection.
Haddon’s anemone Periclimenes shrimp
O The anemone should be actively adhered to the substrate.
with resident make interesting
Many dealers keep anemones on AstroTurf in their holding
porcelain crab. tank mates.
tanks as it allows the anemones a reasonable grip, but still
facilitates safe and easy removal when required.
O Check the anemone is feeding — it might not be possible
to witness this first hand but if you can, so much the better.
NICK HOBGOOD, CREEATIVE COMMONS
BRIAN LOW, CREATIVE COMMONS

www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 49
 Marine

sessile invertebrates, including other anemones. Having said that, it

is possible to keep several carpets together in the same system
providing the tank is large enough and the aquarium is aquascaped
One for huge tanks
in such a way as to prevent them from encountering one another. On rare occasions, Merten’s anemone might be seen in the
The bottom line is that their aggressive tendencies severely limit trade. Stichodactyla mertensii has a narrow pedal column
the choice of tank mates. Indo-Pacific carpet anemones will relative to the animal’s overall diameter, and although there
naturally host a range of clownfish species in the wild, and it’s may be some folding apparent around the edges, the disc is
possible to recreate this symbiotic relationship in the aquarium, so generally flat. The non-sticky tentacles are quite short and
many folks opt for clowns as the sole fish in carpet anemone stubby (particularly towards the outer edge of the oral disc),
systems. Even so, it has been known for large carpets to occasionally and warty verrucae (adhesive projections) help the pedal disc
eat even clowns, so it’s not a given that they’ll be immune from to adhere to the substrate.
predation. It’s safest to try and pair the anemone with a species of This Indo-Pacific anemone is not frequently collected,
clownfish with which it would naturally associate in the wild. however. This is due partly to the fact that it is found in deeper
Various species of crustacean form commensal relationships with water, but it’s mainly because it lives on rocky substrates, and
Stichodactyla anemones (in which the anemone derives no apparent the pedal disc is extremely difficult for collectors to prise off
benefit), and these symbionts are a safe bet. Shrimp from the genus without the animal being damaged. The stalk is also very thin
Periclimenes as well as the Sexy shrimp, Thor amboinensis, make and fragile, adding to the risk of damage during collection.
fascinating additions to a carpet anemone set-up. The very few specimens making it into the trade are therefore
expensive. While it’s not necessarily any more demanding than
Mini carpets other carpet anemones providing it’s given a suitable hard
While the majority of carpet anemones reach large sizes, one substrate, stable parameters and optimal lighting, this
member of the genus is much more manageable. Topping out at a anemone’s ultimate size is an issue. This species reaches a
maximum of 10cm in diameter (with most specimens significantly diameter of well over a metre, so it needs a very large dedicated
smaller), the Mini (or Mini-maxi) carpet anemone, S. tapetum, is a system to thrive — definitely one for experts with a huge tank
pint-sized alternative. However, it has a potent sting, so be warned. who are able to create a suitable tailored habitat.
This Indo-Pacific species is potentially a good candidate for a nano
tank but Mini carpets will eat small fish and they’re not a natural Merten’s anemone is difficult
host species for clownfish, so there are still risks with keeping them to collect without damaging
in a mixed nano reef. As with their larger cousins, they’re best kept the foot.
in a species tank with commensal shrimp — Sexy shrimp are ideal.
Cultured specimens are available in a variety of colours; the
anemones are propagated by splitting them in half, and they can also
reproduce asexually in the aquarium. Provide a mixed substrate of
sand and live rock, and feed regularly.

Mini-maxi
anemone.

ALAMY
CREATIVE COMMONS

A cluster of carpet
anemones among
mangroves.
ALAMY

50 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
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 The
take-it-easy
island
Aquascaping doesn’t have to be hard work. You don’t
need super high lighting, loads of liquid fertilisers,
expensive CO2 injection and huge water changes.
Just plan ahead and consider a few key components...
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY: GEORGE FARMER

This set-up is proof that

low maintenance ’scapes
can still look amazing.

54 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
 Aquascaping

The lighting is run at just 10%

intensity to slow plant growth
and reduce maintenance.

N
ot everyone has the time measured 150cm /60in so a lot of planting
required to keep a high end
aquascape looking its best, let
would be required to fill it if we went for a
regular aquascape. I was keen to limit the TANKSET-UP
alone the money that’s required amount of plants and to rely on lots of open O Aquarium: Evolution Aqua
for the expensive kit to run it. space to give impact. An island design was Aquascaper 1500, 150 x 60 x 55cm.
The good news is that you can achieve the obvious choice where we could use
O Cabinet: Evolution Aqua, Raw
some fantastic results without having to go impactful wood and rocks to create an
Concrete Grey.
down this route. immediate effect.
I was recently asked to set up a low- O Lighting: 2x Kessil A360we Tuna
Lighting
maintenance but high-impact aquascape for
the Managing Director’s office at Evolution
Aqua in Wigan, UK. My previous layout in
2 We had three Kessil A360we Tuna
Suns from the previous set-up. Due to the
Sun lamps with Spectral Controller, set
for eight hours a day, 10% intensity,
50% colour.
the same aquarium in the same office was island composition with plants in the O Substrate: 3 x 8 l Dennerle Scaper’s
high-impact but also required a lot of work central area of the aquarium, I removed one Soil, Unipac Maui Sand.
to keep it looking its best. With me not being of the lamps and adjusted the other two on
local enough to maintain it regularly it saw the lighting hanging kit. I set the lighting O Fertilisers: The Aquascaper Complete
periods of neglect and consequently there intensity to just 10% on the Kessil’s Spectral Liquid Plant Food, 5ml per day
was a constant battle with nuisance algae. Controller unit to grow the plants as slowly
Keen not to tread a similar path, I planned as possible. An eight-hour photoperiod
for an aquascape that would tolerate periods would be plenty, with it being set to regular complete liquid plant food every time the
of infrequent water changes and sporadic office hours. fish were fed.
fertiliser dosing. As long as the fish were fed
and the water quality was maintained,
which they were, the plants could be almost
forgotten about to no ill-effect and there
3 No CO injection
2
The addition of CO2 injection was a
no-go area due to the fact that it promotes
5 Filtration and circulation
Two large external canister filters
would be plenty for this size of aquarium. I
would be minimal risk of nuisance algae. rapid plant growth. This leads to a higher usually recommend ten times turnover in a
nutrient requirement (more liquid higher energy planted tank, which in this
5-step plan fertilisers) and need for large frequent
water changes. CO2 injection means higher
case would equate to 5000 l per hour.
However, in such a low-energy system we
maintenance. could go much lower.

1 The aquascape design

I wanted something that was easy to
maintain. No carpeting plants to trim, no 4 Liquid fertiliser
We used mature plants in pots from
So, with the plan in place I set about
organising the wood and rocks, most of
which I already had laying around at
stem plants to prune, just plants that I could Dennerle, as these would be able to tolerate home from previous aquascapes. I
add and ignore. The obvious choices were lean periods due to their large nutrient purchased some additional rocks as
Java fern, Anubias and Cryptocoryne — all store. With low levels of lighting and no CO2 required and we re-used the Maui Sand
classic low-light tolerant plants that grow injection the plants’ nutrient demands are from the original set-up.
slowly. The Anubias and ferns do best also very low. That said, plants do best with Plants were supplied direct from the
attached to hardscape and crypts grow well a daily feed, even if it’s just a small German greenhouses of Dennerle and I set
in a nutrient-rich substrate. The aquarium quantity, so I suggested adding 5ml of about creating this easy island ’scape….

www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 55
 Tips for low-maintenance
aquascaping
Use the lowest lighting levels you can get
1 away with. Figure out your most demanding
plant and cater for that and no more.

Avoid using CO2 injection in low

2 maintenance planted tanks.

Do use good filtration. It will help to

3 prevent excess waste organics collecting in
the aquarium.

Choose slow growing plants. Typically

4 avoid stem plants as these grow faster than
rheophytes (plants that attach to decor).
Rosette plants are a good option — these are
plants that grow new leaves from the same root
stock such as crypts.
This aquarium
Avoid carpeting plants. They usually contains 20 Black
5 require higher lighting levels, CO2 injection
and can trap waste, leading to algae problems.
widow tetras.

Stock lightly with fish and heavily with

6 shrimp. The shrimp will help to keep away
algae and produce relatively little waste. BLACKWIDOWTETRA
O Scientific name: Gymnocorymbus ternetzi.
O Origin: Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina.
O Size: 6cm/2.2in.
O Aquarium size: Minimum floor plan, 90 x 30cm, 80 l volume.
O Water requirements: Hardy and adaptable; pH 6 to 7.5, 5–20°H.
O Temperature: 20–26°C.
O Feeding: Easy — takes most suitably size dried foods with relish.
Supplement with frozen bloodworm, Daphnia and brine shrimp.
O Availability and cost: Common. From £2 upwards.
0
pH Temp C
9
30
28
80 l+
8 26 THANKS TO
24
7 22
Dennerle: Plants
20 and ’Scapers Soil
A few snails managed 6 18 Unipac: Maui Sand
to make it in. JBL : 1501e external
5
filters

Stocking lightly with

fish results in less
nutrients to feed
troublesome algae.

56 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
 Aquascaping

How the aquascape came together

A bag of Dennerle ’Scapers Soil is added The most dominant piece of wood is The remaining pieces of wood are
1 to the middle of the aquarium — this
substrate contains nutrients to feed the plant
2 added. It’s positioned with consideration
given to the rule of thirds, which gives the
3 placed in the aquarium. A total of four
pieces of wood are used. This wood has not
roots and also helps to buffer the pH of the focal point aesthetic balance. This main been pre-soaked before use, so to prevent
aquarium water to around 6.5. This piece of wood is pre-soaked so it will not the pieces floating about in the water, we
specialist planting soil doesn’t require float or leech tannins that can stain the have used cable ties to attach the wood to
rinsing and its porous and light structure water. The top of the wood protrudes from rocks placed on the bottom of the tank.
makes it ideal for root penetration. More soil the top of the tank, which adds another These rocks are then partially buried in
is added later. dimension to the design. the soil.

Around 50Kg of Mini Landscape Rock is Around 10Kg of Unipac Maui Sand is The Cryptocorne are planted into the soil.
4 added around the soil. The rocks are
positioned to give the most attractive
5 added around the rocks. This is an inert
quartz product that won’t affect the water
6 I use 12 pots of various species including
Cryptocoryne wendtii ‘Green’ and ‘Brown’, C.
appearance with attention paid to their chemistry. It does tend to attract algae becketii, C. petchii and C. undulata. Crypts
strata and aesthetic balance. The rocks also because it is very pale but gently turning it often lose their leaves in the first few weeks,
act as a barrier between the soil and the over before every water change limits the but if this happens they will grow new leaves
cosmetic sand that will be added later. algae build up. that are much more robust.

All of the rheophyte plants are attached The tank is filled with de-chlorinated The filters and external inline heater are
7 to the wood and rocks. We use a
mixture of Anubias nana and Microsorum
8 tapwater. We use a colander while filling
to help disperse the water flow — this
9 fitted. The filter media is already mature
from the previous set-up so we can add fish
pteropus ‘Trident’. These plants do best prevents the water from disturbing the right away in this case — 20 Black widow
attached to hardscape because their substrate. The water in Wigan is very tetras compliment the aquascape beautifully.
rhizomes need to be exposed to the soft, making it suitable for most plants This aquarium is big enough to safely stock a
circulating water. and fish. lot more fish but sometimes less is more…

www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 57
 Hoistt f la
A stunner on every front, the Flagfin
angel is a slightly wildcard marine
showpiece that’ll liven a dull FOWLR
system, or — with an element of risk
— a well planned reef.
WORDS: NATHAN HILL

I
t has to be said that the Flagfin angel teaching it how to eat. In the oceans,
has a lot going on. There’s the stark sponges and tunicates are on the menu. In
white and black clash on the anal fin. aquaria, you’ll not be culturing enough of
There’s the golden flecking in the those any time soon to keep an angel filled.
scales. The triangulation of noggin-spot, In the reef tank, you need to play it clever.
opercular spot and black eye making up the Zoanthids, Palythoa, Xenia are safe enough,
points of a triangle over the head. Then usually. Many broad LPS and jagged SPS are
there’s the bold lemon-yellow of the body untouched. Clams are likely to get nibbled.
— a shade and sheen that only marine fish Branching ‘softies’ may receive a bite out of
seem able to command. curiosity. If you’ve got a monumental reef
But I always wondered why the common set-up filled with prize corals, maybe ensure
moniker overlooks the obvious. Among the you have a way to haul a rogue Flagfin back
many things it could have drawn attention out before you add one.
to with the name, it ignores the blue ‘beak’ of In a fish only system, live rock in
hastily applied lipstick, jutting forward, abundance is a must, especially for
prominent as a Baboon’s backside. juveniles. This has the dual benefit of
Housing one requires a leap of faith and a providing shelter, as well as the impeccable
bit of space. In the wild, these fish can get water quality you’ll need to keep them
large by aquarium standards — 25cm/10in happy. As young fish, Flagfins are quite deep
or more isn’t unknown. But in aquaria, that dwellers (well below the 25m mark) and hug
maximum length is shortened considerably close to boltholes and caverns. As they age,
— I’ve yet to see a tanked Flagfin much over they gain confidence, still remaining in
15cm/6in long, lips-to-tail tip. visual range of aquatic ‘panic rooms’ but
The leap of faith comes in regard to a with a laid-back demeanour. Initially, they’ll
heated temper, and a likelihood to turn vanish whenever you do anything in the
territorial. In the wild, male fish collect up tank, but over time you might find them
harems of females, from a couple to over a spectating when you’re algae wiping.
half-dozen females, and guard them with
gusto. That doesn’t normally spell trouble Feeding time
on a reef, but in the confines of a tank, with Feeding is probably the tallest hurdle, and
nowhere to flee to, if a male takes exception one you’ll need to use trial and error to
to any particular fish, things can get nasty. overcome. Frozen Mysis or brine shrimp is
Buying up females isn’t a way to avoid a good entry point, especially when
trouble, either. These are protogynous enriched with a liquid prior to feeding.
hermaphrodites — a female can swing her Getting some fresh fruit and veg, along with
sex and become a male if it’s needed. dried seaweed into the tank will keep them
tip top. If you’ve got a non-feeder, chances
Reef or fish-only set-up? are you’ll want live foods to get things going.
On the whole, most keepers will report Dried foods, while not an impossible
peaceful fish, with an occasional rogue. Part proposition, will be more likely refused
of the trick, it appears, is to manipulate the than accepted.
stocking in such a way that everything is But for all that, as marine angels go, these
roughly the same size. Bullying looks to be a are well worth a look, especially if you’ve
downwards affair, with considerably always wanted a Goldflake angel but could
smaller fish chased. And whatever you do, never justify the price.
don’t mix a Flagfin with other angels. If you’ve experience with Dwarf angel
There’s also the issue of invert nipping. If species — Coral beauties and the like —
you’ve got a Flagfin that hasn’t already been then it’s doubtful you’ll have any real issues
NEIL HEPWORTH

weaned on to aquarium foods (and I know with Flagfins. Just do yourself one big
that some folks are all too eager to rush a favour and ensure that it’s feeding before
purchase) then you’ve a heck of a time you buy one.

58 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
 Marine

This fish’s common name FISH FACTFILE

 Common name: Flagfin angelfish.
overlooks the obvious. Among  Scientific name: Apolemichthys

the many things it could have trimaculatus.

 Origin: East Africa, north-east to

drawn attention to, it ignores southern Japan, and down to northern

Australia.
 Habitat: Reef-associated, from surface
the blue ‘beak’ of hastily 2m to around 80m depth.
 Tank size: 120 x 60 x 60cm aquarium
applied lipstick, jutting advised. 400 l volume minimum.
 Water requirements: 8.1 to 8.4pH, 8 to
forward, prominent as a 12°KH, 1.020 to 1.025 specific gravity.
 Temperature: 23 to 25°C.
Baboon’s backside.  Temperament: A gamble. Usually
peaceful with all but other angels, but
there are exceptions.
 Reef safety: Risky, known to nip.
 Feeding: Ideally, sponge-rich angelfish
food, brine shrimp, Krill, Mysis, fresh
greenfoods.
 Availability and cost: Relatively
common, starting around £50 for
a juvenile.
0
pH Temp C
9
30
28
400 l+
8 26
24
7 22
20
6 18

SHUTTERSTOCK

www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 59
 PARENT

A male Betta blows a nest of

bubbles in which to nurture
ALAMY

eggs and fry.

60
 Behaviour

POWER
The underwater world is a dangerous place for
young fish and they need all the help they can
get to make it to maturity. For many species,
the key to their survival starts at home
with their parents.
WORDS: CHRIS SERGEANT

F
or the species that don’t feature at the top of interest in the outcome of their young once they hatch,
the underwater food chain, the aquatic world they actively choose the best possible egg deposition
can be one that’s fraught with danger at every sites to boost their offspring’s hatching chances.
turn, and animals are never more vulnerable
than during their early life stage. At this point in their Building a nest
development, larval animals need all the help they can With conscientious parents, care starts straight after
get to survive to adulthood. fertilisation, and a good nesting spot goes a long way to
From selecting suitable nesting sites through to caring help safeguard unhatched eggs, as well as increase the
for their eggs and young, a whole array of commonly chances of attracting a member of the opposite sex.
occurring aquarium species invest everything they can Nests can be simple, such as those favoured by
to try to ensure the survival of their offspring. salmonids. Female salmon excavate small pits in the
gravel substrate, known as redds, using their tail, and
That’s the spot… the eggs are deposited and consequently buried, hidden
In terms of parental care and concern, even the from view.
minutest of details can help influence the survival or Male Three-spined sticklebacks, Gasterosteus
hatching success of larval animals. Take the aculeatus, also start by excavating small pits in the
Zebra danio, Danio rerio, for example. These popular substrate, but then go on to create a far more elaborate
aquarium fish hail from the Himalayan region, structure, filling the pit with filamentous algae and
inhabiting still or slow-moving bodies of water. Using other debris, and then gluing it all together using a
dawn light as a cue, males and females rush to the substance called spiggin, an adhesive protein
shallow edges of their immediate environment to synthesised in their kidneys.
spawn. While they don’t demonstrate any direct care for Closer to home, many aquarists will be familiar with
their offspring, laboratory studies have shown a distinct fish species creating bubblenests at the surface of the
spawning preference for gravel substrate in both wild tank, known as aphrophils. The most commonly
caught and domesticated Zebra danios, indicating that encountered in the trade are from the suborder
consideration goes into their spawning sites. Anabantoidei, and consist of gouramis, climbing
In one study by Rowena Spence at the University of perches and Betta, but other bubblenest makers
Leicester, wild caught Zebras produced no eggs when include the African pike characin, Hepsetus odoe,
provided with a silt substrate, despite it being the most Armoured catfish, Hoplosternum littorale, and the
common substrate in the area they originally inhabited. Electric eel, Electrophorus electricus. In the case of all
Eggs laid on a silt substrate are in danger of being either these species, they typically occur in still or stagnant
exposed to predatory species, or being buried, and tropical waters, gulping air from the surface to enable
deprived of oxygenation as a result. In contrast, the them to survive these hypoxic conditions.
particle complexity of the gravel provides interstitial Male members of the Anabantoidei family tend to
spaces within the substrate for the eggs to be hidden build nests in the presence of females, but other factors
from predatory fish, and increases the oxygen flow such as temperature or rainfall fluctuations can
around them. So, while Zebra danios might show no influence this behaviour. Where possible, nests are built

www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 61
close to structures that break the water’s
surface, such as twigs, branches and plants,
with the male intolerant of the female’s
presence during this construction process.
The nest itself will usually just consist of
bubbles coated in saliva, densely packed
together, although other species such as the
Armoured catfish, Hoplosternum littorale,
use the surrounding vegetation to create a
plant mound held together with the
oxygen-rich foam. The foam not only
provides shelter and protection for the eggs
and newly hatched young, but can help by
elevating and oxygenating the eggs above
the surface of the water, while preventing
possible desiccation.
For the most part with Anabantoidei, it is
the males that continue with the parental
care after successful breeding, chasing away
the female, along with any other intruders
from the vicinity. For the duration prior to
the eggs hatching, the male carefully tends
to the nest, collecting and returning any
fallen eggs, and will not seek to feed during
this time. Nest quality is important, as
bubbles that are only loosely connected are
liable to disintegrate during the spawning
event, resulting in the loss of eggs or fry.
Parental care continues after hatching too,
with the male guarding the fry, spitting any
fallen individuals back into the nest, until
they are capable of free-swimming and he is
relieved of his duties. Some species of
snakehead, such as the Rainbow The egg scattering Zebra danios
snakehead, Channa bleheri, share parental put more thought into the
responsibilities and will both patrol the survival of their offspring than
perimeter of the nest and return dropped you might think...
eggs or fry together.
Common occurring and readily breeding
Anabantoidei species in the aquarium trade filter to provide gentle water circulation and Cave breeders
include the Dwarf gourami, Trichogaster cover objects or a number of live plants to Not all nests need to be self-constructed,
lalius, the Pearl gourami, Trichopodus enable the female to hide from the male if he and many species will happily make use of
leeri, the Gold gourami, Trichopodus gets over-amorous. Add the female first and naturally occurring small alcoves and caves
trichopterus, and Siamese fighter, Betta condition her using live or frozen meaty formed under rocks and sunken logs
splendens. With all these species, warmer foods before adding the male once the instead. In an aquarium setting, it’s easy for
water temperatures (25–28°C) and minimal female is visibly gravid. the aquarist to manipulate the decor to
flow are key, so as not to physically disturb For more details on breeding Betta incorporate such shelters into the tank
the best. specifically, Gabor Horvath’s excellent layout for appreciative occupants.
In most cases, it’s best to set up a separate article in PFK’s July issue goes into much Bristlenose catfish, Ancistrus sp, are one
breeding aquarium for pairs, with a sponge more detail. such group of popular aquarium fish that
will make use of artificial caves. These
A pair of sticklebacks
secretive spawners readily breed in
breeding in the nest
aquarium settings, laying large numbers of
constructed by the male.
amber-coloured eggs inside or underneath
aquarium furnishings, with the male of the
species being the parent who tends to them.
The eggs can take five days to hatch, so he
will spend the duration of this period on
guard duty, while using his pectoral fins to
continually aerate the eggs. Once hatched,
the fry will initially attach themselves to the
decor, before free-feeding and swimming
once their egg sacs have been fully absorbed,
and it is at this point that the male’s parental
duties stop.
When housing breeding pairs, be sure to
protect the filter inlets with sponge to
prevent any damage to the young.
Otherwise, these fish are fairly
undemanding, other than their need for
bogwood for grazing purposes, as they
extract lignin from the wood as a key part of
ALAMY

their diet.

62 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
 Behaviour

eggs too, and in the absence of a brooding

Taking the kids along pouch like the seahorses, they need to be
For some animals however, guarding a nest creative. The male Nurseryfish, Kurtus
just isn’t an efficient enough method, as it gulliveri, carries its eggs on a specialised
limits behaviours such as feeding until the hook on the front of its head, the Eeltailed

MP&C PIEDNOIR AQUAPRESS.COM

eggs hatch, which is particularly an issue if banjo catfish, Platystacus cotylephorus,
you are sizing up to being a single parent. So, carries its eggs on the ventral surface of its
the other alternative is to bring the eggs body, while the cavefish Amblyopsis
along for the ride, and this behaviour occurs spelaea incubates its eggs within its gills. A
all over the aquatic kingdom. The family
Syngnathidae in the marine world are
famed for such examples, with male
seahorses carrying their eggs inside a
brooding pouch, while the males of Baby Bristlenoses are
other species, such as the leafy cared for by the male.
seadragon, Phycodurus eques,
stick their eggs to the
underside of their tails.
But some freshwater
species also carry their

?
Did
you
know
With stable water
parameters and a
MP&C PIEDNOIR AQUAPRESS.COM

predominantly vegetable
based diet, Bristlenose
catfish are capable of
spawning at regular 6–8
week intervals.

Bristlenose catfish are

undemanding and, provided you
have a pair and a cave, they will
regularly breed in the aquarium.
MP&C PIEDNOIR AQUAPRESS.COM

www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 63
 Eel-tailed banjo catfish
take their eggs with them,
attached to their undersides.

NATHAN HILL

ALAMY
host of other fish however retain their eggs mouth, to avoid being picked off under the section of Lake Tanganyika, they do best in
in their mouth. cover of darkness. groups in larger aquariums with rocky
If you are lucky enough to host a large In the wild, Tocantins eartheaters are structures in place to provide refuge and to
enough aquarium, the Silver arowana, found in soft, acidic waters, and show a reduce aggression levels. A pH in the region
Osteoglossum bicirrhosum, will mouth preference for either clear or black water of 7.8–8.6 should suffice, along with water
brood, but for the majority of fishkeepers environments, avoiding the turbulence temperatures between 24–27°C, but
who wish to keep fish with this behavioural surrounding white water rapid habitats. As parameter stability is just as important as
trait, you will need to look for species within with all fish, water quality is important, but matching these numbers. These deep-water
the cichlid family. these species are particularly sensitive to cichlids are predatory, so care should be
Famed among aquarists for the parental deteriorating water conditions and wild taken when selecting suitable tank mates,
care afforded to their fry, cichlids are fluctuations in water parameters. While and any smaller species are liable to end up
freshwater fish from the family Cichlidae, set-ups can be to the taste of the aquarist, a on the menu.
and from the same suborder,
Labroidei, as marine damselfish Protective parents
and wrasse species. Found
predominantly across the Provide Kribs with a choice of Other cichlid species adopt
different, but equally attentive
Americas and Africa, all cichlids
engage in parental care, with a caves and adequate food, and parenting methods.
Kribensis, Pelvachromis
huge variety of species found
across the aquarium trade. you are almost guaranteed pulcher, are one of the most
commonly encountered, and
The Tocantins eartheater,
Geophagus altifrons, is a mouth success. They are dressed to popular, cichlid species
available in the trade. These
brooder found in the majority of
the tributary drainage basins the nines in an electric array dwarfs retain that renowned
cichlid personality, but without
that feed into the lower to mid
Amazon. Like other mouth of yellows, reds and blues, too. the huge growth spurts, bouts
of rage and exact water
brooders, the female will carry parameter requirements of
the eggs around in her mouth some of their family members
until they hatch, ceasing to feed during this sandy bottom is a must to allow these fish to display. Kribs are a perfect ‘beginners’
period. Once the fry hatch, the female and engage in their natural foraging behaviours breeder fish — provide them with a choice of
male take turns in continuing to mouth without the risk of physical damage to their caves, adequate food source and you are
brood the young, switching duties by gills, or internal damage as a result of almost guaranteed success. Add that to the
placing the fry in depressions built in the ingested substrate. fact that they are dressed to the nines in an
MP&C PIEDNOIR AQUAPRESS.COM

sand during the swap. As the fry develop, Another mouth brooding cichlid available electric array of yellows, reds and blues, and
they spend longer outside of their parents’ within the aquarium trade is the Lake that they will tolerate most community-
mouths, but should danger be detected, a Tanganyikan Frontosa, Cyphotilapia tank set-ups — what’s not to like?
rapid movement of the ventral fins warns frontosa. Translated as ‘hunchback with big As with the vast majority of other dwarf
the fry to take cover in the adult’s mouth head’, these striking cichlids can reach in cichlids, Kribs are cave spawners, laying
once more. While at a vulnerable size, the excess of 30cm/12in length, and sport large, their eggs on the underside of logs, rocks
fry also spend the night inside the parent’s bulbous foreheads. Found in the northern and caves, with both parents taking an

64 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
 Behaviour

Arowana are ...and those mouths

mouthbrooders... can hold a lot of
growing youngsters.

ALAMY
Kribs are easy and rewarding
to breed — and look at the
colours on this female.
Did
you
know ?
While Kribs tend to be unfussy
about water chemistry, pH plays a
factor in determining the sex ratio of
offspring, with the number of females
increasing along with water acidity.

www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 65
active parenting role. Initially, the female to feeding by offering up their own source of
will guard and aerate the eggs in the shelter, food. Discus, Symphysodon sp., Uaru, Uaru
whilst the male patrols and chases away any amphiacanthoides, and the Midas cichlid,
intruders in the nearby vicinity to the nest. Amphilophus citrinellus, all secrete a
Once hatched and free swimming, the nutritional mucus on which their young
parents will escort the fry in tank feed. As with mammals, the nutritional and
excursions, foraging for food, but always on immunological content of the secretion
hand to protect their bounty. During this changes over time, reacting to the needs of
period, it’s not uncommon for one adult to the fry to provide them with the best
drive away the other. While literature possible start. When fry want feeding, they
suggests that the female often takes the engage in a process known as contacting,
dominant role, my own personal experience whereby they appear to nip the flanks of
with Kribs has always seen the male take their parents to stimulate the mucus glands
the lead and become completely intolerant to swell and secrete. Discus parents share
of the female’s presence. Then, after a the feeding responsibilities too, with one
couple of weeks, the fry drift away to a life of gently flicking their brood over to the other
independence, and your pair, after a little parent when their turn is up.
making up, will often look to start spawning
once more. Cuckoo in the nest
Hailing from Nigeria and Cameroon, As well as the threat of fry predation, certain
Kribs prefer softer, slightly acidic water, but Tanganyikan cichlids can fall victim to the
being so easily bred, those offered for sale parasitic behaviour of the Cuckoo catfish,
are often adapted to a wide water chemistry Synodontis multipunctatus. Far from being a
range, although caves and shelters are a dedicated parent, this sneaky fish leaves the
must. Although they produce comparatively job of childcare to mouthbrooding cichlids.
large fry, ensure you have adequate micro During the cichlid spawning process, the
live foods and crushed pellets available. female cichlid lays and then gathers up all
During the breeding season, even the most her eggs in her mouth. While she is busy
peaceful of cichlid parents are far less collecting her eggs, the male cichlid
tolerant of intruders on their territory, and shimmers his tail in front of her, revealing a
will aggressively defend their offspring in row of egg shaped spots along the base. As
the wake of a perceived threat. But such she tries to grab these too, the male releases
displays of anger use up vital resources, and his sperm and fertilises the eggs in her
when parents are relying on stored energy mouth. At this point the catfish swoop in to
reserves in the absence of being able to feed on the cichlid eggs and simultaneously
forage, it pays to really know who your release their own fertilised eggs. In a panic,
enemies are. the female cichlid scoops up every egg she
can, including the catfish eggs, and then Convict cichlids will find food
Baby food unwittingly mouthbroods those too. for their youngsters among
As well as providing care and security, Unfortunately for the cichlids, the catfish the leaf litter and substrate.
cichlids take an active role in helping feed eggs and fry develop and grow quicker than
their young too. The Convict cichlid, their own, predating on the cichlid fry within
Amatitlania nigrofasciata, escorts its fry the mother’s mouth. Despite their obvious
around, lifting up leaves and moving the catfish appearance, the cichlid is undeterred, Ctenochromis cichlid
sand with its fins to reveal micro-sized prey. and continues to raise and care for them as if mouthbrooding a
Others show a more mammalian approach they were her own. juvenile Cuckoo catfish.
MP&C PIEDNOIR AQUAPRESS.COM

Convict cichlids with

their brood of fry.

66 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
 Behaviour

Discus secrete a nutritional mucus on which their

young feed. They share the feeding responsibilities
too, with one gently flicking their brood over to the
other parent when their turn is up.

ALAMY
Dinner is served — in
Be prepared this case on the flanks
of a Discus parent.
Playing happy families in your
tank can be both educational
and rewarding, but remember
to consider the outcome of
the success — a lot more
hungry mouths to feed. If you
are planning on housing
species with the goal of
breeding them, be sure to be
prepared in terms of first
foods and grow out tanks
before you start, as this will
save you the hassle when
things get going.
MP&C PIEDNOIR AQUAPRESS.COM
GETTY

67
BRIGHT-ON
The colours of the cichlids in this Malawi set-up contrast
beautifully with the almost monochrome rocky hardscape.
WORDS AND PHOTOS: GEORGE FARMER

T
his aquarium system, designed and installed by Amin Aquatics, is dedicated to
Malawi cichlids. It’s the perfect combination of clever equipment meeting
visually appealing design. The tank was custom built with a separate ‘engine TANK SET-UP
room’ situated outside that houses the filtration system so there’s no visible ● Aquarium: Custom built, 120 x 60 x
equipment in the tank. 75cm/48 x 24 x 30in, 540 l.
At a generous 120cm length and 75cm in height, this aquarium offers a large viewing
● Cabinet: Aqua Oak sump (situated
window to the rock-island theme aquascape. The gravel matches the colour and texture of
outside in insulated housing: 150 x 60
the large rocks and the whole design is very coherent. LED lighting from a point source
x 60cm, 558 l volume.
offers extreme shadowing and highlights for extra dramatic effect.
The effect of more than 70 colourful and active cichlids swimming among that Grey Pillar ● Filtration: Two biological media
rock is stunning and provides the owners with many hours of viewing pleasure. reactors with K1 media, UV clarifier,
Hydra, inline heater and in-sump
heating.
There’s always
plenty going on ● Lighting: One AI Hydra 52.
in this set-up. ● Hardscape: 140 Kg Grey Pillar rock.
● Substrate: Dennerle Baikal.
● Fish: 76 various Malawi cichlids
supplied by Kevin and Scott Lynch
(Kev’s Rifts).

68 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
 Inspirational aquariums

ROCK
The height of this
aquarium helps give the
aquascape more impact.

The LED lighting

provides dramatic
effect by shadowing
some areas while
highlighting others.

www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 69
 AQUATIC
In association with

SCH
The final part of our Diploma series
DIPLOMA looks at aquarium management,
and the tasks that you need to
perform to keep things healthy.
WORDS: NATHAN HILL

PART FIVE: MAINTENANCE

S
o far, we’ve covered a lot of theoretical ground, unintentionally harming your livestock. Feeding
from water quality and chemistry, physiology requirements may vary from fish to fish. The way you
and habitat, filters and aquarium maturation, choose to clean your substrate and filters can have a
and diseases. Now it’s time to look at the huge impact on a tank’s ecosystem.
pragmatic side of aquatics. The skills needed to run an aquarium are like
Successful fishkeeping is about more than buying a household tools. Some of them you’ll draw upon
tank, filling it and hoping for the best. Where you frequently, while others may only ever be used once or
position your tank can have an impact on a fish’s twice. But, just like in a tool kit, even if they’ve been sat
wellbeing. Your choice of decoration may be you’ll be glad you have them when the time comes.

REGISTER NOW
at
www.practicalfishkeeping.
co.uk/diploma and at the
end of the course we’ll send
you a link to take the free
online exam. Pass the
exam to receive your
Fishkeeping
Diploma!

MISSED ANY OF THE SERIES?

Buy the October, November, December and Fine, sandy substrates
January issues at pfkmag.com with free first
NEIL HEPWORTH

need careful
class postage if you live in the UK! maintenance to prevent
them turning anaerobic.

70 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
 In association with

Fishkeeping Diploma Part 5

Siting an aquarium
Sunlight, heat, and noise can all be
restricting factors to positioning an
aquarium.
Kitchens, working garages and bathrooms
make poor choices for housing tanks,
because of airborne contaminants or
temperature fluctuations.
Site tanks away from places where
children and boisterous pets may collide
with them. Always use sturdy aquarium
cabinets that cannot be easily tipped over.

Avoid housing tanks near any of the

following:
] Windows – these allow direct sunlight to
reach an aquarium, potentially causing
algae growth, overheating, and sunburn or
heatstroke of fish. Indirect sunlight, in a
bright room with multiple windows,
can exaggerate algae growth. Open
windows create draughts, leading to
potential temperature fluctuations.

NEIL HEPWORTH
Your tank needs to be located
] Radiators – cause aquaria to fluctuate in somewhere that offers easy
temperature and dangerously overheat. Ensure there are plenty of access for maintenance.
power sockets nearby.
] Audio speakers on televisions and
stereos – produce vibrations, stressful to above the tank will be a hindrance when
the sensitive hearing of livestock. working inside it.
Power supplies need to be nearby, but
] Doors – potential for collisions, draughts away from splashing. Avoid positioning
and noise (through slamming). Especially directly over plug sockets. Long power
avoid a door’s opening arc, as a direct impact cables can become trip and fire hazards.
will cause a catastrophic break. Increase safety by using a drip loop on any
aquarium connections. These simple loops
You will need to consider access, power stop water from running into a socket.
supply and traffic.
Traffic means the people passing an
aquarium. A quiet living room is a better Aquarium size
choice for shy and nervous fish than a busy The total mass of fish in a tank is called its
hallway. Note that in busy areas, the risk of stocking density. Optimal stocking
NEIL HEPWORTH

tank collisions increases considerably. densities are subject to so many variables

Access to an aquarium includes ability to that accurate calculation is almost
reach pipework set behind it, and the outer impossible. Among the influences on
glass on the back and sides. Obstructions optimal stocking density are: total water
Don’t place your aquarium volume, fish mass, feeding amount and
in direct sunlight or close frequency, protein content of food, fish
to radiators. metabolic rate, aquarium surface area to
volume ration, filter turnover, biological
media volume, temperature, plant density,
and supplementary filtration.
At purchase, few fish will have reached
their full adult mass potential. For each
doubling in bodily length, mass increases
many times over. A goldfish of 2cm long may
weigh around 0.2g, but 3g at 5cm. The larger
fish, while only 3cm longer, is 15 times the
mass of the smaller fish. Increased fish mass
leads to increased pollution.
When calculating how many fish a tank
can hold, stocking density should be based
around adult size of the fish being added.
Biological filter capacity is the principal
limiting factor of stocking density. The more
the tank’s ability to convert ammonia and
nitrite, the higher the number of fish it can
hold. In commercial systems, 30 to 40kg
(and upwards) of fish per 1000 l of water is
commonplace. In aquaria, 2kg of fish per
100 l may be at the filter’s limit.

71
 ] A hiding place for eggs and fry, or spawning
medium for some fish. In some cases, the
presence of substrate may be required as a
trigger to facilitate spawning between fish.

] Slow release of nutrients for plants.

Drawbacks of substrate can include:

] Excess mineral release into softwater
(such as with coral sand in acidic tanks).

] Deep sand can turn anaerobic without

adequate passage of oxygen. This can lead to
the development of bacteria that convert
nitrate back in to nitrite, or produce highly
toxic hydrogen sulphide.

] Substrate can conceal waste like fish

faeces and uneaten food, making a tank
appear cleaner than it really is.

] Incorrect substrate size and texture can

fish barbels and skin from repeated contact.

] Some planting substrates may initially

contain a source of ammonia which may
require them to be soaked in the tank
without fish for some time.

] Substrates may act as a refuge for

disease-causing parasites and pathogens,
making them difficult to remove.

] Incorrectly sized gravel can get lodged in

the mouths of substrate browsing fish.

Substrates may be coarse or fine. Coarse

substrates like gravel are easier to clean, but
Allow for the adult provide a poor medium for plants. Fine
size of your fish when substrates like silver sand are great for plant
considering stocking levels. roots, but more prone to turning anaerobic.
Deeper substrates harbour more waste
A primitive way to determine stocking boundaries. Red tailed black sharks and and are likelier to turn anaerobic than
density is the cm (fish) per litre (water) Sucking loaches are examples of fish that
formula. Based on the type of filtration are peaceful while small, but become
used, and assuming that the tank will territorial as they age.
mainly house small fish with a low Some fish require a shoal, which means
mass, the stocking rates can be their combined mass should be considered.
calculated as follows: Though they may be small, the weight of
their numbers may require a larger tank.
]Tanks with undergravel filters
— 0.8cm fish per litre of water.
Substrate and decoration
]Tanks with internal canister filters Benefits of substrate can
— 1 to 1.2cm fish per litre of water. include:
] Natural/calming environment
]Tanks with external canister filters for fish.
— 1.5 to 1.8cm fish per litre of water.
] Increased biological surface area.
Heavy filtration, high oxygenation, and
frequent water changing combined may ] Slow release of pH buffering
allow for an abnormally high stocking minerals into the water (as with
density coral sand).
A ‘six-times’ rule is sometimes used to
calculate minimum tank sizes for individual ] Rooting medium for plants.
fish, determining that the length of the tank
should be no less than six times the fish’s full ] Feeding area for some species,
adult length. such as catfish.
Territoriality should be factored in to tank
size. Tanganyikan cichlids, for example, ] A hiding place for some fish, such
require a larger tank than peaceful fish of a as burrowing catfish or loaches.
similar size, to allow the formation of

72 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
 In association with

Fishkeeping Diploma Part 5

shallow ones. At the maximum, coarse
substrates should generally be no deeper Wood and leaf litter is ideal
than 5cm in a community tank. For fine for a softwater set-up.
substrates, no deeper than 2.5cm substrate
should be used. Exceptions may include
aquascapes, where deep beds of highly
porous planting substrate are used for
decorative effect, and natural filter systems
that rely on deep gravel beds.
Artificially coloured gravel (the bright and
almost flourescent kind) is often made from
dolomite and then coated. Dolomite is a
mineral rich substrate and may cause water
to become hard and alkaline, making it
unsuitable for softwater tanks.
Alternatively, a tank may lack substrate
altogether. A bare-based aquarium can be
NEIL HEPWORTH

easier to keep clean, as the accumulation of

waste will be visibly obvious. It can also be

NEIL HEPWORTH
easier to extract dormant pathogens on the
base in the event of a disease outbreak.
This type of system is often used in
hospital and quarantine tanks, as Don’t go deeper
well retailers with large than 5cm with gravel ] Dried, aquarium safe leaves can sometimes be detected by exposing
volumes of livestock. substrates. (usually hardwood). them to srtrong acids and checking for a
The downside to not using reaction. Usually, the acids required for an
substrates is that your fish ] Igneous and sedimentary observable reaction are more concentrate
miss out on all of the benefits rocks. than the lay aquarist has access to. Rocks
noted above. from the ocean (such as Tufa rock and
Decoration in a tank is both ] Resin ornaments. Ocean rock) typically contain carbonates.
aesthetically pleasing, and Some rocks contain dangerous metals,
beneficial for the fish. ] Terracotta tubes and pots. often visible as colourful striations. These
Decor needs to be considered on a case by can be reactive in acidic tanks, where they
case basis. It may act as a boundary marker Decoration needs to be chosen with regard increase the acidity levels as they
for territorial fish, or as a hiding place for to fish behaviour and water requirements. simultaneously release toxic metals.
shy/nervous fish. Fish may require Real woods and leaves can leach Rocks with sharp surfaces may be
decoration in the form of caves to spawn in discolouring, pH reducing tannic acid into unsuited to fish that like to rest on
or on, or to retreat to at night. the water. To reduce the effects of this, wood decoration, or those that may brush against
needs to be soaked for prolonged periods it (especially highly active fast swimmers).
Decoration can be naturally or before use. Many woods also need to Cheap artificial decoration may have
artificially derived. Examples of become waterlogged before they will sink. harmful paints that can be rasped off by
aquarium decoration include: Some rocks increase hardness levels by suckermouthed catfish. Lead paint may be a
] Dried hardwood branches and roots. releasing carbonates as they dissolve. These particular hazard for fish.

Avoid rocks with sharp

surfaces that may damage
your fish. GEORGE FARMER

www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 73
 Feeding Uneaten fish food can lead to outbreaks
Fish need food for energy and metabolic
processes, as well as protein and nutrients of snails, planarians, copepods, and
required for muscle growth, tissue repair
and egg development. bacterial or algal blooms.
Incorrect feeding can cause nutritional
diseases (see part 4). As well as these, the
aquarist needs to avoid underfeeding or
overfeeding. For day to day maintenance, most fish ] Dilution of ammonia and/or nitrite during
Underfeeding can lead to emaciated or require 1% of their bodyweight in food daily. an emergency.
weak fish, poor egg production, inability to For fast growth, tissue repair or egg
regenerate damaged tissues, stress, lowered development, this can be raised to 2% ] Replenishing essential minerals depleted
immunity and eventual death. bodyweight daily. At the extreme, 3% by fish, plants and biological filtering.
Overfeeding can be problematic in several bodyweight daily may be offered to fast
ways. Uneaten food decomposing in the growing fry. The amount and frequency of water
aquarium produces more ‘waste’ ammonia Fish have low energy requirements changes is linked to stocking density. A
than food that has been utilised by fish for compared to similar sized terrestrial lightly stocked aquarium will deplete
growth and energy. Excess food consumed dwelling animals, such as mammals. Fish minerals and generate nitrate at a slower
by fish will lead to elevated amounts of need to neither generate body heat (as rate than a heavily stocked one.
ammonia excretion. mammals do) nor resist gravity (their Accurate water change volumes and
Uneaten food can lead to outbreaks of swimbladders make them neutrally frequencies require regular water tests to
snails, planarians, copepods, and bacterial buoyant), saving them considerable energy. determine. In the event of increasing
or algal blooms. Ensure that species can access the type of nitrates and phosphates, frequency of
Fish may be opportunists or grazers. food offered: floating food for surface changes should increase. In the event of
Constant grazers (such as seahorses) feeders, sinking food for bottom feeders, and declining water hardness, water changes
cannot retain food stores and need near so on. should be increased.
constant feeds throughout the day. 10% water changes once or twice a week
Opportunists, like Red tail catfish, might are wise in tanks where fish do not tolerate
gorge on a single meal and then not feed for Cleaning fluctuations in water chemistry.
weeks, until the meal has been digested. Substrate needs regular cleaning, to remove 25% water changes weekly are the norm
Most aquarium fish are casual opportunist food and faeces. The best way to clean gravel for a typically stocked aquarium.
feeders that will feed to excess given the is with a gravel cleaning syphon, combined 35% water changes weekly represent the
opportunity. with a partial water change. upper limit of water that can be safely
Ammonia is released relative to how fish Sand is too fine to be cleaned this way. replaced for many community species.
feed. Grazers excrete ammonia constantly, Physically rake through sand with an 50% water changes are usually reserved
while predators produce ammonia in large, aquarium planting tool or (carefully) fingers for emergencies, such as accidental
intermittent spikes, whenever fed. A tankful to stir up debris. When waste settles back on overdoses of medication, or issues like
of predators fed at the same time will top of the sand, use a siphon to skim it off. catastrophic filter failure.
experience more ammonia fluctuations Recirculating vacuum cleaners can also be Source water should be appropriate for the
than a tank filled with grazers. used with either sand or gravel. These lift up tank (part one of this series covers hardness
Community fish require two to three small water and waste, returning water to the tank and pH). Most aquarists use tapwater, or
feeds a day. Offer as much as they will eat in via a fine screen which traps debris. These reverse osmosis (RO) water.
90 to 120 seconds, and then stop until the vacuums can be motorised or air driven.
next feeding schedule. Ideally, fish should Water changes perform several roles, Tapwater has a few drawbacks for fish,
receive food as a percentage of their including: including:
bodyweight daily, which would involve ] Dilution of nitrate, phosphate, phenols, ] Chlorine, and possibly chloramine, added
weighing the fish. pheromones and dyes. as a disinfectant.

] Potential contamination with nitrates and

Aquarium fish will gorge to phosphates.
excess given the chance, so
offer two or three small ] Potential for very high or very low mineral
feeds a day. content, pending its source.

Clean filter media weekly

or fortnightly, depending
on your stocking
density.
SHUTTERSTOCK

74 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
 In association with

Fishkeeping Diploma Part 5

Remove the filter impeller Check it for signs of

from the well. damage or wear before
cleaning it gently.

NEIL HEPWORTH

NEIL HEPWORTH
a mineral free source such as RO if more regular filter cleans. Filter hoses, filter
LEFT:
possible. Minerals aren’t depleted with cases and impellers will also need cleaning.
Gravel cleaner.
evaporating water, causing concentrations Clean filter hoses with a proprietary pipe
ABOVE: Tapwater
in the aquarium water to increase slightly. cleaning brush. Disconnect the hose from
conditioner.
Repeatedly topping up with mineral rich the tank and filter and clean it over a sink or
water increases the hardness level. in a bucket. Don’t use boiling water to flush
Testing water should take place weekly, the pipe, as this is dangerous. Check hose
for the water quality parameters addressed ends for signs of perishing. Where the hose
in part one of this series. has become brittle, it may need to be cut off
] Possible contamination in the event of Water testing methods can involve probes, to bring fresh hosing to the connections.
groundworks. or colorimetric chemicals in liquid, tablet or Severely brittle hosing will need replacing.
strip kits. Probes may be expensive and Filter cases, especially strainers, can
RO water is a contaminant free source only test individual parameters, but are become clogged with debris. Remove them
of aquarium water, but has drawbacks, usually highly accurate if maintained well. from the tank, and using a small brush, such
including: Liquid, tablet and dip tests are cheaper and as a repurposed toothbrush, thoroughly
] RO units for home use are expensive, and more commonly used. Colorimetric tests clean any slats and apertures.
require installation into domestic plumbing use reagents that change colour to identify
and are wasteful (many litres of water are levels of compounds being tested. Impellers need frequent cleaning.
wasted for each litre of RO produced). Remove them from the impeller wells
When testing it is vital that: when you perform filter maintenance
] Home RO units may be damaged if ] Water removed from the tank into test to clean and inspect them. Look for:
pre-filters aren’t maintained. tubes is not poured back into the aquarium. ] Uneven wear and tear on the magnet.

] RO water will require minerals to be added ] Testing takes place away from the tank to ] ‘Lines’ carved into the magnet to indicate
to it to make it safe to use. avoid accidental spillage of reagents. detritus has entered the impeller well.

] Purchasing RO from a retailer requires ] Gloves and safety glasses are used with ] Misalignment of the impeller shaft.
travelling and carrying/storage of water. any reagents that pose a health hazard.
] Cracks in the impeller magnet.
] RO may have low oxygen content if not ] Test tubes are capped securely before
aerated before use. shaking them — don’t use fingers or thumbs ] Missing vanes on top of the impeller.
as they pose a health risk and may also
If using tapwater for water changes, it contaminate readings. ] Vanes that spin unimpeded on the impeller
must be dechlorinated with a proprietary magnet body.
dechlorinator before use. Failure to do so ] Test tubes are thoroughly washed, rinsed
risks gill and skin damage, compromised and dried after use to avoid contamination Any of the above warrants immediate
immune systems and potentially damaged in later tests. replacement of the impeller and shaft.
filtration. Always mix dechlorinator with To clean the impeller, gently brush it with
water before being added to aquaria. an old toothbrush, and rinse thoroughly.
Some dechlorinating devices containing Filter maintenance Clean the impeller well with a cotton bud
carbon can be attached directly to a tap, Most filter media requires cleaning weekly and flush out with water before replacing
removing chlorine as water passes through. or fortnightly, pending type of media and the impeller. Ensure the impeller can turn
Evaporated water should be replaced with the burden on it. Heavily stocked tanks need unrestricted before reassembling the filter.

HOW YOU CAN GAIN YOUR DIPLOMA

Go to www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/diploma and register for — or keep somewhere safe where you can take it out and just look
the free online exam now. You will then be sent a link to take the at it from time to time. Open to UK residents only. The Fishkeeping
exam at the end of the five-month course (there will be a paper copy Diploma is not a qualification and should not be confused with the
option for readers without online access). If you pass the exam, you type of diploma presented by colleges, universities and other
will receive your very own Fishkeeping Diploma, to show that you educational establishments.
have successfully completed the course, and which is yours to The Fishkeeping Diploma is awarded by PFK in association with
display on the wall near your aquarium, hang in your fish house Fluval. For more info on Fluval, visit www.fluvalaquatics.com/uk

www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 75
is available at your fingertips too!
Subscribe today
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and search for Practical Fishkeeping and you’ll
get access to extra content including video

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 Improve your
Fishkeeping
Practical advice and great ideas to ensure you get
the most from your hobby.

78
Going down the river
Many fish hail from waters that are far livelier
han those in the average aquarium — and
here’s plenty to gain from going with the flow.

Fishkeeping
Answers

84 Happy, healthy new year

Great ideas to help you improve
your fishkeeping during 2018. 87 Fishkeeping Answers
Some of the world’s top aquatic
experts answer your questions.

www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 77
 Improve your Fishkeeping

GOINGDOWN
While most aquaria are static cubes of water, many fish
hail from waters that are much livelier — and there’s
plenty to gain from going with the flow…
ALAMY

WORDS: NATHAN HILL

Fantastic fish for fast-flow set-ups NEIL HEPWORTH

NEIL HEPW
SHUTTERSTOCK

ANCISTRUS — Bristlenose plec BARILIUS — River trout NOTROPIS — Rainbow shiner

A robust South American Open-water swimmers that like a North American river fish that swims in
suckermouthed catfish that thrives in moderate to strong current in at least open waters. Prefers an open tank with
high flows over rounded rocks. half of their tank to swim against. a moderate to high laminar flow.

78 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
 Basics

THE RIVER

Fast flows result in a high level

of dissolved oxygen in the
water, which is essential if you
are keeping rapids species in
the aquarium.
MP&C PIEDNOIR AQUAPRESS.COM
AQUARIUM PHOTO.DK

ALAMY

DEVARIO — Giant ‘danio’ GYRINOCHEILUS — Sucking loach CHAETOSTOMA — Bulldog plec

Active schooling fish that like moderate Bottom dwellers that thrive in the These catfish cling to rounded
to fast flows. Lots of dissolved oxygen fastest of flows. Can become stones and appreciate fast and
and excellent water quality essential. territorial with age. torrential flows.

www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 79
Improve your Fishkeeping

E
ver just stood and watched a found in the middle of the river, in the open incorrectly. At a physical level, their
river racing by? Maybe you’ve water column. In shallower waters, fish may adaptations may include a ratio of red to
leant over a stone bridge on a live among or under rocks. There’s also the white muscle best-suited to continuous
scorching summer day to play riparian region, or the riverbank — this is a swimming. Denied the freedom to do this,
‘Pooh sticks’ in the flowing stream beneath. greyer area as the fish here, while living in a they may become stressed, ill or both.
Don a snorkel and dip your face into that river, may be subject to entirely different Fish that live in fast-flowing waters are
sprinting water, and you shouldn’t be flows to those living in the river ‘proper’. called rheophiles, and quite a few are
surprised to see fish swimming along to immediately obvious; they never quite look
their own beat. Shaped by the current right in a still tank.
Not all rivers are the same, and even the Rivers make up a considerable chunk of Mid-water-swimming rheophile fish
same river can vary considerably over its freshwater biotopes. The fish that live — Barilius and Opsarius, for example — look
length. Many can be divided into set zones. within them have had to adapt to flowing fast at a glance. In an aquarium they’re
Crenon zones are the highest, where the waters, leading to body shapes that are notably restless, tearing around the layout
river begins, and these can be slow-moving, either flattened with little drag, or with seemingly endless energy reserves.
relatively cool and lacking oxygen. torpedo-shaped and suited to scything Tank mates can be a problem. Slow or
Rhithron zones are the much quicker through the water with ease. Some fish are nervous species can be intimidated by the
upstream stretches that follow the crenon so reliant on fast flows that they can make restless movement of other fish. Remember
— stretches with fast flows and high oxygen tragic aquarium residents, if kept that some species use the behaviour of
levels, but still quite cool water.
Potamon zones are the downstream Gobies have modified pelvic
stretches, where the water is warmer, but fins that act like suckers,
the oxygen lower than the rhithron zone. effectively sticking them to the
The potamon is where we find sandy rocks in fast-flow habitats.
bottoms and sluggish flows.
Rivers are influenced by the type of
ground they run through. Mountain streams
fed by melting ice peaks will be soft and
clear. As they progress, they may take on
minerals from calcareous rocks, making
them hard and alkaline. They might run
through forests filled with decaying leaves,
devoid of rocks, becoming soft and acidic as
a result. They may be stained black by
tannins, or could be ‘white’ with particles.

NEIL HEPWORTH
Across the river, fish may live in one or
more of several areas. Species like knifefish
and catfish may live at extreme river depths,
on the bottom. Active swimmers may be

A fast-flowing
rainforest river.

SHUTTERSTOCK

80 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
 Basics

Step-by-step manifold system

Create a laminar flow in your river aquarium with this simple project.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
O Enough 2.5cm/1in diameter rigid piping to span the length of your aquarium more than three times.
OFour 2.5cm/1in 90° bends. OSix 2.5cm/1in tee pieces. OTwo 2.5cm/1in caps. OPipe cleaner (optional). O Pipe cement (optional).
OTwo powerheads. OJunior hacksaw. O File. O Power drill and sharp drill bit. OTape measure.

1 We’re using a Hagen Studio 900

aquarium, 94cm/37in in length. Be
aware that with some tanks there may
2 Measure the lengths of pipe. We’re
using three 77cm/30.3in lengths to go
from end to end, allowing space for the
3 Using a level surface, cut the piping.
Ensure that the cuts are as straight as
possible to avoid inconsistencies when
be a central bracing bar that makes it bends. Cut shorter, but equal-sized fitting the manifold together. Once cut,
difficult to get the finished manifold into lengths to fit between bends and tee take care to file the swarf from the inside
place. In tanks with drilled bases, as with pieces. Have a ‘dry’ run and lay the ends of the pipes, as any that’s remaining
this model, you’ll need to factor this into parts out to establish what will go may come loose and damage the pump
your design. where. impellers when running.

4 Clean the ends of the pipes and the

insides of the elbows, then apply a
conservative amount of cement to both.
5 Cement a tee to each end of the
outside lengths of pipe, ensuring they
sit at the same angle. Then, using
6 Cement the remaining short pipes
to the tee pieces and, using the two
outer assemblies, ‘sandwich’ them onto
Pushing the pipes into place, hold them for smaller pieces of pipe, connect a tee to the centre length. You can now focus on
ten seconds, after which they will have each corner bend. Pieces must point up the uplift pipes you want to act as
formed a permanent seal. When 90° from the rest of the manifold, as strainers and pump holders. Here
cementing you need to be accurate and these will house the pumps and the we cut lengths of pipe around
fast. You only get those ten seconds! strainers. 17cm/6.7in long.

7 Drill holes in two lengths before

cementing on the caps. These are
then connected to the tee pieces at one
8 After placing your finished
manifold into the bottom of the
aquarium, fit the powerheads at one
9 Now it’s simply a case of decorating
the tank using the large, rounded
type of stones that you’d expect to find in
end of the manifold. Don’t cement them, to end using the conical adaptors a fast-flowing river. Once you have
NEIL HEPWORTH

allow you to access and clean them. At the provided. Once in position, add your everything in place, you just need to fill
other end of the tank insert two lengths at chosen substrate to cover one end of the tank!
the height you want the pumps to sit. pipework.

www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 81
Improve your Fishkeeping
those around them as a barometer for how
TOP TIP
Remember that
safe things are; if fish are frenzied and look
like they’re trying to escape something, that perpetually swimming
screams ‘predator’ to nervous prey species. fish have high metabolisms.
Active swimmers also have little concept They’ll need more food and
of territories and boundaries. As their own frequent feeds compared to
ranges are ever shifting and never confined,
the idea that an aggressive cichlid wants to their tank mates, and this
defend a third of an aquarium is alien to can lead to a lot of
them, and they will keep blundering across pollution.
the lines, over and over, to the detriment of
both themselves and the poor fish trying to
defend its patch.
Bottom-dwelling rheophiles are often
equally as obvious at a glance, but their
bodies are different in shape to the
mid-water swimmers. Examples include

NEIL HEPWORTH

SHUTTERSTOCK
loaches like Sewellia, and goby-shaped
This river aquarium
cichlids like Blockheads. Rather than swim
uses turbulent flow.
against the flow, these fish reduce drag as
much as they can and try to get under the
flow. Many bottom-dwelling rheophiles It’s important to note that flow can be pumps so that they cause splashing and
have tiny swim bladders, making them laminar or turbulent. Laminar flow, which ripples increases the surface area of the
‘heavier’ in the water. Some have adapted is what you’d experience in a slow, wide tank, allowing a larger interface for oxygen
fins on their underside, which they use as river, is orderly — all the water moving from to get into the water.
suckers to cling to rocks. Others have Point A to Point B in a nice, straight line. Air pumps help to a degree, mainly
powerful suckermouths that they can use to Turbulent flow, which is what you’d find through boosting the water’s surface area.
cling and feed at the same time. in crashing river rapids or under a waterfall, To increase oxygen and produce a realistic
If you’re going to keep rheophilic fish, it’s is violent and chaotic, with small, localised look for turbulent river rapids, consider a
worth keeping them right. And that means movements of water going in any and all venturi device connected to a pump or
you need to consider three key areas: flow directions. powerhead. The venturi works by using
delivery, oxygen, and waste management. In aquaria, turbulent flows are the easiest water flow from the pump to draw a fine
to create. Laminar flows need some forward stream of air down an air line. This is then
The right flow planning and a bit of DIY pipework. blasted out of the pump outlet as a fine mist
Rivers and streams can be fast. At the top of tiny bubbles. It’s a great way to provide a
end, crashing river rapids may peak at High oxygen demands ‘crashing’ rapids effect, with minimal effort.
outrageous velocities of around 14mph — in If you’ve managed to get the flow right, then
aquarium terms, that would be equal to oxygen should naturally follow, but it still Waste management
shifting all the water from one end of a doesn’t hurt to keep oxygen levels higher Rheophilic fish are never exposed to their
6.5m-long tank to the other end in one than you would in a normal community own waste in the wild, but produce a large
second. Thankfully, we don’t need to go quite tank. Species like Sewellia, Chaetostoma amount of ammonia by virtue of being so
that far to make a river tank. and Barilius have exceptionally high oxygen active — high activity equals high
More sedate rivers — the Nile, Amazon demands. Sewellia and Chaetostoma often metabolism. When setting up a river tank,
and so on — tend to have velocities ranging come from torrential streams with a you will want a slightly larger filter than
from around 30cm per second at their slow constant, churning action that saturates the usual. Where possible, go for external
end, to around 2m per second in wet water with oxygen. An undersized canister canisters, and plump for a good balance of
seasons. Taken as an average, the Amazon filter running at half power in the corner of foam and biomedia.
river (home to many of our aquarium a tank isn’t much of a substitute for that. As the tank has such a high flow, less waste
species) flows at around 1.5mph — roughly Generating surface movement is a great will settle in the substrate than it would in a
65cm per second. way of upping oxygen. Repositioning ‘slow’ set-up, meaning that mechanical
SHUTTERSTOCK
ALAMY

ALAMY

PAREUTROPIUS — ‘Debauwie’ catfish RHINOGOBIUS — Dragon gobies SEWELLIA — Hillstream loach

These prefer a tank with both high and Come from shallow rivers in China Originate from shallow, cool,
low-flow areas, as well as open space. where they form territories around fast-flowing streams. Prefer aquarium
stones. Like moderate to high flows. flow that is high to very high.

82 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
 Basics

including the circular flows needed for a

river set-up. The XF150 model starts at
5,500 lph at the lowest setting, up to almost
19,000 lph at full power. It attaches to the
tank glass with a magnetic holder.
The market is alive with flow pumps,
mostly designed for marine tanks. Models
in the Fluval Sea range start at a flow rate of
1000 lph, up to 5,200 lph, and attach to the
glass via a sucker. Hydor’s Koralia range of
flow pumps start with flows as low as 900
lph, up to a high of 12,500 lph, and connect
via a magnet to the glass.
Many movement pumps can be used with
a controller to switch them on or off at pre-
programed times or, in high-end models, to
adjust flow rates throughout the day.
. As opposed to movement pumps or a gyre,
Yangtze River in China powerheads only draw water from one set
area. The drawback here is that they can
suck up and kill fish — something movement
filters (foams and sponges) clog relatively one end of the tank, the best approach is to pumps will not do. They also have a much
quickly. It can be hard to spot the reduced construct a river manifold. This will lower flow-to-wattage ratio than movement
flow coming from the filter with multiple provide a continuous, linear flow at the pumps, making them expensive to run. But,
pumps running. If the flow is impaired for a height you require. unlike movement pumps, powerheads can
while, it will have a drastic effect on the When it comes to pumps, Maxspect’s be attached to a river manifold design to
biological filtration, potentially leading to Gyre is designed explicitly to create flow, create a true laminar flow.
ammonia and nitrite build-up.
Get the pump right
For open swimming rheophilic fish
(certain barbs, characins, Barilius and so on)
you want to try to create a laminar flow in
the region of 10 to 15 times the tank’s volume
every hour. So, a 200 l tank would need a
flow of 2000 to 3000 lph. Because you want
a predictable flow, it would be best to source
all the pumps at one end of the tank to create ABOVE:
a circular, undisturbed flow. Maxspect’s Gyre.
For bottom-dwelling rheophilic fish
(loaches and some catfish) you can go for LEFT: Maxijet
either laminar or turbulent flow, though powerhead.
laminar is preferred for most. Aim for a flow
of 10 to 20 times the aquarium’s volume RIGHT: Fluval Sea
every hour. So, for a 200 l tank, you need a flow pump.
flow of 2000 to 4000 lph. That may sound
incredibly high, but even this is considerably
slower than wild fish would be used to.
While you can create a circular flow for
bottom dwellers using multiple pumps at
SHUTTERSTOCK

ALAMY
RADEK

TELEOCICHLA — Cylindrical cichlids STURISOMA — Whiptail catfish STEATOCRANUS — Blockhead cichlids

These fish live close to substrates and Often found hanging onto fallen wood Heavyset bottom dwellers that live
like a moderate water flow. in rivers, these prefer moderate over and between rounded stones. Like
to high flows. moderate to high flows.

www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 83
 Improve your Fishkeeping

HAPP
HEAL
N
Make a new year’s resolution to improve
ALAMY

Many of us start the new year by making a

pledge to change our lives in some way
your fishkeeping in 2018. One small change whether it’s to lose weight, stress less or

can make a big difference... clean the house more often. However, for
fishkeepers, getting your aquarium or pond
in the best shape could be the most
WORDS: DAVE HULSE, TECHNICAL CONSULTANT AT TETRA
rewarding resolution to make. Here are my
top tips for 2018.
Dave Hulse is Tetra’s Technical Consultant. He has 20 years of experience within the
aquatics industry, and has been involved in education and training for Record water chemistry data
the last 15 years, having taught at both Sparsholt and Reaseheath Water chemistry parameters change over
Colleges. He is currently based at the School of Life Sciences at Keele time. Carbonate hardness, which balances
University where he turns his hand to other subjects in the biological the pH levels, declines in all closed
sciences — although he usually manages to crowbar a piscatorial fishkeeping systems, and close monitoring of
reference in at some point! With such a varied ammonia and nitrites gives vital feedback on
and rich background in aquatics, Dave brings a the health of the biological filter bacteria.
wealth of experience to support Tetra and its Many fishkeepers reach for the water test kits
customers. only when problems begin to arise but this is
too late for the fish and can result in health

84 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
 Health

small amounts of food throughout the day

rather than eating full meals. In addition to If your sockets
storing food, the stomach is also the site of look like this, sort
protein digestion by enzymes. For carnivorous them out!
fish, taking large, protein-rich meals
infrequently requires their stomach to expand
and accommodate the meal and to
enzymatically digest the protein. Research has
shown feeding tropical community fishes little
and often leads to more food being digested.
This in turn means less waste leading to less
water pollution.

ALAMY
Help pond plants beat algae
Algae is the scourge of garden ponds but it
can be beaten if attacked early in the growing the current is sufficient. Use cable tidies and
season and on several fronts. Algae loves the shorten power cables where possible to keep
increasing day length and warmer water wiring neat and organised.
temperatures. Have a new UV clarifier bulb
ready, clean the quartz sleeve in your UV unit Upgrade to a larger tank
and add a preventative dose of algaecide. Give If you have the space and money, upgrading
pond plants the best possible start in spring to your aquarium will give you more stable water
help them outcompete algae for the available chemistry, extra swimming space for your fish
nutrients and sunlight. Repotting plants in and increased aquascaping opportunities.
new aquatic compost and adding a liquid
fertiliser will allow them to come out of winter Don’t always trust the internet
dormancy and into spring in peak condition. I searched ‘treat aquarium whitespot’ and the
first result told me to ‘use aquarium salt at one
Keep an eye on expiry dates teaspoon per gallon.’ So, what’s wrong with
Food that is past its expiry date will lack this advice? Salt is effective against protozoal
nutrients and will be unappetising to the fish. infections, but at a dose much higher than
Also, once the freshness seal is broken, the specified here. Also, the whitespot parasite
decay of these volatile nutrients accelerates, shows much resistance. The advice made no
especially if the food is stored in a mention of side effects — many
warm, damp place. At Tetra, we softwater fish are salt intolerant,
can guarantee that unopened and it’s good way to kill off most
food will have the specified aquarium plants! Finally, no
concentration of vitamins, reference was made to the
minerals and types of oils for diagnosis of the disease and what
happy healthy fish, if it’s kept in a the cause of the problem might be.
cool, dry space. A novice fishkeeper reading that
advice is unlikely to successfully
Keep wiring tidy purge the infection from their tank,
Pumps, filters, heaters, lighting and may make matters far worse.
— the tank may look fantastic but The internet is a great source of
what’s the wiring like? Overloaded information but there is rarely any
power adaptors can overheat editorial control, so be critical of
creating a fire hazard — check the what you read online. Fact checking
If you want to beat algae in power rating of any extension and cross referencing is essential. A
your pond this summer you’ll cables and multiway adaptors you good fishkeeping magazine or
need to start before spring. are using, and ensure they are not Only buy enough fish book, written by experts and
overloaded. Coiling power cables food to last you six reviewed by other experts puts you
look neat, but can also overheat if months at a time. in much safer hands.
issues. If tested regularly problems can be
nipped in the bud before catastrophe arises,
which is why professional aquarists maintain Most community fish digest
water chemistry logs of all their systems. their food more effectively
Although this is a legal requirement in public when fed little and often.
aquaria, it’s a great routine for fishkeepers to
get into, as it will alert you to any changes.
Tetra have developed an app meaning your
smart device can do all this for you. Simply dip
one of the 6 in 1 test strips into the tank or
pond water, take a photo of the strip and let
the device do the rest. The app will interpret
the values for you and most importantly, it will
store the data allowing you to observe the
trends. Easy!
NEIL HEPWORTH

Feed little and often

Most community fish lack a stomach in their
alimentary canal meaning they forage for

www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 85
 TIME TO
STEP OFF THAT
TRE ADMILL
Press pause once in a while
and curl up with your favourite magazine.

To find out more about Press Pause, visit;

pauseyourday.co.uk
Fishkeeping
Answers
Send your questions to
PFK and you’ll receive a TROPICAL
personalised reply from
one of our top experts.
Remember to include as
much information as you
Q. What’s wrong with my fish’s eyes?
can about your set-up — a One of my tetras has a problem with its eyes, helping otherwise healthy fish get themselves
photo is useful too. There’s which seem to be protruding more than usual. sorted out. Of course, you want to ensure such
a box of goodies from Tetra Could this be pop-eye? If so, what should I do? fish are also getting a good diet and plenty of
for the letter of the month. C. DEAL, EMAIL water changes (adding the appropriate amount
of Epsom salt to each new bucket of water).
OUR TEAM OF EXPERTS My first port of call here would be Epsom Pop-eye is a swelling behind the eyeball that
TRISTAN LOUGHER
works in aquatic retail
A salt. It’s a mild laxative, which helps with
bloating, but also with things like pop-eye. Use
causes it to push out. As a rule-of-thumb, if a
single eye is pushed out, it’s often an injury, and
and has sold marines 1-3 teaspoons per 20 l of aquarium water, mixing the Epsom salt will work nicely. If both eyes are
for 15 years. He has
written books and
it up first in a little warm water in a jug. Add it to popped out, there’s a good chance that bacterial
taken part in research the tank in stages across, say, 20 minutes, infection or severe environmental stress are to
projects. Tristan works pouring it somewhere near the filter outlet so blame, and antibacterial medications will also
at Cheshire Waterlife. that it gets evenly mixed across the aquarium. be required.
BOB MEHEN
You can also raise the temperature of the tank by Pop-eye is rarely lethal in itself, but is a good
has been keeping fish a degree or two (within the limits of the species sign that something is amiss, and warrants
since the 1970s and being kept, of course) to speed things up. While further investigation.
has a particular passion Epsom salt isn’t a miracle cure, it’s quite good at NEALE MONKS
for catfish. He helps to
moderate the PFK
website forum and
excels at advising and
guiding new keepers.

GEORGE FARMER
is a world-renowned
aquascaper. He
co-founded the UK
Aquatic Plant Society
and now works as a
freelance aquatic
specialist.

NATHAN HILL
is PFK’s features editor.
He’s worked as a public
aquarist, managed
a number of aquatic
stores and has
lectured in aquatics.

JEREMY GAY
has kept fish most of
his life. He’s managed
an award-winning
store and is a former
PFK editor. He’s now
Evolution Aqua’s
business development
manager.

NEALE MONKS
has kept fish for over
20 years. He has
PHOTOMAX

authored a number of
fishkeeping books and Pop-eye is often the result
has a particular passion of bacterial infection or
for brackish species. environmental stress.

Send your questions to us at: Fishkeeping Answers, Practical Fishkeeping Magazine, Media House, Lynchwood,
Peterborough, PE2 6EA, or email them to us on questions@practicalfishkeeping.co.uk

Expert aquarium care with our digital water test app, download here:
www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 87
Fishkeeping Answers
TROPICAL

Q. Can my fish recognise me?

I recently conducted a homemade to them, but you have to be a bit careful waterline, thereby knocking their prey into
‘experiment’ to see if my fish could tell me before saying that it clearly knows who’s the water and getting at food that other fish
apart from the rest of my family. They looking after it. If the owner is the person can’t reach. Archers are certainly smart fish,
didn’t do what I thought they would, as who turns on the lights, moves carefully accounting for refraction before they spit —
they reacted in the same way to every around the tank, or even picks up the food which sounds more like a physics A-level
member of my family. Can aquarium fish container, then perhaps that person’s question than something a fish would do!
such as gouramis recognise faces? behaviours are being recognised, rather than Scientific experiments have also shown
FINN MURRAY, EMAIL their face. archerfish learn that if spitting at photos of
Justifying the belief that fish can’t learn certain faces gets them a reward, they’ll
The ability of fish to learn faces has faces is the fact that their brains lack the spit at the right face even when presented
A been discussed many times, even in
scientific literature. Konrad Lorenz was
neocortex that allows mammals to perform
the sophisticated processing required to
with a second face of similar size, colour
and brightness.
probably the first person to really document recognise a face. However, some recent It’s impressive stuff, and difficult to explain
in depth the complex behaviours of studies are challenging this view, providing given the relatively simple structure of the
aquarium fish. He kept and studied species clearer evidence that some fish can recognise fish brain when compared with ours. The sort
such as cichlids, and if you get the chance faces. They might not be doing it in the same of experiment you’re doing at home is ‘citizen
to read his popular account of animal way as we do, but are able to do it science’ of the best sort, collecting data that
behaviour, King Solomon’s Ring, you’ll nonetheless, perhaps by spotting patterns will help scientists to build up the big picture.
probably come across a few interesting rather than actually knowing what a face What I suggest you focus on is controlling
behaviours that you’ve witnessed yourself. should look like. The evidence for this has the other variables, so that you perform
That said, the general consensus among come from archerfish, the brackish-water fish what’s called a ‘fair test’. In other words, try
animal behaviour experts has been that, sometimes kept by aquarists that are famous to keep everything the same except the
while many fish clearly learn to recognise for their ability to spit at insects above the variable you’re changing — the food-giver.
human beings as potential sources of food,
whether they can tell one person apart from
another is more open to question. Even if we These snakeheads certainly
all look the same to them, the simple fact seem to be reacting to the
that a wild-caught fish can overcome its fear presence of their owner...
of a big hulking monster like us is pretty
impressive, and demonstrates that many
fish are much smarter than people think,
being able to adapt their behaviours to the
peculiar conditions of aquarium life. Things
are a bit different when we’re talking about
farmed fish though, particularly those
species, like goldfish, that have been as
thoroughly domesticated as cats and dogs.
To a goldfish, humans are a normal part of
their world, and begging for food is as
natural to them as squirrels climbing trees
to find nuts. Some goldfish owners say that
their fish ignores other people but responds

LETTER OF THE MONTH

Finn Murray wins a box of Tetra
goodies: 100ml TetraMin and
TetraPro Colour foods, Holiday
Food, Pleco Algae Wafers,
FunTips Tablets, 100ml SafeStart,
EasyBalance and AquaSafe water
treatments and Tetra Test 6 in 1.
NEIL HEPWORTH

Everything you need for healthy fish

88 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
 Goldfish will often actively POND
‘beg’ for food when a
human approaches.
Q. How big
should I make
my vegetable
filter?
I have a 4,000 gal garden pond which is
filtered through a Nexus 210 filter, and
has a skimmer running to a Kockney
Koi three bay and vortex filter box.
The pond contains a mixture of Koi
and goldfish.
I would like to build a vegetable filter
to run off the other filters but am not
sure how big I would have to make this
in order for it to be beneficial to the
water quality. Please could you offer
some advice?
DAVE FLOWERS, EMAIL

SHUTTERSTOCK
The size of the vegetable filter you
A build is entirely up to you. It looks as
though you have the biological filtration
side of things already taken care of, so
Have everyone move at the same speed, I’m guessing that you’re considering the
hold their faces close to the tank for the addition of a vegetable filter to mop up
same amount of time and at the same nitrates and phosphates and help
distance, maybe even put on a dressing naturally to fight off algae..?
gown or something so you all look like I’d consider anything upwards of
you’re wearing the same thing. The only 60cm/24in square (and that’s planted)
thing you change is who gives them food. I as a decent sized vegetable filter, but if
guess you’d need to do this for a while, at you have sufficient space you could
least a week or two, and then see what go for something of 90cm/36in square
happens. Basically, what you’re doing is or larger.
changing just a single variable — who offers If it makes things easier and you have
food — and making sure the fish have a room, one of the black preformed pond
chance to learn who’s who. Crucially, it vats at 6 x 4ft would make a great
avoids the problem mentioned earlier that vegetable filter as well as increasing your
the fish might be learning about the pond volume slightly.
behaviour of the food-giver rather than his The key with a vegetable filter is to
or her face. plant it with fast-growing oxygenators,
It may well be that face-recognition is marginal and floating plants. Then
something that occurs patchily in the group remove the excess plant growth to
of animals we call fish, some of them having permanently remove all those nutrients
the skill, and some of them not. So, persist that the plants have locked inside them.
with your experiment, and if you can, let us This will also encourage lots of new
know how things turn out! plant growth, resulting in more
NEALE MONKS nutrient uptake.
JEREMY GAY

Julidochrom
is have bee A vegetable filter will
to recognis n shown
e the faces help deal with nitrates
own family of their
members. and phosphates.

Join us on Facebook and Pinterest: Tetra UK

www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 89
 Fishkeeping Answers
Fuzzy dwarf lionfish are
quite short-lived, but
have a high fecundity.

MARINE

Q. Can I keep some mini lions?

ALAMY

Is it possible to keep Fuzzy dwarf lionfish are not very active unless it’s feeding time. reduces this risk substantially.
in pairs in an aquarium? If so, is there This isn’t an aggressive species towards The Fuzzy dwarf lionfish has venomous
anything I need to bear in mind? How do I tank mates, but males may be intolerant of spines, but these should not cause too many
sex them and what size of tank would be same-sex individuals in the same aquarium, issues unless you happen to be allergic to
preferable? particularly if the tank is relatively small. The the venom. It hurts, but it’s bee-sting levels
MIKE SCOTT, EMAIL greatest issue is their ability to swallow tank of pain — and in those instances where it
mates, notably fish and shrimp, up to half does occur, it’s usually the aquarist who’s to
Lionfish might not be the first species their own size or more. Keeping them well fed blame. TRISTAN LOUGHER
A we think of when considering marine
fish pairs for the aquarium, but they can and
Males may be intolerant
do spawn in captivity, so keeping a pair of
of same-sex individuals
Fuzzy dwarf lionfish, Dendrochirus
in the aquarium.
brachypterus, is perfectly possible.
The challenge is to obtain a pair, and due
to the lack of obvious external
characteristics in the smaller individuals
more commonly imported for the hobby,
this invariably involves acquiring two or
three and growing them on together in the
hope that you have at least one male and
one female. Even when pairs are achieved
they spend little time together, apart from
during courtship and spawning.
These are quite short-lived lionfish, with
around three years being the average.
However, their short lifespans are offset by a
high fecundity, which is achieved by
specialisations to the ovaries of the f
emale, enabling her to be readying another
batch of eggs when one is ready for
imminent release. So, if you can get a pair,
expect regular production of gelatinous
SHUTTERSTOCK

egg masses.
A tank of around 200 l could easily house
a pair of these fish in the long-term, as they

Everything you need for healthy fish

90 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
 TROPICAL

Q. How do I make rainwater safe?

SHUTTERSTOCK
Most rainwater benefits
from the addition of
buffering chemicals.

A few months ago I decided to have a shot at breeding my fish.

Unfortunately, after using rainwater to replace the water I’d Your guttering should
removed, I suffered a series of deaths. I’ve done many water be clear of decaying
changes over the intervening weeks to bring everything back to leaves and other debris.
safe levels, but it has taken a while. How do I detoxify rainwater to
use in aquaria so this doesn’t occur again?
NATHANIEL BULLOCK, EMAIL

Rainwater is a viable substitute for reverse-osmosis or

A demineralised water, but it isn’t quite pure water. It certainly
shouldn’t be used ‘as is’ for any aquarium. There are two issues to
SHUTTERSTOCK

consider. The first is that rainwater (or RO, or demineralised water)

contains no buffering chemicals. This means the background
acidification that occurs in most aquaria will quickly cause the pH of
the system to plummet. Normally aquarists will add some sort of
buffer (often called Discus Salts) to the water to prevent this. By
adding the buffer you create something more akin to the soft, acidic Rainwater dos and don’ts
water that you’d find in the Amazon or Congo.
DO use a drinking water-safe water butt.
Alternatively, if you only need moderately soft water (say, around
10˚dH, pH 7.5) then mixing rainwater with hard, alkaline tap water at
DON’T collect water from any roofs other than those
a ratio of around 50:50 should create those sorts of water conditions
incorporating non-toxic roofing materials — slates and brick
without any additional expense. Simply by halving the amount of
tiles being the obvious examples.
general and carbonate hardness in the bucket you’ve created water
that’s soft enough for nominally soft-water community fish to thrive
DO keep your guttering clean, and empty out the butt
and for the more adaptable of them to happily breed.
regularly. The less decaying muck in the system, the better!
The second issue with rainwater is that it can pick up toxic
chemicals at various stages. Airborne pollution can be a problem if
DO filter the water through activated carbon to remove any
you live in an urban or industrial area.
remaining chemicals in the rainwater. Get an internal
Chemicals used to treat
canister filter, load it with carbon, and leave it running in a
certain types of roofing can
large covered bucket of rainwater before use. A filter rated at
be another source of trouble,
480 lph (like the Eheim Aquaball 60) will ‘turn the water
primarily flat roofs and other
over’ in a five-gal bucket about 21 times in an hour. That
types where sealants of
should provide ample opportunity for fresh carbon to work
various kinds need to be
its magic!
used to keep the roof
watertight. Ordinary slate
DO add water conditioner to all new water, even if half or
and brick roofs should be
more of it is rainwater. Good quality water conditioners will
fine though.
not only neutralise ammonia (which will be produced by
Some plant leaves contain
decaying leaves or even dead animals in the water butt) but
poisons, but there’s also the
also render heavy metals safe too, thereby adding another
SHUTTERSTOCK

risk that any herbicides used

level of protection.
in the garden end up in the
rainwater, should leaves be
DON’T use rainwater ‘as is’. If you prefer not to mix it with
blown into the gutters and
tap water, some sort of Discus buffer will be necessary,
then get washed into the Ensure your water butt is
simply to provide the stable pH necessary for healthy fish.
water butt. drinking water safe — and
NEALE MONKS clean it out regularly.

Expert aquarium care with our digital water test app, download here:
www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 91
Fishkeeping Answers
Trichogaster lalius, can be quite aggressive
TROPICAL to one another, especially the males, and are
usually best kept as mixed sex pairs. You
could have a dominant red male that has
harassed the blues enough to cause them to
either become ill or fail to compete for
sufficient food.
Another possibility is ‘Dwarf gourami
Iridovirus’, a rather nasty viral infection that
has decimated stocks of these fish and made
them a less straightforward community
choice than they used to be. Some seem to
have a natural immunity to this disease and
it may be that the blue variants didn’t have
this immunity but the red ones do.

Q. Why are my Dwarf A final thing worth mentioning is your stock

level, which is high for a 170 l tank, especially
NEIL HEPWORTH

when the adult sizes of some of your fish are

gourami dying? taken into account. The Sailfin plec,
Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps, can grow to
45cm, so you will need to rehome it unless
My 170 l tank was set up at the beginning of a six-week period. you are considering a much larger tank.
September. It has a gravel substrate, rocks, The reds seem fine at the moment but I’m This high a stock level in a relatively new
bogwood and some plants at the back. I am worried that something in the environment tank could mean your filter is struggling to
running it at 25°C, 7.2–7.6pH, a hardness of caused the first group of blues to die. cope, which may be another contributing
about 8°H and nitrate and other parameters Tank mates are a small Angel, five Golden factor to the dead gouramis. They are also a
all in acceptable regions. I change 10% of barbs, six Cherry barbs, 12 Neon, eight relatively shy, subdued species and might be
the water weekly. Emperor tetras, five corys and a 15cm/6in being stressed by the sheer number of tank
I introduced both blue and red Dwarf Sailfin plec. Can you please advise? mates, especially the more boisterous ones.
gouramis. They came from different TIM JENKINSON, EMAIL My advice would be to closely monitor your
suppliers — the blues about two weeks water and to carry out larger water changes
after the tank was set up and the reds in the You don’t mention how many Dwarf of 25% weekly if possible. Don’t add any
middle of October. Although they seemed
happy for the first few weeks, the blues
A gourami you added, but it sounds as
though you introduced several of each
more fish and keep a close eye on those you
do have, particularly the gourami.
started to decline and all of them died over variety. Despite their size, Dwarf gourami, BOB MEHEN

Despite their small size,

male Dwarf gourami can be
aggressive to one another.
NEIL HEPWORTH

Everything you need for healthy fish

92 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
 TROPICAL Tank cycling is far easier if
you already have a mature
Q. What is the safest way filter or three...

to cycle a tank quickly?

I would imagine that many people who read your magazine are
serious fishkeepers who often need to s
such, it would be good to get a clear ide
cycle a tank quickly. There are so many p
so much conflicting information out the

NEIL HEPWORTH
the fastest and safest way to cycle a tan
RICHARD, EMAIL

There are many ways to cycle a tank

A take differing amounts of time. This
number of factors, aside from the source
ucts are increasingly effective (unlike some of
ancestors) and many claim to allow instant
bacteria; things like water chemistry and nstructions are followed correctly.
play a critical role. from a mature tank will have little effect by
Adding mature media from another tan will contain very little of the bacteria required
the best and quickest ways of achieving a Adding fish food to an empty tank will
If you have enough media (be careful not to cycle a tank; the beneficial bacteria will find
much or you may cause a ‘mini-cycle’ in t he tank in due course and multiply using the
mature tank) then there is no reason why od for sustenance.
stock sensibly small numbers of fish almo this classic method of fishless cycling then
immediately. If you can’t take the actual m controllable, measured source of ammonia such
squeezing some mature foam media into mmonia solution or Waterlife ‘Biomature’ is
up tank and allowing the filter to clear thi
get the bacterial population established r ethods will need careful, close monitoring with
quickly. You will need to add an ammonia ke sure that they are progressing as expected,
feed this bacteria and get things balanced nstant’ of them needing close scrutiny as
add the first fish, which may take anythin at risk should anything go wrong.
week to a month.

TROPICAL Black widow tetras

are a robust and
hardy species.
Q. What can I keep
with these tetras?
I have a 35 l planted aquarium housing two Black widow
tetras. Please could you tell me what other fish I could add to
this set-up?
JOHN COOPER, EMAIL
NEIL HEPWORTH

The Black widow tetra, Gymnocorymbus ternetzi, is a

A hardy, generally peaceful, chunky tetra species that grows
to around 6cm and is ideal for newcomers or those wanting
something more robust than smaller species such as Cardinals
or Neons. Like so many tetra species, they do best when kept in
numbers — ideally six at the very least — and unfortunately, Ember tetras can be
here is where you have a problem. Your tank is simply too small stocked in small tanks.
for a group of this size; something at least double your tank’s
volume with appropriate dimensions to allow these active fish
to move around is required.
My advice would be if, at all possible, to rehome the two
tetras (many shops will be happy to do this if they are healthy)
and to re-stock the tank with something more size-appropriate.
If you like tetras then have a look at the Ember tetra,
NEIL HEPWORTH

Hyphessobrycon amandae, a truly tiny species which at no

more than 2cm would easily allow you to stock a nice group of
ten or so in your tank.

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www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 93
 Fishkeeping Answers
Prior planning makes
MARINE upsizing reef tanks a
painless experience.
NEIL HEPWORTH

Q. How do I move my reef tank?

I have a 100 l reef tank with corals, fish, crabs, shrimp and live rock. Either way, you’re now in a position to stock the new system. Check
I’m upsizing the tank to a 200 l version with more live rock, an the temperature and salinity — try to match these to the original tank
oversized skimmer and a Fluval 406. Are there any pitfalls I should water to minimise the acclimation time. Begin by adding the live rock,
be aware of to ensure a stress-free move for the inhabitants? then the sand; it’s best to place the rock first, as this is more stable on
PETER ALKER, EMAIL the aquarium’s base than placing it on top of sand.
The water may become a little cloudy while you’re setting up, so
This should be a very straightforward operation; the key is allow the tank to settle for a short while. Acclimate the livestock
A planning everything out in advance. It’s going to be a lot easier
if you can set the new tank up in a different spot to the original; if
briefly; if you’ve matched the salinity and temperature to within
a part per thousand or so, and a couple of degrees, just 10–15
you’re putting the new tank in the same place, you’ll have a bit more minutes with acclimation with the new system water should be
juggling to do, and the livestock will need to be placed in suitable perfectly adequate.
containers while everything is shifted around. In any case, get plenty Finally, keep the lights off for the first few hours to minimise stress
of buckets, hoses, nets and all the other equipment you’ll need to to the livestock.
hand, and have as much salt water mixed up in advance as possible. DAVE WOLFENDEN
If the new tank is already in place, get this
filled and as much of the equipment installed
and working as possible. If not, just get
everything ready so you can set it up with the
minimum of fuss.
Begin stripping the old tank down by first
removing the fish and corals. These should be
kept in buckets, food-safe plastic containers or
polystyrene fish boxes with aeration. Keep the
containers covered to reduce stress and prevent
the fish from jumping. Next, start taking out the
live rock; for a brief period, this can be simply
kept damp, but again, it’s possible to maintain
it in water if strong aeration is provided — it’s
your call.
Remove the sand either by syphoning or
netting it out of the old tank. This can be kept
damp in a bucket. If you’re moving the new tank Place the rock on the
into the old one’s position, you can do this and base of the tank before
adding the sand. This will
NEIL HEPWORTH

fill it with mature, preheated saltwater and

connect the equipment. make it more stable.

Everything you need for healthy fish

94 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
 TROPICAL

Q. What happened to my Neon? Neons show

loss should ing colour
be removed
.
I have a 100 l freshwater tank, stocked with Neon tetras, Endlers Pleistopho
and two Nerite snails, and planted with Java fern and Anubias. is highly c
Water parameters are fine, and until the other day I’d had no want to pr gy q g

PHOTOMA
deaths since setting up the tank in February. evidence that transmission can occur via cannibalism, and a dead or
Over the course of a week, one of my eight Neons had started to dying fish in your aquarium will certainly be viewed as a potential
lose colour, and stopped shoaling with the others. I also noticed it meal by the other fish. Hence removal and euthanasia is best.
was not breathing normally. The tetra was feeding, but that was its The ‘false’ version of the disease is believed to be caused by the
only normal behaviour — for the last two days it was hanging out same bacterium species, Flavobacterium columnare, implicated in
at the top of the tank with the Endlers. I woke up this morning and the well-known disease misleadingly called Mouth fungus (or
it was nowhere to be found. I think it may have died, before being Columnaris). There are medications available for treating Mouth
eaten by tank mates. What do you think happened? fungus, but the problem here is that by the time the Neon exhibits
ALEXANDER MARCOS, EMAIL symptoms it is already so riddled with the bacterium that its internal
organs are unlikely to respond well to standard medications.
The fading colours on the Neon tetra sounds like textbook Healthy fish in good environmental conditions generally resist
A ‘Neon tetra disease’, although in all fairness, this name may well
apply to a Columnaris-like bacterial infection as often as it does the
Columnaris without too much trouble, so let’s recap what Neons
need in order to thrive. They’re low-end tropical fish, so something
‘true’ Neon tetra disease parasite, Pleistophora hyphessobryconis. In between 22–25°C suits them best. A low hardness of 1–10°H is ideal,
either case, there’s no treatment, and euthanasia is generally the though slightly harder water might be tolerated without problems.
best option. Keep pH in the range of 6–7.5 if possible. Neons are shy, gentle fish
Let’s tackle the true version of the disease first. The classic and want a quiet, shady tank with similar-sized tank mates. The
symptoms are loss of colour, withdrawal from the school, weakness, bigger the group, the better your chances of success. But be ruthless
and eventually death. While associated with Neons and other small about removing sickly individuals, and never buy Neons from tanks
tetras in particular, a wide range of other fish have been reported to containing specimens displaying signs of Neon tetra disease.
occasionally suffer from it, including danios and angelfish. Given that NEALE MONKS

Neons thrive best in

large groups.
PHOTOMAX

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www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 95
 Buyer’s guide
The BIG
air pump test
We compare 32 aquarium air pumps over a range
of tank sizes, with some surprising results…
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY: GABOR HORVATH

E
very fishkeeper should own an increased any further? Well, you still can enlarge
airpump. These practical and often the ‘contact area’ by pumping air into the water to
inexpensive bits of kit can do far more create bubbles. This has two advantages. Firstly,
than just run an airstone or open and each of those tiny pearls has their own surface
close that treasure chest — they could save the area upon which — while they are rising in the
lives of your fish in an emergency. tank — a level of oxygen exchange takes place.
While air isn’t something we necessarily Secondly, the rising bubbles cause surface
associate with fish, they do need oxygen. Although agitation, which in turn increases the contact area
some of them are able to take it directly from the between water and atmosphere. Even a small air
atmosphere, the majority rely on their gills to stone can significantly increase the amount of
extract dissolved oxygen from the surrounding dissolved oxygen and prove extremely helpful in
water. Water’s maximum O2 ‘storage capacity’ emergency situations such as poisoning, disease
depends on the temperature — cold water can treatments or during heatwaves. Safe to say, every
hold more of this valuable gas. aquarist should have at least one air pump on
standby.
Increasing the oxygen Besides simply aerating the water, air pumps can
In aquarium conditions the oxygen level is usually fulfil a series of other important roles, and needn’t
well below the saturation point, as the various just be left on the bench awaiting their turn. They
biological and chemical processes are can run sponge filters and other air-driven
continuously consuming it. Plants can replenish devices, including protein skimmers. They can be
some of the oxygen, but most of it comes from the used to create soft currents to prevent dead spots;
atmosphere, through the surface of the water. It’s to operate Artemia-hatcheries; to create
generally advised to create some sort of surface decorative air curtain effects; or even to open and
agitation to increase the contact area between air close that plastic treasure chest or clam!
and water, to improve the efficiency of the above It isn’t complicated to build a complete air-
process. It’s worth mentioning that the same supply system, one which is easily expandable and
movement helps with the removal of CO2 as well safe to use, with no electric cables dangling down.
— very useful in the general aquarium, but Plus, the initial costs are low — all you need is
NEIL HEPWORTH

unwanted in a plant-heavy aquascape. the right-sized pump, a central air pipe with
What if more dissolved oxygen is needed, but the taps, and a few metres of air line to reach
surface area of the water in your tank can’t be every aquarium.

96 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 97
The BIG
airpump test
IR PUMP DOS AND DON’TS

DON’T use the air pump inside the fish tank. They are not meant
o be submerged!
DO place the air pump above the water level to avoid water
ackflow, which may occur in the case of an electricity shortage. If
ou have no other choice, then at least use a one-way flow valve to
revent accidents.
DO keep a spare diaphragm set to hand. They have a habit of
iling when the shops are closed, so buying a few in advance can
e a lifesaver... quite literally!
DO have a smaller air pump on standby. You never know when
ou might need it. Think about medication, quarantine or
oisoning.
DO get a slightly bigger air pump than you think you may need.
’s good to have some extra air sometimes (well, always).
hoos ng your pump needs 50–85 lph to operate O DON’T switch off the air pumps at night, especially if you are
If you don’t have a fish house efficiently, reaching the maximum running air-driven filters. By doing so you might kill the useful
(yet) you can still make good use flow rate at the top end of that bacteria in your filter media.
of an air pump. Just make sure range. Jet-lift requires lots of air, O DO replace the air stones regularly. They get clogged-up over
you choose one that’s the right so if you run one or more of those, time, which negatively affects their performance.
size for your needs. you really need a beefier pump. O DON’T throw away your air pump if the performance drops
OBased on my own experiments, My DIY version needs 90–120 lph significantly. Often it’s only the diaphragm or the valve that needs
for gentle aeration and moderate for optimal operation, but pushes replacing — which is much cheaper than buying a new pump!
currents you would need to plan through twice as much water as
for around 40–120 l of air, per the regular air-powered filter.
hour, per air stone, depending on OOnce you have calculated the OYou should also take into Other manufacturers give the
the size of your tank. With a quantity of air needed, add at consideration the depth of maximum pressure instead,
single bubbler running for least 30% (there is always some water to which the air has to be indicated in MPa, mbar or psi.
decoration or moderate aeration loss at the valves, junctions or air pumped. The deeper you go, It’s easy to calculate the
purposes in a small (up to 50 l) stones) and you will have the the lower the amount of air the maximum depth from this
tank, a pump of 40–80 lph right-sized pump. pump can deliver, as it needs to figure, provided you know that
capacity will suffice. OIf you have several tanks, it’s fight against the pressure of the 0.01MPa = 100mbar = 1.45psi is
OFor aquariums up to 100 l you usually more economical to run water column. Remember that needed to push the air down to
would need 100–200 lph pumps. one or two powerful pumps the maximum airflow indicated 1m under the surface. Therefore,
If you have even bigger tanks, use instead of numerous smaller on the box is usually measured a device with a 125mbar
either a bigger air stone or ones. In my fish house I use two at the top of the water column. maximum pressure can reach
several smaller ones. slightly oversized air pumps Sometimes the packaging will 1.25m depth. Most of the pumps
OShould you plan to add an connected to one system. Should tell you the maximum depth as can cope with tanks of average
air-driven filter, the situation gets one fail, the other would be able well, but this is not related to height relatively easily, but
more complicated. Based on my to operate the filters (at a lower the maximum capacity in any choose wisely if you want to go
own tests a double sponge filter flow rate) until the fault is fixed. way at all deeper than 50cm.

TOP TIP
Check the T-junctions
and air valves in your
system regularly, especially
when using transparent
air lines. They can become
clogged, sometimes
completely blocking
the airflow.
Types of air pump to the 150 l/min ‘hurrica
The pumps featured in this review are diaphragm makers’ that are able to
pumps. These utilise the theory behind the dozens of aquariums.
operation of toilet pumps. However, instead of dirty Other types of pump include those based on air
water, they push out air through a one-way valve by compression. If you’ve ever had a flat tyre on your
resonating one or more rubber ‘bells’ or bike then you’ll be familiar with a bicycle pump. By
membranes. As there’s not much friction — the moving the lever up and down the small piston in
diaphragm is moved electromagnetically — the the cylinder presses the air out through the valve.
only noise comes from the humming of the Air compressor pumps work in a very similar way.
magnetic coils and the resonance of the flexible They are usually highly efficient devices, capable of
plastic parts. They are affordable and require churning out large volumes — often exceeding 100
almost no maintenance (except for regular cleaning l/minute of air. These pumps are frequently used in
of any air intake filters), so it’s no surprise that they Koi ponds or aquaculture (and in fish houses) due
SHUTTERSTOCK

are so popular. Diaphragm pumps come in several to their relatively low cost and compact size, but for
sizes and configurations, from tiny, single-outlet 25 the average home aquarium they would be overkill
l/hour ‘whisperers’, suitable for nano tanks, right up and way too noisy.

98 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
 HOW THE AIRPUMPS WERE TESTED

I cut the top off a plastic bottlehose — connected to a pump

A plastic bottle was used
and poured in some water. I — under the opening.
to gauge the basic air
marked the water level, topped it When the decreasing water
output of the pumps.
up with exactly one litre of waterlevel — pushed out by the
and made another mark. pumped-in air — reached the
I filled up the measuring bottle top mark, I started my
and lifted it out upside down, stopwatch. When the water
until only a small part of the level reached the one-litre mark,
neck remained submerged. I noted the time. From this it
Then, while holding it with one was a simple calculation to
hand, I moved the end of the air arrive at the air output, in litres
per hour.
The test worked well
Outputs were
(the measured amount
measured at
was very close to the
several depths.
figure indicated on the
box), so I prepared a
more advanced test to
measure the outputs at
different depths.
I cut off a piece of
drainpipe which was 3cm
shorter than the water Then I connected four equal times at every level and an
depth in the butt. This lengths of air hose to the pipe average result taken.
ensured that the top was by pushing them through For the tests of the dual
submerged, allowing me the holes. output pumps, four more holes
to move the upside-down The bottom end was weighted were drilled at the same depths
measuring bottle above it down so that it stood vertically as the others, and the airline
without issue. in the water. The air pumps were lengths were also the same. In
Four 5mm diameter then connected to the system their case the combined
holes were drilled at 2cm, and their performances tested at output of the two outlets is
22cm, 47cm and 72cm the different depths. indicated in the comparison
intervals from the top. The timing was repeated three table overleaf.

BEST BUYS

Tanks up to 180 l Tanks from 200–400 l Tanks over 400 l

Newa Wind NW22 Fluval Q series pumps Tetra APS 400

Tanks up to 60 l Tanks up to 25 l Tanks up to 100 l

Tetra APS 50 AllPondSolutions AP-Nano AquaEl Miniboost

www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 99
The BIG
airpump test
THE RESULTS

Some of the pumps performed way below their expected level, while
others exceeded it by quite a margin. Interestingly, the
underperformance mainly occurred with the larger, 200-500 lph
output pumps of several brands. This seems to support the
experiences of many of my fishkeeping friends; when it comes to air
pumps, there can be significant discrepancies between batches. O The Newa Wind pumps provide good output for very low electricity
consumption. The actual measured airflow of the first three of the family
O All three Interpet air pumps was quite close to or even above the nominal value, but the performance
tested were designed for nano or of the NW3 was highly disappointing. This could be a one-off stumble,
small tanks, so don’t expect too and on the whole these pumps were good, especially the NW22, which
much from them. They are good for was my favourite in the range.
decorative bubbles, but the
smallest of the line-up may
struggle with just one air stone. O The other Italian brand in the test
The APMini would be my pick caused no surprises. The SICCE
of the bunch. pumps delivered a steady flow of air.
These were solid performers, so
definitely worthy of consideration.
O The AllPond Solutions
APS-Nano, as the name suggests, is
another pump for tiny tanks, with a O The Aqua One Air O2
measured 27 lph output. This pump Pods catch the eye with their
is extremely quiet, so could be used unique design. They look like
for that small tank next to your bed. Bluetooth speakers, so would
easily blend into the
contemporary environment.
Luckily, they’re quiet as well,
O The AquaEl Miniboost really so won’t interfere with your
punches above its weight, producing a music. A quirky air pump with
surprisingly large amount of air from a solid performance.
extremely low electricity usage. Ideal
for moderately-sized tanks. O On testing the SuperFish Air-Flow1,
I had to check twice to ensure I’d read the
stopwatch right — but this pump really
did produce 60% more air than expected.
This performance and the included free
O The measured performance diaphragm makes it excellent value for
of the EHEIM Air Pump 100 was money. Highly recommended.
slightly below the expected level,
especially considering the O The Aqua Air pumps from
relatively high wattage it uses. Maidenhead Aquatics could be the
twin brothers of the above pump
— they even come with the same
branded spare diaphragms. So, no
O The smallest AquaNova product wonder the performance was also
— the NA-100 — was the weakest almost identical. An affordable and
performer in the test, producing only wise choice for those on a budget.
20% of the expected output. The flow
control on the largest NA-450 didn’t O The Fluval Q Series pumps,
work at all. The NA-200 is the safest produced huge amounts of air
bet of this trio, and a good budget buy and quite literally blew away
for tanks of up to 150 l. most of the competition. They
may not be the smallest or the
O One of the biggest surprises of the most economical in terms of
test was the poor performance of the electricity consumption, but
larger JBL ProSilent air pumps. While these are definitely the ones to
the small a50 was right on the money, buy if you need reliable and
the a200 and a400 really disappointed constant power.
with their low outputs. They look
beautiful though…
Contacts
O With the futuristic-looking Tetra APS O Tetra: tetra-fish.com O Eheim: eheim.com
range, the APS 150 and APS 300 pumps were O Fluval: uk.hagen.com O Superfish: aquadistri.com
slightly off the scale, while the results of the O All Pond Solutions: O Interpet: interpet.co.uk
APS 100 and APS 400 were on a par with, or allpondsolutions.co.uk O Newa: newa.it/en/
slightly above, the competitors. The star of O Aqua Nova: novaeuro.com O Sicce: sicce.com
the line-up is the APS 50, the best O Maidenhead Aquatics: O Aquael: aquael.pol/en/
performing 50 lph pump here by a mile. fishkeeper.co.uk O JBL: jbl.de/en/

100 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING

 HOW THE PUMPS COMPARED
* Please note that the Fluval factory maximum flow figures are measured at 45cm depth.

PUMP FACTORY 5cm 25cm 50cm 75cm MEASURED AT EXTRAS WATTAGE PRICE
MAX. LPH 5CM/NOMINAL RRP

AllPond Solutions 27 24 19 15 10 88% Free air hose and 0.9W £10.00

APS-Nano air stone
Interpet NeoAir 45 35 27 18 9 78% 1.5W £23.99

Tetra APS 50 50 85 76 69 58 171% Free control valve 2W £17.90

JBL ProSilent a50 50 56 47 42 32 112% Free air hose and 3W £14.79
air stone
Interpet APMini 60 68 60 50 43 113% £17.99

SICCE Airlight 1000 60 56 45 26 8 93% 1.8W £13.99

Interpet AVMini 75 48 43 42 39 63% Free air hose £22.49

and air stone
Newa Wind NW1 90 85 61 41 18 95% Free air hose 2W £16.99
and air stone
Aqua Air air-pump 1 96 161 146 109 81 167% Spare diaphragm 2W £13.99
SuperFish Air-Flow1 96 156 133 113 92 162% Spare diaphragms 2W £10.99
£3
EHEIM Air Pump 100 100 92 80 64 56 92% 3.5W £28.00

AquaNova NA-100 100 24 20 12 7 24% 2.5W £10.99

Tetra APS 100 100 94 85 79 68 94% Free control valve 2.4W £24.05
AquaEl Miniboost 100 119 99 83 63 119% 1.8W £9.99
Aqua One Air O2 Pod 100 94 84 64 51 94% Free air hose 2.5 £16.99
100
Newa Wind NW2 110 108 99 82 65 99% Free air hose 2W £19.99
and air stone
Fluval Q0.5 120* 184 179 173 167 144%* 4.5W £19.44

Tetra APS 150 150 105 102 96 85 70% Free control valve 3.1W £30.65
AquaNova NA-200 200 186 164 145 89 93% 2.7W £13.49
Newa Wind NW22 200 238 202 164 133 119% Free air hose 2.5W £24.77
and air stone
Newa Wind NW3 200 164 156 143 118 82% Free air hose 3.5W £23.99
and air stone
SICCE Airlight 3300 200 224 188 164 138 112% 4W £26.99

JBL ProSilent a200 200 75 68 60 53 38% Free air hose 3.4W £30.45
and air stone
Fluval Q2 216* 313 281 245 195 113%* Repair kit £10-15 4.5W £36.70
Fluval Q1 240* 275 267 254 243 106%* 4.5W £28.29

Aqua Air air-pump 2 240 249 198 154 121 104% Spare diaphragms 4W £19.99
Aqua One Air O2 Pod 240 214 212 183 148 89%
240
Tetra APS 300 300 259 248 228 222 86% Free control valves 4.5W £38.60
AquaNova NA-450 400 222 184 155 140 56% 3.8W £19.99
Tetra APS 400 400 383 367 340 292 96% Free control valves 4.5W £46.00
Spares kit: £6-9
JBL ProSilent a400 400 197 177 151 125 49% Free air hose 5.5W £43.95
and air stone
Aqua Air air-pump 4 600 506 394 307 230 84% Spare diaphragms 8W £34.99

www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 101
PFKNewGear
Nathan Hill reviews the latest fishkeeping products.

Seneye Magnetic Holder Pro

I love reviews where I can be brief. Pretty much everything you
need to know about this Seneye holding device is right up there in
the name.

What you need to know:

O It’s actually really smart.
O It’ll hold through glass up to 16mm with ease.
O Makes your tank look 70% more futuristic.
O Considerably less annoying than the sucker version —
I used to love coming in to the room and seeing my Seneye
swinging about in the water, like a bear’s arm fishing
for salmon.
O Seneye slips in and out perfectly.
O Not the cheapest thing out there.

At £29.99, this is a product that’s

probably pitched at the more image
conscious reefkeeper or planted tank
aquascaper, but if looks are your thing, then
get involved.
I’d probably go the extra mile and keep
cleaning it of any encrusting algae in a reef
aquarium, but that’s just me.

Price: £29.99 (Seneye device not included).

More info: seneye.com

Zoo Med Floating Betta Log

Zoo Med is definitely taking a lead in weird products. A while If you happen to have a community tank and flow is unavoidable,
back I reviewed the Zoo Med Leaf Hammock, which, while then maybe use a little thread to anchor it to something.
appearing to be quirky-on-the-brink-of-bonkers, turns out to be To top it all off, there’s even a hole in the top of this thing, so the
a massively selling great product. Now it’s the turn of a log. Betta needn’t even leave the log to breathe. Moreover, he needn’t
The first thing — the only thing, perhaps — that marks this out move outside to feed, as you can sprinkle food straight on top of
from any other resin decor you might see on sale is that it floats. him. Better still, he can use the log as a base of operations for
Usually the exact opposite of what we want our decor to do, this spawning, building a bubblenest in the aperture on top, to
rounded, brown and alarmingly unconvincing hoop of ‘wood’ hold eggs.
bobs about on the surface. Yeah, it’s odd, and if I’m honest I could make something
Thing is, Betta LOVE these things. Well, Betta splendens similar with a piece of cork broken in to bits, and some
males do, at least. I can’t vouch for other species. superglue. If I wanted to be really basic, I’d just hack some
Much in the same way that cats can’t help drainpipe apart and stick a bit of polystyrene to it. But for
themselves from climbing in to boxes what is currently a wide-open market, Zoo Med has the
wherever they see them, give a Fighting best-looking offering.
fish male something to claim as a You want the downside? Even if you’ve got a
territory near the surface, and he’ll little water movement, and the tank is
take it. If you think about it, it makes somewhere within audible range
sense. An obligatory air-breathing when you’re trying to sleep,
fish, which feeds from the surface, you’d best be looking forward
breeds at the surface, and spends to that ‘dink, dink, dink’ sound
most of its life at the surface is as it gently bashes the side
going to benefit from shelter at… panes all night.
the surface. If you’re a Fighter keeper, you’ll
To stop the thing careening really like these things. It’s not
around the tank like a raft huge either, at 7 x 7 x 9cm in size.
down whitewater rapids, you
want to have very little surface Price: Around £10.
movement or flow in your tank. More info: zoomed.com

102 CTICAL FISHKEEPING

Aquarium Systems Mega M
A simple, straightforward range of products that work out substrate
tremendous value for money. Mega Media comes in three alternati
different grades of (predictably) small, medium and large. Probably
Each comes as a 500g portion, which doesn’t sound much but hiding pl
when it’s in front of you it’s huge. The packages are as long as my fry, too.
gangly arm, and at over six feet tall, I’m hardly short-limbed. Excelle
The media is synthetic, and is tough to the touch. Unlike some filter me
media I’ve handled, this stuff feels substantial. It has some sort of th
integrity, you can pull it and shape it like Play-Doh. I can get a
handful of the large media, for example, and tear it up into 20 Price: 50
small bits. Then I scoop them all up into a ball, grind them medium
together and they form a whole again. I’m not used to that. I’m More info: aquariumsystems.fr
used to media that pulls apart at the first bit of rough housing.
The benefit of that? It means I can vigorously clean the stuff
and re-use it, and that’s a claim that Aquarium Systems is
making here. Once soiled, I can beast this stuff in hot water, blast
it with a hose, do all I can to get it clean again, and it’ll be good for
a second run. Not that I need to re-use it, of course. I’m only
running a couple of 60cm tanks right now. There’s enough
media here to see me through to 2025, I reckon.
Being inert, there’s no chance of alteration of water chemistry,
and it doesn’t leach anything, making it suitable for freshwater
and marine use. If you’ve got a big marine sump, you’ll be able to
fill it to your heart’s content — if that’s your approach. If you run
external canisters on freshwater set ups, you’ll be set for years if
you buy a pack of each size.
As a bonus, the large media makes a really good spawning

Aquarium Systems
A la Carte Reefmist food
You know how you sometimes buy a bag of crisps, and when you open it there’s about 1cm of
crisp down right at the bottom of the bag, and you literally need to get wrist deep just to pull one
out? That’s what this stuff is like. 30g is not a big amount in a packet of this size. In a bag over
20cm tall (opened) my food barely gets up to 3.5cm on the ruler I’m jamming in to it.
So what’s in it? Not a clue. The packaging claims micro and macro algae, phyto and
zooplankton, and yeast, but doesn’t specify anything else. It has a real spirulina smell, so your
guess is as good as mine. What I can say for sure is that it’s 40% protein, 10% fat, and 12% fibre.
In reality? It looks a lot like the stuff I’m left with after I’ve gone hammer and tongs on a handful
of flake food with my pestle and mortar. There are occasional flecks in it, something white that
hasn’t crushed down in the manufacture stage — I’ve no idea if that’s deliberate or not.
The pack comes with a pouch of silica gel inside to keep this powder really dry. Despite that,
mine is heavily clumped together, though it separates easily enough with a little pinching. You’ll
want to keep this pouch locked tight between uses if you don’t want it to spoil.
It’s aimed at a range of marine organisms: anemones, stony and soft corals, fish, fanworms,
clams, sponges, copepods, rotifers — you get the idea. It also suggests on the packaging that it
can be used to enrich frozen foods, without specifying how exactly.
Day to day use involves adding a quarter teaspoon per 80 l volume daily.
There’s also a curious claim that “ReefMits (sic) activates also the nitrifying and denitrifying
bacteria’s.” (sic) As both a writer and fishkeeper, I don’t know what troubles me more there.
Anyway, it could be amazing. As I haven’t got a reef tank running at present, I can’t put it to
the test personally, and feedback from actual users seems scant. It’s also quite pricey for 30g
of food, so it had better have some amazing ingredients in there.

Price: £15.99 for 30g

More info: aquariumsystems.fr

103
PFKNewGear
NATURAL DECOR

returns!
It must have been around this time last year I received my first suggested (Tannin is based in the USA). I have to confess, that’s
batch of Tannin botanicals, and since then, I’ve been preaching the probably right. Give me something that needs soaking, and a little
benefits to anyone who’ll stay still long enough to listen. Maybe I’m hessian bag, and I’m filling in the gaps…
coming at it through tinted glasses (see what I did?) because I’m Tannin’s product diversity is a million worlds away from the
already a convert, but when this new consignment turned up I leaves you’ll pick up off the ground, or the huge sheets of Catappa
couldn’t hold down my delight. offered in many stores. In fact, to make that point, I’m not even
For those new to Tannin goods, the packages arrive in fine form. going to mention a leaf. This review will be for pods alone!
The little touches help. Opening the box, the first thing I see is a Note that the prices given are for products alone and don’t
sticker on the inside – ‘tint the world’. Your mood is lifted before incorporate freight from America.
you’ve pulled out the first bag.
Whatever you order, it comes in individual
clearly labelled, and with the wonderful caut
human consumption! Do not ingest! Thanks
about to scoff a load, washed down with a gla
In each order you get a hessian bag, which i
before. I thought it was something to soak th
the amusement of Tannin owner Scott Fellm
perfectly plausible theory for my error — we

bDried Casulo pods

Okay, first up, don’t bother Googling any of the
real identities remain a trade secret, so the nam
freshly invented all the way.
Casulo pods look a lot like big, fat, pea pods. T
and hollow, and out of the packet they’re rigid a
shoes and float like a lifeboat. Soak ‘em for a lo
an hour simmering at least — and they soften u
bb ‘Bl dd k’ i t d b

EEPING
`Dried Estalo pods
Remember the film ‘Dune’ with folks running about in the desert,
and giant worms leaping about eating people? These pods look
exactly like the business ends of those worms.
They need a long boil to get them to sink (45 minutes
upwards) and even then they’ll leach some
acid out in to the tank. Which is great!
From a functional perspective, they
don’t really do much. They’re too tiny
for fish and shrimps to hide in. From
an aesthetic perspective, they are
great. Combine them with some
Snapping Lampala pods, and a bed of
leaves, and they make everything look a
lot more uniform. If you’ve dabbled
with bigger pods before, you’ll know
n, look a bit
These things
on, making the
s.
o amazing as
ano or pico set-up.
— Ten.
).

_Dried Snapping Lampada pods

Looking like miniature dried pears that have torn straight up the middle,
I had to stop (almost slap) a co-worker who explained they hadn’t
Tannin’s product diversity
opened up fully and was about to crack one like a pistachio nut.
These are absolute rotters to get sinking (mine, anyway), but well
is a million worlds away
worth the near hour or so you’ll spend simmering them to get them to
stay down. In rainforest regions, seed pods like these make up a big
from the leaves you’d pick
chunk of the scattered debris, so they look very much in place. Leaching
seems minimal, so don’t expect a wine-red tank after adding a handful
up off the ground, or the
(besides which, you’ll lose much tannin during the simmering stage).
Size wise, mine range from about 4cm up to about 7.5cm.
Catappa offered in stores.
O Package quantity — Six.
O Price $5.00 (Around £3.75).

aDried Sino Xicara pods

Far and away, the most ‘forced’ product in the Tannin range, these have a clean-cut opening that
makes them look less natural than most. Apparently, these are pretty big in the frog world, and I
can see why they’ve not been embraced too much by the aquarium world. For one, they don’t sink.
Boil them all you like, they’ll keep on floating. You know what I do? Glue a stone to one side, then
hide the stone just under the substrate.
Benefits? Despite the clean cut, they look pretty cool. And they make awesome caves for smaller
cave spawners. Got some cute little Betta species you need a natural cavern for? Right here.
O Package quantity — Three
OPrice $8 (Around £6).

www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 105
P Shoptour
This month takes us to shops in Dublin and Wembley.
Dublin

Wembley

WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY: GEORGE FARMER AND NATHAN HILL

Seahorse Aquariums Crosshatch trigger.

Address: Unit 3 St Joan’s fish breeder, Ioan Micu, who
Industrial Estate, Turnpike supplies many of the shop’s rarer
Road, Ballymount, Dublin 22, fish at highly competitive prices.
Ireland.
Telephone: +353 1 459 5650. Low points
Website: www. It’s almost impossible to pick any
seahorseaquariums.com fault. Set aside plenty of time to
Opening hours: Mon–Wed and visit the shop. I wish I had two
Fri–Sat 9.30am–6pm; Thurs days there, such was the sheer
9.30am–8pm; Sun 11am–6pm. quantity of great livestock and
inspirational displays.
What is it? Pondkeepers will have to look
Seahorse Aquariums is a large, elsewhere for livestock.
well-established retailer based
in Dublin, Ireland. Its owner Verdict
and marine biologist, Kealan, I’ve visited a lot of shops all over
has a background in seahorse the world in my time and this has
conversation, hence the name. to be my favourite so far. There’s
It stocks a huge range of something for everyone. I
freshwater and marine fish, challenge you not to be impressed
inverts, aquarium plants and by this shop or its staff. Forget the
dry goods. The shop also has Guinness Storehouse when you
its own laboratory for visit Dublin. This should be any Mantis shrimp.
diagnosing fish ailments, fishkeeper’s number one priority!
custom-building aquarium
factory, breeding facilities, two
quarantine facilities, a Star rating
dedicated staff training and Tropical fish 11111
meeting room, and some of the Discus 11111
best quality fish and displays Cichlids 11111
you’re ever likely to see. It has a Catfish 11111
sister store in Galway and Oddballs 11111
between the two stores Indoor plants 11111
employs 20 staff. Pond plants NS
Koi NS
High points Pond fish NS
You’re greeted on entry by an Fancies 11111
incredible L-shaped reef that’s Indoor coldwater 11111
probably one of the finest in Marine fish 11111
Europe. I’ve seen my fair share Marine inverts 11111
of reef displays and this was Indoor dry 11111
something else. Each member Pond dry 11111
of staff is clearly passionate Freshwater inverts 11111
and an expert in their own field, Labelling 11111
from aquascaping to breeding
fish, high-end reef to marine
biology. Every part of the hobby What stood out
is very well catered for whether (prices in Euros)
you’re an absolute beginner or G Iguana tetra €9.99
seasoned pro. The shop is G Orange oto €9.99
clean, well-presented with G XL discus €199.99
some inspirational displays G Blue Stiphodon goby €7.99
covering most genres of G Green laser cory €39.99
fishkeeping. G Lemon orange Bolivian tetra €4.99
A clever addition is the G Wild diamond tetra €7.99
second floor full of dry displays G Freshwater moray eel €150
in a makeshift living room, G Green peacock mantis shrimp €85
which demonstrates how G Crosshatch triggerfish €2,500 pair
aquariums can fit into your own G Flame dwarf parrot fish €550
living space. Seahorse employs G Pot-bellied seahorse €750 Iguana tetra.
highly skilled and passionate

STAR RATING: Excellent 11111 Good 11111 Average 11111 Below average 11111 Poor 11111 Out of season OS Not stocked NS

106 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING

 Magnificent tank Stiphodon gobies.
displays abound here.

Diamond tetra.

Tube anemone.

Pot-bellied seahorse.

Flame parrot cichlid.

www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 107
PFKShoptour
Maidenhead Aquatics @ Wembley
Address: The Greenhouse, Low points
Chilcot Nursery, Birchen Grove, A couple of young ‘big boys’ lurk Brochis multiradiatus.
Wembley, NW9 8RY. about in one or two tanks
Telephone: 0208 2003545. (Hydrocynus Tiger fish, Sorubim
Website: fishkeeper.co.uk shovelnoses).
Opening hours: Mon to Sat Some marine inverts seemed a
9am–5:30pm; Sun 11am–5pm. little staid and passé in the face of
modern trends for exciting zoas
What is it? and exorbitant frags. The pond
This is a long-established side, by virtue of being indoors,
Maidenhead Aquatics branch looked sparse because it was
that has evolved into a real winter at the time of our visit.
catch-all superstore of Oh, and there was Dracaena
aquatics, set over a huge on sale in the plant vats. Fear
indoor footprint. It’s a large one, not, I swore at the manager for
for sure. that one...

High points Verdict

Different staff members cover The balance here is wonderful. I
different areas, and these guys could send a newcomer with as
are passionate about what they much enthusiasm as I’d send an
do, so speak to them. Ask them expert aquarist. This Wembley
if any of the fish on sale were branch has been around long Pseudeutropius catfish.
formerly theirs — one guy in enough to explore what does and
particular here is a breeding doesn’t work, and wise enough to
wizard, while a few of the nicer play to its strengths while
fish spotted, when I asked, discarding any weak lines.
turned out to be fish that the Dry goods, trops, marines,
staff had nurtured at home coldwater, whatever — it’s all
themselves. thoroughly represented.
The tropical range is spread
over several banks, conveniently
(but informally) organised into Star rating
sections of ‘community’, Tropical fish 11111
‘community with caution’, and Discus 11111
‘specialist’. There’s a cracking Cichlids 11111
selection of Angelfish, and Catfish 11111
Stendker Discus looking at their Oddballs 11111
peak, and a smattering of wild Indoor plants 11111
and unusual imports really lifts Pond plants OS
the tropical house. Catfish and Koi OS
cichlid fans will have lots to Pond fish OS
choose from. Fancies 11111
Be sure to check out the Indoor coldwater 11111
display turtles, too. Marine fish 11111
Marine inverts 11111
Indoor dry 11111
Pond dry 11111 There are plenty
What stood out: Freshwater inverts 11111 of dry goods in
G Stendker Pigeon blood Labelling 11111 all areas.
Discus £80
G Amazon blue Angelfish
£14.95 Cherry shrimp.
G L200 Green phantom
£70
G Dwarf Pangasius £9.95
G Redhook Myleus (big!)
£29.95
G Brochis multiradiatus
(big!) £35
G Barbus fasciolatus
£6.95
G Geophagus megasema
£32.50
G Anomalochromis
thomasi £8.95
G Yellow tang £99

STAR RATING: Excellent 11111 Good 11111 Average 11111 Below average 11111 Poor 11111 Out of season OS Not stocked NS

108 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING

 Barbus fasciolatus.

All sectors of the hobby are

catered for, with individual There’s a great balance
staff having their own of fish in this big,
specialist areas. established store.

Anomalochromis Green phantom plec.

thomasi.

www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk 109
TOP of the
SHOPS!
Scotland

North
East
Northern TOP 40
Ireland North (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
THE ROLL OF HONOUR West Abacus Aquatics, Kent
Yorkshire &
Retailer of the Year Humberside Aqua Design Aquatics, Skegness
Lincs Aquatics, Alford, Lincs. Aquahome, Leyland, Lancs.
Runner up: Charterhouse Republic East Aqualife, Leyland, Lancs.
Aquatics, London
of Ireland Midlands Aquatic Finatic, North Yorkshire
East Bow Aquatics, Devon
Wales West
Online Retailer of the Midlands Carrick Aquatics, Co Monaghan
Year Charterhouse Aquatics, London
AllPond Solutions London Clearly Aquatics, Co. Down
Runner up: Charterhouse Aquatics Crowder’s Aquatics, Hampshire
South South Cuddra Aquatics, St. Austell, Cornwall
West East
Small Retailer of the Year Discovery Aquatics, Dundee
Octopus 8 Aquatics, Brough, East Yorkshire DL Discus, Co. Durham
Runner up: Aqua Design Aquatics, Emperor Tropicals, Plymouth, Devon
Skegness Shrimp Retailer of the Year Ferrybridge Aquatics, Wakefield
Seahorse Aquariums, Dublin FishCove Aquatics, Wimborne, Dorset
Runner up: Wharf Aquatics, Pinxton, Notts. Fishkeeper Braehead
Fishkeeper Coatbridge
Fishkeeper Inverness
REGIONAL H2O Habitat, Surrey
South east Innovation Aquatics, Southampton
Maidenhead Aquatics @ Windsor Lanchester Aquatics, Co. Durham
Runner up: Crowder’s Aquatics, Hampshire Lincs Aquatics, Alford, Lincs
Maidenhead Aquatics @ Mere Park
South west Maidenhead Aquatics @ Shirley
Emperor Tropicals, Devon Maidenhead Aquatics @ Wenvoe
Runner up: The Aquatic Store, Bristol Maidenhead Aquatics @ Windsor
New Concept Aquatics, Bonnybridge
Wales Octopus 8, Brough, East Yorkshire
TOP SPECIALISTS Maidenhead Aquatics @ Wenvoe Pier Aquatics, Wigan, Lancs
Marine Retailer of the Year Runner up: Maidenhead Aquatics @ Real Reefs, Gloucs.
Lincs Aquatics Cardiff Riverside Aquaria, West Lothian
Runner up: Seahorse Aquariums, Dublin Seahorse Aquariums, Dublin
London Sweet Knowle Aquatics, Warks.
Cichlid Retailer of the Year Charterhouse Aquatics, London Tank Terror Aquatics, Cornwall
Wharf Aquatics, Pinxton, Notts. Runner up: Wholesale Tropicals, London The Aquatic Store, Bristol
Runner up: Seahorse Aquariums, Dublin The Waterzoo, Peterborough
East Midlands TriMar, Cornwall
Catfish retailer of the Year Lincs Aquatics, Alford, Lincs. Wharf Aquatics, Pinxton, Notts.
Seahorse Aquariums, Dublin Runner up: Wharf Aquatics, Pinxton, Notts. Wholesale Tropicals, London
Runner up: Wharf Aquatics, Pinxton, Notts.
North east
Discus Retailer of the Year DL Discus, Co. Durham North West
DL Discus, Co. Durham Runner up: Lanchester Aquatics, Co. Aquahome Aquatic Centre, Lancs.
Runner up: Devotedly Discus, East Sussex Durham Runner up: Pier Aquatics, Wigan
Plant retailer of the Year Scotland East
Emperor Tropicals, Plymouth, Devon Discovery Aquatics, Dundee The Waterzoo, Peterborough
Runner up: Seahorse Aquariums, Dublin Runner up: Fishkeeper Inverness Runner up: Amwell Aquatics, Soham
Pond retailer of the Year Republic of Ireland Yorks and Humber
Lincs Aquatics, Alford, Lincs. Seahorse Aquariums, Dublin Octopus 8, Brough, East Yorkshire
Runner up: Seahorse Aquariums, Dublin Runner up: Carrick Aquatics, Co. Runner up: Ferrybridge Aquatics,
Monaghan Wakefield
Oddball Retailer of the Year
Wharf Aquatics, Pinxton, Notts. Northern Ireland West Midlands
Runner up: Tank Terror Aquatics, Clearly Aquatics, Co. Down Maidenhead Aquatics @ Mere Park
Cornwall Runner up: Exotic Aquatics, Belfast Runner up: Maidenhead Aquatics @
Shirley
 NEXTMONTH
in the arch issue of

On sale January 17th 2018

CHERRY PICKING
MP&C PIEDNOIR AQUAPRESS.COM

The stunning little Cherry barb is our

fish of the month. Discover the appeal
of this long-term community favourite.

SHIFTERS AND SIFTERS

We spotlight the bottom dwelling marine
fish and invertebrates often added as
substrate cleaners in the reef tank.
Are they really as beneficial as we think?

GLOWING EMBERS
Pretty, polite and perfectly proportioned —
the fiery orange Ember tetra graces
NEIL HEPWORTH

aquariums across the globe. Find out how

to keep them in yours.

LET THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG!

NEIL HEPWORTH

We look at some of the most under-rated

community catfish out there.
ALAMY

Plus O The wacky world of Victorian aquariums O Readers’ tanks O Coral warfare
O New gear reviews O Step-by-step guides O Your questions answered by our experts
111 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
 BRISTOL LONDON

From plants to
Cichlids, Stingrays
14
to Snakeheads
The Aquatic Store
Really does have it all!
www.theaquaticstore.co.uk 01179 639120
28 North Street Bedminster Bristol BS3 1HW

COUNTY DURHAM LEICESTERSHIRE

Retailer of
Fish Alive the year
www.leicesteraquatics.com
The Fish Bowl Ltd
North East
The only true aquatic Superstore, with over 250 stock tanks
specializing in community, rare and unusual cold water, tropical
and marine fish inverts and corals. Largest range of aquariums,
dry goods, frozen and live foods and Tropical plants.
Opening hours weekdays 10.00 - 18.00, Saturdays 10.00 - 17.00, Sundays 10.00 - 16.00, Closed on Wednesdays
Leicester Aquatics 133 Dawes Road,
London. SW6 7EA
Units 10 & 11, Dragonville Retail Park, Durham DH1 2YB
Phone and fax: 0191 3843590 0116 2709 610 Tel: 020 7385 6005
www.thefishbowlltd.com
Classified To advertise here please call the sales team on 01733 366410

KENT email: thefi[email protected]

ABACUS AQUATICS OFFICIAL JUWEL STOCKISTS PLUS SPARES

Voted one of the Best shops in
Aquatic and Pet Shop.
the UK for the last 6 years
Open 5 days a week 10am to 6pm. Closed all day Thursday and Sunday
Now open on Sundays
For more details about the NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
shop and our opening hours
please visit our website
Huge range of Readers’poll
www.abacus-aquatics.co.uk livestock in more 2017
than 600 tanks! ODDBALL

168 Halfway Street, Sidcup, Kent, DA15 8DJ

RETAILER
OF THE YEAR

TROPICAL - MARINE - POND & COLDWATER - REPTILES

020 8302 8000 / [email protected] Readers’poll
Six-time winner of top UK aquatic retailer
2017
www.wharfaquatics.co.uk CICHLID
RETAILER
OF THE YEAR

LINCOLNSHIRE Tel: 01773 861255 Marine direct: 01773 811044 Reptile direct: 01773 811499
Open 7 Days - 65-67 Wharf Road, Pinxton, Notts. NG16 6LH (near M1 J28)

QUAT LINCOLNSHIRE
SA I Hanger1 • Strubby Airfield
01507 451000 YORKSHIRE
LINC

Woodthorpe • Nr Alford • LN13 0DD

CS

EAST YORKSHIRE
Hedon Road • Burstwick SHEFFIELD’S LARGEST
East Yorks • HU12 9HA 01482 898800 AQUATIC CENTRE
Here at DKP we specialise in producing bespoke
SOUTH YORKSHIRE fibreglass fish tanks for the discerning customer
Great North Rd who wants the BEST for their fish.
Doncaster • DN10 6AB 01302 711639 The DKP product range includes Filters, Bakki’s and
Tanks 400, 450, 900 & 1500 gallons in rectangular
with 700 & 800 gallons in circular but any bespoke Rare breeds - Discus, L-number Plecs etc
To all our customers – thank you for your support with the PFK Awards size can be catered for including viewing windows. Over 150 aquariums and ponds
LARGE SELECTION OF HUGE SELECTION OF Come & feed our friendly fish Tropical, Coldwater & Pond
• Aquariums • Koi & Ornamental • Discounted Pond Liners
www.denbykoiponds.co.uk 2700 Litre Malawi section
• Fibreglass ponds Pond Fish • Lighting 01773 863991/07773186198 0114 231 0225
• Working Water • Marine Fish & Invertebrates • Food [email protected] www.sheffieldaquatics.co.uk
Features • Tropical & Fancy Cold • Ro-Water
• Waterfall Display Water Fish • Tropical & MarineMix
• Pumps • Pond & Tropical Plants • Treatments All fish are packed to travel anywhere in the UK

lincsaquatics-lincolnshire lincsaquatics-eastyorkshire lincsaquatics-southyorkshire

SCOTLAND
www.lincsaquatics.co.uk

LONDON House of Pisces ~ Scotland’s largest aquatic superstore by far

With over 1000 aquariums full of tropical, marine and cold water fish
Huge range of aquariums, aquarium furniture and equipment at discount prices
Unit B/G, 207 Strathmartine Road, Dundee, Scotland, DD3 8PH
01382 832000 www.tropicalfish-scotland.com

RS ONLY
RETA IL SHOPPE
G TIMES
To advertise in the Practical Fishkeeping
r all your
Thank you fo 1967!
support sinc
e
AY: CLOSED
● TUES, WED &
FRI 10.30-6.00
classified section please contact
, London, E2
● SAT 10.00-6.00
● SUN 10.00-2.0
James Belding on 01733 366410 or
l Green Road 0 77292444 0
220 Bethna
Tel: 020 7739
5356 Fax: 02 ww.wholesaletropicalsaq
uat ics.co.uk email: [email protected]
112
FOR SALE INTERNET
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113
Tailpiece

NAOMI BRAISBY
with Nathan Hill

“ The poor fish house manager might be there until the small hours,

”
working in almost no light, trying to identify pale fish in bags with no
markings, and that’s assuming the fish sent were even the ones ordered.

R
emember that old TV
programme where the main
prize was a trolley dash in a
huge supermarket, and frenzied
consumers would ransack the aisles for all
they could get their grubby mitts on?
Well, that’s me every time I go to the fish
wholesaler Neil Hardy Aquatica with a
camera. Things get pretty wild in there.
I’m blatantly boasting here, as Neil
Hardy’s doors are not open to the general
public. It’s the place where your local
retailers get a lot of their oddballs, so it’s
always a safe bet I’ll get to shoot a lot of stuff
I’ve not seen in a while. I’m fortunate
enough to have a long friendship with
Jason, one of the chaps working there, so I
can go pretty much whenever.
Climbing a stepladder to photograph
Arduous working conditions
NATHAN HILL

these mudskippers almost resulted

The thing with livestock wholesalers is that in heat exhaustion.
every time I visit I’m reminded of the
arduous working conditions behind the
scenes. Right now, it’s likely you’re comfily condensation hits the ceiling it falls back in Republic of Congo, where life is cheap and
sat at home. Your tank might be sat to one a constant indoor downpour. child soldiers roam the jungles, happy to
side, whirring away with your gorgeous At Neil Hardy’s, as I collect fish for shoot first and ask questions later, it can get
selection of tropical fish (and I bet it all photographs (see Fish in the Shops on page a lot worse. Whenever I ask about the lives
looks lovely, too). Your fish suppliers are 18 for a little of what I found) I experience of collectors over there, the response is
probably not sitting quite so comfily. the heat and humidity first-hand. Climbing frequently ‘Yeah, they packed it in because
Weeks before you bought them, the fish in up a stepladder to get hands-on with some it got too dangerous.’ I’d pack it in too, if I’d
your tank might have rocked up to a store mudskippers, the temperature is like a fist. I been shot at.
sometime around 11pm, after delays at cling to the ladder and panic as I think I’m In fact, with all of that in mind, paying
airports and traffic jams on the road. The about to flake out. “Jesus Christ,” I wail to out £5 or so for an unusual Congolese
poor fish house manager might be there nobody and everybody. “I’m DYING here. tetra comes across as a bit of a steal. A small
until the small hours, working in almost no I’ve just been sick in my mouth.” price for the amount of late nights,
light, trying to identify pale fish in bags with To make matters worse, as I work I get a sweating (and possibly vomiting) involved.
no markings whatsoever — and that’s huge splash of water right in the face, from a And frankly, if I was heading out into a
assuming the fish sent were even the ones tank of fish fresh out of Africa — one thing I jungle where there was a high chance a
ordered (things are frequently substituted). had hoped to avoid. Thanks, Congochromis. teenager was going to shoot me with an
Then that same manager enjoyed the Really helpful. Several hours later when I AK47, or at best rob me of my mobile phone,
delights of trudging home afterwards, get home I throw up. After a night of I’d say £5 to the fishkeeper was an
exhausted, for a late supper and a little sleep stomach cramps, I wake up and wonder if absolute bargain.
before turning up at 8.30am for another full it’s just a stomach bug or whether I should The supply chain for fish is a lot more
day (some aquatic staff are known to Google ‘amoebic dysentery.’ I was only there complex than it first appears, something I
‘overlook’ the 11–hour gap required for one day. For the staff who work at fish think we should all be thankful for. One day,
between working full-time shifts, which is wholesalers, those are often normal it might make a fascinating feature for me
why some look so tired and haggard conditions. to track a fish all the way back to source,
midweek). But what about a step further back, recording each stage as a journalist. The
pre-wholesaler, when the fish are still catch is, I only get as far as the wholesaler
Indoor downpour at the collection stage? Surely it can’t get before I complain like a stubborn toddler
Your fish might have come from a any worse? and throw up. Maybe not, then.
wholesaler, with densely-packed fish
houses where the air temperature hangs Too dangerous… Nathan Hill is Practical Fishkeeping’s features editor,
biotope addict and amateur photographer, and has
around the high-twenties or low-thirties, Well, yeah, it really can. When you have fish a weak constitution and poor resistance to tropical
and the humidity is so high that as coming from places like the Democratic temperatures.

114 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING

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