BiomesInaBox

Category: Freshwater

  • Celestial Pearl Danio – Complete Care Guide

    Celestial Pearl Danio – Complete Care Guide

    Celestial Pearl Danio Information

    The Celestial Pearl Danio (Danio margaritatus) is a gorgeous freshwater fish with vibrant colorations and a fantastic personality. It is a popular fish in the hobby and a must have for a planted fish tank. Also known as the Galaxy Rasbora, this species of fish enjoys living in groups larger than 6 because of their social nature. Celestial Pearl Danio’s max size will be around 1 in. (2.5 cm) and it has a lifespan between 3 and 5 years. Overall, this is a very peaceful and fairly hardy fish but it can also be very timid! We will dive into the requirements of keeping this beautiful freshwater fish species.

    Aquarium Requirements

    This fish remains small, but will require at least a 10 gallon aquarium to be happy. You should be able to keep between 6 and 8 Celestial Pearl Danios in a 10 gallon aquarium. I would add 2 gallons of water for each additional fish added. I would not recommend keeping this fish in anything smaller, such as a 5 gallon or 1 gallon fish tank. Those are too small for shoaling fish.

    Recommended Water Parameters

    Galaxy Rasboras do well in a wide range of water parameters. They will do well with many other fish species because of this. However, Celestial Pearl Danios temperature requirements are higher than some other species of danio. This fish species will require a heater. If you are looking for cool water fish, check out White Cloud Mountain Minnows, Leopard Danios, or Zebra Danios. Those fish tolerate cooler waters. If you need suggestions on heaters, check out Aquarium Heaters for Freshwater & Saltwater Fish Tanks. The following are the water parameter requirements for this fish species:

    • Water Temperature: 72° – 78° F
    • pH: 6.5 – 7.5
    • KH: 2 – 10 dKH

    The water parameters that are required to keep Galaxy Rasboras make it an excellent candidate for a planted fish tank! The parameter requirements for this fish are fairly similar to a lot of different freshwater fish species, but I would still recommend doing research on every fish before purchase.

    Do Celestial Pearl Danios Jump?

    This, of course is a trick question. Any fish can jump out of an aquarium if they are committed and I would recommend having a lid on. However, to my knowledge Celestial Pearl Danios do not commonly jump out of fish tanks. If they do, it’s suggested that something startled them which would cause them to bolt up and jump out.

    Celestial Pearl Danio Diet

    The Galaxy Rasbora is an omnivore. This gives us plenty of different options for food! They can eat high quality flake food such as New Life Spectrum’s Optimum Flakes. At full size, they should be able to consume New Life Spectrum Thera A pellet food, which will help bring out more colors in Celestial Pearl Danios. This fish should also readily consume bloodworms, algae wafers, brine shrimp and other small frozen foods.

    Fully sized Celestial Pearl Danios should do ok with smaller species of shrimp, such as Neocaridina. Shrimp babies may get eaten but the adults should not become a snack for this fish. If you’re paranoid of losing your shrimp, consider larger species of shrimp such as the Amano Shrimp.

    Celestial Pearl Danio Tank Mates

    This species of fish are for the most part incredibly peaceful. They will more than likely leave other fish alone, but may chase after one another. The Celestial Pearl Danio should do well with most other community fish. Always consider aquarium size limitations before purchasing fish. Rasboras, Tetras, Danios, Guppies and Corydoras should do incredibly well with this fish. In a large enough and heavily planted aquarium, Celestial Pearl Danio with Dwarf Gourami can be possible but I personally prefer Honey Gouramis.

    As stated earlier, very small (baby) shrimp may become a meal for this fish. However, Celestial Pearl Danios and Cherry Shrimp, Red Crystal Shrimp, and other Neocaridina should be fine once the shrimp are adults. The fish’s mouth should be too small to consume adult shrimp.

    How to Breed Celestial Pearl Danios

    Celestial Pearl Danios will breed fairly easily in an aquarium setting. The biggest thing is finding the fish for sale and figuring out the correct ratio of Celestial Pearl Danios males and females. Usually you would want less males and more females. I often recommend 1 male for every 3-4 females. This will help deter aggression between males and increase spawning opportunities. If you’re really interested in breeding Celestial Pearl Danios, consider setting up a breeding tank that only has this species of fish. Check out this video that goes into a great level of detail on how to breed Galaxy Rasboras at home.

    Overall, Galaxy Rasboras are fairly easy to breed as long as their water parameters are inline with what they need. Otherwise, you just need to fatten them up and let nature run its course. Successfully growing fry into adults is where things may get a little more challenging.

    Final Notes

    Galaxy Rasbora are an incredibly beautiful freshwater fish. If you are looking for a colorful animal to put into your aquarium, consider this species. You will (hopefully) not be disappointed. They’re a little tough to acquire but you may be able to find Celestial Pearl Danio for sale in certain fish stores near you but more commonly online. There are plenty of online pet stores and breeders that are selling this fish!

    Image by Gedanken.welten on wikiMedia

  • 9 Best Bottom Feeder Fish for Freshwater Aquariums

    9 Best Bottom Feeder Fish for Freshwater Aquariums

    A Brief Summary of Bottom Dwellers

    Bottom Feeders are the backbone of a lot of aquariums. These fish are the janitors or part of the cleanup crew in your fish tank. There are many different kinds of species of bottom dwelling fish. They all come in different shapes, sizes and nuances. This article will discuss some of the best bottom dwelling fish for freshwater aquariums. The fish here will vary in species, aggression, colorations and more.

    1. Cory Catfish

    You can’t start a bottom dweller list without Cory Catfish. I lumped them all together because (in my opinion) all Cory Cats are great. These beautiful shoaling fish are excellent bottom feeders. They love sitting at the bottom of the substrate, waiting for food or they’ll swim around scavenging. They’re fun fish with amazing personalities and are incredibly friendly so they’re perfect for community fish tanks. There are two species of Cory that I will highlight because of unique characteristics they possess.

    Pygmy Cory

    The first Cory Catfish I wanted to highlight is the Pygmy Cory. The unique characteristic this fish has is in the name. The Pygmy Cory is a small fish and it remains fairly small its whole life. You will likely never see see one larger than 1.5 inches (~3.2 cm). Because of it’s max size being so small, this fish is excellent for fish tanks that are 10 gallons or larger. A fish tank this large will allow you to create a shoal that is at least 6 corys strong. Larger shoals are always better so the more corys you can keep the happier they will be.

    Emerald Green Cory

    The Emerald Green Cory is the second fish I would like to highlight. This fish’s unique characteristic is its coloration. There are green fish available purchase but it’s not as common as blue, red and silver colorations. The Emerald Cory’s green color is vibrant and very well looks like an emerald! Unlike the Pygmy Cory Catfish, the Emerald Green Cory grows to have a max size of 3.5 inches. They require at least 30 gallons of water to be happy. Similarly to other Cory Cats, this species of fish requires to be in a shoal of at least 6 fish to be happy.

    2. Bristlenose Pleco

    bristlenose pleco
    Image by JanRehschuh on wikiMedia

    The Bristlenose Pleco, sometimes called the Bushy Nose Pleco, is a fantastic fish to add to fish tanks that are 30 gallons or larger. The Bristlenose Pleco is a fantastic algae eater which does not get incredibly large. It will grow to be roughly 6 inches in size but does a great job eating algae at every stage of life. If this pleco runs out of algae to eat, you will have to supplement it with algae wafers or other foods. The Bushy Nose Plecostomus has a unique feature to it. The males of this species grow a face full of whiskers. On the other hand, the females grow much smaller whiskers. It’s a unique but incredibly cool feature of this fish. You can find different variants of Bristlenose Pleco for sale in stores and online. You can find them in regular, albino, red and other varieties.

    3. Kuhli Loach

    The Kuhli Loach is a long “noodle like” fish that is very popular in the hobby. This fish species spends a lot of its time scavenging for food along substrate and is an excellent bottom feeder. A Kuhli Loach’s max size will be around 4-5 inches. This makes it perfect for aquariums that are 20 gallons or larger. They love to burrow so having sand in the aquarium is incredibly beneficial for them. Overall, they are a very peaceful fish and does well with other community fish like tetras, rasboras, and other fish. They can get territorial with other Kuhli Loaches so I would recommend adding 5 extra gallons of water for each additional loach.

    If you’re looking to remove pest snails, you will have to look at other loaches. Unlike other loach species, you will rarely see a Kuhli Loach eat snails. However, it is possible for these loaches to eat smaller species of shrimp. If you really want to keep shrimp with this loach, Amano Shrimp and other larger shrimp have a better chance of survival. If you’re looking for ways to remove pest snails, check out this guide, which shows different methods of controlling and removing nuisance snails.

    4. Clown Loach

    Clown Loaches are a fantastic bottom feeder, if you have the room to house it! Although it is a very slow grower, the Clown Loach size maxes at 1 foot! They require at least a 100 gallon fish tank once they are fully grown. If you can house one, I highly recommend it. They have very cool colorations and interesting personalities. This fish species will spend quite a bit of time foraging for leftover food and invertebrates in a fish tank. That’s right, the Clown Loach is an excellent invertebrate hunter. There is no snail or shrimp that is safe from this fish! If you have an infestation of snails, consider getting a Clown Loach or for smaller tanks, get a Yoyo Loach which is further down this list!

    5. Otocinclus

    Ottocinclus on driftwood

    Otocinclus are incredible bottom feeders that are an excellent addition to nano fish tanks. They do great in fish tanks that are 10 gallons or larger. Ottos love being in groups. I would keep a minimum of 6 in a fish tank but more is always recommended. Otocinclus eat brown algae as well as green algae. They’re fantastic fish to own and having a group of them adds a liveliness into the fish tank. The one drawback to this fish is that they can be very sensitive. They’re not known to be hardy fish and even in established fish tanks sometimes struggle. With that in mind, be cautious when adding Ottos into your fish tank.

    6. Yoyo Loach

    If you need a pest snail hunting fish, Yoyo Loaches might be what you’re looking for. This fish is an excellent invertebrate hunter and will take down snails and shrimp. Keep that in mind if you have snails and shrimp you want to keep in the tank. With their very interesting colorations and pattern work, a Yoyo Loach should be kept in fish tanks that are 30 gallon or larger. They will spend their days hunting inverts and consuming whatever food makes its way down to the substrate.

    7. Redtail Shark

    red tail shark swimming
    Image by Astellar87 on wikimedia

    Knowing that Redtail Sharks aren’t always the kindest fish in the fish tank, you have to admit that their colorations are beautiful! A lot of people miss out on keeping Redtails because of their temperament, which is understandable. This fish can take over the fish tank and pick on everything inside. If you’re lucky, they can be incredibly peaceful and keep to themselves. Redtail Sharks will definitely be more aggressive towards bottom dwelling fish. I would not recommend keeping them with Cory cats, Plecos, and most other bottom feeders. This fish can potentially pick on other fish even outside of their territory. Be vigilant when keeping Redtails.

    Redtail Sharks get to be 4 inches in length. This might not seem very big but their aggression can make up for it. If you are thinking of keeping this fish, I would suggest housing it in aquariums 55 gallons or larger. Also, provide it with plenty of plants, hiding places of varying sizes and other nooks and crannies it can hide in. Providing all of this may help in keeping the Redtail Shark’s aggression down a bit. You can find Redtail Sharks for sale at most pet stores and online!

    8. Clown Pleco

    The Clown Pleco is a unique species of bottom feeder. Along with algae and leftover food, much of the fish’s diet is driftwood! It’s a unique quirk, and you may even hear it munching on wood from outside the aquarium. A Clown Plecos size maxes at around 4 inches. It is great for fish tanks that are 20 gallons or larger. Some hobbyists do not keep Clown Plecos because of the amount of waste they produce due to their unique diet. If you’re interested in learning more about this fish, check out the Clown Pleco Complete Care Guide!

    9. Hillstream Loach

    I had to add the Hillstream Loach also known as the Reticulated Hillstream Loach into this list. Not as much for it’s ability to be an excellent bottom feeder but because its overall appearance. The Hillstream Loach has a very flat body which helps it stay put in fast flowing waters. In the wild it lives in fast moving, highly oxygenated and cooler waters. Your aquarium should mimic the appearance of a river, with strong filtration and possibly a powerhead/circulation pump to provide fast currents for this fish. Hillstream Loach care might limit what can be mixed with it. Regardless, this is a very fascinating and rewarding fish to keep in a fish tank!

    Final Notes

    There are many other bottom feeders that will do very well in a fish tank. I wanted to name off some of the best and unique that I have come across. If you have bottom dwelling fish that you love, let me know! I am always happy to learn more and spread the information along.

  • How to Get Rid of Pest Snails from Fish Tanks

    How to Get Rid of Pest Snails from Fish Tanks

    Pest Snail Overview

    Fish tanks, especially planted aquariums can be overrun with pest snails. These little invertebrates may hitchhike into your aquarium on plants or other aquatic decor purchased at a fish store. If caution isn’t taken, these little nuisances can take over your tank which can become a headache. There are ways to help prevent your aquarium from being invaded by nuisance snails and there are ways to help control pest snails once they enter your aquarium.

    Help Prevent Nuisance Snail Invasions

    As stated above, these little invaders may hitchhike into your aquarium from plants purchased at pet stores. Often, the snail itself will not be hanging onto the plant but its eggs will. The eggs are hard to see because they are almost clear. Before placing plants into your fish tank visually inspect each plant. Check the leaves and stems for snails and eggs. I also recommend running your fingers through each of your plant’s stems to feel for nuisance snail eggs. They will most likely be wet and squishy. This is not always successful but it’s a measure you can take to help remove pest snails.

    Bleaching Plants

    If you’re still paranoid of bringing snails into your fish tank, bleaching your plants is something that can be done before adding plants into your fish tank. If you know the fish store you purchased your plants from has pest snails, you can remove snails and by using a watered down bleach solution. I recommend using a ratio of 3/4 cups of bleach to a gallon of water. Mix the solution in a bucket to evenly disperse the bleach and then place your new plants in the solution for 2-3 minutes. Remove the plants from the solution and rinse them under running water for about 5 minutes. This should help eradicate baby pest snails and adult snails. Most treatments will not kill off eggs though!

    It is harsh on plants and I would be weary of trying this method on more delicate plants. Hardy plants like Anubias and Java Fern will be more tolerable of a diluted bleach solution compared to less hardy plants like Madagascar Lace. This solution can kill a plant so assess the risk before conducting it.

    How to Control Pest Snails in Aquarium

    Freshwater aquarium pest snails can be easily missed and can make their way into your fish tank. If snails are already in your fish tank, there are measures you can take to help lower the population but also remove them completely. Not every method will work but using a combination of each can help remove these invaders.

    Population Control Pest Snails

    The first step that should be taken, in my opinion, is to attempt controlling the population of snails that are in your fish tank. Controlling the population will not guarantee the removal of snails but it will slow down the invasion. One way to control the population is to physically remove the snails. Get down and dirty and pluck the little inverts with tongs or your hands. I personally use the tongs from an aquarium planting kit like this one from Amazon. It helps keep my hands out of the water and I can often get into the nooks and crannies my hands can’t normally fit into.

    Trap & Remove

    The second method I would use to help control the population is to “trap” and remove snails that you cannot find or see. Something as simple as a piece of lettuce on a fish feeding clip will attract nuisance snails. Set the trap up at night before bed, leave it there throughout the night. Check on it in the morning and you should have plenty of little snails munching on lettuce. Once a bunch are on there, take out the lettuce, remove the snails and rise and repeat the process. Please do not flush nuisance snails down the toilet. If they are not native to our waterways they can invade our streams, rivers and lakes!

    Cut Down on Feeding

    Part of our excitement in keeping fish is feeding the animals you owns. Many times and without knowing, we overfeed our pets. This is just perfect for pest snails. They will utilize the leftover food and this can be part of the reason their populations explode. Cut down on feeding and see how the snail’s populations react. It won’t change overnight, but this can assist in lowering the snail population in your aquarium.

    How To Kill Pest Snails in Fish Tanks

    There are many different ways we can kill pest snails in a fish tank. Snails are on the bottom of the food chain so there are plenty of aquatic animals that will eat them. You can also kill them chemically (not my preference). We have options to work with and I will go and discuss some methods we can take.

    Assassin Snails

    Assassin Snails are a species of snails that assassinate other snails. They have little stinger that they use to paralyze snails and possibly other small animals. It’s not as common for them to go after shrimp and larger snails but there is always a small risk. If there are small snails in the tank, they will most likely focus on them. You may need more than one Assassin Snail if your fish tank is completely overrun with nuisance snails. They’re not very big themselves but should get straight to work once introduced into an aquarium. These snails are an excellent choice for Nano fish tanks that can’t house snail eating fish due to capacity limitations.

    Loaches

    Loaches are excellent snail eaters. However, there are many different loach species, and they all have different aquarium requirements. It’s important to research information on anything before adding it into your fish tank. Regardless, this fish can and will decimate snail populations. Clown Loaches and Yo-Yo Loaches always come to mind when I think of snail hunters. Clown Loaches grow slowly but will outgrow small aquariums and the YoYo Loach is excellent for aquariums 20 gallons or larger. As a warning, most snail and shrimp can become a snack for loaches. Loaches can really clean up a fish tank with snails.

    Puffer Fish

    Freshwater Puffer Fish are not very practical for many aquariums. They are often times very territorial and will nip on most fish. However, if you have an empty fish tank infested with snails, consider getting Puffer Fish. There are many different species to choose from. The smallest and probably the most practical to keep is the Pea Puffer. They will grow no larger than 1.5 inches but are mean and these little fish can devastate snail populations. If you are looking into get one, know that they are aggressive amongst themselves so I personally would only keep 1 in 10 gallons.

    Chemical Removal

    My last resort to remove nuisance snails is through the use of chemicals. Just like with other fish tank ailments like algae problems, I stray away from using chemicals unless it is the last option. However, if you’re snail infestation has gone off the deep end, consider using chemicals to help eradicate them. I am not talking about bleach or hydrogen peroxide. There are chemicals that are “relatively” safe for aquarium use. Copper is often used to treat sick fish and also remove nuisance snails. Cupramine by Seachem is one that comes to mind. Be sure to also purchase the Seachem Copper Test Kit to monitor how much copper is in your fish tank if you choose to go this route.

    Invertebrates are incredibly sensitive to copper so make sure any inverts you want alive are removed before dosing. Also, copper can be harsh on your system as a whole. Do your best to not overdose because that can end up being lethal to fish as well. This dosing can cause quick die off of nuisance snails. Remember to remove the dead/dying snails. They can quickly make your water parameters suffer if not kept in check. Lastly, the copper can linger in your aquarium even after a few water changes. Keep track of the copper levels before reintroducing invertebrates into your fish tank.

    Final Notes

    Freshwater Pest Snails are relatively not bad for an aquarium. They are beneficial because like many other snails, they act as a clean up crew to remove food and algae. However, they can really become a nuisance if not kept under control. I highly recommend trying to naturally remove nuisance snails before moving on to more dangerous control methods. It’s better to remove the source of the problem rather than putting a Band-Aid over it.

  • Clown Pleco – Complete Care Guide

    Clown Pleco – Complete Care Guide

    Clown Pleco Information

    The Clown Plecostomus is a freshwater fish that is often missed in this hobby. it is a gorgeously colored fish that is an excellent addition to an aquarium. This beautiful fish spends its time in a fish tank eating away at leftover food, algae and driftwood. Yes, this species of fish love and require driftwood in the fish tank. They munch on driftwood often, to the point that you can sometimes hear the crunching outside of the fish tank. It is great for smaller aquariums because a full grown Clown Pleco is only 4 inches. One thing to note, is that Clown Plecos will produce a lot of waste due to their unique diet. You may have to siphon and physically remove the waste from your aquariums.

    You can find the Clown Pleco for sale online and not as commonly in stores. This guide will go over the aquarium requirements, diet, tank mate compatibility and breeding habits of this fish species. All of this will help you provide proper Clown Pleco care.

    Aquarium Requirements

    Because of the Clown Pleco size in adulthood, it should do well in fish tanks that are 20 gallons or larger. This should provide it enough room to move around. A fish tank this large will help prevent water parameters from negatively spiking because of this fish’s ability to produce a lot of waste. A full grown Clown Pleco will be very happy in a 20 gallon aquarium as long as plenty of hiding spaces are available.

    Clown Plecos should do perfectly fine with live plants although it may nibble on plants if hungry. They normally focus on algae and driftwood for sources of food. Also, Clown Plecos are normally not known for jumping but still consider keeping a well fitted lid on your fish tank.

    Do Clown Plecos Need Driftwood?

    The answer to this question is yes. Clown Plecos do need to be able to chew on driftwood to provide them with additional nutrients and supplements not normally found in regular foods. Check out some driftwood on Amazon but really think of your aquarium’s size before finalizing a purchase! As a side note, certain driftwoods will leach tannins into your fish tank. It is recommended to boil your driftwood for about 30 minutes to help prevent this from happening.

    Water Parameters

    Like any other fish or aquatic invertebrate, having excellent and stable water parameters is one of the most important things to keep your pet happy and healthy. Clown Plecos are no different in this aspect. The following water parameters will help keep this fish comfortable and not stressed:

    • Temperature Range: 74-80°F
    • pH Range: 6.5 – 7.5
    • KH Range: 6-10

    Healthy water parameters for freshwater fish tanks do not really have a sweet spot. You will have to research information on fish species and determine parameters that the fish thrive in. Many fish are incompatible because of this.

    Clown Pleco Diet

    As stated before in this article, you will need driftwood for Clown Plecos which you can easily find on Amazon or many pet stores. A Clown Pleco’s diet will primarily consist of driftwood, algae, leftover fish food and algae wafers you provide. If there is no algae in the fish tank, supplementing your pleco with algae wafers is a must! If you Pleco goes on the glass, you can monitor how fed it is by observing the belly. Indented bellies are signs that your Plecos are starving.

    Clown Plecos like most other plecos primarily have a herbaceous diet. However, like any other fish, they are opportunists. If there is a chance to eat, they will take it. Clown Plecos will not actively hunt fish and freshwater inverts but if one is on its last legs or freshly dead, they will more than likely try to eat it.

    Tank Mates

    Clown Plecos are very peaceful fish. They will normally keep to themselves and not bother any fish swimming about. If there isn’t enough room, Clown Plecos will fight with others of the same species for territory. Otherwise they’re excellent for community tanks. They do great with fish such as:

    This list isn’t the full extent of what can be kept with Clown Plecos. They will do great with just about every species of Tetra, Livebearers, Rasboras, Gouramis and more. I would personally keep them away from more aggressive species of cichlids like Tiger Oscars, Jack Dempsey and others. They are also incompatible with fish like African Cichlids because of the differences in water parameters. Do some research before deciding what species of fish to add into a fish tank!

    Clown Pleco Breeding

    Breeding Clown Plecos is a little difficult. In order to do so, first you have to find a male and female to breed. Male Clown Plecos will have a few more bristles on its head compared to the female. If you are not purposely trying to breed them you can house a male/female pair together in a 30 gallon fish tank. Otherwise you would have to provide a breeding tank for these fish.

    Aquarium Setup

    In a normal aquarium setting, it will be important to provide this fish with a lot of driftwood and caves. Clown Plecos will more than likely lay their eggs in these caves. If you are using a breeding tank, you will have a similar setup. Furthermore, you will have to lower the water level in the fish tank roughly 30% to trigger a drought season. Once 30% of the water is removed, you will need to refill it with clean water to initiate a large rain event. If you do this there is a chance Clown Plecos will begin to breed.

    Feeding & Time

    I would recommend feeding your Clown Plecos a diet rich in nutrients after refilling the fish tank with clean water. This replicates an increase in nutrients & resources which are ideal breeding conditions. Otherwise, only time will tell whether this fish will breed and spawn. Males will guard the eggs until they are hatched which can take about a month.

    Final Notes

    Clown Plecos are a cool fish to add into a freshwater aquarium. If you are okay with the amount of waste they produce, they can be a fantastic talking point to visitors and viewers of the fish tank. They stay small so are excellent for smaller aquariums but still are great addons to larger fish tanks. If are interested in other great algae eaters for freshwater aquariums, check out this list!

    Image by Jarne Colman on wikiMedia

  • Roseline Shark – Complete Care Guide

    Roseline Shark – Complete Care Guide

    Roseline Shark Information

    The Roseline Shark or sometimes known as the Roseline Torpedo Shark, Roseline Barb, or Denison Barb is a gorgeous freshwater fish that falls under the barb family. This species has two variations, the regular Roseline Shark and its counterpart the Gold Roseline Shark. After doing a little digging, it seems the Gold Roseline Shark is a mutated form of the regular Roseline Shark. This freshwater fish species is fairly peaceful and loves to school with fish of the same species.

    You can find the Roseline Shark for sale online and less commonly at pet stores. On the other hand, at the time of this writing, you can rarely find the Gold Roseline Shark for sale both online and pet stores. Regardless, ask whether your local pet store can order them for you.

    Aquarium Requirements

    Just like any other fish out there, there are specific aquarium requirements to keep this species happy. To begin, the Denison Barb’s max size is about 4.5 inches. I would keep a small school of Denison Barbs in a fish tank that is 55 gallons or larger. This Torpedo Shark does very well in an aquarium with freshwater plants but they can nip at the plants. I would recommend hardy more resilient plants with Denison Barbs. Also, this species of fish appreciate high oxygen levels in aquariums because they are often seen in fast moving streams in the wild. Consider adding an air pump to your fish tank to provide extra oxygen. This shark shaped air pump from Amazon is an excellent choice.

    Keeping your water parameters up to par is probably one of the most important things in this fishkeeping hobby. It’s important to have stable parameters for the health of your freshwater fish. Roseline Sharks do best in the following water parameter ranges:

    • Temperature Range: 60-77° F
    • KH Range: 4-10,
    • pH Range: 6.8-7.8

    When water parameters are in check, Roseline Sharks are hardy fish. I would not recommend using them to cycle a fish tank. Lastly, The Roseline Barb fish is prone to jumping out of aquariums. It is important to keep a lid on your fish tank to help prevent this from happening. Regardless, they are a cool freshwater fish with a unique shape and coloration.

    Food & Diet

    This freshwater fish is omnivorous. Denison Barbs will happily take on both meaty foods and foods that are more fibrous, like algae wafers. Providing a mixture and balance of both will benefit this species of fish. I would highly recommend feeding this fish frozen food such as bloodworms & Mysis Shrimp and high quality flake/pellet food. I personally prefer feeding my fish frozen food over freeze dried food when dealing with bloodworms and Mysis Shrimp but everyone has their preferences.

    Roseline Shark Tank Mates

    denison barb schooling
    Photo by Anandarajkumar at wikimedia

    Roseline Sharks are not fin nippers but they are highly competitive during feeding time so they may bully other fish. Also, this freshwater fish can become aggressive when it is in an aquarium that is too small or in a school that does not have enough fish. Otherwise, they will pick on each other from time to time but should not really bother other fish species. You can easily keep Denison Barbs with fish that are similar in size. I would not recommend aggressive cichlids but fish such as:

    Will do fantastic with Roseline Sharks. There are many other fish species that will work but these are some of the most common kept together. Fish being fish, they may take a chance at eating anything that will fit into their mouths. I personally would be weary about keeping small fish like Ember Tetras, Chili Rasbora, Neon Tetras and others with Roseline Torpedo Sharks.

    Roseline Shark Breeding

    Although Roseline Torpedo Sharks are successfully bred in commercial fisheries I could not find any concrete information on how to breed them successfully in an aquarium setting. Certain Zoos & Aquariums may have had luck but in a small fish tank enclosure it is incredibly hard to almost impossible to do. If you have any information on Roseline Shark breeding, please let us know!

    Final Notes

    This fish species is a gorgeous animal and an excellent choice for anyone looking for a large schooling fish. They dominate a fish tank and become a fantastic centerpiece. If you’re considering different freshwater fish, really consider the Roseline Shark. This is not a fish I would recommend if you’re very fresh to the hobby but it definitely is one I would recommend once some experience is gained.

    Photo by Anandarajkumar at wikimedia

  • 5 Unique Halloween Themed Freshwater Fish!

    5 Unique Halloween Themed Freshwater Fish!

    Halloween is just around the corner and it’s time to start thinking about Halloween themed fish tanks! If you love the spooky season, I know you’ll love setting up a fish tank filled with some oddball fish that fit the theme. Even if you’re not all of these are really cool fish that would look great in most aquariums. The following freshwater fish will get anyone’s head turning.

    Bleeding Heart Tetra (Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma)

    Bleeding Heart Tetra in Fish Tank
    Image by Citron on wikiMedia

    You can’t start off a Halloween themed fish list without Bleeding Heart Tetras. This species of fish is a faint pink and/or clear color with a dark pink patch where its heart is. This tetra fish is great for Halloween because of this pink patch. As the name suggest, it resembles a bleeding heart. Blood is a common decoration theme for Halloween. The Bleeding Heart Tetra Fish is a peaceful fish that is perfect for aquariums that are 10 gallon or larger. Take a look at their quick care guide here. This freshwater fish species has a similar shape to Serpae Tetras, Ember Tetra and Black Skirt Tetra. You can find the Bleeding Heart Tetra fish for sale fairly commonly online and in stores.

    Ghost Catfish (Kryptopterus bicirrhis)

    Glass Catfish in Aquarium
    Image by jacilluch on wikiMedia

    The Ghost Catfish, commonly knows as the Glass Catfish or Ghost Glass Catfish, is the next species of freshwater fish on our list. This fish species falls into the spooky theme because it is translucent and looks like a skeleton. If you look closely you can see through the Ghost Catfish. You can also see its vertebrae, just like you would on an actual skeleton! This skeleton fish can live up to 8 years under ideal fish tank conditions. Also, a full grown glass catfish will be about 4 inches long. It will require an aquarium that is 30 gallons or larger. You can find Glass Catfish for sale commonly online but a little more sparsely at fish stores.

    Albino Cory Catfish (Corydoras aeneus)

    Albino Cory Catfish
    Image by Leonardo Da Silva on wikiMedia

    Next, we have the Albino Corydoras Catfish. This bottom dwelling fish looks eerie with its very white/tan body and red eyes. It fits the spooky theme for a fish tank because it looks so creepy. Overall, they are incredibly peaceful fish and great additions to fish tanks larger than 30 gallons. It normally like to shoal (school) so having a small army of fish from the undead is ideal. Albino Cory size will reach about 2.5 inches when fully grown. You can easily feed Albino Cory Catfish bottom feeder tablets but they will also feed on any food that falls to the bottom of the fish tank.

    Painted Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus)

    The common colors for Halloween are orange and black. That is the main reason the Painted Platy falls onto this list. This species of freshwater fish is a beautiful orange and black color that will pop in any spooky themed fish tank. The Painted Platy fish will grow to be 2 inches in length so it is perfect for 10 gallon fish tanks or larger. They are generally peaceful fish and should be kept with other community fish.

    Painted Platy in fish tank
    Image by Ude on wikiMedia

    Beware, if you have male and female Painted Platy Fish, there is a strong possibility of them breeding like there is no tomorrow. Don’t let that stop you from picking up this black, orange sometimes yellow platy fish. You can find this platy for sale online and may spot them at pet stores.

    Glofish

    Glofish in blue fish tank

    Glofish are very cool fish. Their vibrant colors makes them perfect for a Halloween fish tank! Many people ask, “Do Glofish glow in the dark”? They do not, but you can throw on a blue light with these fish in your aquarium and your fish tank will pop with color! Glofish are not one species. You can find Glofish Danios, White Fin Tetras, and Tiger Barbs. The Danio and Tetra Glofish are peaceful but the Tiger Barb Glofish are not. Click on the following links if you’re interested in Glofish and setting up a Glofish specific tank. You can commonly find Glofish for sale both online and in stores!

    Additional Halloween Fish Tank Ideas

    There are many other things you can add to create a Halloween fish tank. Choose some spooky decorations such as a Skeleton sailor or skulls. You can also add artificial fish tank plants that are incredibly vibrant under blue lighting. Check out this link for plant ideas. The options are limitless for what you can do to create the perfect Halloween fish tank!

    Final Notes

    Themed fish tanks are a lot of fun because you really have to think outside of the box to make it look incredible. Luckily there are many different fish species that fit the theme as well. If themed fish tanks are not for you or you are unfamiliar with setting up aquariums, take a look at the guide that will help setup a simple freshwater fish tank!

  • African Butterflyfish – Complete Care Guide

    African Butterflyfish – Complete Care Guide

    African Butterflyfish Information

    The African Butterflyfish is an oddly shaped but very beautiful freshwater fish available in the aquarium keeping hobby. It is unique because it sits right under the water’s surface, resembles a butterfly/bird, and can actually glide a little if it jumps out of the aquarium. As a disclaimer, please do not allow this to happen! The African Butterfly grows to be about 5 inches so it does not get incredibly big but may try and eat anything that will fit into its mouth. This article will go over aquarium requirements, food & dietary needs, compatible tank mates and breeding habits of the African Butterfly Fish.

    Aquarium Requirements

    The African Butterfly Fish spends most of its time just under the water’s surface. An aquarium with slower water movement is best suited for this fish. This can be hard to achieve because filtration systems naturally create varying rates of water movement.

    Because of its adult size, an African Butterfly should not be kept in an aquarium smaller than 30 gallons. To keep more African Butterfly Fish, you should also consider providing even more space. Although they are usually mild tempered, they can get a little aggressive so providing plenty of space should deter most aggression.

    African Butterfly Fish are unfortunately excellent jumpers (and gliders). A well fitted lid is a must in the aquarium. Otherwise, this fish has a good chance of escaping. Furthermore, provide plants that reach close to the water surface. This will give this fish places to hide when startled or stressed.

    This species of fish is hardy regarding temperature but the pH in the aquarium will need fine tuning. The African Butterfly Fish does best in the following water parameters:

    • Temperature: 75°-86° F
    • pH: 6.5-7.5
    • KH: 1-10

    Luckily, the pH requirement is neither incredibly acidic or basic. It sits right around neutral which should be fairly easy to achieve. Be careful when using buffers to lower or raise pH. Overdosing certain buffers can cause your system to crash with a sudden drop or increase in pH levels. Stability in water is very important to keep your fish and system healthy!

    Food & Diet

    This species of fish is carnivorous. It waits right under the water’s surface for prey to come close or fall in the water and the prey quickly becomes a meal. However, the African Butterfly Fish food type provided by you, as a keeper, can vary. This fish species can eat bloodworms, brine shrimp, Mysis shrimp, Beef Heart and much more meaty foods found in pet stores. If you are feeling adventurous, you can step outside and catch flies and moths to feed your African Butterfly Fish. Be careful because foods caught outside can bring parasites, bacteria and diseases into your fish tank. It is really fun watching the African Butterfly eat.

    Tank Mates

    African Butterfly Fish’s tank mates should be both for the most part be larger in size and peaceful. This species of fish will try eating anything that will fit into its mouth. Smaller fish such as: tetras, rasboras and guppies are not recommended. Furthermore, hatchet fish use the same space as the African Butterfly Fish and also not recommended. I have heard success stories of keeping smaller species of fish with African Butterfly Fish, but it’s always a big risk to do so.

    African Butterfly Fish do great with larger and peaceful fish such as Severums, Angelfish, Rainbowfish, Denison Barbs and Blood Parrots. They will get harassed by aggressive cichlid species like Jack Dempseys, Tiger Oscars and so on. Be mindful of the species you add with this fish. Some may either be too aggressive, too small, or live in incompatible water parameters.

    Breeding

    You will need a few things to successfully breed African Butterfly Fish. You will of course need a male and female willing to breed. I would highly recommend adding Salvinia, which is a floating plant, in the aquarium that has the breeding adults. The eggs will more than likely float to the top of the aquarium and the plants will help protect them.

    The breeding African Butterfly Fish will need to go through a “natural” breeding season. We will recreate the breeding season in an aquarium setting. The two key factors to successfully breeding this fish species are water level changes and water temperature changes. The temperature should sit between 77° and 80

    The breeding African Butterfly Fish will need to go through a “natural” breeding season. We will recreate the breeding season in an aquarium setting. The two key factors to successfully breeding this fish species are water level changes and water temperature changes. The temperature should sit between 77° and 80° F. The more important thing to do is to lower the water level a few inches. Some aquarists lower the water level to where only a few inches are left. This will be impossible in an aquarium with other fish.

    Once water levels are lowered, wait a few days and you should see the fish breed. Increase water levels and if you’re lucky you will see your fish release eggs. I would recommend scooping the eggs up and putting them into their own containers. Otherwise, the adults will eat them. Once the eggs hatch, they must be consistently fed live baby brine shrimp until they are old enough to eat other foods.

    Final Notes

    African Butterfly Fish are very interesting and unique fish that are great additions to specific aquarium types. They have certain requirements that may not work well with all fish. Breeding is fairly easy for these fish but keeping the young alive may be a challenge. If you’re ever at a pet store, check out African Butterfly Fish. Also, take a look at Atparium for more information on fish, reptiles, crustaceans and more!

    Image by Vassil on WikiMedia

  • Elephant Nose – Complete Care Guide

    Elephant Nose – Complete Care Guide

    Elephant Nose Information

    The Elephant Nose is a very unique fish that is sometimes forgotten about in this hobby. It’s easy to skip out on a fish that doesn’t have flashy colors and hides a good portion of the day. However, you should really look passed that and check out this oddball! The Elephant Nose is an oddly shaped fish with a part of it’s body that looks like an elephant’s trunk. It uses this trunk to look for food, for self defense and communication. Furthermore, this fish releases very weak electrical signals (like sonar) to help find food.

    Be patient with the Elephant Nose because they are incredibly shy and reclusive animals. They will often dart and hide into caves to avoid contact with humans. Overtime and with a lot of patience it should get more comfortable with you. It will grow to be about 9 inches in length when fully grown but will still find ways to hide from you.

    Aquarium Requirements

    Elephant Nose does best in aquariums that are 50 gallons or larger. Because of their length as adults, I would personally keep them in nothing smaller than a 75 gallon aquarium. They do great in planted aquariums filled with rocks and wood where they can hide to get away from the commotion of the aquarium. Many hobbyists will purchase a clear plastic tube to mimic a cave. This gives the Elephant Nose cover but still allows you to view it. This species of fish also does best with fine gravel over large stones or sand.

    Like with many other fish, I would recommend providing a cover or lid for the aquarium because this fish can potentially jump out of the aquarium. That not the most common escape artist but there’s always a possibility.

    Although it has a fairly decent range of water parameters that it can be kept in, the Elephant Nose should be kept in the following ranges:

    • Water Temperatures between 73° and 80° Fahrenheit
    • pH Levels between 6.5 and 7.0
    • KH levels between 0 and 10

    At the end of the day water stability is probably one of the most important aspects of an aquarium. Be very mindful of how stable your water is.

    Food & Diet

    Elephant Nose are carnivorous fish. As a result, you should provide frozen food such as bloodworms and Mysis shrimp. Furthermore they will love eating cut up earthworms as well as pellet and flake food. Only give brine shrimp as an occasional treat because it is not very rich in nutrients. I would recommend providing a variety of foods to give Elephant Nose a broad spectrum of nutrients.

    Tank Mates

    The Elephant Nose does well with larger and peaceful fish. They will not do well with fish that are smaller such as Neon Tetras, Harlequin Rasboras, Ember Tetras and many others. They will do great with fish such as:

    • Denison Barbs
    • Angelfish
    • Blood Parrots
    • Rainbowfish
    • Black/White Skirt Tetras

    All these fish are larger so should not become a snack for the Elephant Nose. They are also peaceful and should not harass the Elephant Nose. There are many other fish that will do well with this species, I only named a few to give some ideas.

    The Elephant Nose is not recommended to be kept with other fish that give off electrical currents. Specifically, it is not recommended to keep multiple Elephant Nose fish or Ghost Knifes with this. The electrical currents that these fish release will cause stress to the others. The battling electrical currents will over time lower the fish’s health which will cause it to die.

    Breeding

    Breeding Elephant Nose is incredibly difficult if not impossible in an aquarium setting. The fish is highly aggressive to another fish of the same species. The dominant fish will pick on the weaker one until the weaker of the two dies. On top of that, it is practically impossible to distinguish whether an Elephant Nose is male or female.

    Final Notes

    The Elephant Nose is an incredibly unique fish that can be kept in the aquarium keeping hobby. It is an amazing talking point and anyone interested should really look into getting one. The interesting shape and colorations of this fish will keep you enjoying every moment of owning it.

    Image by OpenCage on wikiMedia

  • Rope Fish – Complete Care Guide

    Rope Fish – Complete Care Guide

    Rope Fish Information

    Rope Fish are a very unique species of fish in the aquarium hobby. This fish has similar characteristics to eels but are instead more closely related to Bichirs. This freshwater fish has a interesting feature. It will gulp fresh air from the water’s surface using its modified swim bladder. Furthermore, Rope Fish are very curious fish with fantastic personalities, that is when you get to see them. They are nocturnal and will more than likely be more commonly seen moving at night. In the wild, they use the cover of night to hunt their prey. Although they lack great eyesight, they still manage to hunt and take down prey such as insects, amphibians and crustaceans. This guide will go over the many characteristics and needs of Rope Fish. I will discuss aquarium requirements, food & diet, compatible tank mates, and breeding habits of the Rope Fish.

    Aquarium Requirements

    Although Rope Fish are not “beefy” animals, they still should be kept in aquariums that are 50 gallons or larger because what they lack in width they make up for in length. Rope Fish can reach lengths larger than a foot. Furthermore, they are social animals and ideally should be kept with other Rope Fish. Similar to eels, Rope Fish are amazing escape artists so it is highly recommended to keep a good lid on the aquarium. They could find some pretty small holes to jump through.

    Rope Fish love to dwell in aquariums that are heavily planted, with many nooks and crannies for it to hide in. Besides plants, branching and regular driftwood should be provided for this fish to give it varying spaces to hide. They love to move along the substrate so keep in mind that the substrate should be easy to traverse. The best would be fine gravel or sand for parts of the aquarium. Rope Fish are often found in slow moving waters in the wild, so your aquarium’s water flow should be very gentle to replicate that.

    Since your Rope Fish loves to dwell in aquariums with plants, your water parameters should reflect that. They will do best in the following parameters:

    • Temperature between 72° and 82° Fahrenheit
    • pH Levels between 6.0 and 7.5
    • KH levels between 8 and 22

    They have a fairly large range that will keep them happy. With many if not all fish, keeping stable water parameters is key to keeping your fish healthy.

    Food & Diet

    Rope Fish are carnivorous animals and should be fed foods rich in proteins. When they are smaller, foods such as bloodworms and tubiflex worms are great choices. Once the Rope Fish grows, foods such as worms, crickets, other insect larvae and beef heart are excellent sources of protein for the Rope Fish. Live foods are beneficial for this fish but frozen bloodworms and beef heart can be purchased at most pet stores. Remember to thoroughly thaw the food before feeding your Rope Fish.

    Tank Mates

    Rope Fish are very peaceful animals. However, like most fish, they are also opportunistic. With this in mind Rope Fish should not be kept with anything that can fit into their mouths. I would not recommend keeping them with fish such as Cory Cats, Neon Tetras and anything with that similar size. They will do great with fish such as:

    • Denizon Barbs
    • Angelfish
    • Severums
    • Blood Parrots
    • Rainbowfish

    These fish are larger in size so they will not be mistaken for food by the Rope Fish. They also are fairly peaceful for fish their size. I would not recommend keeping Rope Fish with larger and more aggressive fish like Red Devil Cichlids, Jack Dempsey Cichlids, and many others. Lookup different fish species here to find out what could potentially be compatible with Rope Fish.

    Breeding

    I personally do not have experience breeding Rope Fish in a home aquarium. I also know that doing so is incredibly hard. Just like many other fish, first you will need a male and female for breeding. Your aquarium should mimic the Rope Fish’s natural habitat as well as possible. Once that is setup and ready to go, slowly increase the temperature of your water to re-create the breeding season for this fish. Once waters are warmed, you may get lucky and see the Rope Fish breed. If you see any eggs laid around the aquarium, I would suggest removing them from the parent’s aquarium and putting them in their own to hatch.

    Final Notes

    Rope Fish are incredibly unique looking animals. They’re very gentle, peaceful, and charismatic fish that could be fantastic additions to a niche aquarium. Provide them with proper care and you may have an aquatic friend that can live 15+ years!

    Image by Trougnouf on wikiMedia

  • Benefits of Keeping Live Plants in an Aquarium

    Benefits of Keeping Live Plants in an Aquarium

    Keeping live plants can be a new and interesting challenge for aquarists with any type of experience. For some, live plants are incredibly challenging to keep alive, while others with a green thumb, can keep them all thriving. There are plants available on the market for any experience level. If you have tried and given up on keeping live plants, consider trying again. This article will dive in and discuss some of the benefits of keeping aquatic plants in your aquarium.

    Before we continue, let’s give a quick rundown of live plants in an aquarium. There are many different plant species to choose from in this hobby. Most, if not all will aid in keeping your aquarium healthy and beautiful. Not all plants are the same, some are incredibly easy to grow, while others need a little more knowledge. If you are new to plant keeping, check out this guide that will discuss plant species that are more beginner friendly. If you would like to dip your toes into more “expert” plants check out this article that lists a few plants that can be a challenge. Keeping live plants is exciting whether you are new or a veteran in this continuously evolving hobby.

    1. Live Plants & Fish Health

    Overall, growing live plants in an aquarium will help keep your fish healthier. Plants kept in an aquarium are a nice little food source for your fish, snails, shrimp and more. Also, in the wild, many fish take refuge within incredible masses of live plants. If something startles your fish they will more than likely dart to the nearest patch of wisteria or crypts that are growing in your fish tank.

    The other benefit of keeping plants is that they take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the water throughout the day. For beginners, providing water movement (usually through filtration) is still a must because plants “breathe” at night. They will take in oxygen at night and release carbon dioxide. Usually, plants produce enough oxygen throughout the day to sustain the animals in the aquarium at night. If the aquarium is not well planted there is a possibility of suffocating your fish without additional water movement.

    2. Keeping Your Water Parameters in Check

    A well planted aquarium will most definitely help keep your aquarium’s water parameters in line. Fish food, fish poop and decaying plant matter will create nitrates and ammonia in your fish tank. Plants will help remove ammonia and nitrates from the water by absorbing them. Keep in mind, plants cannot do everything, regarding cleaning. It is still completely up to you as an aquarium keeper to guarantee water parameters are in check. Keeping live plants should not give the green light to ease up on aquarium husbandry or to carelessly overfeed the aquarium.

    Because of their fantastic ability to absorb ammonia, nitrites and nitrates out of the water, plants are sometimes used to help speed up the nitrogen cycle. Remember, this hobby is all about patience and normally the nitrogen cycle will take about 4 – 6 weeks to complete. However, your live plants may shave off a little off that time.

    3. Aesthetically Pleasing

    Plastic plants are a nice and easy way to begin your fish keeping journey. A time will most likely come where plastic plants just aren’t enough. You’ll find yourself researching different plant species for an aquarium. This step is always fun and might be intimidating for newer aquarists. It is a great leap into aquarium keeping because although plastic plants are nice looking and easy to care for, nothing compares to live plants.

    Planted Aquarium

    Keeping living plants in an aquarium will help your create a more natural look in your fish tank. There are only a few things that look nicer than a gorgeous mosaic of driftwood and plants in a aquarium.

    Final Notes

    There are probably plenty more benefits that live plants give in an aquarium setting. I am covering some of the biggest benefits of keeping them around. If you’re new to fishkeeping check out some easy to grow plants that do not require much fertilization and CO2 supplementation. If you’re an expert at aquarium keeping, you may have already known all of this information. Regardless, it is great review.

  • 4 Gorgeous Plants That are More Difficult to Maintain

    4 Gorgeous Plants That are More Difficult to Maintain

    Planted aquariums are some of the most beautiful fish tank types in the fishkeeping hobby. Many look like a work of art if setup correctly. There are many different plant species to choose from to populate the aquarium. However, not all plants in an aquarium are the same. Each one has specific needs in order to keep it happy and healthy. This guide will discuss 4 of the more difficult plants that are kept in a planted aquarium.

    Dwarf Baby Tears

    Dwarf Baby Tears are gorgeous foreground plants that carpet your aquarium’s substrate. They’re a fantastic way to make your planted fish tank full and vibrant with green color. It is also an excellent plant to use for spawning fish because the fish can hide their eggs within the leaves. However, they are a little more difficult to keep alive than other plants such as, Dwarf Hair Grass or Micro Sword. There are a few reasons that Dwarf Baby Tears are difficult to keep successfully in an aquarium.

    Lighting

    The first and probably most important factor that makes these plants hard to keep alive is lighting. These plants require a higher amount of lighting than many others. Light intensity quickly diminishes in an aquarium the further it has to travel. The amount of light that reaches the bottom of your aquarium is a fraction of what is available at the surface.

    Water Parameters

    Plants need to have proper water parameters to keep them alive. Most are pretty versatile and will do well in a range of water parameters. Dwarf Baby Tears do well in:

    • Water Temperatures between 68 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit
    • KH levels between 0 and 10
    • pH levels between 5.0 and 7.5

    Most plants will suffer in water that is to alkaline or water that is too hard. Keeping your KH and pH levels down is really important. Certain substrates and driftwood are used to help lower those levels.

    Supplements

    Plants like Dwarf Baby Tears will most likely require added supplementation of nutrients. Plants require macronutrients such as: Nitrogen, Phosphorus and potassium to grow. They also require micronutrients like iron, copper and more. Creating a balance of nutrient levels and lighting are very important at keeping this plant alive. Supplements can be acquired usually in liquid or tablet form at many fish store and on online pet stores.

    CO2 Supplementation

    Dwarf Baby Tears will require CO2 supplementation to help them grow properly. CO2 can be acquired in liquid form or through direct injection (pressurized CO2). Liquid CO2 will become more expensive with larger aquariums and is not always consistent. Direct injection has a larger setup cost but will become cheaper overtime. It is also much better for larger aquariums. Be careful with CO2 because too much can have negative effects on any wildlife residing in the aquarium. It can suffocate the inhabitants of your fish tank!

    Glossostigma Plant

    The Glossostigma plant is also a very beautiful plant used in the aquarium hobby in foregrounds. Similar to Dwarf Baby Tears, the Glossostigma Plant carpets substrate under proper conditions. The bright green coloring of this plant will make any aquarium pop! Furthermore, this plant is excellent for shrimp tanks and fish tanks where fish breed and lay eggs.

    Lighting

    Full spectrum lighting is important for this aquatic plant. It should receive high intensity lighting ranging from 5000K – 7000K. Like the Dwarf Baby Tears, Glossostigma need high lights because of how deep they are in the aquarium. The only time where they may do well under moderate lighting is if your aquarium is very shallow. Regardless, that is not always guaranteed.

    Water Parameters

    Stable water parameters are important for fish but they are also important for plants. Constantly swinging parameters brings unnecessary stress. Glossostigma does well under the following water parameters:

    • Water temperatures between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit
    • KH levels between 3 and 8
    • pH levels between 6.0 and 7.5

    This plant has a fairly nice range of water parameters it can reside in. Sadly, incredibly alkaline water will cause this plant to suffer severely. This plant will do well with many different species of tetras and shrimp because their water parameters usually line up well.

    Supplements

    Just like the Dwarf Baby Tears, Glossostigma will require balance supplementation of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium. These supplements are commonly found in liquid form or in the form of tablets. Seachem Flourish is commonly used liquid supplement for planted aquariums.

    CO2 Supplementation

    CO2 supplementation is a must for the Glossostigma Plant. Liquid CO2 supplementation or direct injection (pressurized CO2) are both different ways of supplementing this plant CO2. Seachem’s Flourish Excel can be used for liquid CO2 but for larger aquariums direct injection (pressurized CO2) will be more cost effective and safer.

    Madagascar Lace

    Madagascar Lace is a rare-ish freshwater plant that is often sought after in the fishkeeping hobby. It has wispy or “lace” like leaves that adds a very unique style to an aquarium. This midground plant is difficult to keep because of its lighting needs, husbandry requirements and supplemental requirements. However, its unique design really makes it a special plant.

    Lighting

    Just like the other two plant species, the Madagascar Lace requires high lighting in the aquarium. Under great conditions it will flower regularly, so providing it with excellent lighting is a must!

    Water Parameters

    The Madagascar Lace has more specific water parameters compared to the Dwarf Baby Tears and Glossostigma. It will do well in the following parameters:

    • Water Temperatures between 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit
    • KH between 3 and 6
    • pH levels between 6.0 and 7.0

    Being a more delicate plant, it is very important to keep water parameters within these ranges and also keeping them stable. Straying away from good water parameters may cause the leaves and bulbs of this plant to melt or deteriorate.

    Supplements

    Besides regular supplementation, the Madagascar Lace should receive extra supplements of iron. Extra iron is needed to help keep the structure of its leaves. Seachem’s Flourish Iron is commonly used to provide extra iron into the water table for this plant. Other supplements such as Seachem’s Flourish or root tabs should benefit the Madagascar Lace.

    CO2 Supplementation

    The Madagascar Lace does not require as much CO2 supplementation as the Dwarf Baby Tears & Glossostigma. However, always consider providing CO2 supplementation because every plant can benefit from it. You can supplement the aquarium with Seachem’s Flourish Excel or pressurized CO2. As always, be mindful how much you dose because too much carbon dioxide can suffocate the inhabitants of your aquarium.

    Ludwigia Peruensis

    Ludwigia Peruensis as a whole is not incredibly hard to keep alive, however it may be a little more challenging to get those vibrant red and green colors. This midground plant is an excellent broadleaved addition to make any aquarium vibrant. This plant is amphibious, which means it will grow fully submersed or partially. I will discuss ways to keep this plant happy and glowing.

    Lighting

    Probably the biggest deciding factor whether this plant will glow vibrantly is the amount of light it receives. If you want this plant to be more colorful, you will need to provide it with more lighting. Moderate light will help give it some color, but realistically giving it high light is ideal. Ludwigia Peruensis does not do very well under low light conditions.

    Water Parameters

    Ludwigia Peruensis is quite a versatile plant and does well under a sizeable range of water parameters. To keep this plant growing well it is recommended to keep between the following parameters:

    • Water temperatures between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit
    • KH between 3 and 8
    • pH levels between 6.5 and 7.5

    Just like the other plants in this list, keeping Ludwigia Peruensis in hard and alkaline water will most likely cause this plant to whither away and die. There are other plants that are more hardy such as java fern or annubias that may tolerate more intense water parameters but it’s never guaranteed.

    Supplements

    This species of plant should be given general supplements that contain Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Postassium. Ludwigia Peruensis should also be given a supplement that is rich in iron, such as Seachems’s Flourish Iron. Both of these supplements will aid your plant in showing off those gorgeous and vibrant colors.

    CO2 Supplementation

    CO2 is not mandatory to keep this plant thriving. However, in order to achieve optimal growth Carbon Dioxide supplementation will be a must. As stated above, liquid supplementation may be adequate but pressurized supplementation is ideal for larger planted aquariums.

    Final Notes

    There are many different and unique aquatic plants that can be kept in a freshwater aquarium. Some are more tolerable and versatile but in this hobby I know we love to challenge ourselves and try caring for more difficult plant species. That is why I put together this guide, to showcase some of the plants that may be a little more challenging to keep. If these are a little too challenging for you, consider looking at my beginner plant guide.

  • Black Ghost Knife – Complete Care Guide

    Black Ghost Knife – Complete Care Guide

    Black Ghost Knife Information

    The Black Ghost Knife fish is a very unique but incredibly interesting fish found in the hobby. Although it is a carnivorous animal, this gorgeous fish is more on the shy side, especially when first introduced into an aquarium. Once acclimated to the fish tank, it can become more active but that is subjective because this fish is nocturnal and is more active at night.

    Black Ghost Knives do not really have significant teeth, if any at all, but instead have a beak. They use this beak to grab prey and consume it. This tropical fish is not recommended to be kept by amateur fish keepers because of a few traits they possess.

    One very unique trait of the Black Ghost Knife is the way it commonly finds food. It has an organ that is electrically charged. Kind of like a sonar and it uses that to find food in the wild or in a fish tank. Also, they do not have scales and are more prone to becoming infected with disease and illnesses. Under ideal conditions this fish can grow to sizes well over a foot in length (approximately 18 inches). These are a few reasons this fish is not recommended for anyone just starting with fishkeeping. This guide will go into detail on keeping Black Ghost Knife fish.

    Aquarium Requirements

    Because of its size once it reaches adulthood, the Black Ghost Knife should be kept in an aquarium that is at least 150 gallons. Length in an aquarium is important but really consider the width as well, especially for this fish. It is long and skinny so providing it with a wide aquarium is ideal!

    As stated above, this animal is carnivorous. Its diet will consist of protein rich food. As a result, keeping this fish will require a good filtration system to help maintain proper water parameter levels. Luckily, it should not really bother plants in an aquarium and the plants can help a little with maintenance! Regardless, keeping up with water changes will help keep this fish healthy. It does best in water parameters with the following ranges:

    • Water Temperature: 73 – 82 degrees Fahrenheit
    • KH 0 – 10
    • pH 6.5 – 7.0

    The Black Ghost Knife fish is a pretty shy fish. It will hide in nooks and crannies within the aquarium for most of the day. I really recommend providing it with many different types of places to hide. Also, providing a lot of shade with plants will keep this fish happy because it prefers lower light. It will most definitely try to hide under driftwood, rocks or even wedge itself in-between plants. Fishkeepers can place an appropriately sized, clear plastic tube into the aquarium to view this fish during the day when it is hiding. Beware of sharp or jagged decorations. This fish is more prone to getting infections from scratches because it lacks scales!

    Food & Diet

    Being carnivores, you can easily assume the types of food this fish can eat. Foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and flake food should work well for the Black Ghost Knife when it is small. Once it grows, foods such as squid, krill and earthworms are fantastic to feed this animal. Be mindful of the invertebrates you add into your aquarium with this fish around because they may become a snack!

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    Tank Mates

    It is not recommended to keep incredibly small fish with Black Ghost Knife fish. Little fish may become a quick meal for this carnivore. On the other hand, overly aggressive fish and fish that nip and bite shouldn’t be kept with Black Ghost Knife fish. This species of Knife fish do best with peaceful fish that are larger than it. Black Ghost Knife fish are compatible with fish such as:

    • Peaceful Cichlids (Angelfish, Discus, Geophagus)
    • Cory Cats
    • Plecos
    • Clown Loaches

    Remember, if it can fit into the Ghost Knife’s mouth it can most certainly become dinner.

    I do not recommend keeping two Knife fish together. Whether that’s the Black Ghost Knife or other species. Mostly due to their large size when they’re full grown but they may also become aggressive towards one another. If you’re considering adding two into your fish tank, really make sure the aquarium is large enough.

    Breeding

    I will not dive into how to breed Black Ghost Knife fish because it is incredibly challenging. The hardest part of breeding is acquiring a mature mated pair. Also, if you’re interested in breeding this fish, know you’ll most likely need a large pond or a very large fish tank.

    Final Notes

    The Black Ghost Knife is a gorgeous fish and hopefully its unique requirements do not scare you away from keeping it. It is definitely a commitment and your aquarium’s design should revolve around it but its appearance and personality are definitely worth the challenge! If you have personal experiences with this fish or have your own advice, please share it in the comments below!

    Featured image by: Vassil on wikiMedia Commons

  • Chili Rasbora – Full Care Guide

    Chili Rasbora – Full Care Guide

    The Chili Rasbora (Boraras brigittae), sometimes called the Mosquito Rasbora, is a incredibly small fish, with vibrant colors, that enjoy schooling in large groups. Originally found in Indonesia, it has swept through the aquarium hobby and is loved by many fish keepers. Primarily red and orange in color, this little fish strikingly pops in well planted aquariums. This guide will provide information on Chili Rasbora care and breeding habits.

    Fish Information

    Chilli Rasbora do not get larger than .8 inches (2 cm). It is the perfect fish for aquariums that are 5 gallons or larger. A school should contain 6 individual fish or more. 6 to 10 Chili Rasbora should do well in a 5 gallon fish tank. Although the Chili Rasbora remains incredibly small, its colorful body and habit of schooling create beautiful movement and liveliness in a densely planted aquarium.

    Like many other rasbora species, this one primarily spends its time in the middle and top of the aquarium. It will occasionally swim at the bottom of the fish tank.

    Aquarium Requirements

    The Chili Rasbora is a tropical fish that does well in a large temperature range. It can survive in water temperatures between 68 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit, but 75 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal range where it will thrive. It enjoys KH levels between 3 and 12 dKH and lastly does great in acidic water that has pH levels ranging between 4.0 and 7.0.

    This species of fish suffers terribly in new aquariums so only add them into already well established fish tanks. Once introduced and settled, they are quite hardy.

    Because of its small size, keep this fish in slow moving waters. They will be thrown around the aquarium when caught in fast moving currents. Providing many live plants and great filtration is ideal for this fish.

    Food & Diet

    The Chili Rasbora is small and remains small its whole life. It is very important to feed it food that it will be able to fit into its mouth. There are many options to offer this fish to provide it with a varied diet. Flake food can be taken and crushed into powder which makes it small enough for this fish to consume. Micropellets can be fed with little problems because they are designed for tiny fish like Chili Rasbora. Also, feeding daphnia, brine shrimp, and cutting up bloodworms are fantastic options to give this fish a varied diet. Providing many different food options will keep this fish vibrant and healthy.

    Tank Mates

    Chili Rasbora are easily outcompeted for food. Take pre-caution when choosing tank mates. The Chili Rasbora do exceptionally well with other small and peaceful fish in the aquarium. Do not keep them with larger or more dominate fish such as:

    • Platys
    • Mollies
    • Swordtails
    • Betta Fish
    • Angelfish
    • Large Mouthed Fish (Cichlids, Goldfish)

    Keeping Chili Rasbora in larger fish tanks is more than possible. They will thrive with fantastic fish such as:

    • Tetras (ember, neon, cardinal, green neon)
    • Rasboras (harlequin, green kubotai)
    • Endler’s Livebearers
    • Guppies
    • Celestial Pearl Danios
    • Corycats
    • Dwarf Gouramis

    The amount of fish that can be kept in an aquarium are determined by the number of plants in the fish tank, filtration, and physical size of the aquarium. A densely planted aquarium will be able to keep more fish happy over a sparsely planted one. A stronger and better filter will go a long way in allowing you to keep more fish in the enclosure. Larger aquariums aid in keeping water parameters stable when a fish tank is heavily populated. Regardless, do not cram too many fish in a fish tank.

    Image by VivienneHarper on wikimedia

    Shrimp and snails should do perfectly fine with Chili Rasboras even in 5 gallon aquariums. In fish tanks this small it is important to closely monitor water parameters because they are more prone to swinging which can be detrimental to both fish and invertebrates.

    Breeding

    Chili Rasbora will openly breed and produce offspring in aquariums. The males may become a bit more territorial during breeding periods and will also deepen its red and black coloring. After successfully breeding a female will appear rounder than the male and not pregnant females.

    Eggs will be laid on plants and decorations and will not be cared for by either parent. The best chance for survival for the fry are in heavily planted aquariums. The plants will provide the much needed cover the fry will need to reach adulthood. The parents are sometimes observed to eat the fry once they hatch from their egg.

    Final Comments

    The Chili Rasbora is fantastic for aquariums both large and small but fill the micro aquarium niche very well for keepers that do not have the space or money to spend on large aquariums. Their vibrant colors stand out in aquariums so they will always be able to be observed. Check them out if you get a chance!

    Image by JoKrimmel on wikimedia

  • Beautiful, Jet Black – Red Tail Shark

    Beautiful, Jet Black – Red Tail Shark

    With all the different and unique freshwater fish to choose from, the red tail shark is sometimes overlooked. Regardless, this fish is remarkably beautiful and highly recommended for fish tanks that will tolerate its lively personality. The black body and red tail are always a sight to see because this color pattern is not very common in fish. The red tail shark has a nice long lifespan of 5 – 6 years.

    Aquarium Requirements & Fish Compatibility

    The red tail shark will be around 6″ in length when it is full size. Although they do not get incredibly large, a fish tank that is 50 gallons or more is highly recommended when it is fully grown due to its aggressive nature. It should be the only red tail shark in the fish tank because it becomes highly territorial. Having other bottom dwelling fish such as plecos, rainbow sharks, and cichlids is also not recommended due to this fish’s aggression. The red tail shark does well with fish such as:

    It is encouraged to provide a lot of places for this fish to hide. The fish tank should be full of decorations, driftwood, rocks, and plants (live or plastic) to help curb the previously mentioned aggression. Adding many decor breaks the line of sight for this fish which can help mellow it out. They love hiding in caves and crevices and will fight for the ability to do so.

    The red tail shark does very well in temperatures ranging from 72 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit, KH levels between 10 and 15 and pH levels ranging from 6.5 to 7.5. Due to its aggressive personality the red tail shark’s care level is little more challenging compared to peaceful community fish.

    Feeding

    The red tail shark is an omnivorous animal so it will consume just about anything offered to it including vegetables such as cucumber and zucchini. Please remember to thoroughly rinse the vegetables before placing them into a fish tank and do not keep the vegetables inside of the aquarium for long periods of time because doing so may cause an increase in phosphate and nitrate levels. Besides vegetables, the red tail shark will go around the aquarium consuming algae that grows on rocks, plants, and glass.

    Other foods that are commonly given to red tail sharks are flake food and frozen fish food. The flake food is meant to provide the nutrients a red tail shark would acquire from algae in the wild and the frozen bloodworms will provide the protein required for the red tail shark. Using these will help provide a well rounded diet for your shark. Other fish will also happily consume these foods! They are not limited to just these two types of food. Flake food can be substituted with pellet food and bloodworms can be substituted with brine shrimp or krill. Krill is normally given to larger red tail sharks.

    Breeding

    Breeding is an incredible challenge for red tail sharks in an aquarium setting. This is mainly because they are intolerable of one another in aquariums at home due to the aquarium’s size limitation and the fish’s territorial personality. Large aquariums may be able to keep more but it is still quite a challenge to get these fish to breed.

    The only physical difference between a male shark and a female is that when matured, the female red tail shark will have an larger abdomen compared to the male. Otherwise the male and female sharks are identical.

    Final Notes

    The red tail shark is a fantastic fish to keep in fish tanks where the other fish swim in the middle to upper parts. Although they are not normally advertised as algae eaters, the red tail shark will remove some algae from aquarium decorations. Adding a few snails to help will be beneficial. Overall, this is a fantastic fish with very unique colors that are great for planted and regular freshwater fish tanks!

    Image by Astellar87 on wikimedia

  • 5 Great Aquarium Plants for Low Light Aquariums

    5 Great Aquarium Plants for Low Light Aquariums

    With so many plant options in the aquarium keeping hobby it can become challenging deciding which plants are great for different types of aquariums. Each plant has its own requirements but there are a few that are fantastic for light aquariums. Before we dive into the list we should consider what else a plant needs. Aquarium lights that release a kelvin rate between 5000k and 6500k is what is usually recommended for planted fish tanks. Also consider the compatibility of fish with your plants. Some fish will nibble or tear up your plants so it’s important to know what you have. Water parameters should be considered. Soft and acidic water are important criteria that need to be met in order for your plants to thrive. Lastly, providing artificial CO2 and fertilizing your aquarium with supplemental nutrients may be important factors at keeping your plants alive.

    Once all livestock, lighting type, and water parameters are up to par for plant needs, it is time to start looking at plants to keep in a low light aquarium. This guide will give insight on 5 plants that are great for these type of aquariums.

    Anubias

    This plant is usually my go to for low light tanks, aquatic jarrariums, and tall paludariums. It is such a cool plant. Anubias does not need to be planted! It can be wedged into gaps in driftwood or placed in between rocks. Try not to crush the roots and bulb when placing this plants between rocks.

    Image by Colamc on wikimedia

    Anubias barteri, Anubias coffeefolia, and Anubias nana are probably some of the most common species in this genus. Out of the three, Anubias nana remains the smallest and is more commonly used as a foreground plant. Given enough time, these plants will grow in what look like bushes all over the aquarium with their broad leaves. They’re a fantastic plant to have and excellent for beginner plant keepers. For a more in depth guide to keeping anubias happy follow this link.

    Java Fern

    Java fern is a fantastic low light requiring plant. Its long broad leaves are excellent for the background/midground for low maintenance and low light fish tanks. Java fern care is quite similar to the care of anubias. It does not require to be planted and fairs well being wedged into rocks and driftwood. It can stick out of the water because it is amphibious plant and it will primarily spread through rhizomes. The rhizomes themselves should not be buried because they will recede and rot away over time. It is recommended to keep the rhizomes just above the substrate and just bury the roots.

    Image by Fhurzan on wikimedia

    There are two common types of java fern. The regular java fern and java fern windelov. The normal java fern plant has very broad leaves while windelov has far more wispy and laced leaves. Otherwise they are quite similar plants. Both do well in aquarium temperatures around 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, grow well in pH levels ranging from 5.5 and 8.0, and do well in low to moderate light!

    One final bonus of java fern is that it is one of few plants that can handle being in an aquarium with brutes like South American cichlids. Like with most cichlids its never a guarantee plants will make it but they fare the best in an aquarium with large cichlids.

    Java Moss

    Java moss is remarkable for low light aquariums. It is probably the most hardy moss species that is kept in the aquarium hobby. Java moss carpets decor like rock work and driftwood but it does not normally carpet the substrate in your fish tank. This is excellent to use in aquascapes and grows fairly easily under low light conditions.

    Image by Buchling on wikimedia

    To grow java moss, a string can be used to attach it to a piece of decoration or if it’s possible, it can be wedged into cracks or gaps in decor. It will very quickly attach and begin spreading. It is great to have because some fish will lay eggs in it, it’s a haven for shrimp, and it adds a different kind of life to rocks and other aquarium decor.

    Java moss does well in temperatures ranging between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and pH levels between 5.5 and 8.0.

    Crypts

    What would a low light aquarium list be without crypts. Specifically, I like to point out Crpytocoryne wendtii and Cryptocoryne beckettii. Both of these plants do very well in low to moderate light aquariums. Their leaf colors will both depend on the amount of lighting that is provided as well as nutrients available in the water. Stable water parameters are a must for this plant because it is possible to rotting at the roots if water conditions are not stable. Under healthy water conditions, this plant will release runners in the substrate and spread to different parts of the aquarium. Overall, this plant is quite hardy and grows very well in the mid-ground of an aquarium.

    Image by S. Tanaka on wikimedia

    This plant enjoys being in water temperatures ranging between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, KH levels between 3 and 8, and lastly pH levels around 6.0 and 8.0. This is quite a versatile plant and excellent for low light aquariums as well as for anyone new to aquarium keeping.

    Moss Balls

    Moss balls aka marimo balls are very easy to care for in aquariums. They thoroughly enjoy low to moderate lighting and normally dwell at the bottom of an aquarium. It is not desirable to keep them in very bright areas of the aquarium. Marimo balls grow incredibly slow, it may take a few years before you see any difference in size.

    When introducing into an aquarium, marimo balls should be rinsed in aquarium water before being added. There is a possibility of them floating once placed into the aquarium. They will naturally fall to the bottom of the aquarium eventually but the process could be sped up a little by giving them a squeeze under water.

    Image by bryan on wikimedia

    If shrimp and other invertebrates are in the aquarium, do not be surprised if you see them gathered on the marimo ball from time to time. They enjoy eating any leftover food that may get caught within. Propagating this moss ball is incredibly easy. Simply take it out of the aquarium and cut it in half. To help maintain the shape, wrap cotton thread around the ball.

    Marimo balls enjoy being in aquariums with temperatures ranging from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, KH levels floating between 3 and 8, and pH levels between 6.8 and 7.5.

    Amazon Sword

    Amazon swords are a popular plant in the aquarium hobby. They grow incredibly large and dominate the aquarium with this size. This plant should be kept in the background of the aquarium. Amazon swords are not as easy to care for compared to java fern, crypts, marimo balls, or anubias but they are still a fantastic plant to keep in an aquarium. Normally seen in taller aquarium this plant does great alone or in groups. I personally would not keep this plant in a 10 gallon aquarium or even aquariums that are not taller than 18 inches.

    To keep them happy and healthy amazon swords should receive iron rich supplements. They do best in water temperatures between 72 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, KH levels between 3 and 8, and pH levels between 6.5 and 7.5.

    Final Notes

    Low light aquarium plants are a great starting point for new hobbyists looking to dip their toes in live plants. From easiest to hardest to care for (in my opinion) is the marimo ball, java moss, anubias, java fern, crypt, and lastly the amazon sword. Start with the easiest like the low light aquarium moss stated in the list and move on to anubias and so on. Aquarium keeping requires patience and taking your time will save you a lot of headaches in the long run.

  • 5 Fantastic Freshwater Fish for 10 Gallon Aquarium

    5 Fantastic Freshwater Fish for 10 Gallon Aquarium

    Setting up a fish tank is a very fun and rewarding process. Making it your own work of art is definitely a long term endeavor. Deciding what fish to introduce into your aquarium is part of the process and probably the most exciting part of it all. This guide will help showcase some of the many freshwater fish that can happily reside in a 10 gallon aquarium. If you haven’t already setup a freshwater aquarium, check out this guide.

    Harlequin Rasbora

    To begin, I would like to introduce you to the harlequin rasbora, sometimes known as the t-bone rasbora. This rasbora has the iconic black pork chop shape displaying from the middle to the back of its body. Besides that, it has a beautiful copper/red toned body that stands out in an aquarium.

    This fish is small and will be around 2″ in size when it is fully grown. Due to its schooling habits, it is recommended to have around 8 – 10 beautiful rasboras in an aquarium together. They normally do a great job closely schooling together and will fill the middle to top of your aquarium with life!

    harlequin rasbora in planted tank
    Image by Juan R. Lascorz on Wikimedia

    Male and females can be distinguished from one another by observing the bottom part of their “pork chop” pattern. The males will have a straight tip at the bottom and females will have a more rounded tip. Females will also be a little bit larger than the males. These fish will successfully breed inside of a well planted aquarium. They require broad leaved plants in order to do so. Plants like the Anubias are excellent option to have in the aquarium. If one or many are available, the rasbora will potentially lay eggs on the underside of the broad leaf.

    This species of fish are omnivorous. Providing a nicely ranged diet of pellet, flake, and frozen meat foods will keep this fish happy. They enjoy temperatures ranging from 72 – 78 degrees Fahrenheit, KH levels around 6 – 10, and pH levels in between 6.0 and 6.5. These fish are excellent choices for heavily planted aquariums.

    Threadfin Rainbowfish

    Threadfin Rainbowfish may not be as common as the harlequin rasbora but regardless it is an interesting fish to add into a freshwater 10 gallon aquarium. Their colors aren’t as vibrant as fish like the neon tetra but they can get a beautiful blue, gray, red, and black coloration on them. Males will have long threadlike appendages that reach out from their anal and dorsal fins. If you think their colors are lacking, the fins and shape surely make up for it.

    school of threadfin rainbowfish
    Image by Gianmaria Visconti on Wikimedia

    This fish species maxes at 2″ in size and are perfect for a planted aquarium 10 gallons or larger. They enjoy being in schools and I would recommend 5 to 8 individuals in a 10 gallon aquarium. 5 in an aquarium that is fairly open without too many decorations and 8 in a heavily planted aquarium.

    Like stated before the males will have the long threadlike appendages protruding out of their dorsal and anal fins. The females will not. This is the easiest way to distinguish the two. Also, males will most likely be far more vibrant in color compared to the females. These fish have the possibility of laying eggs in an aquarium.

    Threadfin rainbows are omnivorous creatures and benefit from having a large range of food. Due to their small mouth sizes it is recommended to feed them smaller pellets and meaty food. Flake food will work as well! This species of fish do well in water temperatures ranging 72 – 78 degrees Fahrenheit, KH levels between 7 and 10 and pH levels between 6.0 – 7.2.

    Male Betta Fish

    Male betta fish are very common fish in the freshwater aquarium hobby. They are often kept in large bowls without filtration due to their ability to acquire their own oxygen. They can and should be kept in larger aquariums than a bowl to keep them even happier. The betta fish has a fantastic personality and interacts well with humans. You can’t take it out and play with it but they know when it’s dinner time and will swim up to the glass to greet you. They have many different colors and a wide variation in fin shapes. I will be broadly providing information about bettas here.

    Most betta species reach a max size of 2.5 inches. There may be a little variation dependent on their fin lengths. They should be the only betta kept in an enclosure. They may be kept with other fish but be sure the others will not nip at the betta’s fins and because the betta could nip at fish with long fins as well. Female bettas can be kept in an aquarium together but they do not have as pronounced fins.

    blue male betta fish

    Males and females should only be housed temporarily if they are breeding. The male will build a bubble nest and the female will lay her eggs in it. Once that occurs, the female should be removed. The male will tend to the eggs until they hatch. Once hatched very small food should be given to the newly hatched fry. Foods such as baby brine shrimp and crushed flakes should be provided.

    Betta fish are carnivorous fish. Their diets should consist mostly of protein rich foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, or protein heavy pellet food. Due to their diets the aquarium might see spikes in undesirable water parameters so testing the water should be a common occurrence. The betta fish also thrives in water temperatures between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, KH between 0 and 25, and pH levels ranging from 6.0 – 8.0.

    Endler’s Livebearers

    Endler’s Livebearers continue to gain traction and popularity in the freshwater aquarium keeping hobby. Their vibrant assortment of colors make them a wonderful addition to any aquarium. They are fantastic to add if you are looking for lively fish for the middle to top of the aquarium.

    endler's livebearers in fish tank
    Image by Usien on Wikimedia

    These fish normally start off very small, usually purchased when they are less than an inch in length. They will grow to be roughly 2 inches in sizes when they are fully grown. Keeping around 6 – 8 in a 10 gallon fish tank is suitable with the understanding that this species of fish breeds like no tomorrow and 6 fish can easily turn into 20 then 50 and so on. Proper housing for the new offspring will be required.

    Endler’s livebearers are as their name suggests, live bearers. They do not lay eggs but instead their offspring come out of their womb very well and alive. Treat them like any other platy, guppy, or swordtail when for breeding purposes. They do not require anything special.

    This species of fish is omnivorous and would love a nice variety of foods. Like stated above, pellet, flake, and frozen meat foods will provide all the variety this fish needs to obtain its nutrients. Keep in mind they are usually sold very small so flake food might need to be crushed a little for them to enjoy it. They do best in water temperatures ranging from 75 – 80 degrees, KH levels ranging between 10 and 30, and pH levels with a wide range of 5.5 – 8.0.

    Cardinal Tetra

    Last but not least on this guide is the beautiful cardinal tetra. Do not mistaken this fish with the neon tetra. They look incredibly similar but the cardinal tetra’s red stripe runs from its eyes to tail and it lacks that white area near its stomach. This fish is more for expert fish keepers because they’re a little more finicky than other fish.

    cardinal tetra in planted tank
    Image by Elma on Wikimedia

    When they are full grown, cardinal tetras reach a size of 2 inches. They are perfect for densely planted aquariums of 10 gallons or larger. I would keep a school of 6 to 8 cardinal tetras in a 10 gallon aquarium. They are quite an active little fish and their vibrant colors add to their beauty.

    It is possible to breed cardinal tetras in an aquarium but it is not very common. They require very specific water parameters to successfully breed. Specifically dH levels between 1 and 2 and pH levels as low as 5 and 6.

    Just like many of the other fish in this list, cardinal tetras are omnivores and benefit from a range of food. Starting off with flake food is a good idea until this fish is able to consume larger pellets. Brine shrimp is always recommended as well as bloodworms! This is a fantastic fish with colors that can drop jaws!

    Final Thoughts

    This is just a small list of fish that will do well in 10 gallon aquariums. I wanted to choose fish with vibrant colors or very unique fin shapes and designs. Hopefully this list helps provide information needed to help choose some cool freshwater fish for 10 gallon fish tanks. If you already have the fish, check out information on low light freshwater plants you can add to your fish tank!

  • Freshwater Angelfish – Complete Care Guide

    Freshwater Angelfish – Complete Care Guide

    Freshwater Angelfish, sometimes called tropical angelfish are quite a popular and common fish in the freshwater fishkeeping hobby. They become large and can be the centerpiece of many fish tanks. There is nothing like a mated pair of angelfish swimming side-by-side in a fish tank. They are part of the cichlid family but look a little different with their unique arrow shaped bodies. You can find Freshwater Angelfish for sale at most pet stores and online. This guide will help provide more information on freshwater angelfish and the proper care to keep these fish happy.

    Aquarium Requirements

    There are fish in the saltwater hobby that are also called Angelfish. They have a much different shape from this species and aren’t related. I wanted to point that out for newer fish keepers. Technically speaking, there are both freshwater and saltwater angelfish but these Angelfish live ONLY in freshwater.

    How Big do Angelfish Get?

    Due to its unique body size an Angelfish should be kept in an aquarium no smaller than 30 gallons but a 55-gallon tank is even better for their size. Taller aquariums are preferred because these fish can grow to be roughly 8″ tall and 6″ long. They need plenty of room to turn and maneuver and anything smaller just doesn’t cut it.

    Aquarium Decorations

    Angelfish love having driftwood in their enclosure which helps soften and acidify the water. These fish also love heavily planted aquariums with quite a bit of open space for them to swim. They have long, showy, and delicate fins so it is important to find a balance of open swimming space and decorations.

    Water Parameters

    Freshwater Angelfish are quite hardy and easy to care for. They can handle a nice range of water parameters. The following are ranges that Angelfish are typically kept in:

    • Temperature Range: 75-82° F
    • KH Range: KH 1-5
    • pH Range: pH 5.8-7.0

    These fish do best in waters that are little more acidic. That is partly why they do very well in planted aquariums. Make sure fish kept with angelfish have the same or similar water parameter requirements.

    Veil Angelfish Swimming

    What do Freshwater Angelfish Eat?

    The Angelfish is not a very picky eater but they should be given a variety of foods. They are omnivorous so providing both algae and meaty food will be very beneficial to them. Remember to adjust the food size appropriately depending on the size of the fish. Also, like many other fish, an angelfish will attempt to eat anything that will fit into its mouth. Be mindful of keeping small fish and shrimp with a full-grown angel because they can become a quick snack. Freshwater snails and larger fish should be perfectly fine around angelfish.

    Tank Mates for Angelfish

    Freshwater Angelfish types vary in color, shape, and size. There are Zebra Veil Angelfish, Blue Angelfish, Koi Angelfish, and much more. Each should do just fine with one another, it all depends on your preference in color.

    Angelfish are considered semi-aggressive but are a more peaceful cichlid species. They usually will become aggressive when fighting for territory and mates. As stated above, they have the potential of eating smaller fish and shrimp but do fine with larger fish. Other than that, they don’t usually bother with anything else. They do great with Discus fish, Parrotfish, larger tetras, Denison Barbs, and many other fish.

    When angelfish are small they are commonly kept in larger groups. Once they become larger and mature, they will begin to pair off from one another. It is important to identify a pair and house them together in their aquarium because once they decide to lay their eggs, the pair will bully and fight any other fish to protect the eggs. It is possible to purchase a pair directly from a store, or just have one or two angelfish in an aquarium together but once it is time for them to breed no more than 2 should be housed in a fish tank.

    How to Breed Freshwater Angelfish

    Angelfish are quite commonly bred in the aquarium hobby. They will lay quite a bit of eggs and will defend them with their lives! To breed angels, you first need a pair. Once they are paired up, it is important to provide a flat piece of decor for them to drop their eggs on. The piece can be something like a piece of slate. It should be placed in an area with moderate flow. The eggs require flow to help prevent fungus growth which can ruin the batch. If everything is suitable for the angelfish, the female will drop the eggs and they will adhere to the piece of slate, and the male will follow behind and fertilize the eggs.

    There are many opportunistic fish in the aquarium lurking and waiting. Once they spot eggs they may try and eat them. The angelfish will do their best to protect their brood. After hatching it is important to feed the fry baby brine shrimp until they can eat crushed flake food.

    Final Notes

    Angelfish are wonderful fish that are pretty easy to care for. A pair can be a gorgeous centerpiece for many large aquariums. Their long fins and gentle movement give them a majestic appearance. They are quite easy to breed and for a cichlid are pretty docile. There are many breeders out there with many different variations available such as the Veil Angelfish, Koi Angelfish, Marble Angelfish, and more! Check them out and consider picking up a pair of your favorite!

  • The Amazing Electric Blue Crayfish

    The Amazing Electric Blue Crayfish

    The Electric Blue Crayfish, sometimes known as the Florida Crayfish has popped into popularity in the freshwater aquarium keeping hobby. Their remarkable vibrant blue color sticks out like a sore thumb in any aquarium. They’re quite easy to care for as long as certain conditions are met. This guide will go into more detail on proper crayfish care.

    Water Parameter Requirements

    Like many invertebrates, these crayfish need good water conditions. Your water should not have any ammonia and nitrites. It is almost impossible to have a reading of 0 nitrates due to decomposing food and fish waste so having a nitrate reading of 10 or less shouldn’t be a problem. The goal is to keep very stable water conditions for your wonderful crayfish!

    A few other water parameters that should be mentioned are pH, water temperature, and water hardness. They are quite versatile animals and they do well in a wide range of water conditions. They will do just fine in pH levels ranging from 6.5 – 7.5. They shouldn’t have a problem with water temperatures ranging from 65 – 75 degrees Fahrenheit but catching the temperature in the middle is ideal. Lastly, a water hardness level ranging from 3 to 10 dkh is just fine for these large invertebrates. An API Freshwater Master Test Kit and an API GH & KH Test Kit are great to have on hand for any aquarium.

    Crayfish Care

    An electric blue crayfish is pretty easy to care for. I wouldn’t recommend keeping them in anything smaller than a 30-gallon aquarium because they will be 4″ – 6″ long when they are fully grown! They have a life span of 5 to 6 years as long as they are living under stable water conditions. Be mindful that these invertebrates will shed their exoskeleton as they grow out of it!

    Electric Blue Crayfish are not picky eaters. They will eat just about anything that comes their way whether it’s flake food, pellets, or anything else. I would recommend dropping a few algae wafers to keep them busy and fed. Be cautious as to what fish to add to the aquarium because a slow fish or fish that lingers at the bottom of the aquarium will become a quick meal for the crayfish.

    I would not keep them with live plants. I have heard quite a bit of horror stories of these invertebrates taking plants, uprooting them, and munching on the leaves. I would recommend keeping them with plastic plants and decorations with caves varying in size. In their natural habitat they burrow so imitating a “burrow” is ideal for this creature. Otherwise, they do not require much else.

    Animals that can be kept with Crayfish

    This is a gray area because a lot of things can become a meal for the crayfish but there are fish that do much better at staying alive in the same enclosure than others. I would not keep fish that dwell at the bottom of the aquarium or that are slow. For example, keep these guys away from slow-moving Goldfish and bottom-dwelling Cory Catfish.

    Fast-moving fish that spend most of their time in the center of the aquarium or at the top are ideal for a crayfish enclosure. Danios are great because they move incredibly fast. Certain rainbowfish are incredibly fast and hang out at the center of the aquarium. You cannot go wrong with hatchet fish because they stick to the top of the fish tank. Be mindful of the fish you add with a crayfish! Snails should be okay to have with crayfish and are useful for keeping algae away from your aquarium.

    Final Thoughts

    Electric Blue Crayfish are a fantastic animal to keep. Watching them move their legs, collect food, and dart away backward from time to time is a fun experience. They have a good personality and are easy to care for! If you’re thinking of setting up a new 30-gallon (or larger) aquarium, check these out!

  • 3 Easy to Care For Aquatic Plants for Freshwater Fish Tanks

    3 Easy to Care For Aquatic Plants for Freshwater Fish Tanks

    From Plastic To Live Plants

    Having a thriving freshwater-planted aquarium is what many hobbyists strive to achieve. It is an incredible learning curve from owning a fish tank with fake plants and decor to a lush underwater garden filled with live plants. Many different measures must be considered when adding live plants into an aquarium. Primarily lighting requirements and a plant’s supplementary needs. Before really diving into all the different aquatic plants that are available check out the 3 plants that I believe are excellent for beginner plant growers. If you’re a pro at keeping plants and want to test your skills, check out 4 Beautiful Expert-Level Plants.

    1. Anubias

    There are many different varieties of anubias out on the market ready to be scooped up by aquarium keepers. Most, if not all, are incredibly hardy and do well in mid to low-light fish tanks. The anubias usually does quite well without any special fertilization or CO2 systems. They don’t even need to be put into the substrate.

    Image by Colamc on wikimedia

    The anubias can easily be put into driftwood or wedged in between rocks. They’re excellent starter plants for beginner-planted tank keepers. The plant has very broad leaves and helps create a unique structure in an aquarium setting. Check out this guide on anubias care.

    2. Java Fern

    Java fern is an excellent starter plant for aquarium keepers. They are a great mid-ground plant that will do perfectly well living in moderate to low lighting, just like the anubias. Java fern is considered an “amphibious” plant because it can live partially or fully submerged. This plant spreads mainly through rhizomes and can happily take over parts of your aquarium if not managed properly.

    Image by Fhurzan on wikimedia

    Finding plants that do well with South American cichild’s lively personalities is sometimes hard but java fern should do alright with those gloriously tough fish. It can also be placed on driftwood or in between rocks although it is not as commonly done as with the anubias.

    3. Crypts

    Cryptocoryne otherwise known as crypts are also a fantastic and easy-to-grow plant for a beginner dipping their toes in planted fish tanks. Cryptocoryne Wendtii is more or less the one I am specifically talking about. This plant grows very well in low to medium lighting and it spreads wonderfully through rhizomes.

    Image by S. Tanaka on wikimedia

    I had one that spread rhizome from one side of the aquarium to the other. Its leaf coloration will range from green to red to brown which is dependent on how much light it receives and amount of nutrients in the water. It is a plant with a lot of variability and will add quite a bit of personality into your aquarium.

    Final Thoughts

    These 3 species of plants can do very well with as little as good lighting, a substrate, like Eco Complete Planted Substrate, and fish waste! If they are in your aquarium and they seem to not be doing well test your water with an API Freshwater Master Test Kit to make sure your water parameters fall within your plant’s range.

    Depending on the amount of fish in your aquarium, there may not be enough natural fertilizer (fish poop) to keep your plants happy so consider providing some liquid fertilizer such as Seachem Flourish which is an all-around supplement for plants, and Seachem Flourish Excel which is a CO2 supplement. There are many other fertilizers out there but this is a good start for supplementation. Read the instructions carefully because adding too much Flourish will cause algae blooms and too much Flourish Excel can cause harm to your fish because it is practically CO2 in a bottle!

    Image by úlfhams_víkingur on wikimedia

  • The Easy to Care for Anubias

    The Easy to Care for Anubias

    Anubias is a fairly easy-to-keep plant that can be found in many different freshwater aquariums. This is an excellent starter plant for most hobbyists dipping their toes into live-planted tanks. Personally keeping anubias in my aquarium has helped me realize how easy it is to keep. One of the most common of the anubias species is Anubias barteri. This guide is meant to cover anubias plant care in your freshwater fish tanks.

    Anubias Keeping Requirements

    As stated previously, this plant does not require much of anything to stay alive. Although they prefer moderate lighting they still do well in both low-light and high-light situations. They may grow incredibly slowly in low-light aquariums but shouldn’t perish. They will also grow quicker in brighter light fish tanks but they may be plagued with algae growth on their leaves. They should do fine with a light that ranges from 1 – 3 watts per gallon.

    These plants are excellent for your typical freshwater community tank because the water parameter anubias needs line up roughly with the aquarium requirements. They require a temperature ranging from 72° – 82° F, KH levels between 3 and 7, and pH levels between 6.5 and 7.5. It is quite a versatile plant that is accepting of a broad water parameter spectrum.

    Image by Colamc on wikimedia

    Fertilizer and CO2 systems are recommended for live plants but they are not a requirement for this one. Proper gravel such as Eco-Complete by CaribSea and fish waste should provide the supplements this plant needs. As a bonus aquarium inhabitants such as fish and invertebrates will provide much of the CO2 for this plant. Good gravel and decent lighting go a long way for anubias.

    Anubias Plant Placement

    Anubias is one species of aquatic plant that does excellent growing outside of substrate too. Many aquarists will wedge their anubias in between driftwood and/or rocks. The plant will snag most nutrients straight out of the water column. Personally, this is my preferred method of keeping this plant. It makes propagating easier and I feel this allows the rhizome and roots to breathe a little bit better. Be sure not to crush the roots under the rocks. A simple wedging should suffice. Many hobbyists use a rubber band to keep the plant attached to driftwood and then remove the band once it is attached.

    Propagating Anubias

    Propagation is quite easy as well! The easiest way to propagate is to verify the plant has at least 8 or more leaves. Using aquarium scissors from an Aquascaping Tool Kit, you can cut the rhizome in a way where half the leaves are on one cut rhizome and the rest are on the other. Then decide where to put the newly propagated anubias and the task is complete! It shouldn’t need much more than that.

    Final Thoughts

    Anubias plant care is fairly straightforward. This makes them an excellent plant for first-time keepers. I love using them for low-maintenance betta aquariums. They do not require much and the betta will use the leaves as a place to rest and it’s so much fun to observe. They’re excellent plants for the foreground, midground, and background of any aquarium. They’re a very appealing plant that is very rewarding to grow. If you are new to plant keeping, consider checking out 3 Easy to Care For Aquatic Plants for Freshwater Fish Tanks.

    Image by Ji-Elle on wikimedia