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Interesting facts from the world of aquariums and aquatic animals
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Large South American Cichlids: The Charm and Challenges of Keeping Large Cichlids
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Large South American Cichlids: The Charm and Challenges of Keeping Large Cichlids
The animal kingdom is full of surprises, and the world beneath the water's surface is no exception. Large South American cichlids fascinate aquarists not only with their majestic appearance but especially with their unexpected intelligence and complex social behavior. What does it take to keep these personalities of the fish world, how to create a piece of wilderness in your living room, and why should you avoid the feared Crenicichla?
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Red-headed Cichlid: Majestic Giant with a Gentle Nature
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Red-headed Cichlid: Majestic Giant with a Gentle Nature
It is one of the greatest gems of Central American waters and has secured a firm position in our tanks. The red-headed cichlid, also known as the red-headed kanchik, fascinates aquarists not only with its majestic size and vibrant coloration but also with its surprisingly gentle nature. What does keeping this intelligent giant entail, and how can we create ideal conditions for successful breeding in captivity?
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Apistogramma trifasciata: in the name of the Indian mohawk and pride
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Apistogramma trifasciata: in the name of the Indian mohawk and pride
The three-striped cichlid (Apistogramma trifasciata) may not be a giant, but its dorsal fin resembling an Indian mohawk and proud nature will captivate any observer. Dive into the world of South American dwarf cichlids and discover why this gem from the Rio Paraguay basin is a challenge worth taking, despite its slower growth and specific water cleanliness requirements.
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Axolotl - remarkable species of Amphibian
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Axolotl - remarkable species of Amphibian
Sam Haywood
, 1 month ago
From viral video game star to biological enigma, the Axolotl has captured the world’s imagination like few other creatures. But beneath that famous "smiling" face lies a complex miracle of nature—a neotenic wonder capable of regenerating its own heart and resisting cancer. As these "water dragons" transition from the wild to our living rooms, understanding the reality of their care is more vital than ever.
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Nitrification and Denitrification in Freshwater and Marine Aquariums
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Nitrification and Denitrification in Freshwater and Marine Aquariums
Manfred Dietz
, 1 month ago
Nitrate in the aquarium – necessary evil or manageable process? While regular water changes are often expensive and time-consuming, biological denitrification offers a highly interesting alternative. Join the next AKF online meeting on May 6, when speaker Dieter Untergasser explains how to neutralize toxic excretions and ensure the long-term survival of your fish.
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Peru 2025: Expedition into the Heart of the Amazon on Your Screens
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Peru 2025: Expedition into the Heart of the Amazon on Your Screens
Manfred Dietz
, 2 months ago
Are you interested in what an aquarium expedition looks like in practice? Do you want to see cichlids and other fish in their natural habitat among rainforests and the foothills of the Andes? The ForAquarist portal, in collaboration with Cichliden-Stammtisch, invites you to a unique online lecture that will guide you through the footsteps of the JBL expedition in Peru.

Try the ForAquarist app!

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🐟 Plzeňské akvaristické léto 2026: Trh s tradicí druhého nejstaršího spolku u nás
4 hours ago

🐟 Plzeňské akvaristické léto 2026: Trh s tradicí druhého nejstaršího spolku u nás

Ahoj akvaristi a chovatelé!

Léto je v plném proudu, ale to neznamená, že by naše nádrže měly zahálet. Naopak – konec srpna bude ideální příležitostí, jak osvěžit krev ve vašich chovech, sehnat raritní kmeny ryb nebo doplnit zásoby prostřihů vodních rostlin po letní sezóně.

Spolek plzeňských akvaristů IRIS vás srdečně zve na Plzeňské akvaristické léto 2026, tradiční letní akvaristický trh, který se uskuteční v sobotu 29. srpna 2026.

Proč byste si tuto akci neměli nechat ujít?

🌿 Na co se můžete těšit?

- Přímo od chovatelů: Žádný anonymní dovoz z velkoobchodů. Čeká vás široká nabídka akvarijních ryb, bezobratlých a rostlin přímo z odchoven místních i přespolních akvaristů.
- Kompletní sortiment: Vedle živého materiálu budou k dispozici kvalitní krmiva (živé, mražené i sušené speciality) a chovatelské potřeby za příznivé ceny.
- Odborné poradenství: Spolek IRIS je historicky druhým nejstarším akvaristickým spolkem v českých zemích. Na místě tak potkáte matadory české akvaristiky, se kterými můžete zkonzultovat nemoci ryb, parametry vody, genetiku cichlidek nebo setupy pro náročné aquascapingové projekty.

📅 Organizační informace

- Kdy: Sobota 29. srpna 2026
- Čas konání: 9:00 – 11:00 (Doporučujeme dorazit včas, ty nejlepší kousky mizí během první hodiny!)
- Místo: Internát SPŠ dopravní, Karlovarská třída 99, Plzeň

🛒 Chcete sami prodávat a nabídnout své přebytky?

Máte plná akvária vlastních odchovů nebo prostřihaného mechu a chybí vám prostor pro nové projekty? Přijeďte ukázat své chovatelské úspěchy ostatním!

Rezervace prodejních míst: Objednávky stolů se přijímají nejpozději do 26. 8. 2026. Kapacita prostor může být omezená, proto s rezervací neotálejte.

- 📞 Telefon: 603 231 494
- ✉️ E-mail: info@irisplzen.cz

🤝 Staňte se součástí komunity

Pokud vám chybí pravidelný kontakt s lidmi, kteří sdílejí stejnou vášeň pro podvodní svět, máte jedinečnou šanci. Zájemci o členství ve spolku IRIS se mohou přihlásit přímo na místě konání akce. Podpoříte tím organizovanou akvaristiku v Čechách a získáte přístup ke klubovým akcím a přednáškám.

Přijeďte si popovídat o rybách, nakoupit a potkat staré známé z oboru.

Těšíme se na vás v Plzni!

Tým Spolku plzeňských akvaristů IRIS

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🐟 Invitation to the online seminar: “Fascinating Killifishes” (Dieter Ott)
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🐟 Invitation to the online seminar: “Fascinating Killifishes” (Dieter Ott)
13 days ago

🐟 Invitation to the online seminar: “Fascinating Killifishes” (Dieter Ott)

Hello all aquarium enthusiasts!

The British Killifish Association (BKA) warmly invites you to the first in a series of summer online seminars, taking place this Wednesday, June 10th. If you are interested in killifishes, their care, color forms, or just want to gain inspiration from an experienced foreign aquarist, don’t miss this lecture. Everyone is welcome!

- Speaker: Dieter Ott
- Topic: “Fascinating Killifishes” (The Fascinating World of Killifishes)
- When: Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 20:30 CEST (19:30 BST / GMT)
- Where: Online via Zoom

💻 How to join?

You can join the lecture directly by clicking the link below or entering the details in the Zoom app:

- Join link: Enter Zoom room
- Meeting ID: 827 0388 5789
- Passcode: australe

> 📅 Tip: If you want to save the meeting directly to your calendar, you can download the iCalendar (.ics) file here.

More information about other upcoming seminars (July, September, October) can be found on the official website killis.org.uk.

We look forward to your participation! 🐠 Feel free to share the invitation with other fellow aquarists.

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AquaEXPO 2026 RK: 47th edition of the traditional exhibition in Rychnov nad Kněžnou
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AquaEXPO 2026 RK: 47th edition of the traditional exhibition in Rychnov nad Kněžnou
20 days ago

🐟 AkvaEXPO 2026 RK: 47. ročník tradiční výstavy v Rychnově nad Kněžnou! 🌿

Akváristé a teraristé, zbystřete! Máme pro vás skvělý tip na akci, kterou byste si letos na podzim rozhodně neměli nechat ujít. Akva-tera klub ZO ČSCH Rychnov nad Kněžnou pořádá již 47. ročník legendární výstavy AkvaEXPO 2026 RK.

Přijďte načerpat inspiraci, nakoupit do svých nádrží nebo si jen užít skvělou atmosféru mezi lidmi se stejnou vášní.

📅 Kdy a kde?

- Termín: 12. – 20. září 2026
- Čas: denně od 8:30 do 18:00 (poslední den 20. 9. pouze do 16:00)
- Místo: Dům chovatelů, Trčkova 437, Rychnov nad Kněžnou

✨ Na co se můžete těšit?

- Velká výstava: Fascinující expozice akvarijních ryb, vodních rostlin a terarijních živočichů.
- AkvaEXPO v Rychnově nad Kněžnou není jen obyčejná prodejní burza, ale kompletní zážitek pro všechny milovníky podvodního života a terarijních zvířat.
- Nádrže budou připraveny jen těmi nejlepšími a nejšikovnějšími akvaristy!
- Tradiční prodej: Bohatý výběr ryb, krevet, živých rostlin, kvalitních krmiv a dalšího akvaristického i teraristického vybavení přímo od chovatelů.
- Přímo na místě bude probíhat velký prodej akvarijních ryb, krevet, šneků a vodních rostlin. Chovatelé zde nabídnou také kvalitní krmiva, akvarijní techniku a další chovatelské potřeby. Máte tak jedinečnou šanci pořídit vše potřebné pro váš aquascaping nebo chov na jednom místě a za skvělé ceny.
- Odborné přednášky: Možnost rozšířit si obzory a pobavit se s experty z oboru.
- Součástí doprovodného programu jsou odborné přednášky. Můžete zde konzultovat své chovatelské úspěchy i starosti s předními českými akvaristy a terarity. Těšte se známá akvaristická jména!(více zveřejníme brzy)

Proč navštívit AkvaEXPO v Rychnově?

Výstava v Rychnově má neopakovatelnou atmosféru s téměř padesátiletou tradicí. Je ideálním místem pro setkání komunity, načerpání nové inspirace a nákup zdravých živočichů přímo z českých odchovů.

Tip pro návštěvníky:

- Pokud jedete na výstavu primárně za nákupy rostlin a ryb, doporučujeme dorazit v prvních dnech konání, kdy je výběr nejširší. Pokud chcete klidnější prohlídku expozic, zvolte pracovní dny v dopoledních hodinách.
- Akce je známá také skvělým pohoštěním, takže můžete využít posezení k diskuzi a občerstvení.

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After 1 month and 17 days
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After 1 month and 17 days
1 month ago

Aquarium after the renovation, how is it doing and what changes have occurred? The first photo is right after the renovation and the second one is after 1 month and 17 days. What do you think? Would you change anything?

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When clams monitor water: smart biomonitoring in Warsaw
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When clams monitor water: smart biomonitoring in Warsaw
1 month ago

On the banks of the Vistula, a system operates that would have seemed more like an experiment than a part of urban infrastructure just a few years ago. Warsaw utilizes freshwater mussels as living sensors for water quality. This is not a curiosity, but a full-fledged layer of protection for drinking water, directly connected to the control systems of the waterworks.

The basic principle is simple: mussels filter water, and if something harmful appears in it, they immediately close their shells. This movement, which is a matter of survival for the organism, is translated into data in Warsaw using sensors attached to their shells. The system monitors group behavior and responds to synchronous changes.

Technical Solution

Small sensors are attached to the shells, measuring their opening in real-time. Data is continuously evaluated and filtered to eliminate random behavior of individual organisms, thus the behavior of the entire group is closely monitored. Once multiple mussels begin to close simultaneously within a defined time frame, the algorithm evaluates this as an anomaly and responds by issuing an alarm. This signal is connected to the waterworks control system (SCADA), which can automatically react—such as by shutting off the water supply.

The technical implementation is simple yet precise. Small sensors are attached to both halves of the mussel, capable of measuring the distance between them with high accuracy, that is, the degree of opening. Data is transmitted to the control unit at short intervals, where it is processed. Importantly, the system does not work with a single immediate impulse. It first filters out random movements and the natural behavior of individual organisms, then tracks trends over time, and primarily compares reactions among multiple mussels.

Mussels Discover More Than Classic Sensors

Unlike traditional probes that measure specific parameters such as pH, conductivity, or the presence of defined chemical substances, mussels operate differently. They respond to the overall impact of the environment on a living organism. This means they can detect situations where an unknown substance or a combination of multiple factors appears in the water, which individually might not exceed any limits from the sensors' perspective.

In the case of contamination, mussels close within seconds, and the entire system can evaluate the situation within tens of seconds to one minute. This speed makes biomonitoring an ideal "first warning layer" that complements more detailed but slower laboratory analyses.

To maintain reliability, the system works with a group of several individuals, and their behavior is continuously calibrated. Mussels are placed in a flow chamber, where they constantly filter water from the river, and after a certain period, they are replaced to prevent adaptation to the environment.

The great thing about this is that the mussels are not harmed; they live in an environment similar to their natural habitat and are returned to nature after a few months, with their place taken by their successors.

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EXOAQUA 2026 – XIPHO and GUPPY Carnevale
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EXOAQUA 2026 – XIPHO and GUPPY Carnevale
1 month ago

Official Announcement of the National Exhibition of Aquarium Fish, Reptiles, and Skills

Open Championship of the Czech Republic in Breeding Livebearers (Guppy, Xipho, and Molly) – Czech Open
Following the championship exhibitions organized by the former association Akvárium, established in 1899.

Organizer: AQUARIO & spol. n.o., ID: 27016439 | aquario@aquario-euro.net

Venue: Lysá nad Labem, Exhibition Grounds (Masarykova 1727, 289 22 Lysá nad Labem)

Member of IKGH – International Kuratorium Guppy High-breeding
Václav Schebelle – Associate judge for clubs for the 2026 European Championship season
Held as part of the exhibition EXOTIKA 2026
Date: October 28 to November 1, 2026 (Wednesday to Sunday)

Program 2026:
- Competitive Exhibition: Championship of the Czech Republic in Breeding Guppy, Xipho, and Molly.
- Natural Biotopes: Exhibition display – Central America, Amazon, Africa, Asia.
- Aquascaping: Exhibition of “aqua players” (tanks 0–200 l).
- Aquarium Free: Open competition creation and presentation by aquarists (tanks over 200 l).
- Marine Aquariums: Exhibition display (octopuses, seahorses, corals, etc.).
- Snails and Beetles: Bred forms from Africa.
- Orchid: Thematic flower exhibition.
- Antiquarian: Specialized literature from the respective fields.
- Lectures: Marine aquaristics, genetics, invasive species + GMOs, Czech aquarium pond, and more.

Details of the Exhibitions:
Championship Exhibition: Conducted according to the global regulations of IKGH.

Guppy: collection of 3 males + 1 female, or pairs (male + female). Evaluated based on similar traits (fin shape, color, size, vitality).
Xipho and Molly: always a pair with similar traits.
Biotope Exhibits: A glimpse into pure nature without artificial decorations and visible technology.
RETRO Exhibition: A reminder of the beginnings of aquaristics in Europe.
Aquascaping: A modern style of aquaristics emphasizing the harmony of plants, light, and decorations.
Snails and Beetles: Exhibition and sales display (African snails, terrestrial crustaceans – “pigs,” etc.).

The exhibitions will showcase both natural and highly bred forms. The event will include the sale of fish from domestic breeders and the distribution of the AQUA directory (contacts for breeders of specific species).

NEW: Open Amateur Exhibition with Sales
We invite all hobby aquarists to present their breeding stocks of GUPPY, XIPHO, and MOLLY to the wider public. Separate tanks will be prepared for registered participants (smaller exhibition tanks and larger sales tanks).

We encourage all aquarists and clubs to participate! Come compare your breeding successes and experience the prestigious atmosphere of the championship.

Further organizational information will follow, or we will provide it in person.

On behalf of AQUARIO & spol.

Václav Schebelle

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Redesigning a 240 L aquarium
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Redesigning a 240 L aquarium
2 months ago

The first photo is before the edit and the second one is after the edit. Which one do you like more? And what would you change or add, if anything?