Latest ads

Let's explore aquaristic and see what's new with us!

Category

News

Interesting facts from the world of aquariums and aquatic animals
Image
New Year's Eve in Summer: When (not only) aquarists legends gather at Zdeněk Dočekal's
330
5
New Year's Eve in Summer: When (not only) aquarists legends gather at Zdeněk Dočekal's
Linda Vlachova
, 4 days ago
Although New Year's Eve is celebrated on the last day of the year, for Czech aquarists, one of the most significant meetings took place in the summer in Zdeněk Dočekal's garden. The event connecting the aquarist community brought not only pleasant moments with friends but also a number of inspiring conversations about new breeding, book publishing, and interesting projects.
Image
Pygocentrus nattereri: Piranhas - The Myth of Bloodthirsty Killers and the Reality from the Aquarium
350
3
Pygocentrus nattereri: Piranhas - The Myth of Bloodthirsty Killers and the Reality from the Aquarium
Piranhas are commonly known as the bloodthirsty menace of South American waters. In reality, most stories about their aggressiveness are exaggerated, if not fabricated. This article will introduce you to the reality of piranhas, their care in aquariums, and why the legends about their danger are greatly exaggerated. You will learn how to care for piranhas, what to feed them, and what they need for breeding.
Image
Heiko Bleher: The Legacy of the Explorer and Pioneer of Aquaristics
502
4
Heiko Bleher: The Legacy of the Explorer and Pioneer of Aquaristics
For Aquarist
, 8 days ago
Heiko Bleher, a legend, explorer, traveler, and icon of aquaristics, dedicated his life to discovery. His legacy is tied to the discovery of new species of aquarium fish and plants. His contribution also includes the understanding that aquaristics is both a science and an art. Let us remember why he became an inspiration for millions of aquarists around the world.
Image
Aphyocharax paraguayensis (Glowing tetra): A beautiful but temperamental aquarium ornament
483
3
Aphyocharax paraguayensis (Glowing tetra): A beautiful but temperamental aquarium ornament
Fish of the genus Aphyocharax are popular for their calm nature and beautiful coloration. However, the glowing tetra is an exception – it may nibble on the fins of other fish. Therefore, it is an ideal choice for species aquariums, where its beauty can fully shine. Keeping this fish is a great challenge for aquarists who want to focus on specific conditions, such as diet and water quality, that help mitigate its aggression.
Image
Xiphophorus montezumae: The Forgotten Treasure of Mexican Waters
539
4
Xiphophorus montezumae: The Forgotten Treasure of Mexican Waters
The Montezuma swordtail is one of the lesser-known livebearers in our country, but it is a gem among them. It is imported very rarely, and even breeding is not as productive as we know it from common swordtails (Xiphophorus helleri) or even platies. Occasionally, they appear at markets in Western Europe, from where we can import the fish. Several populations of this species are known, reaching about 7-8 cm in length, and the males' sword is approximately the same length.
Image
Breeding and Rearing Pseudoepiplatys annulatus: A Guide for Every Aquarist
635
2
Breeding and Rearing Pseudoepiplatys annulatus: A Guide for Every Aquarist
Do you have a small apartment? Do you not have space for a several hundred liter aquarium for cichlids? One option would be here. Among the most interesting dwarf cichlids is the dwarf cichlid, the ringed cichlid. For a long time, it has been shrouded in a number of mysteries. There has been speculation about why there are problems with breeding its fry. Why is it not bred in larger quantities? For years, I have bred this dwarf in a relatively large number, and therefore I would like to unveil some myths presented in the literature. I definitely do not think it is a demanding species. On the contrary, it can also serve as a first fish for beginner cichlid keepers. However, everything has its "buts."

Try the ForAquarist app!

Modern marketplace for selling, buying and inspiring always at hand
Google Play
Apple Store
Mobile App

Latest inspiration

Publish your photos and inspire others!
Moje akvárium Malawi 250 x 70 x 70 cm s Non-mbunas a dravci
1 day ago

Ahoj,

tady je pár obrázků a inspirací z mého akvária z jezera Malawi, ve kterém chovám a Non-mbunas a dravce z jezera Malawi.

Na fotkách jsou tyto druhy:
Exochochromis anagenys
Aristiochromis Chrisityi
Copadichromis borleyi Kadango
Mylochromis mchuse
Mylochromis epichorialis
Nimbochromis fuscotaeniatus
Placidochrimos phenochilus Mdoka "White Lips"
Protomelas taeniolatus Boadzulu
Stigmatochromis tolae

Pokud máte otázky, neváhejte se na mě obrátit.

S pozdravem, Manfred

Image
Německý cichlid klub (DCG) má nyní své webové stránky i v češtině
119
3
1
Německý cichlid klub (DCG) má nyní své webové stránky i v češtině
1 day ago

Ahoj,

DCG e.V. přizpůsobil svou internetovou stránku tak, aby bylo nyní možné vybrat "češtinu" jako jazyk stránky. Tím pádem by měl být dostupný rozsáhlý obsah webu i pro české akvaristy, kteří nemluví německy.

K dosažení na: www.dcg-online.de

Pokud máte dotazy, neváhejte se obrátit na mě nebo Lindu.

S pozdravem, Manfred

Image
Tanganjikasee Stachelaal Mastacembelus moorii
169
4
2
Tanganjikasee Stachelaal Mastacembelus moorii
5 days ago

Hello to all aquarists,

this is my first attempt at creating an article here.

I put the spiny eel in my Malawi tank because the Malawi predators don't really put a lot of energy into hunting young fish. They always get food from me, so there's no need to overexert themselves. 😉

My C. borleyi Kadango regularly produces about 50-90 young! Very few of them don't make it! Almost all the young Kadangos survive. So the tank gets overpopulated in a short time! Unfortunately, it's not possible to give them away in such quantities either. 🤔

This species of spiny eel from Lake Tanganyika is truly very interesting, highly intelligent, and exhibits a very unique behavior in the tank.
At the top of its behavioral traits is that it's an effective and intense hunter; nothing escapes it! Mine is now about 50 cm long after years!

Attention: The other fish must be at least >10 cm, otherwise they will sooner or later end up in the stomach of the M. moorii!

Furthermore, I can also report the following, for example, it eats from my hand, reacts almost instantly to my hand signals, etc.

Brief species description:

Genus: Mastacembelus

Species: moorii

Trade name: Tanganyika spiny eel

Continent, Lake: East Africa, Lake Tanganyika (endemic)

Tank size: min. 200, better 250 - 400 cm length, 60-80 cm depth

Water temperature: 22 - 26 °C

pH value: 7.5 - 9.0

Max. size: 45-50 cm, maybe even more

Diet: Frozen food, live food (mussel meat, krill, crab pieces, (if smelt, feed rarely))

They do not accept flakes, granules, or similar food!

Hunting behavior: They hunt and eat everything that fits into their mouth or can be overpowered.

Keeping: Compatible with large cichlids, nocturnal.

Tank setup: Make the tank eel-proof! These animals "climb" out of the tank if they can. They are very curious!

If you have any questions, I am happy to help.

Best regards, Manfred

Image
Guide for Breeding Daphnia magna
1070
2
Guide for Breeding Daphnia magna
1 month ago

Daphnia magna, also known as the large water flea, are small aquatic crustaceans that are ideal livefood for fish. Their cultivation is relatively simple and economical. To successfully raise daphnia after acquiring this great livefood, I have prepared a detailed guide for you.

1. Establishing the culture
a) Tank
Size: For starters, a 10-20 liter tank (aquarium or plastic box) is sufficient. For larger production, you can also use larger containers (50-100 liters).

Material: Glass or food-grade plastic are ideal. Avoid metal containers that may release toxic substances.

Location: Place the tank in a spot with diffused light, not in direct sunlight. A stable temperature is ideal.

b) Water
Type: The best is standing tap water (let it sit for at least 24 hours, ideally longer, to allow the chlorine to evaporate). You can also use rainwater or water from an already established, healthy aquarium.

Temperature: The optimal temperature for breeding is between 18-25 °C. At higher temperatures, daphnia reproduce faster, but have a shorter lifespan.

Hardness: Daphnia prefer moderately hard to hard water. However, they can also thrive in water with a lower pH, around 6.

c) Starter culture
Purchase the starter culture from a reliable supplier, ideally here on ForAquarist from verified breeders. Keep in mind that daphnia are very sensitive to changes in their environment, so they may take some time to acclimate to the new conditions.

2. Feeding
Feeding is the most important factor for successful daphnia cultivation. They are filter-feeding organisms that feed on microscopic algae and bacteria.

Feeding options
a) Green water: This is the best and most natural food. You can prepare green water by leaving water with a little organic matter (e.g., dried nettle leaves) in the sun until it becomes cloudy with green algae.

b) Brewer's yeast: Dissolve a small amount of dried brewer's yeast in water and add it to the tank. Yeast is rich in proteins and vitamins. Dose very carefully to avoid overfeeding and spoiling the water.

c) Yeast: Dissolve a small amount of yeast in warm water and let it stand for at least an hour. Then feed so that the water is slightly "milky." Once the daphnia clear the water, you can add more.

d) Spirulina or chlorella powder: Very nutritious and readily available food. Again, dose very small amounts.

e) Egg yolk: A tiny amount of boiled egg yolk mashed in water can serve as emergency food. However, you must be very careful, as it is very easy to overfeed.

Dosing
Feed small amounts; if you are starting out, it is better to feed twice a day than to add too much food. The water should be slightly cloudy after feeding, but it should clear up within a few hours. If the water remains cloudy for a long time (from my experience - more than a day and a half), you are overfeeding. Overfeeding is a common cause of culture collapse.

Watch how the daphnia move. If they are actively filtering (moving their limbs quickly), they have enough food.

3. Maintenance of the culture
a) Water change
Regularly (e.g., once a week) siphon off sediment and sludge from the bottom of the tank. It is recommended to replace 10-20% of the water volume with fresh, standing water.

Never change all the water at once.

b) Aeration
Daphnia do not need water flow, but gentle aeration helps maintain optimal oxygen levels and prevents the accumulation of organic matter. A weak air stone is sufficient. You can also conduct the culture without aeration, but you must be more careful about the placement of the tank and the number of daphnia.

c) Monitoring the population
Regularly check the daphnia population. If you see many dead individuals, the population is decreasing, or there are few small daphnia, you need to check the water quality and feeding.

Under optimal conditions, daphnia reproduce quickly, and small individuals are visible.

4. Collecting daphnia
Daphnia are best collected with a fine net.

You can catch them directly from the tank and immediately feed them to the fish, or you can keep them in a separate container with fresh water for later use.

5. Common problems and solutions
Cloudy water and odor: Overfeeding. Immediately reduce feeding amounts and change part of the water.

Population collapse: This can be caused by sudden changes in temperature, pH, toxic substances in the water (chlorine, heavy metals), or lack of food. Check all parameters and ensure the water is fine.

Cultivating Daphnia magna will bring joy to any aquarist who wants to offer their fish a natural and nutritious food source. With a little patience and adherence to these guidelines, you will soon enjoy a plentiful supply of these tiny crustaceans.

Successful breeding!

Image
Apistogramma panduro while feeding Izya worms
1128
1
Apistogramma panduro while feeding Izya worms
2 months ago

Izya worms also known as Israel Tubifex are an excellent live food that you can relatively easily breed at home. You can obtain starter cultures for your own breeding, for example, from Mr. Dorňák, a specialist in live aquarium feed.