Water Surface Chats: The Retro Archives - How "porridge" and Czech ingenuity changed aquarium keeping
The history of Czech and German aquaristics is not just about fish in tanks, but primarily about the incredible ability to improvise and efficiency that once allowed us to dominate the European market. In the latest video on the ForAquarist channel, witnesses who experienced the golden era of labyrinth fish breeding and the fall of the Iron Curtain shared their memories.
Infant nutrition as "superfood" for fry
Today, we have an abundance of special powdered feeds, vitamins, and suspensions available. However, during the times of socialism, the situation was different. As mentioned in the video, aquarists from the Eastern Bloc (especially from the GDR and Czechoslovakia) had to look for alternatives to expensive Western goods.
The key to the mass breeding of demanding species, such as bettas, cichlids, or rainbowfish, became instant infant cereals. These cereal powders had several fundamental advantages for aquarists:
- Physical properties: Due to their ultra-fine consistency, these powders utilized surface tension to remain afloat. This kept the food accessible in the upper water column where fry instinctively feed, preventing the waste from sinking and fouling the bottom.
- Availability and price: Thanks to the subsidies at the time for children's needs, these cereals had a "Negative Turnover Tax" and were extremely cheap.
- Composition: Breeders specifically sought out non-dairy, grain-based varieties (such as rice or corn powders) to avoid rapid bacterial blooms and water spoilage.
The clash of East and West: Efficiency over gold
An interesting moment in the discussion is the comparison of Czech and German breeders within international organizations (e.g., IGL). Western aquarists often watched with envy the results achieved by breeders from the East with minimal costs.
After the reunification of Germany, this difference in efficiency became fully apparent. East German breeders initially dominated the Western market thanks to their methods. However, they soon encountered even stronger competition – Czech aquarists.
Why are neon tetras so cheap?
Many people do not realize that the current availability of certain species is due to Czech breeders. The video mentions the example of neon tetras, which, thanks to Czech know-how and the ability to "produce fish for less," became the cheapest fish on the market. This pressure for efficiency was so strong that in Germany, a large part of professional farms gradually disappeared, unable to compete with Czech prices.
Identity between two worlds
In addition to technical details, the video also brings a human dimension. Stories about aquarists who moved between the Czech and German environments remind us that the aquarium hobby has always connected people regardless of borders. Although prejudices against "imports" sometimes arose, the shared passion for aquaristics always prevailed.
Do you want to hear the full stories about the history of our breeding and other aquaristic tricks? Check out the full video on our YouTube channel:
