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?

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.

This is what aquaristics can look like in a country where theft is practically nonexistent and rules are followed. In a residential area, there is this open aquaristics where you can choose fish or accessories and pay into a donation box.

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

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 relevant 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 on consistent traits (fin shape, color, size, vitality).
Xipho and Molly: always a pair with consistent 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 showcase their breeding strains 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

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?

Máte plný kalendář, ale o té nejlepší burze nebo přednášce se dozvíte až den poté? Německé Cichliden-Forum.de pořádá online přednášku, která potěší každého, kdo chce mít o dění ve světě akvaristiky dokonalý přehled.

Online přednáška: Vivaristik-Kalender v praxi
Manfred Dietz představí revoluční nástroj pro všechny akvaristy – Vivaristik-Kalender.

Kdy: středa 8. 4. 2026 v 19:30

Kde: Online (Zoom)

Jazyk: Němčina s českými titulky v reálném čase (přes 40 jazyků k dispozici)

O čem to bude?
Cílem je sjednotit všechny termíny, akce, odkazy a místa na jedno místo v cloudu. Manfred vám ukáže:

✅ Jak najít všechny akvaristické akce na jedno kliknutí.

✅ Jak předcházet nešťastným termínovým kolizím.

✅ Jak si kalendář propojit s vaším vlastním telefonem nebo aplikacemi.

✅ Praktické ukázky přímo v rozhraní kalendáře.

Na konci přednášky bude vyhrazen dostatek času pro vaše dotazy a pomoc s nastavením.

Proč se připojit?
Vivaristika není jen o rybách v akváriu, ale i o setkávání a sdílení zkušeností. Tento kalendář je mostem, který nás všechny propojuje. Hosté jsou srdečně vítáni!

Tip pro české akvaristy: Díky funkci Zoomu budou k dispozici automatické české titulky, takže se nemusíte bát jazykové bariéry.

Chcete se zúčastnit?
Sledujte web Cichliden-Forum.de pro získání přístupového odkazu k Zoomu.

An Zoom-Meeting teilnehmen:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82319496616?pwd=LjA2oPUsfVaOxub63B32TB3wDvGuji.1

Meeting-ID: 823 1949 6616

Kenncode: 020589