FOURTH QUARTER 2017 ■ VOLUME 1

REDEFINING HARDSCAPE

What is Tissue Culture? ■ Shell Dwellers

Success With Cherry Shrimp ■ And More
aquariumhobbyistmagazine.com
 Features  Fourth Quarter 2017 ■ Vol. 1 Announcements
- We are excited to introduce the first issue of Aquarium Hobbyist Magazine. Our
mission is to produce a high-quality magazine that is free to the hobby. We hope
to inspire people to learn about and enjoy nature by creating beautiful freshwater
6 Jungle Tanks: aquariums. This magazine is available for free to the hobby thanks to our advertis-
South African Style ers, so please let them know that you see their ads in this magazine and appreciate
Forget about clean lines, toss the tweezers,
their support of free content for the hobby. We'd also like to thank our distributors
and bring in the large, leafy plants. Jungle
and stores who help get this magazine out to hobbyists all over the United States.
tanks get the spotlight here. Marc Hawke
- If you would like to write for us, contribute photography, or have your aquarium
featured, email us through the “Contact Us” tab on our website.
10 Success With Cherry Shrimp
Thinking about adding shrimp to your display?
This inclusive guide on Cherry Shrimp will arm
AHM Sponsored Events
(our latest issues are available at sponsored events in the United States)
you with the knowledge you need to succeed
• Aquatic Experience: November 3-5, Chicago, IL
the first time. Noeneel Sharma
www.aquaticexperience.org
• Guangzhou Int'l Aquarium Show: March 23-25, 2018, China
14 Strategic Stocking for Success www.fishgz.com
Before you stock your next aquarium, make
sure you are equipped with these stocking
strategies to maximize your enjoyment and
Digital & Hard Copy Subscriptions
Scan this QR code to sign up for your free digital
success. Michael Griffith
subscription. You will receive an alert every time a new
issue is released and have access to download every
18 Tissue Culture: issue as a PDF. You can also sign up for a hard copy
The Future of Aquarium Plants subscription for home delivery.
Tissue culture is taking the planted tank hobby
by storm. Get the low-down on tissue culture
and why it's so hot. George Farmer
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Attract more hobbyists to your store by offering Aquarium Hobbyist
Magazine to your customers! We educate hobbyists on new products,
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24 Redefining Hardscape
Aquarium Snapshots

Contact one of our distributors below or email us through the “Contact

When you let your imagination Us” tab on our website to get stocked. Your customers will love it!
run wild, unbelievable aquascapes • Apet – www.apetinc.com
result. Jeff Senske • All Seas Marine – www.allseaslax.com
28 Autumn in the Mountains • Aquatropic – www.aquatropic.com
Dennis Wong • DFW Aquarium Supply – www.dfwaquarium.com
32 Steampunk Aquarium • Poseidon Aquatics – www.poseidonaquatics.com
Sean Peck • Quality Marine – www.qualitymarine.com
34 Outside the Box • Segrest Farms – www.segrestfarms.com
Martin Schapira

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36 Over-Filtration for www.aquariumhobbyistmagazine.com
African Cichlid Tanks • Read all back issues in the AHM archives for FREE.
When overstocking is required to reduce
• Sign up for a hard copy subscription or FREE digital subscription.
aggression, over-filtration is a must. Expolore
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the various options here. Eaven Alexander
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40 Dueling Betta Tanks • www.facebook.com/aquariumhobbyistmagazine
Two tanks, two Bettas, two aquascapers. See
how this duo turned two Betta tanks into an
artistic dining room display with live plants
AHM Staff
Managing Editor Jason Oneppo
and natural hardscapes. Nicole Mcentee
Director of Advertising & Partnerships Harry T. Tung
Scientific Editor Jim Adelberg
44 A Dwelling for Shell Dwellers Copy Editor S. Houghton
In a proper biotope, male shell dwellers will
steal females from competing males. Find
Comments or suggestions? Contact us on our website!
out how to create the perfect environment to
witness this interesting behavior. Vilcu Paul ©2017 Aquarium Hobbyist Magazine. All rights reserved.

4 • Aquarium Hobbyist Magazine  Fourth Quarter 2017

JUNGLE TANKS:
SOUTH AFRICAN STYLE
By Marc Hawke

M
y name is Marc Hawke, and I’m from Cape Town, South into a new house, and that gave me an opportunity to upgrade to
Africa. My journey into fish tanks began in January 2012 my current 80-gallon display.
with two Ranchu Goldfish in a fish bowl for my daughters.
A few months later, I replaced the fish bowl with an 8-gallon tank Equipment
and replaced the goldfish with three guppies, nine neons, and a
Due to my location and the cost of everything being so expensive,
pleco. I bought a 3-gallon fry tank in June for the guppy fry and then
I needed to do things on a tight budget. I found an old broken desk
a 26-gallon tank in July to replace all the tanks. Soon after, I moved
in my new house that I turned into my tank stand after some major
modifications and reinforcement. The cupboard houses my canis-
ter filter, fish equipment, and two tanks—a quarantine tank and the
custom 80-gallon White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albo-
Marc Hawke nubes) cold-water tank.

Marc lives in Cape Town, South Africa, and has been in the hobby The canopy holds two ballasts and contains a total of four 54-watt
since 2012. Professionally, he’s a geotechnical engineer, but his T5 fluorescent tubes. Two of them are 6,500 K, one is 8,800 K, and
passion is jungle-style planted tanks. one is 10,000 K. I also installed individual reflectors for each tube.

6 • Aquarium Hobbyist Magazine  Fourth Quarter 2017

Filtration is achieved through an external Dolphin C1600 canister
filter and an internal Boyu filter on opposite corners of the tank.
Biological and mechanical filtration is achieved through filter wool,
two types of filter foam, Boyu ceramic noodles, Seachem Matrix,
Seachem Purigen, activated charcoal, and crushed coral (to prevent
pH drops due to injected CO2).

CO2 is injected at 1 to 2 BPS (bubbles per second) into the tank from
a converted 2-kilogram fire extinguisher; the trigger was replaced
with a gate valve and an Up Aqua regulator and solenoid. In the tank,
there is an ISTA 3-in-1 diffuser (check valve, bubble counter, and
ceramic diffuser) that is located below the filter spray bar to assist
with pushing the CO2 into and around the tank.

The lights and CO2 are on digital timers, with CO2 running from
4 P.M. to 10 P.M. and the lights from 5 P.M. to 11 P.M.

I use the Estimative Index (EI) fertilization technique, which calls for
excess nutrients to be supplied to the tank throughout the week.
At the end of the week, a 50 percent water change is performed to
reset the nutrient load. It is referred to as estimative because fer-
tilizers are dosed based on general guidelines, and regular testing
is not done in this method. This technique utilizes macronutrients
(fertilizers in large amounts) and micronutrients (fertilizers in trace
amounts). The macros I dose include phosphate, potassium, and
nitrate, and the micros I dose include calcium/magnesium with
CSM+B (micro nutrient mix plus boron).

www.aquariumhobbyistmagazine.com Jungle Tanks: South African Style • 7

 "Valley of a Thousand Crypts" is my latest jungle
tank and current entry into the 2017 IAPLC.

This is the author's

first proper planted tank was created in December 2013, and my
previous jungle tank before aquascapes usually last a year due to the time it takes to rescape
it grew in, sitting on the 80 gallons of jungle. I prefer jungle-style tanks because they feel
old broken desk that he
modified into a tank stand. very natural, and my fish appear to enjoy all the nooks and crannies.

I entered my first IAPLC (International Aquatic Plant Layout Contest)

in 2014 and have entered every year since, with my best world-rank-
ing being 498 (out of 2,000 entries).

Current 80-Gallon Aquascape:

Valley of a Thousand Crypts

Aquascape Materials
Stone: blue shale
Substrate: white sand

Plants
‒‒American Eelgrass (Vallisneria americana)
‒‒Italian Vallisneria (Vallisneria spiralis)
‒‒Cryptocoryne wendtii ‘Brown’
‒‒Pearl Grass (Hemianthus micranthemoides)
‒‒Rotala sp. ‘Colorata’
‒‒Dwarf Asian Grass (Blyxa japonica)

Fish
‒‒(2) Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare)
‒‒(20–30) Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi) and
Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi)
‒‒(15–20) Harlequin Rasbora (Trigonostigma heteromorpha)
‒‒(2) Longfin Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus sp.)
‒‒(6) Bronze Corydoras (Corydoras aeneus)
‒‒(7) Blue and Gold Ram Cichlid (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi)
‒‒(5) Siamese Algae Eater (Crossocheilus oblongus)
‒‒multiple varieties of guppies (Poecilia reticulata)

Shrimp
The Planted Journey (2012-Present) ‒‒Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata)
2012 to 2013 was a year of experimenting with plants, fish, and hard- ‒‒Crystal Red Shrimp (Caridina cantonensis sp. ‘Red’)
scapes to figure out how plants grow, where they should be posi- ‒‒Crystal Black Shrimp (Caridina cantonensis sp. ‘Black’)
tioned, and how they fit together with the hardscape and fish. My ‒‒Ghost Shrimp (Palaemonetes paludosus) AH

8 • Aquarium Hobbyist Magazine  Fourth Quarter 2017

Success With Cherry Shrimp
By Noeneel Sharma

N
eocaridina davidi is an ornamental freshwater shrimp spe- Water Conditions
cies that is believed to have originated in Asia. Common-
Water parameters are a highly debated topic amongst shrimp keep-
ly known as the Cherry Shrimp, it is well regarded in the
ers and breeders. Ideally, you want to match the parameters of the
aquatic hobby as being peaceful and relatively easy to take care of.
water where you have sourced your shrimp. To do this, you will need
to either seek the information from the seller or test the water in
While the Cherry Shrimp today is available in a range of colors, the
which the shrimp came. The second method is only useful if done
first color strain that popularized this shrimp amongst enthusiasts
as soon as the shrimp are received, since some of the water param-
was the Red Cherry Shrimp (RCS), not to be confused with Crystal
eters may change over time.
Red Shrimp (CRS).
Alternatively, the consensus amongst members of the Shrimp Keep-
On average, Cherry Shrimp have a lifespan of 1 to 2 years and can
ers Forum (SKF Aquatics) online community is as follows:
grow to 1.75 inches in length. They are great cleaners and will aid in
the removal of uneaten food and some types of algae in the tank.
• pH: 6.4–7.6
• Temperature: 64.4–82.4° F (73.4° F recommended)
• Ammonia: 0 ppm
Noeneel Sharma • Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: < 20 ppm, preferably < 5 ppm
Noeneel is from Brisbane, Australia, and has been keeping freshwater • Carbonate Hardness: 0–10°
shrimp for almost a decade. He is a founding member of • General Hardness: 4–14°
Shrimp Keepers Forum (skfaquatics.com). • Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): 80–200 ppm

10 • Aquarium Hobbyist Magazine  Fourth Quarter 2017

 Cherry Shrimp will accept a variety That’s a lot of parameters to test for, and this is where a good water
of specialty shrimp foods. test kit becomes an essential item in your aquatic care kit. While
keeping track of all these parameters may appear daunting to new
hobbyists, take your time to understand what each parameter is and
what causes each one to go up and down. The key parameters that
must be kept in check 100 percent of the time are pH, temperature,
and ammonia; if any of these falls out of range, the conditions can
be fatal to your shrimp.

Fortunately, Cherry Shrimp can tolerate a wide range of water con-

ditions and thus are recommended in first attempts at shrimp keep-
ing. Similarly, when shrimp appear sick, shrimp are not breeding, or
something just doesn’t seem right, you should first check the water
A male shrimp (right)
parameters. Finally, don’t neglect water changes. A weekly water
approaches a female change of approximately 5 to 20 percent, depending on population
shrimp (left). size, is recommended.

Feeding
Cherry Shrimp are no different from other aquatic livestock and
require a well-balanced diet consisting of protein and minerals.
Specialty shrimp foods high in protein and minerals can be pur-
chased from your local fish store. These are available in pellet, wafer,
and stick form. You can also use some types of fish food if nothing
else is available, but you should check the ingredients first. Shrimp
must not be fed anything containing copper, as it will be fatal to
them. On the topic of copper, under no circumstances should you
use any form of snail treatment in your tank. These tend to be high
in copper content and will kill any shrimp in your tank.

A female that is ready to breed will Vegetables such as kale, zucchini, and spinach are also healthy
display a "saddle" behind her head.
treats that can be blanched (dipped in boiling water for a few sec-
onds) or given raw to shrimp. You may need to use a wooden skewer
or a stainless steel fork to keep the vegetables from floating to the
surface.

Shrimp should only be fed in small doses, and any uneaten food
should be removed from the tank after an hour. Over-feeding shrimp
will impact your water quality and encourage the breeding of pests,
such as flatworms (Planaria spp.). In an established tank, there
should be sufficient algae or biofilm for Cherry Shrimp to graze on
between feedings.

Sexing
Sexing a juvenile, or juvi, as they are referred to in the hobby, can be
A "berried" female will carry eggs difficult because the male/female traits may not yet be sufficiently
for 3 or more weeks before baby
shrimp start to appear.
developed. The female Cherry Shrimp will be larger in size and have
darker color intensity. The females also possess a wider abdomen
and show a “saddle” behind the head when they reach breeding
maturity.

Breeding
The other reason I love to recommend Cherry Shrimp to hobbyists
who are new to shrimp keeping is that they are very easy to breed.
There are exceptions with some of the colored cherry variants, but
the ease of breeding holds true for the classic Red Cherry Shrimp.

There are three essential elements for successful breeding: sta-

ble water parameters, a male Cherry Shrimp, and a female Cherry

www.aquariumhobbyistmagazine.com Success With Cherry Shrimp • 11

Shrimp. That’s about it in a nutshell. If things go well, the following If you are more interested in finding new colors and patterns, then
should happen: you may consider mixing your shrimp. Be warned, though: mixing
colors is known to throw shrimp back toward their wild coloration.
1. The female grows a saddle.
2. The female releases hormones, attracting males. The following color chart was created by our own members’ discov-
3. The two shrimp mate. eries in their breeding programs. The chart is always changing with
4. The female goes from being “saddled” to being “berried” (eggs new colors, and existing colors by way of a new path are continually
have been fertilized and are visible). being discovered.

A berried female will first wander around the tank. Then she will The grading of Cherry Shrimp is a lot simpler than the grading of
turn her eggs until they are ready to hatch. You should start to see other exotic species. We start with the basic Cherry Shrimp and work
the little baby shrimp, or shrimplets, after a few weeks. If you are in our way to the highest grade, which is regarded as Painted Fire:
a cooler climate, you may need to increase the water temperature a
little to get this process going. • Cherry: a little bit of color with clear legs
• Sakura: more color on the top, legs have color
The shrimplets will be colorless in the beginning and will start to • Fire: full color coverage, saddle shows under normal light
color up as they mature. It’s also wise to cover your filter intake with • Painted Fire: solid coloring including legs, saddle shows under
a sponge so that they don’t get sucked into your filter. The sponge bright light
is also a good source of bacteria for shrimplets.
Compatible Tank Mates
Color Variations, Patterns, and Grading Opinions vary on this topic, but as a rule of thumb, if the fish has a
We’ve talked predominately about the Red Cherry Shrimp in this big enough mouth to eat the shrimp, then it’s a risk to the shrimp.
article, but there are several different color variations. Can you mix However, that doesn’t mean you can’t keep shrimp in a community
colors, patterns, and grades in the same tank? Well, the answer de- tank. Several precautions are required to ensure their survival:
pends on what outcomes you desire. If you want to focus on a trait
and enhance it through breeding, then mixing and matching isn’t Firstly, don’t even bother trying to keep them with predatory and/or
advisable; the trait you’re striving to enhance may regress in quality. large fish such as discus, oscars, or other cichlids. Your shrimp will

Grades
Shrimp Keepers Forum's Neocaridina davidi Family Tree

Cherry
Clear legs with body covered in a little color.

Wild Colors Sakura

Legs and bottom half covered in a little color.
Top half has more color coverage.

Fire
Full coverage of color including legs. Saddle and
Var Red Var Brown eggs on female still visible under regular light.
Var Yellow

Painted Fire
Full coverage of color including legs. Saddle and
Var Orange eggs only visible under special light conditions.
Var Blue (Red Lineage) Var Red Var Blue
(Red Lineage) Var Green (Brown Lineage) When grading a pair, the grade applicable to the pair
(Brown Lineage)
(Yellow Lineage) is the lesser of the two. For example, a Sakura Red
male with a Fire Red female would be graded as a
Var Black Sakura Red pair.
(Brown Lineage)
Patterns
Var Blue Var Green
(Red/Orange Lineage) (Red/Orange Lineage)

Rilli
Solid portions of the shrimp are transparent.
Var Blue The more transparency, the higher the grade.
Commonly known as the Cherry Shrimp, this freshwater dwarf shrimp (Brown/Black Lineage)
species is popular amongst beginner shrimp keepers around the world
as they are hardy and easy to breed. This chart is a simplified version of While not a certainty, these are potential grades and
the Cherry Shrimp family tree researched and developed by Jay Cottrell patterns that have been achieved through selective
from Boss Aquaria with consultation from Glenn Ng. breeding with the various Neocaridina davidi colors.

12 • Aquarium Hobbyist Magazine  Fourth Quarter 2017

Cherry Shrimp spend their day grazing on algae, debris, and biofilm. This makes them a
functional addition to any freshwater community aquarium with compatible tank mates
and stable water conditions. »

make a delicious snack for them. Smaller fish, such as some of the
tetras, would be a better choice.

Secondly, in a community tank, make sure there are sufficient hid-

ing places. Shrimp-safe (e.g. copper-free) ornaments and plants are
highly recommended. In a planted tank, make sure not to use a
copper-based plant fertilizer.

Finally, sit back and enjoy endless hours gazing at the ecosystem
you have created. If you have multiple shrimp species, you will prob-
ably notice that Cherry Shrimp tend to stick to their own.

Final Thoughts
Shrimp keeping can be a very satisfying adventure, and like other
aquatic creatures, they never cease to amaze you when you take
the time to sit back and simply observe. If you are new to keeping
and breeding shrimp, Red Cherry Shrimp are a good place to begin.
They will provide you with the opportunity to gain the experience
and confidence needed to branch out to the more delicate species.

If you ever have questions, swing by the Shrimp Keepers Forum

online community (skfaquatics.com). You will find friendly people
who can help and are willing to share their knowledge and experi-
Red Cherry Shrimp grazing on algae
ence with you. AH

www.aquariumhobbyistmagazine.com Success With Cherry Shrimp • 13

 Poseidon Aquatics
Strategic Stocking for Success
By Michael Griffith

T
here comes a time that we, as fish keepers, all face: we de- There are few black and white rules you must follow, but here are
cide to take the plunge and get our first (or second, or tenth) some things to consider that can help guide your decision.
aquarium. Or we decide to overhaul that neglected tank we
have been pretending isn’t a disappointment. As our excitement Water Parameters
builds, the question of what we are going to put into this aquarium
Water isn’t just the liquid we perceive as water. There are gases, min-
arises.
erals, organic compounds, and any number of other things dissolved
into every natural water source on the planet. Animals that have
Perhaps you already have an idea. Maybe a certain fish caught your
evolved to thrive in one set of water parameters will often suffer or
eye last time you went to your local fish store. Or maybe you’re finally
die when kept in water that is significantly different from their native
setting up a tank for that holy-grail fish you’ve been wanting for the
habitat. Fish that come from the soft, acidic, tannin-stained waters
last decade. But even if you do want to set up your tank around a
of the Amazon Basin are not going to do well in hard, alkaline water
particular fish, how do you decide what else to put into your tank?
conditions such as those found in the African Rift Lakes.

In my experience, most of the problems introduced by substantially

different water chemistry come from osmotic pressure. In very hard
Michael Griffith water environments, where high levels of minerals and salt are pres-
ent, fish must struggle to prevent the water inside their cells from
Michael resides in Denver, Colorado, and is a hobbyist of 15 years. rushing out, which would dehydrate the fish. Conversely, in very soft
Michael is a fish specialist, writer, and team member at Segrest water environments, the fish must constantly release water to avoid
Farms, one of AHM’s distributors. becoming over hydrated. But when fish have evolved in a specific

14 • Aquarium Hobbyist Magazine  Fourth Quarter 2017

 Tiger Barbs • Poseidon Aquatics

Cardinal Tetras • Poseidon Aquatics

environment, they often don’t have effective mechanisms for dealing

with opposing forces.
But if you want to have the best chance of success and give your fish
Additionally, because fish are ectothermic (i.e., cold blooded), the
conditions where they’ll thrive, try to match the conditions where
temperature of their environment plays a massive role in the way
they would naturally be found. Avoid trying to keep African cichlids
their bodies function. Warmer water speeds up a fish’s metabolic
in the same tank as South American cichlids, and don’t try to mix
processes and respiration while also reducing the amount of dis-
brackish fish with true freshwater species.
solved gases available in the water. Cold-water fish often take full
advantage of the increased amount of dissolved oxygen available to
Aggression Levels
them while making the most of their slower metabolism. Put them
in water that is too warm and they’re likely to start consuming more When choosing what fish to stock, probably the most obvious con-
oxygen than their environment can supply. sideration is how aggressive the fish will be. The simplest approach
to categorizing fish, which is commonly seen at many retailers, is
When stocking your tank, think about the conditions your fish would sorting them into one of three categories: peaceful (or community
experience in nature. The easiest way to ensure you won’t have fish), semi-aggressive, and aggressive. This approach can be a great
problems with environmental compatibility is by choosing fish from starting point, but it lacks the nuance to handle every situation.
a specific biotope. If all the fish in your tank naturally exist in the
same body of water, they will be able to handle similar water pa- Take angelfish, for example. Different sources classify and label them
rameters in your aquarium. For example, if your water is suitable for as peaceful or semi-aggressive. In the wild, angels will eat small tet-
one Tanganyikan cichlid, it will be suitable for any other Tanganyikan ras such as Cardinals and Neons, yet they are usually fine with larg-
cichlid you may add. er, peaceful fish. They won’t get along with certain semi-aggressive
fish, such as barbs that have a tendency to nip at other fish, but they
If you don’t want to have a strict biotope, there are bodies of water will probably be fine with other semi-aggressive fish such as gour-
across the planet that are fairly similar to each other. Similar bodies amis. And if you end up with a pair of angels that decide to mate,
of water tend to have similar parameters, regardless of where they their true cichlid side comes out, and they can be downright vicious
exist on the planet. Many of the slow-moving rivers and tributaries toward their tank mates.
in the Amazon Basin of South America will have conditions like the
slow-moving rivers and tributaries in the Mekong Basin of Asia and Another variable to consider is the way different numbers of a spe-
the slow-moving rivers and tributaries of West Africa. Hillstreams, cific species can affect their aggression levels, both toward each
which feature fast-flowing, highly oxygenated cool water, can be other and toward other fish in the tank. Some fish are highly ag-
found on most continents. gressive toward conspecifics (that is, others of their own species)
and should only be kept with different species. Male Bettas, Redtail
Most freshwater fish come from captive-bred sources and have for Sharks, and Rainbow Sharks are all fish that could be kept with
many generations. As a result, many of them are adaptable to the other species but should be separated from their own. Conversely,
conditions commonly found in aquariums. For many freshwater fish some fish are highly social and should be kept in groups. Tiger Barbs
you may choose, they will be perfectly fine in water with a relatively have a reputation for being highly nippy towards other fish, but this
neutral pH and moderate hardness. You can probably also find com- problem is exacerbated when they are kept in small numbers. The
mon conditions that are survivable, but not ideal, for wild-caught fish more Tiger Barbs you keep in one tank, the less likely they are to
from soft and hard water. bother your other fish.

www.aquariumhobbyistmagazine.com Strategic Stocking for Success • 15

 Espei Pencilfish • Segrest Farms

Cory cats • Segrest Farms

Kuhli Loach • Poseidon Aquatics

Be aware of fish that are opportunistic predators. A number of spe-
cies, including almost all catfish species, won’t fight with other fish
Angelfish, tetras, cichlids, barbs, and livebearers, for the most part,
but will readily eat anything small enough to swallow. These fish
will prefer the middle portions of a tank.
should only be kept with others that are large enough to avoid be-
coming a meal.
While few fish prefer to stay exclusively at the top or bottom of a
tank, there are species that fill those roles. Cory catfish are perhaps
Finally, remember that almost all guidelines are merely suggestions.
the most common and popular choice for the bottom of the aquar-
There are few hard and fast rules that will be true 100 percent of
ium. Kuhli Loaches, certain Apistogramma, and the shell-dwelling
the time. You can see this by looking at the large cichlids. For every
African cichlids are other options for bottom-level fish.
person with an Oscar or a Jack Dempsey that doesn’t cause any
problems, there’s another whose fish will try to kill any other fish
True surface swimmers are perhaps the most difficult fish to find,
they put in the tank.
but there are options for them as well. The most common surface
swimmers will be Silver or Marble Hatchets. For fans of oddball
Swimming Levels fish, African Butterflies and some halfbeaks can be good choices for
When you decide how to stock your aquarium, one easily overlooked surface swimmers. Other fish such as rainbows are not true surface
characteristic is where in the aquarium a fish prefers to swim. While swimmers but will generally stay in the middle to top portion of an
our aquariums are obviously much smaller than any fish’s natural aquarium’s water column (the vertical distance from the surface to
environment, in all but the smallest tanks, you will see your fish’s the substrate).
natural preferences exhibited. If you choose fish that prefer different
swimming levels, it will provide activity and interest in different parts Finally, while most fish prefer swimming in the open water areas of
of your tank, and it will help reduce squabbling over territory. your aquarium, think about the fish that generally stay close to the
various surfaces inside your aquarium. Scavengers such as plecos,
Some fish will swim anywhere in the tank. Danios and Bala Sharks, Otocinclus, and Flying Foxes will usually attach to decorations and
for example, will constantly cruise throughout the tank and are likely the aquarium glass, staying out of the way of the other fish.
to be anywhere at any given time. Many fish swim in the middle
portion, though in the relatively short tanks that most aquarists keep, As fish keepers, we have so many choices when it comes to stock-
they may stray closer to the top or the bottom from time to time. ing our aquariums. We can find guidance and inspiration in myriad

16 • Aquarium Hobbyist Magazine  Fourth Quarter 2017

 « Archerfish are
famously known for
their amazing ability
of spitting water to
shoot down and
prey on land-based
insects. They do best
in groups housed in
large aquariums that
mimic their natural
environment.

Archerfish • Segrest Farms

Rainbowfish • Segrest Farms

sources, but the common guidelines we come across are not rules
or guarantees. If you want to be successful, you need to spend some
time learning about the fish you want to keep. Know what environ- may choose to break the rules. But whatever route you choose, tak-
ments they prefer and what their normal temperaments are. You ing the time to consider your options carefully will give you the best
may decide to strictly follow one set of recommendations, or you chance for success. AH

www.aquariumhobbyistmagazine.com Strategic Stocking for Success • 17

 TISSUE CULTURE:
THE FUTURE OF AQUARIUM PLANTS
By George Farmer
Images by author except where noted

T
issue-cultured plants are the latest advancement in aquarium Benefits
plants available to aquarists. When compared to the other
Keeping healthy plants in the aquarium can provide many benefits.
forms of aquarium plants, tissue culture has numerous advan-
They produce oxygen through photosynthesis and absorb potential-
tages. But before we go into more detail, let's discuss why plants
ly harmful compounds, such as carbon dioxide and nitrate. Plants
are a welcome addition to our aquariums and follow the evolution
provide livestock a sense of security, and the leaves and hanging
of aquarium plants from old-school bunched plants to the latest
roots of floating species are often used as spawning sites. They also
in-vitro technique.
provide a great opportunity for aquarists to enhance the aesthetic
quality of their tanks. By carefully selecting, positioning, and main-
taining plants, aquarists can create a much more pleasing aquas-
cape. Almost any freshwater aquarium can reap some benefits from
aquatic plants, and some species are incredibly hardy and are able
George Farmer to withstand a huge range of water parameters and grazing from
herbivorous fish.
George lives in Cambridgeshire, UK, and is a professional aquascaper,
Submerged vs. Emersed
photographer, and writer. Look up “George Farmer” on YouTube to
find his channel where he shares his passion for aquascaping and Did you know that around 95 percent of aquarium plants are am-
the stunning aquariums that result. phibious, meaning that they can grow both above and below the

18 • Aquarium Hobbyist Magazine  Fourth Quarter 2017

water’s surface? In nature, many plants grow mostly above water may already be struggling. For this reason, it is a good idea to ask the
(emersed) with their roots in a wet, nutritious substrate. This is retailer when the next delivery of plants is due in order to get them
more beneficial for plants than growing underwater (submerged) before the plant begins the transition from emersed to submerged.
because they have better access to light and carbon dioxide in the
air. They receive their required nutrients from the substrate, which Types of Plants
is usually some form of muddy soil. During the rainy season, some
Bunched Plants
of these habitats are flooded, and the plants must adapt and transi-
Bunched plants are typically the least expensive type of plant avail-
tion to their submerged form. Leaf shapes, textures, and colors may
able. These plants usually consist of several stems bound together
change, and some plants might become physically weaker because
with a rubber band and lead weight. They may not
they don't have to support emersed growth.
have a good root system because they are
cuttings and are sold in their submerged
What Does This Mean for Our Aquariums? form. Fast-growing plants of the genera
Most potted plants are sold in their emersed form because nurseries Vallisneria, Hygrophila, and Rotala are
can grow plants more quickly this way, with less energy cost and often sold as bunches and can be an
no algae on the leaves. Emersed plants are also more likely to arrive excellent value if they are in good condi-
in good condition to the stores where they are sold. Another big tion. These plants are known to be easy
advantage to these plants is that a plant grown emersed will have a to keep and are suitable for beginners
large nutrient reserve. Plants exhibit "luxury uptake," which means who want to try out a few species without
they will readily use up any nutrients that come their way (within spending too much money. A typical bunch
reason). The plants can then use this nutrient reserve when less will have around five plants that can be
food is available. Many of these plants readily adapt to a wide range easily separated and planted individually
of aquarium water parameters. to get the most economical coverage. Be-
cause they are sold in submerged form,
Sometimes, a plant from the local fish store may have already re- these plants may have a more difficult
verted, or attempted to revert, to its submerged form. Unfortunately, time adapting to water conditions when
some retailers do not cater to the longer-term care required for this moved from one aquarium to another, es-
transition process, and by the time an aquarist buys a potted plant, it pecially if the water they came from had

www.aquariumhobbyistmagazine.com Tissue Culture: The Future of Aquarium Plants • 19

different chemistry. Sometimes, bunched plants will shed their old Potted plants are more expensive than bunched plants but are often
leaves and grow new ones. a good value. Some retailers offer mother plants, which come in
large pots. These are mature specimens that have been allowed to
Potted Plants grow very large in the nursery. They are great for adding an instant
Plants supplied in pots are the most common type sold focal point to an aquarium, but they usually come at a premium
in local fish stores. These plants price.
are grown in nurseries
in special pots that Plants Attached to Décor
contain rockwool, A popular way to buy plants is to have them pre-attached to hard-
a growing me- scape materials, such as wood or stones. Common species used
dium enriched for this purpose are Java Ferns (Microsorum ptero-
with nutrients. pus), Anubias, Bolbitis, and
The pots them- mosses. These are great
selves are submerged, for adding instant impact
with the plants growing emersed, to an aquascape, but they
a process known as hydroponics. are the most expensive
Nutrient-rich water is circulated way to acquire aquat-
around the pots, allowing the wa- ic plants. Many
ter to feed the plant roots that grow aquatic plant spe-
in the rockwool. Healthy specimens cies can be grown onto
have root growth penetrating the openings in the pots. This is par- hardscape materials, espe-
ticularly common with heavy root feeders, such as crypts (Crypto- cially in a high-energy setup
coryne) and Amazon Swords (Echinodorus). with good light and nutrients.

All the plants in this aquarium are tissue cultured.

20 • Aquarium Hobbyist Magazine  Fourth Quarter 2017

 Tissue-Cultured Plants instead of natural settings). The aim is to produce many new plants,
Tissue-cultured plants are my favorite type of plants. They are each a clone of the original parent plant. Because of the sterile con-
supplied in clear plastic tubs containing a nutrient-rich jelly that ditions, assuming the parent plant is of high quality, the result is
feeds the plants. Many people are put off disease-free growth. There is no risk of algae or pest snails that are
because the individual plants tend to be so often associated with potted or bunched plants. There are three
very small, but they represent good val- main steps to growing tissue-cultured plants:
ue for the money because each tub con-
tains so many. When given the right 1. Initiation phase: The plant tissue is sterilized and added to a
conditions, tissue-cultured plants nutrient-rich agar jelly.
Aqvainnova

grow very quickly. 2. Multiplication phase: The in-vitro plant material is re-divided
numerous times and supplied with plant-growth regulators that
These plants are grown in sterile trigger multiple new plant shoots.
conditions and are guaranteed 3. Root formation phase: Hormones are introduced to trigger root
to be free from algae, snails, formation and the growth of complete plantlets.
and pesticides. They are im-
mature and therefore don’t Tissue-cultured plants are usually supplied in polypropylene tubs
have a large nutrient reserve. with a clear plastic lid. At the time of this writing, there are around 50
For this reason, they must be well cared commonly available tissue-cultured species. Brands available in the
for as soon as they are added to the aquarium. A nutrient-rich sub- United States include Dennerle, Tropica, and Aqvainnova.
strate is very helpful, and it’s important to add a high-quality liquid
fertilizer from day one. CO2 injection helps, but it isn’t essential for How to Choose Tissue-Cultured Plants
all species. Many companies are now selling tissue-cultured plants,
When choosing tissue-cultured plants, the most important step
and more species are becoming available all the time. Their shelf life
is to ensure the plant is healthy. One of the big advantages of
in the shop is superior to most potted and bunched plants.
tissue-cultured plants is their long shelf life. Some species will re-
main healthy for months at a time with no need for special care. For
How Are Tissue-Cultured Plants Grown? this reason, some retailers may forget to maintain them, so aquarists
Tissue culture is a process that involves exposing a tiny portion of may come across unhealthy specimens. Typical signs to avoid are
plant tissue to a specific regimen of nutrients, hormones, and light a brown jelly (it should be clear) and yellowing or melted plants. In
under sterile, in-vitro conditions (grown in an artificial environment the worst cases, there may even be a foul odor.

www.aquariumhobbyistmagazine.com Tissue Culture: The Future of Aquarium Plants • 21

How to Plant Tissue-Cultured Plants
After purchasing the tissue-cultured plants you have chosen, follow the 6 steps below to properly remove them from their packaging and
prepare them for planting.

STEP 1 Remove the lid. STEP 2 Pull out the entire plant STEP 3 Have a bowl or bucket of water
mass in one go if possible. Usually, ready on one side. Ideally, the water
the roots are entangled, making temperature will be the same as in the
this easy. Younger plants may have aquarium. Using aquarium water is fine.
to be removed individually.

STEP 4 Place the plants into the STEP 5 Carefully divide the plants STEP 6 Insert the plants into the
bowl and gently massage the roots to into as many plantlets as possible substrate using aquascaping tweezers
remove as much of the agar jelly as to gain maximum coverage. If the or pinsettes. Typically, tissue-cultured
possible without damaging the roots. plant is a carpeting species with plants will have a very small root
hundreds of individual plantlets, split structure. For this reason, a fine-grade
the pot into a dozen or so portions. soil or gravel is ideal for planting.

Tips for Tissue-Cultured Plants • Avoid fish that disturb the substrate, especially in new setups
where the plants may become uprooted and float away.
• Be patient. Take your time preparing and planting the tank.
• Feed the plants with a good liquid fertilizer and CO2 injection from At first glance, tissue-cultured plants may look like a poor deal. They
day one if possible. They do not have a large nutrient reserve, so come in small tubs and are physically a lot smaller than their potted
they require regular feeding; daily feeding is ideal. Large, frequent or bunched counterparts. However, there is usually a far greater
water changes in new setups will help prevent algae growth. quantity of individual plants, which potentially offers a much better
• Consider a high-quality commercial soil substrate (such as ADA value for the money. If they are offered a good start in an aquari-
Aqua Soil) for best results. um, their growth rates can be surprisingly quick. These plants offer
• If this is a new setup, buy as many plants as possible to get the peace of mind since there are no pest snails or algae attached, and
best coverage. they're not treated with any pesticides, so they’re invert-safe. Why
• If the plants need to be stored temporarily, keep them cool. wait? Give tissue-cultured plants a try! AH

22 • Aquarium Hobbyist Magazine  Fourth Quarter 2017

R EDEFINING HARDSCAPE
Hardscape + Botanicals
By Jeff Senske
Images by author except where noted

F
eatured here is a new hardscape
layout by Aquarium Design Group
that evokes a feeling of both
warmth and coolness, with a limited
color palette inspired by the crystalline
blue color of the rams. The density and
visual intensity of the fine-pointed wood
puts emphasis on a dramatic presence
above the water. The LED lighting com-
bined with the Thistle Wood adds a
beautiful shimmer.

Jeff Senske

Jeff is a co-owner at Aquarium Design

Group of Houston, Texas. This lifelong
hobbyist has made a big name for his
company through his ability to produce
breathtaking hardscapes.

24 • Aquarium Hobbyist Magazine  Fourth Quarter 2017

 Aquarium
Dimensions: ~47” × 24” × 24”
Volume: ~120 gallons
Glass: Diamant ultra clarity

Equipment
Lighting: Kessil A360 wide angle
Tuna Sun
Filter: Hydor canister
Filter Pipes: Cal Aqua 17 mm glass
outflow pipe, ADA V-7 20 mm glass
inflow pipe
Filter Media: Hydor Bio-Rings,
Seachem Purigen, and Boyd Chemi-
Pure BLUE
Heater: Hydor ETH 300-watt inline

Maintenance
‒‒80 percent water change two times
per week

www.aquariumhobbyistmagazine.com Redefining Hardscape • 25

Hardscape and Botanical Materials

« CaribSea Moonlight Sand

This natural white sand creates great
color contrast, has a small grain size,
and is pH neutral.

« Mountain Stone
This stone gives fish a place
to hide, feed, and breed,
allowing them to display their
natural behaviors.
Thistle Wood
«

With its thin branches and fine

points, it is an aesthetically
pleasing variety of wood that
adds dimension to any scape.

« Guava Leaves
These leaves help create a natural
 Fishtail Palm Stems

«
habitat for animals, are rich in
From the Caryota Palm, these
nutrients, and are known for their
stems are thin and flexible and
antibacterial and antifungal properties.
add visual interest to any scape.

Fish
« Farlowella Catfish
Farlowella sp. is a peaceful omnivorous suckermouth
catfish that is primarily a vegetarian but enjoys the
« Electric Blue Ram
occasional bloodworm or brine shrimp treat. It grows to a
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi is a
length of approximately 6 inches.
colorful and peaceful cichlid. This
omnivore reaches a length of
Mirko Rosenau approximately 2 inches.
Dariusz Adam Januszek

Chonlasub Woravichan
Super Schwartzi Corydoras » Simulans Tetra »
Corydoras sp. (Cw028) is an attractive, Paracheirodon simulans, also known as the Green Neon,
peaceful shoaling fish that does best in is a small schooling fish that does best in groups of 8 to 10
groups of six or more and will add interest specimens and reaches a length of approximately 1 inch.
to any community aquarium. It reaches a
maximum size of approximately 2.5 inches.
Marlonneke Willemsen

Eric Isselee
Marlonneke Willemsen

Bushy-Nose Pleco Albino Bushy-Nose Pleco

«
«

Ancistrus sp. is known for the whisker-like tentacles Albino Ancistrus sp. sports a whitish-yellow coloration
that cover its nose area. It is a hardy bottom feeder with red eyes and has been selectively bred for home
that enjoys leftover food and algae and generally aquariums. It is a hardy bottom feeder that enjoys leftover
grows to 4.5 inches. food and algae and generally grows to 4.5 inches. AH

26 • Aquarium Hobbyist Magazine  Fourth Quarter 2017

Autumn in
the Mountains
By Dennis Wong

A Combination of Dutch
and Rock Aquascape

I
t's been more than 10 years since my first aquascape. I
started as many people did, adding plants to a tank to
create a more natural environment for the fish. As time
passed, I began to get more detailed with the plants in
order to create complex layouts. I find aquascaping to be
a nice blend of science and art—as the plants grow, they
change the landscape, so it's a piece of art that looks dif-
ferent every day. And that is what separates planted tanks
from static visual-art displays. It is also a great opportunity
to observe and appreciate the intricate workings of biolog-
ical ecosystems—how tiny bacteria can be so important for
tank cycling and contribute so much to overall tank stabili-
ty. Anyone who has tried balancing an enclosed ecosystem
will have a great appreciation for how the natural world
works, which arguably is just a larger ecosystem enclosed
by space.

The idea for this aquascape was inspired by my love of

trekking in the mountains. I wanted an aquascape that
reflected that scenery. However, I also like autumn colors,
so I chose a more colorful palette of stem plants to get
colors commonly associated with autumn leaves, including
various shades of orange and red. Using dense stem plants
in such a style requires quite intensive maintenance. Fre-
quent trimming is necessary to maintain the overall look.

I have a mix of White Cloud Mountain Minnows (Tanich-

the tank with leaner nutrient levels slows down plant growth so that
thys albonubes) and some random smaller fishes, as well
less frequent pruning is required. I also use root tabs (tablets that
as a number of Bloody Mary Shrimps (Neocaridina davidi
provide time-released nutrients in the substrate) at the base of the
var. ‘Bloody Mary’) for livestock. I feed the fish Aquarium
more demanding plants.
Münster pellets and New Life Spectrum foods.
Aquarium
I dose nutrients using dry powder mixes. This tank and
the water supply used to perform water changes are ni- Dimensions: ~48″ × 18″ × 18″ (custom-built, 4-foot tank )
trate-limited, meaning they have low nitrate levels. Running Volume: ~67 gallons
Cabinet: custom-built, ADA-style cabinet

Aquascape
Dennis Wong
Style: mixed Dutch with rock scape
Dennis resides in Singapore and has been in the hobby for Substrate: mix of dirt and soil capped with sand in exposed areas
15 years. When he’s not trading securities, he’s sharing his and capped with ADA Aqua Soil in the back
vast knowledge on planted aquariums through his self-titled Stone: Seiryu Stone arranged to form mountain ridges and a small
YouTube channel, "Dennis Wong." cave system

28 • Aquarium Hobbyist Magazine  Fourth Quarter 2017

Equipment
Lighting: custom-built LED light bar with red (625 nm), white
(3,000 K, 5,000 K, and 6,500 K), and blue (470 nm) LEDs; photope-
riod from 5 P.M. to 12 A.M.
Filter: Eheim Pro 3 (2075)
Filter Pipes: glass lily pipe outflow and surface skimmer intake
Heating: temperature-controlled room
CO2: ANS CO2 cylinder, regulator, and solenoid connected to an
electronic timer and an inline atomizer (UP Aqua) connected to the
outflow

Maintenance
I do 30 percent water changes every 5 days to prevent the car-
bonate hardness from rising too much. Seiryu Stone is weathered
limestone, which constantly raises the carbonate hardness of the
water. I also trim the plants approximately every 5 days.

www.aquariumhobbyistmagazine.com Autumn in the Mountains • 29

Fertilizers
‒‒Potassium nitrate
‒‒Monopotassium phosphate
‒‒Potassium sulfate
‒‒Urea
‒‒Magnesium sulfate
‒‒CSM + B (micro nutrient mix plus boron)
‒‒Iron

Daily Dosing
‒‒Nitrate: 0.3 ppm
‒‒Phosphate: 1 ppm
‒‒Potassium: 2.5 ppm
‒‒Iron: .05 ppm The filtration, CO2, and timer are tucked
away under the aquarium stand.
Parameters
‒‒Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): approximately 200 ppm
‒‒Total Hardness: 4–6° This top-down view of the
‒‒Temperature: 78.8° F (day) and 73.5° F (night) author's aquarium displays
the full range of fall colors.

Plants
‒‒Rotala rotundifolia ‘Red’ (used in background)
‒‒Ludwigia arcuata (used in background)
‒‒Hemianthus glomeratus
‒‒Ludwigia sp. ‘Red’
‒‒Rotala macrandra ‘Mini Type 4’
‒‒Rotala ramosior ‘Florida’
‒‒Ludwigia brevipes
‒‒Alternanthera reineckii ‘Mini’ (used in middle)
‒‒Hemianthus callitrichoides ‘Cuba’
‒‒Staurogyne repens
‒‒Ludwigia inclinata var. verticillata ‘Araguaia’
‒‒Micranthemum sp. ‘Monte Carlo’
‒‒Cryptocoryne parva
‒‒Hydrocotyle tripartita
‒‒Various Bucephalandra species (used in foreground) AH

30 • Aquarium Hobbyist Magazine  Fourth Quarter 2017

The terrarium top can be
removed for maintenance.

Tools for maintaining plants

STEAMPUNK AQUARIUM
By Sean Peck
Images by author except where noted

I
entered the aquarium hobby approximately 15 years ago when I terrarium. The filter area holds three wabi-kusa balls containing tem-
received an aquarium as a Valentine’s Day gift. I spent many hours ple, crypt, and fern plants that grow up into the terrarium. This tank
researching how they work, which led to me wanting multiple also contains tools used for tending to the plants, including a water
aquariums; soon, we had them in every room of the house. mister to aid in hydrating the leaves of the terrarium plants. The
limited viewing area sets a stage on which to tell a story. I wanted it
Eventually, I decided to share what I had learned through videos on to appear as if a magical “Kraken Egg” was at the edge of an under-
YouTube. The videos were well received, and over the years, I kept water cave. With any steampunk project, I like to add a little “mad
making them until they became a huge part of my hobby and life. science” to the piece. I envision this in the office of a great science
explorer who is dutifully keeping it for ongoing experiments.
I have a predisposition for tiny things of all sorts, which is reflected
through my aquarium collection. Most of my 14 aquariums are less Aquarium
than 12 gallons, with my largest being 56 gallons.
Dimensions: 16.5” × 8.75” × 10.75”
Volume: 5.5 gallons
With this project, I wanted to create an aquarium that tells a story.
It is the product of creative perseverance, as the concept was sim-
Aquascape
ple, but the execution was complicated. The Steampunk Aquarium
is a 5.5-gallon tank surrounded by a wooden enclosure. It has a Stone: Dragon Stone
custom-built terrarium on top with aquaponics filtration below the Other: a piece of tumbled glass illuminated underneath with blue
LEDs

Sean Peck Equipment

Lighting: 8” waterproof LED bar on the inside and a clip-on LED
Sean is an IT engineer from Knoxville, Tennessee, and has been in light over the terrarium
the aquarium hobby for 15 years. Interested in nano aquariums and Filtration: a pre-filter removes the particulate matter, and the ter-
smaller fish? Watch Sean on his YouTube channel, “Pecktec.” rarium allows the plants to consume the nutrients created by fish

32 • Aquarium Hobbyist Magazine  Fourth Quarter 2017

 The "Kraken Egg"

Peacock Gudgeon • Mirko Rosenau

waste, thereby purifying the water (a filtration technique known as

aquaponics)

Plants
Terrarium
‒‒Temple Narrow Leaf (Hygrophila corymbosa)
‒‒Peacock Fern (Selaginella willdenowii)
‒‒Cryptocoryne wendtii
Aquarium
‒‒Anubias nana

Fish
‒‒(4) Peacock Gudgeons (Tateurndina ocellicauda) chosen because
of their small size and curious nature

Feeding
Food: freeze-dried bloodworms and high-quality flake foods
Frequency: twice per day

Maintenance
‒‒20 percent water change once a week
‒‒replace the pre-filter material once a month
‒‒clean the glass and trim the plants as needed AH

Scan this QR code to watch

the author's video on how
this aquarium was made.

www.aquariumhobbyistmagazine.com Steampunk Aquarium • 33

OUTSIDE
THE BOX
By Martin Schapira

34 • Aquarium Hobbyist Magazine

 F
or this aquarium, I wanted to do something
unique and unconventional, more like an
arrangement of flowers in a vase than an
aquarium. Seeing actual water move through an
open top—not through a viewing panel—adds a
huge element to the experience. The square shape
is key in the design; it allows the wood to real-
ly grab your attention as it pierces the water line
and rises up. The lighting is also very important as
it acts like a stage light at a Broadway show. My
aquascaping philosophies are "less is more" and
"think outside of the box," literally!

Aquarium
Dimensions: 36” × 36” × 36”
Volume: 125 gallons
Glass: Starphire glass for viewing panels

Aquascape
Style: hardscape
Substrate: Fiji Pink Sand by CaribSea
Stone: river boulders hand-selected from quarry
Wood: Manzanita wood hand-picked in the wild

Equipment
Lighting: 50-watt Ecoxotic Cannon LED (5,000–
6,000 K); photoperiod from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M.
Filter: custom wet/dry filter by Okeanos Group
Filter Media: bio-balls, floss, and carbon
Plumbing: PVC
Heater: 400 watts

Fish
‒‒Frontosa Cichlid (Cyphotilapia frontosa)
‒‒Jewel Cichlid (Hemichromis bimaculatus)
‒‒Yellow Labido (Labidochromis caeruleus)
‒‒Parrotfish Cichlid (Amphilophus citrinellus ×
Heros efasciatus)

Maintenance (every 2 weeks)

‒‒water change
‒‒filter maintenance
‒‒tank clean-up AH

Martin Schapira

Martin is a hobbyist from the New York/New Jersey

Hudi Greenberger

region and has been involved with aquariums

for nearly 25 years. He is a designer at Okeanos
Group, a company specializing in aquarium, pond,
and water-feature design.

Outside the Box • 35

 Poseidon Aquatics
OVER-FILTRATION
FOR AFRICAN CICHLID TANKS
By Eaven Alexander

I
n my 15 years as an African cichlid enthusiast, one of the most should be geared toward the specific needs of the fish and the
important things I have learned is that over-filtration is beneficial aquarium’s biology since each setup is different. Some species
for most species of fish in this group. Due to their sheer size and of African cichlids cannot tolerate high flow and could become
the multiple daily feedings they require, African cichlids constant- stressed from too much water movement while other species pre-
ly excrete a large amount of waste, polluting the water more than fer it. Restricting the flow on the intake or discharge of a filter is not
smaller community fish. Additionally, African cichlids are typically recommended, as it could result in damage to the filter’s pump. If
overstocked to reduce aggression toward each other, which ampli- your goal is to create flow within your aquarium, circulation pumps
fies the dangerous levels of decaying organic waste that builds up. are the best solution.
Thus, understanding over-filtration is an important aspect of African
cichlid care. When used properly, filtration will help keep your fish There is a wide selection of filter styles available, including
population healthy and your tank water crystal clear and toxin free. under-gravel, sponge, hang-on-back (HOB), canister, and wet/dry.
Those most commonly used for African cichlid aquariums are HOB,
When considering over-filtration, it is generally recommended to canister, and wet/dry, since these filters usually have extra space
choose a filter no more than one tank size up. A filtration system where additional filter media can be placed.

Keep in mind that over-filtration does not replace routine mainte-

Eaven Alexander nance, such as water changes and maintaining or replacing your
filter media. It is also important to select the proper media and know
Eaven is a mechanical engineer from Tomball, Texas. He started in how to use it effectively. Without the proper media, a stronger filter
this hobby over 20 years ago and is now a cichlid specialist known will be less effective than a smaller, weaker filter with the proper
as the “Inquisitive Fish Guy” on YouTube. media used in the appropriate manner.

36 • Aquarium Hobbyist Magazine  Fourth Quarter 2017

 Hang on back "HOB"
«

filter • Seachem

Canister filter • Marineland » Wet/dry filter • Eshopps »

Below, we will break down filter media into three different categories sumps or wet/dry filters to trap floating particles as water passes
for discussion: mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration. through the opening and out of the closed end of the sock.

Mechanical Filtration Mechanical filtration is best placed at the beginning of the filtration
process so that particles can be trapped and kept from clogging
Mechanical filtration is the process of physically removing waste
the chemical and biological filtration media down the line. Mechan-
particles from the water. This is achieved by passing aquarium water
ical media can also store beneficial bacteria, although this is not its
through graded sponges, filter floss, filter pads, or filter socks.
primary function. Because mechanical filter media traps particulate
waste, it needs to be removed and cleaned or replaced routinely to
• Sponges are arranged inside the filter in the order of the coarsest continue functioning properly.
sponge to the finest sponge.
Chemical Filtration
• Filter floss has a large surface area, giving particles plenty of op-
portunities to become trapped as water passes through it. Chemical filtration removes pollutants and dissolved waste from
the aquarium water through chemical reactions. The most com-
• Filter pads function similarly to filter floss, but they come as bond- mon form of chemical filtration is carbon. It is responsible for giving
ed pads. This makes them easy to cut into different shapes to fit aquarium water that pristine, crystal-clear look. Through adsorption,
various-shaped filters for maximum efficiency. carbon removes organic waste that causes a yellowish-brown dis-
coloration of aquarium water and will also remove heavy metals and
• Filter socks are typically made of nylon mesh or felt and may have medication. Other varieties of chemical filtration help control levels
a hard plastic ring around the top for rigidity. They are used in of nitrate and phosphate that can build up in your aquarium water.

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www.aquariumhobbyistmagazine.com Over-Filtration for African Cichlid Tanks • 37

 rin eland
• Ma
gs
rin Assorted Haplochromis in a 220-gallon aquarium
ic
m
ra
Ce

The downside with most chemical filtration is that the media have a short lifespan, losing their
effectiveness very quickly. Some only perform at peak efficiency for 14 to 30 days, while other
varieties can last up to 6 months before requiring maintenance or replacement. Some varieties of
chemical filtration, most notably resins used for removing dissolved organics, can be recharged
when they are no longer effective.

To prevent chemical filtration media from getting sucked into and damaging your filter pump,
the media should be placed in a nylon filter bag if it does not already come packed in one. Water
should first pass through the mechanical filter before it passes through the chemical filter. In an
all-in-one filtration system like a canister filter, the chemical filtration will be sandwiched between
the mechanical and biological filtration.
an d
nel
ari
lls
•M Biological Filtration
ba

Biological filtration is the use of beneficial bacteria to metabolize harmful ammonia to nitrite and
-
Bio

nitrite to less toxic nitrate in what we know as the nitrogen cycle. In high concentrations, nitrate
can be harmful to fish and invertebrates, but it can be maintained at safe levels with routine water
changes. For biological filtration to take place, the hobbyist needs to use biological filter media,
an inert material capable of supporting large populations of water-purifying bacteria, in a por-
tion of the filter where the water will have already passed through the mechanical and chemical
filtration. The amount of biological media required will depend on the size of the aquarium and
the bioload (the amount of living organisms in an aquarium). Once biological media has been
added to the filter, beneficial bacteria will begin to grow and propagate on it, and the process of
converting ammonia into less toxic nitrate will begin.

The most common media types used for biological filtration include ceramic rings that contain
an
ho
tom a multitude of tiny pores, bio-balls made from plastic, and bio bricks that are made from porous
•P ceramic or clay. Pumice stone and lava rock are less common but are also regularly used. It is
ck
important to understand that when adding biological media to your aquarium filter, biological
ro
va

filtration does not take place immediately. It may take several weeks for the beneficial bacteria
La

to become established and fully populate the media. This process can be kick-started by add-
ing one of the many available nitrifying bacteria products. Biological media should be checked
regularly to ensure that it is not clogged, which decreases its efficiency.

Because aquarium filters are responsible for keeping the water free of particulate matter, organic
waste, and other compounds, choosing an adequate filtration system is an important decision for
your African cichlid tank. Over-filtration does not eliminate the need for regular water changes or
the required maintenance or replacement of filter media, but it is beneficial when aquariums are
overstocked, as in many African cichlid tanks. If you have specific questions regarding filtration
for your African cichlids, stop by your local fish store for some expert advice. AH

38 • Aquarium Hobbyist Magazine  Fourth Quarter 2017

www.aquariumhobbyistmagazine.com Over-Filtration for African Cichlid Tanks • 39
DUELING BETTA TANKS
Article by Nicole Mcentee
Images by John Zhang

J
ohn’s aquascaping hobby began about a decade ago. As an ad- it was in a forest, on a mountain, or at the beach; I’d be content just
mirer of the work of ADA’s Takashi Amano and his contributions admiring my surroundings.
to aquatic photography, John started off in the planted-tank
hobby; he would frequently gain inspiration from Mr. Amano’s pre- All in all, both John and I have always had an innate attraction to
vious works and apply them to his own. Following Mr. Amano’s ex- nature, both land and sea, for a large portion of our lives before we
ample, John is now a professional photographer. John got out of the met each other. We had no idea that we both enjoyed aquascaping
hobby for a while when he graduated from high school, lived abroad, or anything aquatic until John was left to care for an orphan Betta
and became aware of real-world responsibilities. left behind by a co-worker. This led to the purchase of the first nano
tank, followed by four or five more tanks of various sizes within a
My story is much shorter—my interest in aquascaping began with few months’ span. We went a little crazy at the beginning and would
watching and helping my dad maintain the reef we had at home. spend every chance we had visiting local fish stores from Los Ange-
Growing up, I always found myself wanting to be in nature, whether les to San Diego and eventually internationally as well! The following
was the first of our dual Betta setups:
Nicole Mcentee and John Zhang
System #1 Profile (left)
Nicole and John live in Los Angeles, California, and have been in the Tank: 20C Ultum Nature Systems Ultra Clear Tank
hobby since 2004. This couple designs pico and nano scapes and has (7.87” × 7.87” × 7.87”)
recently made a new business out of it. Volume: 2.1 gallons

40 • Aquarium Hobbyist Magazine  Fourth Quarter 2017

 System #2 in the process of being aquascaped

« Crystal Red Shrimp (Caridina We added some nice high-grade Crystal Red Shrimp but soon
cantonensis sp. 'Red'), also known learned that we had a very aggressive Betta. The shrimp ended up
as CRS, require near perfect water
quality and fetch a premium price. becoming a nice gourmet meal for him. To make a long story slightly
shorter, the tank went through a few different tenants and scapes
before we settled on our current configuration.
Glass: 91 percent clarity Diamant glass
Less than a week later, we set up the second 20C Ultum Nature
Substrate: Seachem aquavitro aquasolum soil
Systems tank that completed our dual setup. Specifications for our
Stone: Dragon Stone
second tank are as follows:
Filter: Azoo Mignon 60 filter
Heater: AquaTop 15-watt nano heater
System #2 Profile (right)
Lighting: Up Aqua Pro LED 3C (7")
Fertilizer: ADA Green Gain Tank: 20C Ultum Nature Systems Ultra Clear Tank
Fish: Betta (Betta splendens) named Chili (7.87” × 7.87” × 7.87”)
Plants: Volume: 2.1 gallons
‒‒Micranthemum umbrosum 'Monte Carlo' Glass: 91 percent clarity Diamant glass
‒‒Fissidens Mini (Fissidens splachnobryoides) Substrate: ADA La Plata Sand
‒‒Japan Carpet (Hydrocotyle tripartita) Stone: Seiryu Stone
‒‒Belem Hair Grass (Eleocharis belem) Lighting: Current USA Satellite LED

www.aquariumhobbyistmagazine.com Dueling Betta Tanks • 41

 System #1 (left) and system #2 (right) after a few upgrades
«

cleaner, sleeker look without sacrificing the correct lighting care for
each tank.
« Belem Hair Grass (Eleocharis
belem) is sometimes referred to as
dwarf hair grass and has become a Both John and I have always been interested in home decor as well.
popular choice because it is easy to We've come to a nice middle ground when it comes to designing
grow and can form a dense carpet.
and furnishing our home by taking bits and pieces of styles we love
separately and fusing them into a style that we’ll both enjoy. We try
to keep that middle ground in mind when scaping our tanks, too.
While we enjoy it as a hobby, we also believe aquascaping is another
form of art, not just fish, rocks, wood, and water. To combine both
of our hobbies, our photos also usually include small peeks into our
« Rotala is a popular genus of plants
due to the variety of color and leaf interior design styles.
types available. They can be moder-
ate to difficult to care for and require Both tanks have gone through many changes, but we still have both
high light.
sitting on our dining table today. After a few more upgrades and a re-
scape, these are the items that have replaced some of the old ones:

Filter: Azoo Mignon 60 filter Substrate:

Heater: AquaTop 15-watt nano heater ‒‒ADA Power Sand Special (small)
Fertilizer: ADA Green Gain ‒‒ADA Aqua Soil Amazonia
Fish: Betta (Betta splendens) named Sesame Stone: Frodo Stone (left tank)
Plants: Lighting: Chihiros A-Series LED 18"
‒‒Pearl Grass (Hemianthus micranthemoides) CO2:
‒‒Rotala macrandra sp. ‘Mini’ ‒‒DiCi CO2 regulator
‒‒Rotala wallichii ‒‒24 oz paintball CO2 canister
‒‒Mini Xmas Moss (Vesicularia sp.) ‒‒CO2Art 2-way brass CO2 splitter
‒‒Pygmy Chain Sword (Helanthium tenellum) ‒‒CO2Art bubble counters
‒‒Rotala Sunset (Ammania sp. ‘Sulawesi’) ‒‒ADA Clear Parts Set
‒‒Rotala sp. ‘Yao Yai’ ‒‒Do!Aqua Music Glass Mini 10 CO2 diffuser
Fertilization:
We replaced the original Up Aqua Pro LED 3C (7") with a Current ‒‒ADA Tourmaline BC mineral compound
USA Satellite LED (18” to 24”). We felt it would provide a much ‒‒ADA Bacter 100

42 • Aquarium Hobbyist Magazine  Fourth Quarter 2017

‒‒ADA Clear Super
‒‒ADA Penac P
Fish: Betta (Betta splendens) named Toast (left tank)

Two of the greatest challenges of the upkeep on these tanks is get-

ting CO2 levels correct and the lighting balanced since the one light
is shared between both tanks. The plants in each tank have different
requirements. The only two adjustable variables left are the fertil-
System #1 prior to the addition of system #2 and upgrades
izer dosing and CO2 levels. The tank on the left with the hairgrass
has needed less attention while the tank on the right has required
more attention due to the different species of plants. As a result, the a lot about caring for this specific fish. Each Betta has its own per-
CO2Art 2-way splitter allowed us to make slight CO2 adjustments sonality, a quality not commonly found with other species of tropical
specific to each tank. We’re still working on the CO2 delivery, and fish, let alone a school of fish.
at this point, this setup is the most complicated when compared to
our other numerous setups. In the very near future, we have plans to replant both tanks and to
continue experimenting with various plants from all over the world.
It’s hard to pinpoint which setup we like best because with every The small tank sizes are the perfect canvas to enable us to be cre-
scape we do, we try to create something different, and each one is ative with our ever-changing scapes. They also help us discover
unique. Sometimes it can take a few hours to a few weeks of fid- plants we like that we’ll eventually use for our larger tanks. These
dling with the hardscape before we have the “that’s it” moment. The dual dining table tanks have been and most likely always will be
tank on the left took a few days, and we would literally take turns works in progress.
slightly shifting and moving the rocks. On the other hand, the tank
on the right only took a few hours, and we were both happy with it From start to present, aquascaping has been the perfect stress re-
on the spot. liever and creative outlet for us. Even though these tanks are small,
they require a lot of patience and dedication. Never let the size of
Another difficulty that we faced was choosing the inhabitants for nano tanks fool you! They are the perfect addition to our dining
each tank. We chose Bettas primarily due to their hardy nature and room, and it’s another way to show our personalities and what we
beautiful coloring. We’ve almost lost count of the Bettas we have enjoy doing together. We constantly have new ideas for them, and
had and still have, but having this dual setup has really taught us we’re expecting another change soon! AH

www.aquariumhobbyistmagazine.com Dueling Betta Tanks • 43

 A DWELLING
for Shell Dwellers
By Vilcu Paul
Images by author except where noted

Robert Hammerstein
M
y name is Vilcu Paul, and I’m an African cichlid enthusiast. volume, and it spans across such a vast geographical area that it is
For the past 10 years, I have enjoyed their natural beauty visible from outer space.
while keeping them in aquaria. I will be taking you on a
journey to show you how to create a biotope for one of the most Lake Tanganyika cichlids are a very diverse group of fishes. But
interesting varieties of African cichlid found in Lake Tanganyika: the today, we will be taking a look at the shell-dwelling cichlids, some-
shell dwellers. times referred to as shellies. They are without a doubt one of the
most playful cichlids from Lake Tanganyika.
The African Great Lakes
Before we discuss the shell dwellers, let’s take a look at what is
The Great Lakes, found in and around the Great Rift Valley of Africa,
required to set up a biotope aquarium for them. Why biotope, you
are some of the most mesmerizing and biodiverse places on Earth.
may ask? It is my opinion that an aquarium should represent a slice
They include Lake Victoria, Lake Malawi, and Lake Tanganyika.
of nature, where a glass enclosure is transformed into a miniature
ecosystem that mimics a natural environment.
Together, these lakes provide a habitat for around 10 percent of the
world's fish species, hold 25 percent of the planet's unfrozen surface
Choosing the Aquarium and Stand
fresh water, and are home to half of the known cichlid species in
the world. When shopping for a new aquarium, always consider what type of
fish you want to keep and what will be required to keep those fish
The largest and deepest of these three lakes is Lake Tanganyika. successfully. Once you have selected the species of fish, ask your
It is estimated to be the world’s second largest continental lake by local fish store for advice, or research that particular species’ re-
quirements. Utilize this information to decide how big the aquarium
should be, and always keep in mind that the minimum requirement
should be the last resort.

Vilcu Paul Since we have already selected shell dwellers, the next step is to
decide how many fish to keep. For this example, I have decided to
Vilcu is a hobbyist from Romania who has kept aquariums for over 15 keep two harems consisting of 14 fish total. For this population and
years. Check out his YouTube channel “Vilcu Paul,” where you’ll find fish type, I need a tank that is at least 55 gallons. This aquarium size
Vilcu talking about his favorite topic: African cichlids. will allow for the two harems to display their natural behavior.

44 • Aquarium Hobbyist Magazine  Fourth Quarter 2017

 A mock-up layout can be made using a piece of The filter's intake and output are A flat bulkhead screen prevents the fish
Styrofoam with the same footprint as the display. hidden behind a 3D background. from swimming behind the background.

Barbed bulkhead fittings were used for

attaching filter hoses.

This is how the aquarium looks with the background installed. The filtration is plumbed to the aquarium
using the barbed bulkheads.

The stand should be appropriately sized for the aquarium you have rocks. It is helpful to experiment with your rocks by placing them
chosen. If the filtration will be kept in the stand’s cabinet, make sure on a piece of Styrofoam or wood with the same footprint of your
it fits and is easily accessible for performing routine maintenance. aquarium. Think about how those rocks would look in nature and try
to arrange them in a similar way. Re-arrange them and move them
TIP: As a general rule, most African cichlids prefer an aquarium that around until you have a scape that you are pleased with. It is a good
provides a greater surface area (length by width) over an aquarium idea to avoid stacking rocks into man-made structures, even if you
with greater height. think fish will appreciate them. From my personal experience, fish
will make their own hiding places.
Modeling Your Habitat
Filtration
To create a biotope, the natural environment of the species chosen
needs to be mimicked as closely as possible so that the aquarium Filter media, as well as aquarium substrates, provide a place for ben-
will reflect that small piece of nature and its future inhabitants will eficial bacteria to live. These beneficial bacteria help break down fish
feel at home. waste by converting ammonia to nitrites and then nitrites to nitrates.
Nitrates are harmful in high concentrations, but they can be easily
The first step is choosing the correct substrate. Look at pictures of controlled with routine water changes.
shell dwellers in their natural habitat. You will quickly see that most
shell dwellers live in areas with soft sandy substrate that can be TIP: In my opinion, you should perform 30 to 40 percent water
easily rearranged. For shell dwellers, it is important not to use a sub- changes every 5 to 7 days. The volume of water changed should
strate that is coarse. The fish should be able to scoop it up with their vary according to the size of the aquarium.
mouths without injuring themselves. Having a soft sandy substrate
will encourage the fish to display their natural behavior. For my shell-dweller tank, I decided to go with a canister filter placed
inside the aquarium stand's cabinet. The filter hoses are plumbed
The next step in modeling the habitat is to create the scape for the through two holes drilled at the top of the aquarium’s stand and are
aquarium. You can use a 3D aquarium background and/or natural connected to two bulkheads in the bottom of the aquarium for a

www.aquariumhobbyistmagazine.com A Dwelling for Shell Dwellers • 45

 The completed setup with shells, water, and fish added Neolamprologus similis interacting naturally amongst the shells • Vedran Fabijan

clean aesthetic look. The intake and outflow are hidden behind the females. Once females enter the
3D background, and a flat bulkhead screen covers the hole where male’s territory, they can choose
the water passes through, which prevents fish from swimming be- to “populate a shell.” Once they
hind the background. pick a shell, they will live in it, spawn in it, and raise their young in
it, so they have to be impressive for the females to choose them.
Adding Shells
The males will stake claim to a territory and will breed with multiple
The last step in modeling the habitat is to add shells to the tank
females within his territory. When there are two males with two ha-
so that the future fish will flourish and display their natural behav-
rems in the aquarium, you will see a wonderful and funny behavior
ior. The shells are very important pieces of the aquascape for your
where males will try to steal other shells with females in them from
shell-dweller tank. They need to be light enough for the fish to move
their rival. They will go in a mad dash and move shells around so that
around but also big enough for the fish to fit in and seek shelter.
their harem becomes bigger. This type of behavioral display is nature
at its best. If you are able to see this in your aquarium, that means
Adding Water you are doing everything correctly and the fish are very happy.
Once the display is ready, it’s time to add water and allow the tank
to cycle. This is when beneficial bacteria begin to populate the fil- Diet Requirements
ter and substrate, as discussed in the filtration section above. This
In the wild, Neolamprologus similis feeds heavily on zooplankton,
process is very important and can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks
tiny organisms that drift in the water column. When possible, you
or more, depending how you go about cycling your tank. No matter
should offer these fish a variety of live foods, such as copepods,
what method you choose, purchase a good test kit to monitor your
blackworms, and brine shrimp. Alternatively, you can feed them fro-
progress. You may need to add some pH and alkalinity buffers to
zen foods, such as cyclops, small bloodworms, and brine shrimp.
help establish the optimal environment for shell dwellers.
When those are not available, use dry foods, such as flakes or small
Recommended Water Parameters pellets. In my experience, they should never be fed exclusively dried
• Temperature: 78–80° F food, as this can lead to complications with their digestive tract.
• pH: 7.5–9.0
• Total Hardness: 8–25° Tips
• Try to add all fish at the same time. Introducing new fish into an
Adding Fish established tank will result in bullying and fighting.
You made it! Now it’s the fun part: choosing the new inhabitants • Try not to overpopulate the aquarium. Neolamprologus similis can
for your tank. Shell dwellers come in a variety of different types and be kept in a 55-gallon aquarium by forming two harems of two
sizes. males and twelve females. The males will split the females be-
tween them.
I chose Neolamprologus similis, one of the most common species • Each female needs at least one shell, so purchase according to
available. The males can reach a maximum length of around 1.8 the amount of fish you stock.
inches while females can grow up to 1.4 inches long.
Once you add the fish, your only job will be to feed the fish, maintain
As harem builders, these fish will mate with as many females as pos- your filter, do water changes, and enjoy your new biotope aquarium.
sible, and the way they get that harem is quite interesting. Males will
hoard shells and arrange them as intricately as possible to attract I hope you enjoyed it…good luck and clear waters! AH

46 • Aquarium Hobbyist Magazine  Fourth Quarter 2017

 Neolamprologus caudopunctatus is a species of shell
dweller with a silver/tan-colored body and colorful
dorsal fins and eyes. • Gokul Krishnan

The Ocellated Shell Dweller (Lamprologus ocellatus) • Gokul Krishnan

Altolamprologus sp. compressiceps 'Sumbu dwarf' • Vedran Fabijan

www.aquariumhobbyistmagazine.com A Dwelling for Shell Dwellers • 47